Baseball is back. The Padres open their home season against Detroit this weekend, and Petco Park on a Friday night in March is one of the best places to be in this city. But there’s a lot going on beyond the diamond: Ironman 70.3 takes over Oceanside, the Crew Classic descends on Mission Bay with 4,000 rowers, San Diego Opera is doing Carmen at the Civic Theatre, Shawn Wayans has four comedy shows at Mic Drop, and Digable Planets are celebrating 30 years of Blowout Comb at the Belly Up. Oh, and the Wave FC play under the lights at Snapdragon. Good luck picking just one thing.
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Sports
San Diego Padres vs. Detroit Tigers (Opening Weekend)
Friday, March 27 at 6:40pm and Saturday, March 28 at 5:40pm – Petco Park
Opening Day was Thursday, but the real party is the weekend. Friday night is “Party in the Park” and Saturday is Hello Kitty Night with a postgame fireworks show. The Tigers are the opponent, which doesn’t matter nearly as much as the fact that it’s the first weekend of Padres baseball and the entire Gaslamp is going to feel different. If you haven’t been to Petco in a while, this is the weekend to go back. Get there early, walk around, eat too much, and stay for the fireworks.
East Village Opening Weekend Block Party
Saturday, March 28 from 11am to 4:30pm – J Street (6th to 10th Ave), East Village
The 14th annual block party takes over J Street right in front of Petco Park. Three stages of live music, a multi-block classic car show, local vendors, food trucks, fitness demos, and a Dog Swag Contest where people dress their dogs in Padres gear. It’s free, all ages, and the perfect pregame for the Saturday night Padres game. If you’re coming to Petco anyway, show up early and start here.
Ironman 70.3 Oceanside
Saturday, March 28 – Oceanside Harbor and coast
The North American triathlon season opener. A 1.2-mile swim in Oceanside Harbor, a 56-mile bike through Camp Pendleton, and a half marathon along the coast finishing near the pier. Even if you’re not racing, it’s worth watching from the harbor or the finish line area. Just know that road closures around Oceanside will be significant, so plan accordingly if you’re heading to North County this weekend.
Jiu Jitsu World League
Saturday-Sunday, March 28-29 – Del Mar Fairgrounds
The Jiu Jitsu World League brings competitive Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to Del Mar with Adult and Youth divisions. Whether you train or just want to see what high-level grappling looks like in person, the tournament atmosphere is intense and the skill level is real. Save $4 on parking by buying online.
53rd San Diego Crew Classic
Friday-Sunday, March 27-29 starting at 7am – Crown Point Shores Park, Mission Bay
This one sneaks up on people every year. Over 4,000 athletes from colleges, clubs, and masters programs descend on Mission Bay for the premier spring rowing regatta in the country. The racing starts early and runs all day, but the real draw is the scene: food trucks, a beer garden, and one of the better people-watching spots in San Diego. Friday afternoon has free admission for everyone. Saturday and Sunday are free for students, military, and kids under 12. Free parking at Ski Beach with shuttles to the venue. New this year: beach sprint racing as an exhibition event.
San Diego Wave FC vs. Chicago Stars FC
Saturday, March 28 at 5:45pm – Snapdragon Stadium
The Wave host Chicago Stars FC at Snapdragon on Saturday evening. NWSL soccer at Snapdragon has a good energy to it, and a 5:45 kickoff means you get the sunset during the second half if you’re sitting on the right side. Solid way to start a Saturday night before heading out.
Concerts
Digable Planets: Blowout Comb 30th Anniversary Tour
Saturday, March 28 at 9pm (doors 8pm) – Belly Up Tavern, Solana Beach
Digable Planets playing Blowout Comb front to back at the Belly Up is the kind of show that doesn’t come around often. The album is a jazz-rap landmark from 1994, and hearing it live in a venue this intimate is going to be something. Blame One opens. Tickets are $49.50 advance, $55 day of. 21+ only.
Family
Pet and Reptile Expo
Saturday-Sunday, March 28-29 – Del Mar Fairgrounds
If you or your kids are into exotic animals, this is the spot. Reptiles, birds, small animals, dogs, and cats from breeders, rescue organizations, and specialty vendors. It’s part marketplace, part petting zoo, and the kind of event where someone inevitably goes home with a bearded dragon they didn’t plan on buying.
Arts and culture
San Diego Opera: Carmen
Friday and Saturday at 7:30pm, Sunday at 2pm – San Diego Civic Theatre
Bizet’s Carmen is probably the most famous opera ever written, and for good reason. It’s dramatic, the music is immediately recognizable even if you’ve never been to an opera, and the story moves fast. San Diego Opera is staging it at the Civic Theatre this weekend with three performances. If you’ve been opera-curious but never pulled the trigger, Carmen is the one to start with. Tickets start around $100.
Comedy
Shawn Wayans at Mic Drop Comedy
Friday and Saturday, March 27-28 at 7pm and 9:30pm – Mic Drop Comedy
Shawn Wayans doing stand-up at a smaller venue like Mic Drop is worth your attention. You know him from Scary Movie, White Chicks, and In Living Color, but his live stand-up is a different thing entirely. Four shows across two nights, 21+ only. The late shows tend to get wilder. No refunds or exchanges, so commit.
