North County and San Diego County Events – April will keep you entertained with everything from the IRONMAN triathlon to horse and cars shows, festivals, plays, music, art and artists.
Goodguys Meguiar’s 16th Del Mar Nationals
April 1 – 3
Location: Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd
Hot Rods, Customs, Classics, Muscle Cars and Trucks thru ’72, Goodguys AutoCross, Indoor Car Show, Vendors, Swap Meet, Cars 4 Sale Corral and All American Sunday. The show features:
- Over 2,500 Rods, Customs, Classics, Muscle Cars and Trucks thru ’72
- Special indoor Car show exhibit
- K&N Filters All American Sunday welcoming American made or powered vehicles of all years
- Goodguys AutoCross
- Nitro Thunderfest Dragster Exhibition
- Vendor & Manufacturer Exhibits
- Swap Meet
- Cars 4 Sale Corral
- Live music entertainment by Blu Gruv and Soul Diego
- Goodgals Arts & Crafts Gallery
- Model & Pedal Car Show
- AutoCross for Kids benefitting the Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer
- Kids Zone – Free Arts and crafts, games, prizes & more!
- Kids Free Model Car Make-N-Take – Get your kids involved in model building. Sponsored by Revell
- Complimentary Guest Shuttles provided from spectator parking
- Featured Club – C/10 club
The Flower Fields
April 1 – May 8
Location: Carlsbad, 5704 Paseo del Norte
For over sixty years, Mother Nature has transformed the rolling hills of north San Diego County into one of the most spectacular and coordinated displays of natural color and beauty anywhere in the world. The nearly fifty acres of Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers that make up The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch® in Carlsbad, California, are in bloom for approximately six to eight weeks each year – from early March through early May – literally bringing the famous fields back to life. This annual burst of color, which has become part of the area’s local heritage, also is one of nature’s official ways of announcing the arrival of spring here in southern California.
- Hours: Open to the public seven days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Prices: Adults: $14.00 Seniors 60+: $13.00 Children 3-10 yrs.: $7.00 Children 2 yrs. & under: Free
- Season Passes: Adults: $30.00 Seniors 60+: $25.00 Children 3-10 yrs.: $16.00
- Wagon Rides: Adults: $5.00 Children 3-10 yrs.: $3.00
The Flower Fields are an alcohol and tobacco free environment. Smoking and alcoholic beverages are not permitted onsite. No Bicycles, hoverboards or drones are permitted.
The Six-Word Story, Storytelling Through Photography
April 1 – May 5
Location: Carlsbad, Front Porch Gallery, 2903 Carlsbad Blvd
The legend of “The Six-Word Story” claims Ernest Hemingway, while lunching with friends, made a bet that he could craft an entire story in six words. He won that bet when he wrote the words, “For sale: baby shoes, never worn.”
In the spirit of this story within a story, Front Porch Gallery proudly presents an exhibit, The Six-Word Story – a celebration of storytelling through photography, each accompanied by a six-word story. Join us for the launch of this exhibit and experience artful representations of life stories through words and imagery.
Lux Art Institute Artist-in-Residence, Margaret Griffith
April 1 – May 28
Location: Encinitas, 1550 S El Camino Real
In studio through April 16. On exhibit through May 28.
“My trajectory is the reinterpretation of our urban and residential landscape through abstraction.”
Margaret Griffith’s work reinterprets our urban and residential landscape by reimagining a most tangible structure – the residential gate – as a metaphor for impermanence. Her large- scale paper and metal sculptures begin as photographic images of gates found throughout her Highland Park neighborhood neighborhood in Los Angeles. Her paper installations are hand-drawn, cut, and then installed in a variety of ways: on the wall, suspended from the ceiling and in piles on the floor. Her metal sculptures are hand-bent sheets of aluminum that are water jet-cut from computer drawings. They are formed into organic and twisted pieces that are installed on the wall. Griffith also includes an audio piece, interviews with neighbors about their history, background, reasons for having a gate and what the gate means to them, as part of her installations.
During her residency, Ms. Griffiths will continue her exploration of permanence as fiction by constructing a series of water jet-cut and hand-bent sheet metal sculptural forms. Based on gate and fence patterns including those found around San Diego County, the twisting and billowing pieces will be installed floor to ceiling. Ms. Griffiths will also introduce a variety of metals in her work, using copper, brass and aluminum together for the first time.
