{"id":256675,"date":"2026-04-08T00:51:12","date_gmt":"2026-04-08T00:51:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/256675\/"},"modified":"2026-04-08T00:51:12","modified_gmt":"2026-04-08T00:51:12","slug":"17-things-to-do-in-san-diego-this-weekend-april-8-12","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/256675\/","title":{"rendered":"17 Things to Do in San Diego This Weekend: April 8-12"},"content":{"rendered":"

Watch theater productions with meta commentary, participate in (or spectate) local sports<\/a> and take advantage of unique dining options this weekend in San Diego. See a play within a play during The Play That Goes Wrong at Lamb\u2019s Players Theatre and the nostalgic Broadway musical The Drowsy Chaperone at Coronado Playhouse. Enjoy new and old sports traditions in North County, with the 40th anniversary of the Carlsbad 5000 race and the debut of Oceanside<\/a>\u2018s new arena football team, the Bombers. Plus, reserve a spot at scenic eating experiences (if weather permits), such as the Taste of Hillcrest, Estancia La Jolla\u2019s annual Garden Party and Smoke on the Vine at The Flower Fields.<\/p>\n

Food & Drink<\/a> | Concerts & Festivals<\/a> | Theater & Art Exhibits<\/a> | More Fun Things to Do<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"Photo Credit: Renato Films<\/p>\n

Food & Drink Events in San Diego This Weekend <\/p>\n

Smoke on the Vine at The Flower Fields<\/p>\n

April 10<\/p>\n

Dine outdoors in The Flower Fields during Smoke on the Vine<\/a> this Friday from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Patrons will eat four courses arranged by Napatini Wine Bar Executive Chef Joshua Holt, each paired with specialty pours from Rombauer Vineyards. As they feast on ribeye cap steak and smoky Hokkaido scallops with citrus flavors, guests will learn more about the evening\u2019s selections from the chefs and winery partners. Reservations<\/a> are $150 per person and come with admission to The Flower Fields. Another Smoke on the Vine dinner will take place April 17<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

5704 Paseo Del Norte, Carlsbad<\/p>\n

Taste of Hillcrest<\/p>\n

April 11\u00a0<\/p>\n

Craving pizza, tacos<\/a>, ramen AND cookies? Fortunately, you can sample all of those foods and much more during the annual Taste of Hillcrest<\/a> this Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. This all-ages event\u2014with a few 21+ only locations included\u2014is a chance to stroll the neighborhood for an afternoon of diverse bites and sips. After checking in at Next Step Treasures or Crest Taco, attendees can follow the white and orange balloons to explore 38 Hillcrest eateries. Tickets<\/a> are $51, and come with one sample at each participating location.<\/p>\n

Hillcrest<\/p>\n

Garden Party at Estancia La Jolla<\/p>\n

April 12<\/p>\n

Gather in the greenery of Estancia La Jolla during the hotel\u2019s annual Garden Party<\/a> this Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. Dine on earthy cocktails and botanically-inspired fare while taking in the natural ambiance of spring in all its blooming wonder. This sophisticated soiree will include a curated selection of local artisan vendors to peruse and shop from, plus a floral dress theme. Admission<\/a> is $82 for the Garden Party and comes with a welcome beverage and two cocktails.\u00a0<\/p>\n

9700 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla<\/p>\n

\"\"Courtesy of the San Marcos Spring Fling Festival<\/p>\n

Concerts & Festivals in San Diego This Weekend<\/p>\n

Terence Blanchard & Ravi Coltrane at Balboa Theatre<\/p>\n

April 9<\/p>\n

One hundred years ago, jazz pioneers Miles Davis and John Coltrane were born, and today, their music continues to mesmerize. To celebrate this dual milestone, La Jolla Music Society is hosting a Jazz Mini Festival<\/a> (April 6-12), including a tribute concert headlined by trumpeter Terence Blanchard and saxophonist John Coltrane<\/a>. This Thursday (7:30 p.m.) at Balboa Theatre, the two jazz luminaries will be joined by guitarist Charles Altura, pianist Eden Ladin, bassist David Ginyard Jr. and drummer Oscar Seaton. Plus, concertgoers can enjoy a pre-show interview featuring Blanchard and Coltrane at 6:30 p.m. Tickets<\/a> range from $71 to $119 for this concert.<\/p>\n

868 Fourth Avenue, Gaslamp<\/p>\n

FKA Twigs at The Sound<\/p>\n

April 9<\/p>\n

FKA Tw<\/a>igs<\/a> is a pop star operating at the absolute peak of her powers. Her 2025 was seismic, with a pair of exciting new electronic-infused albums: January\u2019s Eusexua and November\u2019s Eusexua Afterglow, each adding to her penchant for world building. Though her international Body High Tour includes stops at sizable venues like Madison Square Garden and The O2 Arena, local listeners can catch Twigs, plus multi-hyphenate artist Izzy Spears, in a more intimate space this Thursday at 8 p.m. at The Sound. Tickets<\/a> start at $112.<\/p>\n

