Goodguys Meguiar’s 17th Del Mar Nationals
March 31 – 2
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
- 2017 March Performance Street Rod d’Elegance Competition
- 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 with Blu Gruv and Lil Elmo & the Cosmos
- Model & Pedal Car Show
- Kids Zone – Free Arts and crafts, games, prizes & more!
- Kids Free Revell Model Car Make-N-Take – Get your kids involved in model building.
- Complimentary Guest Shuttles provided from spectator parking
- Featured Club: Camaro Club of San Diego
The Flower Fields
March 1 – May 14
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
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.
Lux Art Institute Artist-in-Residence, Vibha Galhotra
April 1 – May 27
Location: Encinitas, 1550 S El Camino Real
- In studio through April 29
- On exhibit through May 27
A native of Chandigarh, India, Vibha Galhotra obtained a BFA in graphics from the College of Arts, Chandigarh in 1999 and an MFA in graphics from Kala Bhavan, Visva Bharti, Santiniketan in 2001. She has exhibited throughout the world and most recently in the United States, including solo exhibitions at Jack Shainman Gallery in New York City and the South Eastern Center for Contemporary Art in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Handcrafted by Galhotra and overwhelming the surfaces of her large-scale sculptures are countless ghungroos—metal ankle bells that are a markedly feminine symbol within Indian culture, their presence emblematic of marriage, spectacle, performance, and class. Hand sewn and fastened to each piece by women from her local community, Galhotra’s studio practice reflects a deep feminine collaboration. As she explains, “I moved to one of the urban villages in Dehli, and employ local women. Many of them don’t have jobs and their husbands don’t let them work outside, but they come to me since I am a woman.”
Galhotra’s large-scale sculptures confront the changing topography of the world to highlight the impact of globalization and growth on specific communities and regions, with her work responding to the rapid environmental changes and the re-purposing of land, in addition to its affect on the human condition and quality of life. Galhotra’s work continually addresses the theme of water pollution, and she views herself as an active participant whose ecologically driven work often criticizes the state and impact of urban development on her native land.
IRONMAN 70.3 California
April 1
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 Harbor.
The run portion takes athletes on a winding journey 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 1 – 2
Location: Carlsbad, Grand Ave & Jefferson St
Southern California’s favorite 5k will take off on its 32nd year on April 2, 2017.
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 several people’s races.
Celebrate after your race with a beer garden and refreshments! At 11:00 am, witness American Olympians vie for a lucrative prize purse and a new world record.
Dancing With Our Stars Gala
April 1
7:30 PM
Location: Escondido, California Center for the Arts, 340 N Escondido Blvd
Our annual fundraising event follows 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 also includes a silent auction, opportunity drawing, voting for a “People’s Choice” winner, and a post-show party with a DJ and dancing under the stars!
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.
Heartbreak Ridge Run
April 8
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.
San Diego Botanic Garden ArtFest 2017
April 8 – 9
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.
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. There are outstanding displays of Ohara School of Ikebana, La Jolla Chapter and Bonsai, along with informative lectures and demonstrations.
Fresh salads, sandwiches, coffee and treats will be available from The Feel Good Coffee Cart. It’s located right next to the Gift Shops. There you will find unique, garden-related gifts for the plant lover in your life. Enjoy live music from Bob Ballentine and friends in the Lawn Garden.
Ugly Dog Contest
April 9
10 AM – 3 PM
Location: Del Mar Fairgroungs, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd
22nd Annual Ugly Dog Contest hosted by San Diego Coastal Chamber and the Del Mar Kiwanis.
This is not just for ugly dogs. There will be multiple categories including best costume, best mutt, best looking dog, dog who looks most like their owner, cutest puppy, and, of course, ugliest dog.
Bring your dog. Bring your family, and come have fun! Gift baskets with dog products will be given to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners in each category. This event celebrates your dog and benefits multiple charities.
Travels With My Aunt
April 12 – May 7
Location: Solana Beach, 987 Lomas Santa Fe Dr, Ste D
North Coast Repertory Theatre presents Travels With My Aunt.
A New York Times Critic’s Pick in 2015, TRAVELS WITH MY AUNT is an engaging, always entertaining journey. Eccentric Aunt Augusta swoops in and shakes up the life of her staid bourgeois nephew. She ignites the lust for adventure that is buried within his gray flannel soul. Four highly versatile actors tackle more than 20 roles in this life-changing, offbeat odyssey. This is definitely a trip worth taking!
Earth Day Celebration at Alta Vista Botanical Garden
April 15
10 AM – 3 PM
Location: Vista, 1270 Vale Terrace Dr
Earth Day Festival is a family friendly free event at Alta Vista Botanical Gardens. This is a fun day of events including:
- Children’s Activities
- Plant and Potter Sale
- Music and Entertainment
- Artists and Vendors
- Eco Exhibitors
- Lions Club BBQ
- Guest Speakers
- Closing Drum Circle
Easter Egg Hunt at Vista Optimist Club & Brengle Terrace Park
April 15
Location: Vista, 600 Optimist Way & 1200 Vale Terrace Dr
The Vista Optimist Club hosts an All You Can Eat Pancake Breakfast and Easter Egg Hunt at its location, 600 Optimist Way, Vista. All participants need tickets which are $5 per person. There is a bonnet contest at 9 am, and the egg hunt is at 10 am. Other activities include jump houses, crafts, face painting and pictures with the Easter Bunny. Bring your camera for photos and a basket for collecting eggs. For more information, call the Vista Optimist Club at 760.598.5907.