IRONMAN 70.3 California
April 2
Location: Oceanside, Pier Area
IRONMAN 70.3 California started out as an IRONMAN in 2000. Two years later it was turned into one of the first IRONMAN 70.3 events and helped launch the popularity of the distance.
Oceanside, California offers triathletes a chance to race in the region that birthed the sport in the early 1970s in Mission Bay. Oceanside is located at the northern end of San Diego’s North County, which includes the beach communities of Del Mar, Cardiff, Encinitas, and Carlsbad—home to surf, triathlon, and beach culture. Just half an hour south lies San Diego, with its world-famous zoo, parks, and other attractions to fill a spring break vacation. Just two hours away from the local mountains, skiing and snowboarding are other options.
This race offers the only chance athletes have to swim in the calm, protected Oceanside Harbor, where water temperatures in early spring are usually in the low to mid 60’s.
The bike course takes cyclists along the California coastline to San Clemente, before dropping down into the Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. Here, challenging hills confront athletes before they swing back to the Oceanside Pier—one of the longest fishing piers in California.
The run portion takes athletes on a winding journey along the pier, and then out to Oceanside’s flat beachfront path known as “The Strand,” where miles of sandy beaches provide a beautiful and distracting vista. Runners then turn into a residential area before looping back out for a grand finish at the ocean’s edge and a chute lined with energetic spectators.
More than half of the race volunteers come from units at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. The presence of so many men and women serving in the U.S. Marine Corps is always a source of pride for race participants.
Carlsbad 5000
April 2 – 3
Location: Carlsbad, Carlsbad Village Dr, Grand Ave & Carlsbad Blvd
Southern California’s favorite 5k will take off on its 31st year on April 3, 2016.
Ranked as one of the U.S.’s Top 10 Iconic Races, the Carlsbad 5000 features a fast and fun seaside course where 16 world records have been set. Both rookie runners and serious speedsters alike enjoy running or walking in one of seven people’s races. Celebrate after your race with two free beers at the Pizza Port Beer Garden! At high noon, witness the elite athletes vie for a lucrative prize purse and a new world record.
Dancing With Our Stars Gala
April 2
7:30 PM
Location: Escondido, California Center for the Arts, 340 N Escondido Blvd
We are excited to announce that the official California Center for the Arts, Escondido 2016 Fundraising Gala will emulate the format of the popular reality show of similar name with an important distinction – “Our Stars” will be made up of local prominent community and business leaders! These stars were paired with local dance studio teachers practicing over several months and performing on stage in our 1,500 seat Concert Hall. The event will also feature a silent and a live auction.
Please join us for this exciting and fun-filled evening of entertainment and fundraising to support our mission! Every ticket purchased is an investment in the arts and a brighter future for our community! Includes afterparty where you can meet and mingle with our Stars and dance the night away! Tickets $27 to $175.
Wine Tasting at Cruisin’ Grand Escondido
April 8
5 – 8 PM
Location: Escondido, Maple Street Plaza, East Grand Ave
Enjoy live music, classic hot rods and the unique shops and restaurants of historic Downtown Escondido while sampling vintages from local wineries on beautiful Maple Street Plaza.
Featured Wineries: BK Cellars Urban Winery & Tasting Lounge, Espinosa Vineyards, Forgotten Barrel, Highland Valley Vineyards, Hungry Hawk Vineyards, Keys Creek Winery, Manzanita Ridge Winery, and Vesper Vineyards. Plus craft beer generously donated by Stone Brewing.
Proceeds to benefit the Escondido Arts Partnership (EAP). Established in 1995, the mission of the EAP is to create a collaborative environment where Southern California’s art and artists can prosper.
2016 San Diego Tour de Cure
April 9
Location: Del Mar Fair Grounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd
We’re celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the Tour de Cure and we want you to be a part of this incredible day. Since 1991, Tour de Cure riders have raised over $250,000,000 to help advance our mission and move us closer toward the ultimate goal to Stop Diabetes! The Tour de Cure is more than just a cycling event, it’s a day packed with excitement and energy where riders of all levels join forces in the fight to Stop Diabetes® and raise critical funds for diabetes research, education and advocacy in support of the American Diabetes Association.
