North County and San Diego Events for March
North County and San Diego events in March are full of galas and golf! Plus, there are all kinds of fun outdoor things to do like walks, hikes, runs, car shows, daffodil shows, music fests, even a pirate plunge! We’ve got a film festival, chili cookoff, pancake breakfast and a nighttime ocean experience. Keep reading for more great San Diego and North County events!
Beyond King Tut
Through Mar. 26
Commemorating the historic discovery of King Tut’s tomb 100 years ago, the exhibition combines the power of cinematic storytelling and soaring imagery to bring the National Geographic archives to life. With nine galleries to explore, visitors wind through the story of a young boy to discover how he changed the ancient and modern world.
Sun. to Thurs. 10am-8pm, Fri. to Sat. 10am-9pm / Del Mar Fairgrounds
beyondkingtut.com
The Flower Fields
Mar. 1-May 14
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 is an annual San Diego event, also is one of nature’s official ways of announcing the arrival of spring here in Southern California.
The Flower Fields, 5704 Paseo del Norte, Carlsbad
www.theflowerfields.com
Pairings With a Purpose Dinner Party
Mar. 2
Enjoy a 4-course culinary exploration with Chef Angelo Sosa, star of Top Chef and executive chef of Tia Carmen, and Chef Ruffo Ibarra, chef/owner of Oryx Restaurante and executive chef of The Guild Hotel, benefitting Feeding San Diego, the county’s leading hunger-relief and food rescue organization.
6-9pm / The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, La Jolla
858-452-3663 / feedingsandiego.org
City Hike – Piedras Pintadas/Bernardo Bay Trails
Mar. 4
Cross the Kreitzer Bridge and skirt the edges of Lake Hodges on this beautiful 8-mile hike that takes you on the Piedras Pintadas and Bernardo Bay Trails. You’ll only gain 440’ of elevation but this hike is rated moderate to strenuous.
9am-12pm / SDRP Parking Lot, Escondido
www.san-marcos.net
Diamond Gala
Mar. 4
The Diamond Gala is the Boys & Girls Club of Vista’s signature event. We will be celebrating our 60th anniversary in classic style with live and silent auctions, wine wall, brand new beer wall featuring local breweries, casino games, and live entertainment.
5:50-10pm / Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa
760-295-4731 / www.bgcvista.org/diamond-gala
CRSSD Festival
Mar. 4-5
The two—day, outdoor CRSSD house and techno music fest returns to Waterfront Park. This springtime San Diego event features 33+ artists on three stages. In addition to the music, the festival will offer craft beer, mixed drinks, food, and more.
Waterfront Park, 1600 Pacific Coast Highway, San Diego
www.crssdfest.com
Oceans at Night
Mar. 23
A first-of-its-kind event that invites a 21+ audience to experience an immersive blend of art, science and technology after hours. The new monthly series celebrates the wonders and mysteries of the ocean after dark. Oceans at Night features interactive experiences highlighting ocean phenomena that occur at night including bioluminescence and biofluorescence, while creating a fun, adults-only atmosphere with live music, a glow lounge with life-sized games, glowing nighttime dives and epic ocean views.
6:30-9:30pm / Birch Aquarium at Scripps, La Jolla
858-534-3474 / aquarium.ucsd.edu
San Diego Latino Film Festival
Mar. 9-19
The San Diego Latino Film Festival is an 11 day celebration of Latino Cinema, Arts and Culture. The festival will present over 160 films from Latin America, the United States and Spain. Plus, there are opening night and closing night parties, the 5th Annual Sabor Latino – Food, Beer & Wine Festival, Q&A sessions with visiting filmmakers, free student screenings, and more.
Multiple Locations, San Diego
sdlatinofilm.com
Heroes of Vista Gala
Mar. 10
We will be celebrating excellence in education, business, public safety and more! Immediately following the Heroes of Vista event, local restaurants will be offering special dinner packages for your enjoyment.
4-7pm / The Vistonian, 306 S. Santa Fe Ave.
www.vistachamber.org
TrueCare Havana Nights Grand Gala
Mar. 11
Mix and mingle on the promenade with a Caribbean cocktail, enjoy a delicious Cuban-style dinner, participate in the lively auction, and then hit the dance floor to enjoy the mambo and salsa rhythms! Take part in the live and silent auctions knowing that all funds raised will support TrueCare’s enhanced programs and services for our aging population at the new TrueCare Older Adult Health Center and across TrueCare locations.
