San Diego Weekend Guide: Arts, Sports, and Spring Blooms
San Diego County’s weekend calendar offers a diverse range of activities, from NCAA basketball and ballet to film festivals and outdoor adventures. Here’s a guide to some of the highlights happening this weekend.
Arts & Culture
The Rosin Box Project: Empower
Experience contemporary ballet with The Rosin Box Project’s “Empower: A Prism of Fresh Work,” running Friday through Sunday at Liberty Station’s The Light Box Theater. The season opener features new works by Carly Topazio, Jeremy Zapanta, and guest choreographer Adriana Pierce, exploring themes of authorship, identity, and imagination. Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Friday, 8 p.m. Saturday, and 6 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $50. The Rosin Box Project
San Diego Latino Film Festival
Immerse yourself in Latino cinema at the annual San Diego Latino Film Festival, running through Sunday at AMC Mission Valley 20, Digital Gym Cinema, and the Southwestern College Performing Arts Center. The festival features 147 feature and short films, with individual tickets priced at $13 and festival passes available. Special events include opening- and closing-night celebrations and a Sunday screening spotlighting Latino cultural icon Luis Valdez.
Blue Water Film Festival
The Blue Water Film Festival returns through Sunday at venues across the county, showcasing film screenings, filmmaker panels, and special events. Highlights include a poolside screening of “JAWS @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story” at the La Valencia Hotel and a celebration of Eco Hero Award honoree Jon Rose, founder of Waves For Water. The 2026 program features 31 films in competition. Screenings start at $23. Blue Water Film Festival
Hedda Gabler at The Old Globe
Catch the closing weekend of “Hedda Gabler” at The Old Globe in Balboa Park, extended due to popular demand. This adaptation of Henrik Ibsen’s classic drama explores themes of power, repression, and societal constraints. Performances are at 7 p.m. Friday, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets start at $66.
Le Consort: A Trio Sonata Soirée
Enjoy baroque melodies Saturday at 7:30 p.m. With Le Consort performing “A Trio Sonata Soirée” at the Baker-Baum Concert Hall in La Jolla. The program features works by Bach and Telemann, as well as lesser-known baroque masters. Tickets start at $63.
Sports & Outdoors
NCAA Basketball Tournament
Catch first-round NCAA basketball action at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University. Alternatively, watch the games at Draft at Belmont Park in Mission Beach, Miss B’s Coconut Club, or Johnny B’s in La Mesa, with themed food and drink specials available.
San Diego Gulls Hockey
The San Diego Gulls host two home games this weekend at Pechanga Arena. Friday’s game at 7 p.m. Is Pride Night, with a special ticket package available. Sunday’s game at 5 p.m. Is Youth Sports and Kids Club Day. Tickets start at $20.
Savannah Bananas at Petco Park
The Savannah Bananas bring Banana Ball back to Petco Park Saturday at 6:30 p.m. And Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Against the Loco Beach Coconuts. Premium tickets remain available by emailing Events@padres.com.
San Diego Sockers & Sockers W
Witness history Sunday at 1:45 p.m. As San Diego Sockers W makes its debut at Oceanside’s Frontwave Arena against the Empire Strykers Women, followed by a San Diego Sockers game against the St. Louis Ambush at 4 p.m. A cowbell giveaway will add to the excitement. Tickets start at $26.
San Diego FC Kids Night
Cheer on San Diego FC during Kids Night Sunday at 4 p.m. At Snapdragon Stadium against Real Salt Lake. The first 10,000 fans ages 14 and under receive a lunchbox giveaway.
Other Events
Pacific Coast Sportfishing Show
Explore freshwater and saltwater fishing gear, boats, and travel destinations at the Pacific Coast Sportfishing Show at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, running Friday through Sunday. Tickets are $20 at the door, with free admission for children 12 and younger and active-duty military.
Nat at Night at the San Diego Natural History Museum
Explore exhibitions after hours at Nat at Night at the San Diego Natural History Museum in Balboa Park on Friday until 11 p.m. Enjoy cocktails, city views, and bites from local vendors. Admission is half-price after 5 p.m.
Butterfly Jungle at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Step into a kaleidoscope of color at Butterfly Jungle at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, running daily through April 12. Spend 20 minutes surrounded by hundreds of free-flying butterflies. Admission is $18 per person, in addition to park admission.
Daffodil Show in Julian
Honor spring in the mountains at the 22nd Annual Daffodil Show from 10 a.m. To 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Julian Town Hall. Admire over a thousand blooms and browse a student art show. Admission is free.
Zero Waste Textile Expo
Refresh your wardrobe sustainably at the Zero Waste Textile Expo from 1-4 p.m. Sunday at the Encinitas Community Center. Shop from local eco-conscious vendors, swap clothing, and learn to mend and upcycle textiles. Admission is free.