So join us as we celebrate 25 years riding strong! Come take the Ride of Your Life and sign up today.
Rhythm & Brews 2016
April 9
12 – 4 PM
Location: Vista, Historic Downtown Vista Village
Join us for the 5th Annual Rhythm & Brews Music and Craft Beer Festival presented by the San Diego Brewers Guild. Once again Rhythm & Brews continues the tradition of bringing many of the nation’s most popular craft beers together with talented musicians in a beautiful outdoor festival located in the historic Vista Village district. The event raises funds for the San Diego Brewers Guild and L. Robert Payne School of Hospitality and Tourism Management.
The San Diego Brewers Guild features major events in both the spring and the fall allowing craft fans and aficionados access to their favorite breweries throughout the year. Strategically located along San Diego’s “Hop Highway” in the heart of Vista, Rhythm & Brews gets larger each and every year and 2016 is no exception.
Heartbreak Ridge Run
April 9
Location: Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton
An off-road running race held in the northwestern foothills of your Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. It offers multiple distance choices with a challenging hill climb and scenic views of surrounding mountains and meadows. Runs include a half-marathon, 10K, 5K and a kids’ 1K. Open to military and civilians.
Earth Day Celebration at Alta Vista Botanical Garden
April 9
Location: Vista, 1270 Vale Terrace Dr
This year’s Earth Day theme is “Healing the Earth, Healing Ourselves.” This is a fun day of events including:
- Children’s Activities and Games
- Giant Plant Sale direct from the Gardens and local growers
- Music and Entertainment
- Free Yoga on the Grass Classes
- Eco Exhibitors and Vendors plus Art
- Special Guest Speaker
- Unveiling and dedication of Bryan Morse’s The Mouth of Truth sculpture
- Closing Drum Circle
Trumpets & Tassels: From Leipzig to Versailles
April 9
7:30 PM
Location: Cardiff, Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 3459 Manchester Ave
Replete with chorus, trumpets, and drums! J.S. Bach’s Easter Oratorio displays Bach at the height of his powers during his initial years as Leipzig’s Thomaskantor. Lully’s Te Deum, written to honor King Louis XIV, likewise displays Lully at his most festive in his setting of the quintessential hymn of praise.
Tickets run from $11.54 to $53.74.
San Diego Botanic Garden ArtFest 2016
April 9 – 10
Location: Encinitas, 230 Quail Gardens Dr
ArtFest at the Garden features some of the finest regional artists displaying their talents with the beautiful San Diego Botanic Garden as a back drop. This year, we’re pleased to have locally-owned Woody cars on display from the San Diego Woodies Club (Saturday only). These iconic automobiles embody the surf culture that Encinitas – where San Diego Botanic Garden is located – is famous for!
Our fine arts show features more than 20 artists displaying and selling their work at amazing prices just for Garden guests. Many of these fantastic sculptors, painters, glass artists, potters, gourd and fiber artists who participate in ArtFest will also provide interesting demonstrations of their craft.
The quick draw contest features 20 adults and 20 youths who will create an entire work of art in the allotted time right before visitors’ eyes. After judging, these pieces will be available for purchase at ArtFest.
Celebrating the art of Asian horticulture is the focus of our Asian art show, featuring outstanding displays of Ikebana and Bonsai, with informative lectures and demonstrations.
Fresh salads, sandwiches, coffee and treats will be available from The Feel Good Coffee Cart, located right next to the Gift Shops, where you can find unique, garden-related gifts for the plant lover in your life. Enjoy live music from Bob Ballentine and friends in the Lawn Garden.
New Village Arts Theater Presents Big River
April 9 – May 15
Location: Carlsbad, 2787 State St
Mark Twain’s classic novel, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, is a timeless tale of two friends finding freedom and family through their adventures along the Mississippi.
Huck and Jim’s journey downstream is captured through the bluegrass and country music of Roger Miller, with iconic songs such as “Muddy Waterr” and “Waiting for the Light to Shine.” Celebrate the rhythms, sounds, and spirit of life on the Mississippi with the Tony Award-Winning BIG RIVER at New Village Arts!
