The Flower Fields
March 1 – May 12
Location: Carlsbad, 5704 Paseo del Norte
For over sixty years, Mother Nature has transformed the rolling hills of north San Diego County into a spectacular display of natural color and beauty. The nearly fifty acres of Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers are in bloom for approximately six to eight weeks each year. They bloom from early March through early May, literally bringing the famous fields back to life. This annual burst of color 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 9am to 6pm.
- Prices: Adults: $18.00 Seniors 60+: $16.00 Children 3-10 yrs.: $9.00 Children 2 yrs. & under: Free
- Season Passes: Adults: $39.00 Seniors 60+: $34.00 Children 3-10 yrs.: $20.00
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 Spring Break Camp
April 1 – 12
9 AM – 2 PM, M – F
Location: Encinitas, 1550 S El Camino Real
Inspired by trends in modern and contemporary art, students will work on a variety of art projects both independently and collaboratively as part of the camp program. Each day students will be introduced to a different artist and will explore related themes and methods in both 2D and 3D formats. Projects will include a conceptual approach to drawing, sculpture, and painting. Technical skill will not be covered. Be sure to register early!
Student Exhibits
Student work will be exhibited each Friday from 2:00-3:00 PM in Education Pavilion, Studio #2. Drinks and snacks will be provided.
This is for kids four and older. Cost is $275 per week for members and $350 per week for guests.
Goodguys Meguiar’s Del Mar Nationals
April 5 – 7
Location: Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd
Hot Rods, Customs, Classics, Muscle Cars and Trucks thru ’87, Cars 4 Sale Corral and All American Sunday. The show features:
- Over 2,500 Rods, Customs, Classics, Muscle Cars and Trucks thru ’87
- Spectre Performance All American Sunday welcoming American made or powered vehicles of all years
- Indoor Car Show – Including Street Rod d’Elegance Competition
- Burnout Competition
- Goodguys AutoCross – Featuring 16 car “Duel in Del Mar”
- Nitro Thunderfest Dragster Exhibition
- Vendor & Manufacturer Exhibits
- PPG Lowrider Palace
- Swap Meet
- Cars 4 Sale Corral
- Live music entertainment
- Model & Pedal Car Show
- Kids’ Zone – Free Arts and crafts, games, prizes & more!
- Complimentary Guest Shuttles provided from spectator parking
- 17 Hands Bar & Grill
- Featured Club: TBD
Race for Autism
April 6
Location: San Diego, Balboa Park, 6th Ave & Laurel St
The Race for Autism is our region’s largest annual race that directly supports children with autism in San Diego. The National Foundation for Autism Research has invested over 1.7 million dollars in programs and services throughout San Diego County. This is supported primarily through the funds raised at our annual Race for Autism in Balboa Park. Our mission is to help in the development, expansion and support of autism programs and services that improve the outcomes and opportunities for children and young adults with autism.
5K & 1-Mile
The race features a 5K run or walk and a one-mile Family Fun Walk. There are also children’s activities, music, prizes, refreshments and an educational resource fair.
IRONMAN 70.3 Oceanside
April 6
Location: Oceanside, Pier Area
IRONMAN 70.3 California started out as an IRONMAN in 2000. It became one of the first IRONMAN 70.3 events and helped launch the popularity of the distance.
Swim
The swim starts on the beach and through the waves. But then offers the only chance athletes have to swim in the calm, protected Oceanside Harbor. Water temperatures in early spring are usually in the low to mid 60’s.
Bike
The bike route portion of the event starts from Oceanside Harbor thru Camp Pendleton & San Onofre Bluffs State Park. It continues thru Trestles onto Cristianitos overpass and back onto Camp Pendleton’s Cristianitos gate. Then after a few rolling hills, you end up on a flat, windy road back to the Oceanside Harbor.
Run
The two-loop run portion takes athletes on a winding journey out to Oceanside’s flat beachfront path known as “The Strand,&rdquo. Here 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. Of course there’s also a chute lined with energetic spectators.
Carlsbad 5000
April 6 – 7
Location: Carlsbad, Grand Ave & Jefferson St
Southern California’s favorite 5k will take off on its 34th year on April 7.
Ranked as one of the U.S.’s Top 10 Iconic Races, the Carlsbad 5000 features a fast and fun seaside course. Here many 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 craft beer and live music.
Julian Gold Rush Days
April 6 – 7
Location: Julian, Julian Farm, 4381 Highway 78
The old-fashioned mining camp will offer re-enactors, an arts and crafts market, and food and drink. Parking is free, and there’s plenty of family fun.
Free activities include a Civil War re-enactment, gold panning & old-time laundry. You’ll also find toddler friendly “cornstruction,” square dance lessons and old-fashioned shows scheduled throughout the day. The paid activities include archery, tomahawk throwing, candle dipping and hayrides.
Admission
Admission is $3 for adults 16 and over.
Egg Hunt & Storytime Events
April 12 & 16
10 AM – 1 PM
Location: Oceanside, multiple locations
The Oceanside Public Library invites families to its annual Egg Hunt & Storytime. It will be held on Friday, April 12, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. in English and 11:30 a.m. in Spanish, at the Mission Branch Library, 3861-B Mission Avenue. It will also be held on Tuesday, April 16, 2019 at 10:30 a.m., at the Civic Center Library, 330 North Coast Highway.
