San Diego, CA

The best things to do this weekend in San Diego: Feb. 27 to March 1

Published

2 weeks ago

February 25, 2026

Press Room

The best things to do this weekend in San Diego: Feb. 27 to March 1

Here are some of the best things to do this weekend in San Diego from Friday, Feb. 27 to Sunday, March 1.

Friday

Pokemon Day Extravaganza: The 30th anniversary of Pokemon will be the source of a celebration this weekend at the Central Library. Head to the IDEA Lab for prizes, a sewing project, a scavenger hunt and a terrarium craft. 1 to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Free. sandiego.librarymarket.com/event/celebrate-pokemon-day-356171

Acrobats perform high-level balancing acts at a Circus Vargas show. (Wednesday Aja)

Circus: Circus Vargas is bringing a new production to National City. Masquerade is described by event organizers as a show that transports guests to an “alternate, other-worldly dimension.” Performances and stunts are delivered by international acrobats and clowns during music and light shows. After National City, the circus will move on to Escondido from March 13 to April 6, Temecula from April 10 to 27 and San Clemente from May 1 to 18. Friday through Monday, Wednesday through March 9. 3030 Plaza Bonita Road, National City. $25-$90. circusvargas.com

Bingo Loco: The interactive live game show and concert Bingo Loco returns to San Diego. The event is packed with lip sync battles, prizes and giveaways, dance competitions, a comedian and DJs playing club classics from the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s. Bingo Loco is an ages 21-and-older gathering. 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday. Quartyard, 1301 Market St., San Diego. $35. us.bingoloco.com/san-diego

San Diego Symphony Brahms Festival: The orchestra, under the baton of Music and Artistic Director Rafael Payare, will present five concerts from Fridayt through March 7 celebrating the works of German composer Johannes Brahms. This weekend, Brahms’ A German Requiem will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Also, at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Brahms’ Symphonys Nos. 1 and 2 wil be performed. Jacobs Music Center, 750 B. Street, downtown. $30-$108. 619-235-0804, sandiegosymphony.org

Final weekend for Museum Month: Throughout February, locals can visit over 70 museums, gardens, aquariums, parks and historic sites at a discounted rate. The public can receive their 50% admission discounts by picking up free printed museum passes at about 80 public libraries throughout San Diego County. Digital passes can be downloaded directly to smartphones on the San Diego Museum Council website: sandiegomuseumcouncil.org

“Somewhere Over the Border”: Cygnet Theatre presents the San Diego premiere of Brian Quijada’s musical about a young Salvadoran woman’s journey to America, with characters and situations inspired by “The Wizard of Oz.” 7 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. Through March 15. The Joan, 2880 Roosevelt Road, Arts District Liberty Station, San Diego. $44 and up. 619-337-1525, cygnettheatre.org

“The ’70s! The Golden Age of the Album”: Lamb’s Players Theatre is bringing back its hit 2025 music revue of the greatest songs of the 1970s. 7 p.m. Wednesdays-Fridays; 2 Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Through April 12. Old Town Theatre, 4040 Twiggs St., San Diego. $49-$98. 619-437-6000, lambsplayers.org

“The Book of Will”: Lamplighters Community Theatre presents Lauren Gunderson’s historical fiction comedy about William Shakespeare’s friends and fellow actors John Heminges nad Henry Condell who collected and published his plays in the First Folio after the Bard’s death. Opens Friday and runs through March 22. 7:30 p.m. Fridays; 2 p.m. Sundays; select performances on Saturdays. 5915 Severin Drive, La Mesa. $28-$30. 619-303-5092, lamplighterslamesa.com

Celeste Arias as Thea Elvsted and Katie Holmes as Hedda Gabler in The Old Globe's — Celeste Arias as Thea Elvsted and Katie Holmes as Hedda Gabler in The Old Globe’s “Hedda Gabler.” (Rich Soublet II)

“Hedda Gabler”: The Old Globe presents Katie Holmes in Henrik Ibsen’s classic drama, in a new version by playwright Erin Cressida Wilson. 7 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; 2 and 7 p.m. Sundays. Through March 22. The Old Globe, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, San Diego. $61 and up. 619-234-5623, theoldglobe.org