2260 Jimmy Durante Boulevard, Del Mar<\/p>\n

Boots in the Park<\/p>\n

April 11<\/p>\n

Nancy Sinatra said these boots are made for walkin\u2019, but at Boots in the Park<\/a>, these boots are made for rockin\u2019. This Saturday at 1 p.m., the traveling festival will ride back to Waterfront Park with a spirited lineup of country music musicians like Miranda Lambert, Jordan Davis, Mackenzie Carpenter and Dylan Scott. In addition to the tunes, attendees can check out experiences<\/a> such as themed bars, mechanical bull riding, line dancing lessons and photo-op worthy art installations. Ticket options<\/a> include general admission ($124), GA+ ($219) and VIP passes ($299).\u00a0<\/p>\n

1600 Pacific Highway, Embarcadero<\/p>\n

San Marcos Spring Fling Festival<\/p>\n

April 12<\/p>\n

The San Marcos Chamber of Commerce welcomes all to its annual street festival, happening this Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in North City. During the San Marcos Spring Fling Festival<\/a>, explore more than 200 vendors, a selection of regional breweries<\/a> and wineries, and live music<\/a> from several local acts, including Sara Jade, Jessie Lark and Em Cable Band. Plus, there will be family-friendly activities such as bounce houses, face painting, balloon art and a 9-hole mini golf course. Admission and parking are both free throughout this event.\u00a0<\/p>\n

251 North City Drive, San Marcos<\/p>\n

Theater & Art Exhibits in San Diego This Weekend<\/p>\n

The Play That Goes Wrong at Lamb\u2019s Players Theatre<\/p>\n

April 8 \u2013 June 7\u00a0<\/p>\n

Sure, there are theatrical superstitions and fears that the absolute worst can happen on stage, but a production totally imploding is next to impossible\u2014until it isn\u2019t. In The Play That Goes Wrong<\/a>, co-authored by British playwrights Henry Lewis, Henry Shields and Jonathan Sayer, a theater group\u2019s world premiere play unravels into a comedic, slow motion trainwreck. Lamb\u2019s Players Theatre\u2019s adaptation of The Play That Goes Wrong will begin with performances this Wednesday at 2 & 7 p.m., Thursday-Friday at 7 p.m., and Saturday at 2 & 7 p.m. Tickets<\/a> range from $38 to $88 for weekday and evening performances and from $58 to $108 for weekend matinee shows.\u00a0<\/p>\n

1142 Orange Avenue, Coronado<\/p>\n

Dance Surrealist: Photographic Paintings by Lance Chang at The Studio Door\u00a0<\/p>\n

April 10 \u2013 May 1\u00a0<\/p>\n

Fluid movements and shimmering dancer silhouettes make the soothing photographic paintings of Lance Chang\u2019s Dance Surrealist<\/a> beam confidently. The process in which Chang\u2019s pieces go from digital snapshots to watercolor-softened explosiveness<\/a> allow his images to enter a state of hazy yet transcendent recollection. Dance Surrealist marks a new collaboration in the longtime partnership between Chang and The Studio Door, with this being his first solo exhibition at the gallery. Dance Surrealist will open with a free reception this Saturday from 6-9 p.m.\u00a0<\/p>\n

3867 Fourth Avenue, Hillcrest<\/p>\n

The Drowsy Chaperone at Coronado Playhouse<\/p>\n

April 10 \u2013 May 10<\/p>\n

When a dejected Broadway lover tries to drown out his sorrows with the soundtrack of his favorite musical, he gets a front row seat to the entire story playing out in his home. The Drowsy Chaperone<\/a>, written by Bob Martin and Don McKellar, recalls the heyday of Broadway with the fictional titular play both satirizing and lauding the glitz of vintage musicals. Tickets<\/a> are $30 for adults and $27 for seniors, students and active military members, with performances this Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 2 & 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Coronado Playhouse.\u00a0<\/p>\n

1835 Strand Way, Coronado<\/p>\n

Print as Protest Opening Reception at Chicano Park Museum & Cultural Center<\/p>\n

April 11\u00a0<\/p>\n

For its next main gallery exhibition, the Chicano Park Museum & Cultural Center is spotlighting the artform and revolutionary impact of printmaking and the graphic arts. Curated by Por La Mano Press<\/a>, Print as Protest is centered on print as a means of resistance, collaboration and storytelling, detailing the history and visual creativity that make it an essential element of collective action. Print as Protest <\/a>will open with a free reception this Saturday from 4-8 p.m.<\/p>\n

1960 National Avenue, Barrio Logan<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s Go Wild! at Expressions Gallery<\/p>\n