These special story time events will include springtime stories and songs, followed by an egg hunt. Children will hunt for plastic eggs containing fun non-food treats throughout the library. Be sure to bring your camera for cute photo opportunities. This free program is open to children under seven and their caregivers.
Dancing With Our Stars Gala
April 13
7 PM
Location: Escondido, California Center for the Arts, 340 N Escondido Blvd
Our annual fund-raising event follows the format of the popular reality show of similar name. But “Our Stars” will be made up of local prominent community and business leaders! These stars were paired with local dance studio teachers. They practiced over several months and perform on stage in our 1,500 seat Concert Hall. The event also includes a post-show party with a DJ dancing under the stars!
Invest in the Arts
Please join us for this exciting and fun-filled evening of entertainment and fund raising to support our mission! Every ticket purchased is an investment in the arts and a brighter future for our community! Includes after party where you can meet and mingle with our Stars and dance the night away! Tickets are $30 to $175.
San Diego Botanic Garden ArtFest
April 13 – 14
Location: Encinitas, 230 Quail Gardens Dr
Looking for unique, one-of-a-kind art pieces to adorn your home or garden? Then you’ll enjoy ArtFest, featuring more than 30 local and regional artists displaying and selling their work at amazing prices!
Fantastic sculptors, painters, glass artists, potters, gourd and fiber artists will also give demonstrations of their craft throughout the weekend.
Come celebrate the art of Asian horticulture at ArtFest. There will be outstanding displays and demonstrations by the Ohara School of Ikebana and Bonsai and Beyond.
Live Entertainment & Good Food
Delicious, locally-sourced food will be offered by The Go Go Truck and hot fresh coffee and treats from Rush Coffee. Enjoy live music both days. And don’t miss the special live performance by the San Diego Taiko Drummers on Saturday morning.
Fallbrook Avocado Festival
April 14
Location: Fallbrook, Main St and Alvarado St
Fallbrook’s annual Avocado Festival celebrates Fallbrook’s agricultural heritage. It’s a fun day filled with entertainment, art, fun contests, food and avocados. Don’t miss the Guacamole Contest, Little Miss & Little Mister Avocado, Best Dressed Avocado, the Avo 500 children’s car race, and the Artisan Walk on Alvarado. A variety of avocado products are also found all along the festival streets.
There will be bands and live entertainment along with beer gardens and numerous food vendors for festival goers.
Del Mar National Horse Show
April 16 – May 5
Location: Del Mar Fairgrounds Arena, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd
Experience the Southern California tradition of excellence, elegance and excitement during the Del Mar National Horse Show. This thrilling three-week event features three distinct equestrian disciplines — Western, Dressage and Hunter/Jumper. It is recognized as one of the top horse shows on the international stage, attracting nearly 1,500 horses and Olympic, World Cup, and World Champion athletes.
Each Saturday evening features exciting equestrian sportsmanship in the arena along with pre-show family activities, entertainment, and unique boutique shopping.
EGGstravaganza Spring Festival
April 20
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. Other fun activities include face painting, crafts, soak the bunny, cookie decorating, fun zones, and more.
Summer Camp Information
This event also highlights the Carlsbad Parks & Recreation summer camps with demonstrations and activities that children can participate in. Wrist bands and activity cards are required for some of the activities. They can be purchased pre-sale or at the event. Egg Scramble requires a $5 activity card. Fun Zone Wristbands are also $5.
Encinitas Spring Egg Hunt
April 20
10 AM – 12 PM
Location: Encinitas, Encinitas Community Park, 425 Santa Fe Dr
It’s all about the kids! The City of Encinitas presents its annual Spring Egg Hunt. Adding to the fun in addition to the 20,000 eggs, this year we’ve got two live shows from Hullabaloo on-stage at 10:30 and 11:15.
Don’t Forget a Basket
We invite you to pack a picnic and make a day of it and enjoy Encinitas Community Park. Please note, there will not be any food or drink available for purchase at the event. Please bring your own basket or bag for eggs.
Spring Eggstravaganza
April 20
10 AM – 12 PM
Location: Vista, Brengle Terrace Park, 1200 Vale Terrace Dr
Head to the Spring Eggstravaganza for crafts, face painting, fun and games for ages 2 to 12 years. Take a photo with the Easter bunny.
The fun, family event is free and open to the public.
Earth Day Celebration at Alta Vista Botanical Garden
April 27
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 for everyone in your family.
Events
- Children’s Activities
- Plant and Pottery Sale
- Music and Entertainment
- Artists and Vendors
- Eco Exhibitors
- Amigos Lions Club BBQ
- Closing Drum Circle
Hanamatsuri Festival
April 27 – 28
12 – 6 PM
Location: Vista, Vista Buddhist Temple, 150 Cedar Rd
Hanamatsuri Bazaar Flower Festival – Celebrating The Birth Of The Buddha
- Japanese Food
- All-American Food
- Taiko Drumming
- Japanese Classical Dancers
- Hands On Taiko Workshop
- Japanese Folk Dancers
- Buddhist Practices
- Children’s Games
- Farmer’s Market
- Sumi-e Exhibits
- Garden Booth
Encinitas Spring Street Fair
April 27 – 28
Location: Encinitas, Hwy 101 from D Street to J Street
Enjoy over 450 unique food and arts and crafts vendors plus four entertainment stages, children’s rides, 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.
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.