Winter Olympics poster display: In honor of the 2026 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in Milan-Cortino, Italy, Point Loma Nazarene University has installed in its Ryan Library a temporary exhibit of historical artists’ posters from its Carolyn W. Thomas Memorial Olympic Poster Collection. The display features Winter Games posters from the same region of Italy from both 1956 and 2026. The exhibit will be on display at least through March. Ryan Library, Point Loma Nazarene University, 3900 Lomaland Drive, San Diego. 619-849-2385, pointloma.edu

“The Gin Game”: Music&Arts@3rd&Ash will present a concert reading of D.L. Coburn’s tragicomedy “The Gin Game.” 7 p.m. Friday. First Lutheran Church, 1420 Third Ave., San Diego. $20 donation. 619-234-6149.

“The Trip to Bountiful”: Lamb’s Players Theatre presents Horton Foote’s drama about an elderly woman who takes a trip back to her childhood hometown to reconnect with fond memories from her past. 7 p.m. Friday; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. 1142 Orange Ave., Coronado. $39-$78. 619-437-6000, lambsplayers.org

“The Recipe”: La Jolla Playhouse presents the world premiere of Claudia Shear’s play about the life of chef and author Julia Child before she rose to TV fame. 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; 1 and 7 p.m. Sundays. Extended hrough March 29. La Jolla Playhouse, 2910 La Jolla Village Drive, UCSD campus. 858-550-1010, lajollaplayhouse.org

“A Conversation with Edith Head”: Moxie Theatre presents La Jolla actor-playwright Susan Claassen in her play about the Hollywood legency, who won eight Academy Awards and 35 nominations for her movie costume designs. 7:30 p.m. today; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. Moxie Theatre, 6663 El Cajon Blvd., Stuite N, Rolando, San Diego. $20-$51. 858-598-7620, moxietheatre.com

“Beetlejuice The Musical” will return to the San Diego Civic Theatre next week, with performances Feb 24 through March 1. (Michelle Grace Hunder)

“Beetlejuice”: This national touring production of this comedy musical is about a demon trying to trick a family into freeing him from death. 8 p.m. today; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday; 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sunday. San Diego Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave., downtown. $47-$245. broadwaysd.com

“How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying”: San Diego Musical Theatre presents the 1961 Frank Loesser satirical workplace about a wily window-washer who schemes his way to the top of a company. 7 p.m. Friday; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. San Diego Musical Theatre, 4650 Mercury St., Kearny Mesa. $49-$69. 858-560-5740, sdmt.org

Saturday

San Diego Bird Festival: Learn all about local birds and their habitats during two free community days at the San Diego Bird Festival. Guests will get to see some of the various bird species that live and roam in our region via workshops, classes and keynote speakers. Some of the programs include talks about bird species, flight paths, light pollution, bird watching and a live painting demonstration. There will also be exhibitors with information about San Diego’s wildlife, live music and food vendors. 8:30 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. Saturday. 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. Marina Village Conference Center, 1936 Quivira Way, San Diego. Free. sandiegobirdfestival.org/free-days

San Diego—North County Lunar New Year Festival: The Hong Konger Club and Oceanside Public Library are collaborating on a new Lunar New Year celebration for North County. The event will feature a lion dance, giveaways, live performances, crafts and other activities. Noon to 5 p.m. Feb. 28. Oceanside Civic Center Library Community Rooms. Free. thehongkongclub.com

San Diego Chinese New Year Fair: The Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association has been hosting this fair since 1983. This year’s theme is: “When ten thousand horses move as one, everyone rejoices.” Locals can enter an art contest through Feb. 18. 10 to 5 p.m. Feb. 28-March 1. 428 3rd Ave., San Diego. Free. SDCNY.org

“Straddle”: Diversionary Theatre presents the world premiere of Harrison David Rivers’ play about a long-married lesbian couple who are struggling to get their romantic spark back. Opens Saturday and runs through March 15. 7 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. Diversionary Theatre, 4545 Park Blvd., University Heights. $11.50-$61.50. 619-220-0097, diversionary.org

“Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?”: Backyard Renaissance Theatre presents Edward Albee’s 1962 drama about a New England college professor and his wife invite who a young faculty member and his wife over for a night of drinking, dancing and debauchery. Previews Saturday through March 6. Opens March 7 and runs through March 21. 7:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays; 3 p.m. Sundays. Tenth Avenue Arts Center. 930 Tenth Avenue, San Diego. $50. backyardrenaissance.com

SACRA/PROFANA: This professional choral ensemble will present “The Infinite and the Divine,” a concert program of choral works from different cultures and eras. 7 p.m. Saturday. San Dieguito United Methodist Church, 170 Calle Magdalena, Encinitas. $15 – $40. sacraprofana.org

Camarada Tango Quartet presents “The Art of Tango”: The San Diego ensemble performs the music of Piazzolla and many others with bandoneon player Pablo Jaurena, tango historian Ignacio Varchausky and tango dancers Carolina Jaurena and Anton Domansky. 7:30 p.m. Saturday. Baker-Baum Concert Hall, The Conrad, 7600 Fay Ave., La Jolla. $28-$98. /theconrad.org/events/25-26-camarada_art-of-tango-ii/

Sunday

Carlsbad Flower Fields: Flower enthusiasts can rejoice once again as the Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch opens for its 10-week spring showcase this week. New this year to the 55-acre venue are weekly local pop-up vendors selling drinks and sweets, a 1,000 square foot greenhouse filled with butterflies and an outdoor music concert series featuring bands and singers such as Michele Lundeen, Cool Rush and Bayou Brothers. Attractions coming back this year are meditation and sound healing classes, wine tasting, tractor wagon rides, a sweet pea maze, blueberry picking and yoga classes. Sunday through May 10. 5704 Paseo Del Norte, Carlsbad. $17-$57. 760-431-0352, theflowerfields.com

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San Diego, CA

One killed in fiery three-vehicle crash on 805 freeway in San Diego

Published

8 hours ago

March 8, 2026

Press Room

One killed in fiery three-vehicle crash on 805 freeway in San Diego

A person was killed Sunday in a fiery three-vehicle crash on the Jacob Dekema (805) Freeway in San Diego, authorities said.

The crash occurred at 4:22 a.m. Sunday on the northbound freeway south of Miramar Road, the California Highway Patrol reported.

At least one vehicle struck the center divider and caught fire, the CHP said.

The numbers one through five lanes of the northbound freeway were closed at 6:01 a.m. for an unknown duration.

No further information was immediately available.

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San Diego, CA

Veterans weigh in on U.S. involvement in Iran

Published

20 hours ago

March 8, 2026

Press Room

Veterans weigh in on U.S. involvement in Iran

“It seems pointless. They change the reason for aggression against Iran daily,” Army Veteran, Forest Gray said.

Gray was among dozens of protestors who gathered at Memorial Community Park in Logan Heights Saturday calling for an end to the war in Iran.

Seeing the conflict play out is personal for him. Gray served eight years in the front lines in the Middle East.

“I fought in Iraq and you know, everyone wears the uniform, and gets deployed, we kind of expect and accept that we have to put our lives on the line, but ideally it should be a sense for a greater good. I don’t see what greater good there is here,” Gray said.

Gray is not alone.

Jonathan Chavez who served in the U.S. Marine Corps at Miramar Base in San Diego also disagrees with the U.S. involvement in Iran.

“No one wants these wars, no one has asked for these wars. Public opinion in this country is also very clear, the vast majority of Americans do not support these conflicts,” Chavez said.

Some Iranian Americans took a different stance last week, as hundreds took the streets of Clairemont.

“It was a feeling of euphoria knowing that my people are free, knowing that a dictator that has ruled Iran with iron fists for well over 37 years, has been killed, has been pushed out of the power and we can have a democratic Iran,” Bobby Shah told NBC 7.

Despite the sentiment, Saturday’s protest was hosted by an organization opposed to war in the Middle East.

They used signs and chants to make their stance clear: Stop the War in Iran.

Watching from a distance we found Marine Corps Veteran Chris Mondestin.