April 11 \u2013 May 1\u00a0<\/p>\n

Appreciate the beauty of nature through Let\u2019s Go Wild!<\/a>, featuring artwork from Julie Brooks, Ira Cosmos, Elena Miller, Joan Hansen and Chelsea Paulus within Escondido Arts Partnership\u2019s Expressions Gallery. This exhibition, created alongside the San Diego County Farm Bureau, illuminates the intersection of local biodiversity and artistry through painting, sculptures, photography and scratch art. Exhibition tie-ins<\/a> include an all-ages scratch art class this Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., and STEM-focused docent tours (April 14, 18 & 23). Let\u2019s Go Wild! will open this Saturday from 3-6 p.m. with a free reception<\/a> and wild animal costume party.\u00a0<\/p>\n

262 East Grand Avenue, Escondido<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

More Fun Things to Do in San Diego This Weekend<\/p>\n

San Diego Mojo Doubleheader at Viejas Arena<\/p>\n

April 9 & 11<\/p>\n

With their gutsy five-set win against the Dal<\/a>las Pulse<\/a> on Sunday, the San Diego Mojo have moved into fourth place in the Major League Volleyball standings. The Mojo will finish off an important homestand with a match against the first-place Indy Ignite on Thursday at 7 p.m., followed by a showdown with the Orlando Valkyries Saturday at 6 p.m. Fans can enjoy Military Appreciation Weekend at Viejas Arena with camo hat (Thursday<\/a>) and T-shirt (Saturday<\/a>) giveaways for the first 1K fans each night. Tickets start at $29 for both matches.<\/p>\n

5500 Canyon Crest Drive, Rolando<\/p>\n

San Diego Padres vs. Colorado Rockies at Petco Park\u00a0<\/p>\n

April 9-12<\/p>\n

Since joining the Padres in 2019, Manny Machado has dutifully patrolled the hot corner, bolstered his Hall of Fame-worthy resume and become the ballclub\u2019s all-time leader in home runs (with 195 and counting), all while cementing himself as a franchise cornerstone. As such, the first 40K fans through the gates at Petco Park for Thursday\u2019s game at 6:40 p.m.<\/a> against the Colorado Rockies will receive a bobblehead<\/a> of Machado manning the left side of a fiery infield. The Friars\u2019 four-game set against the Rockies will conclude with games Friday at 6:40 p.m.<\/a>, Saturday at 5:40 p.m.<\/a> and Sunday at 1:10 p.m.<\/a> Tickets start at $26 for this weekend\u2019s series.\u00a0<\/p>\n

100 Park Boulevard, Downtown<\/p>\n

An Evening with International Soccer Star Landon Donovan at Coronado Performing Arts Center<\/p>\n

April 11<\/p>\n

Hear American soccer legend Landon Donovan<\/a> discuss his new book Landon Donovan: A Memoir this Saturday at 5:30 p.m. at Coronado Performing Arts Center. Donovan, whose local connections include coaching Wave FC and co-owning the now-defunct San Diego Loyal, will offer insights from his life and career, and review the lessons he learned on the pitch ahead of this year\u2019s FIFA World Cup. This speaker event is a fundraiser for Friends of the Coronado Public Library and the Exceptional Families Program<\/a>. Ticket options<\/a> include general admission ($10) and admission + a hardcover copy of Landon Donovan: A Memoir ($30).\u00a0<\/p>\n

650 D Avenue, Coronado<\/p>\n

Carlsbad 5000<\/p>\n

April 12<\/p>\n

There\u2019s still time to sign up for this weekend\u2019s Carlsbad 5000<\/a>, a showcase for amateur and elite runners to show off their skills. On Sunday morning, athletes of all levels are invited to blaze across Coast Highway 101 for 3.1 miles of speedy glory. Plus, the Junior Carlsbad provides 1 mile and \u00bd mile options for kids ages 4-12 to dash through a smaller course. Following the run, there will be live music and entertainment, plus two free beverages for all 21+ runners in the Pizza Port beer garden. Registration<\/a> is $96 for the 5K and $54 for Junior Carlsbad.\u00a0<\/p>\n

340 Grand Avenue, Carlsbad\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

PARTNER CONTENT<\/p>\n


\n \"Inside
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\n \"A
\n A Holistic Approach to Women\u2019s Wellness and Leadership
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Oceanside Bombers vs. Beaumont Renegades at Frontwave Arena\u00a0<\/p>\n

April 12<\/p>\n

San Diego\u2019s newest professional sports team, the first bearing the name of Oceanside, will hope to make an explosive entrance during their arena football debut. This Sunday at 5 p.m., the Oceanside Bombers <\/a>will take the field for their first-ever game versus the Beaumont Renegades <\/a>at Frontwave Arena. Unlike the San Diego Strike Force of the Indoor Football League, the Bombers are an expansion team in Arena Football One. Tickets<\/a> range from $22 to $49 for Sunday\u2019s game, with fans encouraged to wear \u2018Bomber Blue\u2019 for this momentous occasion.\u00a0<\/p>\n

3475 Hero Drive, Oceanside<\/p>\n

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