CabaretCaccia: Some Enchanted Evening
April 10
7 PM
Location: Encinitas, Public Library, 540 Cornish Dr
CabaretCaccia features intimate musical adventures celebrating the solo voice. Come join us for Amanda McBroom and George Ball with Michele Brourman in Some Enchanted Evening: Love Songs For Adults. Songs by Cole Porter, Jacques Brel, Kurt Weill, Stephen Sondheim And Singer/Songwriter Amanda McBroom.
Table seating, complimentary wine and chocolates. Ticket information: $25.00 general/$20.00 students with ID. Credit card or cash at the door. Please note, there will be no online ticketing for the 2016 season of CabaretCaccia.
Hoppy Adventure Club with REI: Catalina Island
April 11
6 – 8 PM
Location: San Diego, Green Flash Tasting Room, 6550 Mira Mesa Blvd
Join us once a month for the REI Hoppy Adventure Club at Green Flash Brewing Co. Every month we will showcase different topics ranging from backpacking to paddling, all while enjoying your favorite brews in the Green Flash tasting room.
Catalina Island is a great place to go on a weekend or week long backpacking trip. Be prepared before you had to the island. We’ll share the do’s and don’ts any Catalina hiker will wish they knew before they get to the ferry that’ll take you over to the island. Learn all you need to know about gear, permits, food prep, and training.
Come at 6pm, buy a beer, and grab a seat. The discussion takes place from 6:30-7:30pm, and you can hang out in the tasting room till 8pm. Complimentary brewery tours are available for Hoppy Adventure Club attendees and an RSVP is required.
Way Downriver
April 13 – May 8
Location: Solana Beach, 987 Lomas Santa Fe Dr, Ste D
North Coast Repertory Theatre presents Way Downriver.
A flood of Biblical proportions on the mighty Mississippi provides the dramatic backdrop to this gripping, edge-of-your seat adventure. Adapted from the William Faulkner short story, Old Man, Way Downriver reveals an unlikely pair of souls who are bound together by the forces of nature, and who struggle to overcome their fears and prejudice in order to survive their harrowing experiences. You won’t want to miss this exciting West Coast premiere.
Oceanside Days of Art
April 16 – 17
Location: Oceanside, Pier View Way and Coast Hwy
ODA is a juried fine art festival featuring up to and sometimes over 100 local artists selling a variety of unique artwork including paintings, sculptures, stained glass, ceramics, fine jewelry, photography and more. The festival which is offered free to the public has live stage performances, children’s and adult’s hands on art activities, street chalk artist, painting and sculpture demonstrations, and a delicious variety of food choices in the food court. Oceanside Days of Art is conveniently held at the corner of Coast Hwy 101 and Pier View Way in downtown Oceanside.
Visitors can purchase a variety of food ranging from Hunter Steak House to Mariposa Homemade Ice Cream at ODA’s food court. As part of Oceanside Days of Art, Oceanside Museum of Art offers free admission to its indoor exhibitions to the general public and has special art projects for the kids and families on the terrace 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, both days, at 704 Pier View Way, Oceanside, CA 92054. No art experience is required and all art supplies will be provided. Children also have an opportunity to explore the museum through a kid-centric tour.
Fallbrook Avocado Festival
April 17
Location: Fallbrook, Main St and Alvarado St
Fallbrook’s annual Avocado Festival celebrates Fallbrook’s agricultural heritage in a fun day filled with entertainment, art fun contests, food and avocados. Don’t miss the Guacamole Contest, Holy Guaca-Moly booths, the Art of the Avocado Contest on display, the Avo 500 children’s car race, and the Best Decorated Avocado Contest. A variety of avocado products are also found all along the Festival streets.
A variety of bands and other live entertainment are offered for the pleasure of festival-goers. Beer gardens and numerous food vendors cater to every whim.
Del Mar National Horse Show
April 21 – May 8
Location: Del Mar Fairgrounds Arena
In its 71st year, the Del Mar National Horse Show runs Thursday, April 21, through Sunday, May 8, at the Del Mar Fairgrounds Arena. Elegance, excitement, and excellence are the hallmarks of the Del Mar National Horse Show, one of the oldest and most prestigious equestrian competitions in the Western United States. This three-week equestrian event features: Western Week – April 21 – 24; Dressage Week – April 28 – May 1; and Hunter/Jumper Week; May 3 – 8.