There will be a free Easter Egg Hunt at Brengle Terrace Park, 1200 Vale Terrace Drive starting at 11 am. For more information, call 760.643.5217.
Encinitas Easter Egg Hunt Festival
April 15
10 AM – 1 PM
Location: Encinitas, 425 Santa Fe Dr
It’s all about the kids! The City of Encinitas presents its annual Easter Egg Hunt Festival. Adding to the fun in addition to the 20,000 eggs, this year we’ve got two live shows from Hulabaloo at 10:30am and 11:15. Free children’s activities will be hosted by the City of Encinitas Parks and Recreation Department.
We invite you to make a day of it and enjoy Encinitas Community Park. Please bring your own basket or bag for eggs. Limited parking is available on-site at the park. Auxiliary parking is available at the Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas lower parking lots, accessed off of Devonshire Drive.
Oceanside Easter Egg Hunt Festival
April 15
10 AM – 1 PM
Location: Oceanside, Mance Buchanon Park, 425 College Blvd
This is a FREE family friendly event. There will be 4 egg hunt areas with prizes, food vendors, a fire engine and a magic show.
Sponsored by: City of Oceanside Parks and Recreation
EGGStravaganza Spring Festival Carlsbad
April 15
10 AM – 1 PM
Location: Carlsbad, Poinsettia Park, 6600 Hidden Valley Park
Carlsbad’s largest egg hunt features the Egg Scramble activity where kids race to collect candy-filled eggs among several other fun activities, including face painting, crafts, soak the bunny, cookie decorating, fun zones, and more. This event also highlights the Carlsbad Parks amp; Recreation summer camps with demonstrations and activities that children can participate in. Wrist bands and activity cards are required for some of the activities and can be purchased presale or at the event.
The egg scramble is ongoing from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (or until eggs run out). It requires an activity card to participate. Groups of approximately 20 – 30 kids will be launched to collect all the eggs on the field until they are gone. The group will exit the field and the field will be reset for the next group. Parents are welcome to join their kids on the field for great photo opportunities. There is a 6 years and older competitive field and 5 years and younger competitive field. There is also a noncompetitive field for young children, children with special needs, and for families wanting to pose for a photo op. For more information, call 760-602-7510.
Del Mar National Horse Show
April 18 – May 7
Location: Del Mar Fairgrounds Arena, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd
Bringing equestrian excellence to San Diego County since 1946, the Del Mar National Horse Show runs Thursday, April 18, through Sunday, May 7, 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 18 – 22; Dressage Week – April 27 – April 30; and Hunter/Jumper Week; May 2 – 7.
Over the years, Del Mar has earned its reputation for being among the toughest, most exciting, finest, and richest horse shows in Southern California. With its world-class, multidisciplinary equestrian competition and signature Saturday evening performances, Del Mar ranks high among the most prestigious horse shows in the western region. A Del Mar win merits bragging rights as well as literal and figurative currency.
Hanamatsuri Festival
April 22 – 23
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
- Tea Ceremony
- Sumi-e Brush Painting
- Koto, Shakuhachi & Shamisen Musical Performance
- Buddhism & Ecology talks
- Plants & Cut Flowers
- Fresh Produce
- Games for Kids
- Boutique & Craft Items
Oceanside Days of Art
April 22 – 23
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 23
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.
2017 San Diego Tour de Cure
April 29
Location: Del Mar Fair Grounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd
When you register for the Tour de Cure, you become a part of the American Diabetes Association’s largest fundraising event. Joining you will be thousands of participants from around the country who come together to directly impact the lives of people facing the daily challenges of diabetes and their loved ones.
Participating in the Tour de Cure is an experience you will never forget. The event is very well organized and has routes available for all skill levels, ranging from one to 100 miles.
Your Tour Day experience includes:
- Starting line ceremonies with inspiring speakers
- Well planned and marked routes
- Vehicle support with medics and mechanics
- Fully stocked rest stops
- A fantastic lunch and post event festival
Make a difference for this great cause and register for the Tour de Cure today!
Pirate Plunge
April 29
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. Race across the floating obstacles and test your balance and agility on the Key Logs.
Dry activities include a pirate ship slide, a tropical bounce house, a photo op and a treasure hunt where children will have the chance to follow a map around the decks collecting treasure along the way.
The night ends with a special movie presentation of The Wildlife (rated PG) on the giant outdoor movie screen.
Enjoy dinner at the Dive in Grill open during the event. Menu includes made-to-order grilled burgers, chicken sandwiches, pizza, shaved ice, ice cream and other tasty treats.
Cost is $10 per person. Children ages 3 and under are free.
Encinitas Spring Street Fair
April 29 – 30
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.
Savor craft beers and soak up the sun while listening to the best bands in San Diego rock out at the Beer Garden Stage. You can even bring your kids and your dogs! 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 and the Encinitas School of Music Stage! Great news cyclists, our two Bike Valet stations are open both days to store your bicycles while you peruse the Street Fair!
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.