Even though he was not part of the protest, he also opposes the war saying the conflict should stay between Iran and Israel and the U.S. should stay out of it.

“It’s real scary. It’s real scary because I know there’s a lot of people that are truly against this war, but they don’t have much of a voice. That’s why I was kind of happy to see this, because we do have a voice. We just got to speak loud,” Mondestin said.

He also worries about the effects the war could have on the country’s safety, economy, and relationship with countries in the Middle East.

According to Iranian Diaspora Dashboard from UCLA’s Center of Near Eastern Studies, about 600,000 Iranians live in the U.S. and about half of them are in California.

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San Diego, CA

San Diego’s ‘nude’ beach going strong nearly 50 years after it was outlawed

Published

1 day ago

March 7, 2026

Press Room

San Diego’s ‘nude’ beach going strong nearly 50 years after it was outlawed

Nearly 50 years ago, the city of San Diego put an end to the nation’s first municipally recognized “clothing-optional” beach, banning nudity on a 900-foot strip of shoreline at Black’s Beach.

But today, beachgoers continue to stroll, sunbathe and frolic buck naked on that stretch of sand, in defiance of the law.

I can attest to this illegal behavior, having witnessed it myself. Let me explain.

During a recent visit to San Diego with my girlfriend, we came upon Black’s Beach at the base of 300-foot cliffs below the Torrey Pines Glider Port. No sign at the parking lot alerted us to the beach’s history. As we set down our beach chairs, we spotted two fellow beachgoers strolling by, sans bathing suits. And then a couple more lounging in their birthday suits. And then a few more.

“Didn’t you research this beach before we came?” my chagrined girlfriend asked.

Cue me, looking befuddled. Had I done my due diligence, this is what I would have learned.

The counterculture days

It was the 1970s in San Diego. Antiwar protesters marched in the streets. The Earth movement and the hippy-themed musical “Hair” were all the rage. “Nature freaks” roamed the city, said Carol Olten, a historian for the La Jolla Historical Society.

Amid the counterculture vibe, the San Diego City Council voted in 1974 to create what is believed to be the nation’s first “clothing-optional” beach. Secluded at the base of 300-foot cliffs and hard to access, Black’s Beach was the prime spot for it.

But a first-anniversary party at the beach — attracting more than 15,000 nude and semi-nude folks, playing volleyball, tug-of-war and wandering beyond the designated 900-foot boundaries — sparked opposition, primarily from wealthy homeowners on the bluffs above, who complained of drug use, sexual deviates and smoking. (No such problems existed, according to newspaper coverage and lifeguards at the time.)

Following a citywide advisory vote that favored banning nudity, the San Diego City Council ended the “clothing-optional” zone. Fines began at $15.

Who was Black’s Beach named for

William H. Black, a “rich guy” who made his money from oil in Texas, bought about 250 acres on the bluffs above the beach, according to Olten. “His two main interests were thoroughbreds and fancy cars,” she added.

Maddie Jarrell, left, from Carmel Valley, and Blake McDevitt, right, from Cardiff, walk up the path from Black’s Beach in La Jolla in October 2019.

(Howard Lipin / San Diego Union-Tribune)

Enforcement of the nudity ban

California is home to 32 nude beaches, according to Californiabeaches.com. The website notes that public nudity is banned across the state, but enforcement is mostly limited to state beaches. Black’s Beach, which is on city land, borders Torrey Pines State Beach. Neither San Diego police nor state park rangers would disclose how often they patrol or cite nudists at Black Beach, but locals say it is very rare. Even the city’s tourism agency mocks the enforcement of the nudity ban, saying on its website that “the only real deterrent” to going nude at Black’s Beach is “the hike to get there.”

Running from the law

Enforcement of the nudity ban has never been a high priority, but in March 1994 police rushed onto the beach in force, with a helicopter buzzing overhead. A suspected car thief had scaled down the cliffs, with police in hot pursuit, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune. To lose his pursuers, the thief shed his clothes to blend in among the nude sunbathers. When that didn’t work, he tried to swim away but was caught shivering in the surf.

“We arrested him naked,” a police spokesman said.

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