Major Events

Shorter days and lower tides mean Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego is kicking off Tidepooling Adventure season. Occurring now through March 2019, low tides expose hardy creatures that call the intersection of land and sea home. Birch Aquarium naturalists show guests how to tread lightly and discover the captivating world of local tide pools. They meet up with guests at Dike Rock or False Point near the La Jolla coast and look for crabs, seahares, abalone, and even tiny colorful sea slugs. Naturalists teach guests what to look for while searching for octopus’ dens, how to safely look under rocks, and help train eyes to find even the most elusive creatures. Tidepooling Adventure dates vary based on tides. Guests should check the Birch Aquarium website for more information and to purchase tickets. Pre-purchase is required; this family program is for ages 2+, and children under age 15 must be accompanied by a paid adult.

The San Diego Seals lacrosse team won the first game in their franchise history on Dec. 22, 2018, against the Colorado Mammoth in Denver. The National Lacrosse League added two expansion teams in 2019, including the San Diego Seals. The Seal’s regular season continues through April 27, 2019; home games are played at the Pechanga Sports Arena in the Midway District.

The San Diego Strike Force is the newest team in the 10-team Indoor Football League (IFL). The Strike Force will play a 14-game season in 2019 with seven games at the Pechanga Sports Arena in San Diego’s Midway District, and seven games on the road. The San Diego squad will take part in the IFL’s first game of the 2019 season when it faces the Quad City Steamwheelers on Feb. 22 in Moline, IL. The Strike Force’s first home contest is set for March 3. All IFL games are streamed free on YouTube. The Strike Force’s complete 2019 schedule can be found here.

During Feb. 14-24, 2019, nearly 40 San Diego performing arts organizations will participate in the fourth annual San Diego Theatre Week. This celebration of performing arts will offer a variety of promotions including special performances, ticket discounts, concession offers, cast talk-backs and more.

The Flower Fields in Carlsbad, California opens in March and features 80 acres of Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers on coastal farmland overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The fields have theme gardens, fresh strawberries, antique tractor wagon rides, a sweet pea maze and picnic areas, and special events and activities are organized throughout its 10-week season. Events are free with admission and include a kids’ day, photography workshop, bonsai show and sale, and Mother’s Day celebration. Concert days include bands playing zydeco, bluegrass, blues and rock ‘n’ roll.

On March 2-3, 2019, downtown’s scenic Waterfront Park on San Diego Bay will host the seventh CRSSD Fest, an electronic music festival featuring top acts like ODESZA, Phantogram, Maetrik, The Martinez Brothers, and Justin Martin & Friends on three stages during this ticketed, paid-admission event for attendees aged 21 and older. Craft beer, mixed drinks, local food and a VIP area will also be available.

Celebrating 25 years of revelry, San Diego shamROCK will paint downtown’s Gaslamp Quarter green with San Diego’s largest Saint Patrick’s Day block party. Drawing more than 20,000 attendees, this annual celebration on March 16, 2019, is produced by and benefits the Gaslamp Quarter Historical Foundation. Six city blocks are covered with over 50,000 square feet of emerald green AstroTurf where guests can watch performances by traditional Irish steppers along with three stages of live music including nationally recognized Irish rock and Celtic bands. Tickets to the age 21+ event start at $35.

Held April 12-14, 2019, at Scripps Park overlooking scenic La Jolla Cove, the La Jolla Concours d’Elegance draws vintage car enthusiasts to the luxury seaside village of La Jolla. The sophisticated event includes a cocktail party, VIP Steam Punk party and the signature Concours d’Elegance car show.

Held April 27-28, 2019, the Mission Federal ArtWalk will celebrate its 35^th anniversary in the streets of Little Italy. Featuring more than 300 artists filling 17 square blocks of the iconic urban neighborhood with art, craftsmanship and beautiful goods, this annual event attracts artists from across the globe. More than just an art event, the festival is a family-friendly opportunity to participate in interactive art installations and features live music and dance performances.