5:30pm / Seabird Resort, 101 Mission Ave., Oceanside
www.truecare.org
Chili Cook Off
Mar. 12
Make the best red or green chili in town and help raise funds for the Fallbrook Food Pantry. Up to 2 entries per person, $25/each entry. Chili will be judged: People’s Choice and by Local Chefs. Guest tickets are $35 per person All sponsorships are $250.
12-3pm / Fallbrook Community Center
760-728-7608 /
www.facebook.com/Fallbrookfoodpantry
Swing Into HOPE Golf Tournament
Mar. 17
Join Operation HOPE-North County with our first annual San Diego event to support families with children and single women experiencing homelessness.
7am-2pm / St. Mark Golf Course, San Marcos
760-726-1122 / www.vistachamber.org
Mickey Cafagna Memorial Golf Classic
Mar. 17
The Mickey Cafagna Memorial Golf Classic was established to honor Mickey Cafagna, former Mayor of Poway. He was one of the most loved and respected elected officials in the city’s history, and distinguished himself by his thoughtful leadership and enthusiastic support of numerous nonprofit organizations.
In keeping with Mickey’s charitable spirit, a portion of the event proceeds will be donated to a non-profit beneficiary, which is selected by majority vote prior to the event.
Rancho Bernardo Inn
www.poway.com
The Julian Daffodil Show
Mar. 17-19
Visit Julian to marvel at Daffodils on display and have any questions about daffodils answered by National Daffodil Society experts. This event draws many entrants including a strong youth entrance. It will also feature Children’s Art – Water Colors of Daffodils.
12-5pm / Julian Town Hall
760-765-1857 / visitjulian.com
Tip Top 5K & 10K Fun Run + World Water Day Festival
Mar. 18
This event celebrates the eradication of Caulerpa taxifolia and helps to raise friends, funds and awareness about our amazing Agua Hedionda Lagoon. These unique courses have one of a kind views of the Agua Hedionda Lagoon and Pacific Ocean. This is a fun run/walk, but it is not a chip race.
Party after the race and join in on the bash and World Water Day Festival from 9:00AM to 12:00PM. Music, exhibits, presentations and more!
8:30am / HUBBS 5K starts at HUBBS Trail, 4300 Garfield St, FLEET STREET 10K starts at 5780 Fleet St., Carlsbad
www.aguahedionda.org
Amigos de Vista Lion’s Club 42nd Annual Pancake Breakfast
Mar. 18
Proceeds from this event help support youth basketball and baseball groups. Breakfast $8 for a single serving.
7-11am / Brengle Senior Center, Vista
760-726-1122 / www.vistachamber.org
Encinitas Half Marathon, 5K & 10K
Mar. 19
With a fast OCEANFRONT course perfect for both first—timers and elite athletes, the Encinitas Half Marathon is 13.1 miles of unforgettable fun through America’s most quintessential surf town! Plus there’s a 5K and a 10K this year. Moonlight Beach Half Marathon will be providing a grant to Boy Scouts of America – Encinitas Troop 776 and to VANCE.
7am / Moonlight Beach, Encinitas
moonlightbeachhalfmarathon.org
Pirate Plunge
Mar. 25
Come dressed in a swimsuit and enjoy the swashbuckling activities which include diving for treasure, ship raider race, walking the plank, and other fun pool activities and floating obstacles. The Splash Pad will also be open for the little ones.
Dry activities include a pirate ship slide, 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. As the sun goes down, finish the night off with movie presentation on the giant outdoor screen.
5pm / 6565 Alicante Rd, Carlsbad
442-339-2843 / www.carlsbadca.gov
Goodguys Meguiar’s Del Mar Nationals
Mar. 31-Apr. 2
The Goodguys Rod & Custom Association hosts legendary classic car shows around the United States each year bringing together Hot Rodder’s of all kinds, families and vintage auto appreciators for weekends of good times.
Fri & Sat 8am-5pm, Sun 8am-3pm / Del Mar Fairgrounds
800-777-1258 / www.good-guys.com/dmn
Enjoy March’s North County and San Diego events! Do you have North County or San Diego events that you’d like included here? Just let me know, and I’ll add them for you.
Please excuse any errors or omissions and let me know if there’s anything that needs fixing. Check with the organizations holding these events for costs, tickets, availability, changes, limitations and important details.