The Del Mar Fairgrounds will host the Del Mar National’s 71st year, a true testament to the show’s enduring importance, both locally and on the international stage. It would be difficult to overstate the level of competition at the Del Mar National Horse Show, as Olympic, World Cup, and World Champion horses and riders compete here every year, a few of whom live in Rancho Santa Fe and the surrounding area. Each week features its own exhilarating signature event: The Night of the Horse (Western); Evening of Musical Freestyles (Dressage); the $25,000 Surfside Grand Prix presented by iJump Sports, the $5,000 Ride & Drive Classic presented by Competitive Equestrian Magazine and the $100,000 Grand Prix of Del Mar (Hunter/Jumper).
Pirate Plunge
April 23
5 – 9 PM
Location: Carlsbad, Alga Norte Aquatic Center, 6565 Alicante Rd
Enjoy pirate themed pool activities and games during the City of Carlsbad’s annual Pirate Plunge event. Come dressed in a swimsuit and enjoy the fun, swashbuckling activities which include diving for treasure, cannonball crush, hook it, ship raider race and more.
Dry activities will include a treasure hunt, pirate ship slide, a tropical bounce house and photo opportunities. As the sun goes down, finish the night off with a special presentation of the movie Pan on the giant outdoor movie screen.
“This event is fun for everyone,” says Rachael Shay, special events director for the City of Carlsbad. “With the heated pool, it is a perfect event to hold here in Southern California in April, and guests of all ages will enjoy swimming, games and the movie.”
Cost is $10 per person. Children ages 3 and under are free. Enjoy dinner at the Dive In Grill which is open during the event. The menu includes made-to-order grilled burgers, chicken sandwiches, pizza, shaved ice, ice cream and other tasty treats.
33rd Annual Spring Street Fair
April 23 – 24
Location: Encinitas, Hwy 101 from D Street to J Street
Enjoy over 450 unique food, arts and crafts vendors plus three entertainment stages, children’s rides, Dog Zone, Kids Zone, Bike Valets, and a Beer Garden! Take advantage of free family fun, entertainment, a National Award Winning MainStreet and a traditional So-Cal beach town. Come for the sun; stay for the moonlight.
Head over to the Kids Zone with the family for free activities. Savor craft beers and soak up the sun while listening to the best bands in San Diego rock out at the Beer Garden Stage, open til 7pm Saturday! There is even fun to be had for your four-legged companion in the Dog Zone, featuring free canine activities in the dog park. Take a break from the hustle and bustle by listening to the eclectic music at The Lumberyard Courtyard Stage. See the stars of tomorrow perform at the Hansen’s Community Stage! Great news for cyclists: our two free Bike Valet stations – one at each end of the fair, at D Street and J Street – are open both days to store your bicycles while you enjoy the Street Fair.
Parking is available at City Hall (505 S Vulcan Ave), Parking Lot B (Vulcan Ave. and E Street, behind Whole Foods), and Moonlight Beach lot (Third St). PLEASE NOTE that there is NO PARKING on Hwy 101 from D to J Street on Saturday and Sunday from 4am – 6pm. Your car will be towed by law enforcement if parked in the specified area. There will be signage leading up to the Street Fair as a reminder. We’re teaming up with Uber, so you can skip the parking hassles and ride with ease to and from the Street Fair! To get a free roundtrip up to $20 each way, sign up online, or download the app, and enter the promo code ENCINITAS101 (new users only).
BYOBag! Remember to bring your own bag(s) to collect all your street fair shopping. Merchants are no longer allowed to give out single-use plastic bags in Encinitas.
Hanamatsuri Festival
April 23 – 24
Location: Vista, Vista Buddhist Temple, 150 Cedar Rd
Hanamatsuri Bazaar Flower Festival – Celebrating The Birth Of The Buddha
- Japanese Food
- Taiko Drumming
- Japanese Classical & Folk Dance
- Karaoke Singing Competition (juniors & adults)
- Photo Exhibit – “Faces of the Buddha”
- Tea Ceremony
- Sumi-e Brush Painting
- Koto, Shakuhachi & Shamisen Musical Performance
- Introduction to Buddhism talks
- Plants & Cut Flowers
- Fresh Produce
- Games for Kids
- Boutique & Craft Items