San Diego is bustling with exciting activities and events this weekend from Friday, April 18 to Sunday, April 20, catering to diverse interests and age groups.
From cultural performances to family-friendly festivals, there’s something for everyone to enjoy under the sun of Southern California.
**Friday Highlights**
**Vietnamese Culture Night:**
The Vietnamese Student Association at San Diego State University is hosting its annual Vietnamese Culture Night.
This year’s performance, titled “If the Stars Align,” is a modern coming-of-age story that showcases the trials of two best friends navigating their senior year.
Join them at Grossmont College, starting at 6 p.m. and concluding at 9 p.m.
Admission is free.
**Cutwater Anniversary:**
Cutwater Spirits is celebrating eight years of its tasting room and kitchen.
Events span three days with tastings, complimentary glass engraving, and special bourbon and rum samples.
Friday festivities kick off from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., extending through a country-themed party on Saturday and coffee-themed specials on Sunday.
The tasting room is located at 9750 Distribution Ave., San Diego.
**The Old Globe’s “Regency Girls”:**
Enjoy a world premiere musical titled “Regency Girls,” about four young women in Regency-Era England striving for reproductive freedom.
Performances are at 8 p.m. on Fridays, alongside matinee shows on Saturdays and Sundays through May 11, held at the Old Globe Theatre in Balboa Park.
Tickets start at $45.
**“Bright Star” at Lamplighters Theatre:**
This Broadway musical follows the unexpected relationship between a woman editor and a WWII soldier.
The show opens Friday and runs through May 18, with performances at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and matinees on Sundays.
Tickets are priced from $27 to $30.
**Easter Egg Hunts at San Diego Animal Sanctuary & Farm:**
From April 18-20, participate in Easter egg hunts at the San Diego Animal Sanctuary & Farm.
The hunts begin at 10:30 a.m., and baskets are available for $14, including up to 14 eggs.
Adult admission is $40, with discounted tickets for children aged 2-12.
**“The Hot Wing King” at Cygnet Theatre:**
Catch the San Diego premiere of Katori Hall’s comedy, a portrayal of a family’s conflicts at a hot wing cooking competition.
Shows are scheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesdays to Saturdays and matinees on weekends, running through May 2 at the Old Town Theatre.
Tickets start at $34.
**Movin’ Right Along Tribute:**
Enjoy an evening dedicated to the works of Jim Henson with Tyler Tafolla’s family-friendly performance featuring songs and puppetry.
Join them at Sunshine Brooks Theater at 8 p.m.
Tickets are available from $25 to $40.
**“Imagination Station”:**
The family-friendly show at Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theater will feature original songs, videos, and life-size puppets.
Shows are at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. starting Friday through Sunday, including additional dates from April 25-27.
Tickets are priced at $10.
**Hillary and Clinton at OnWord Theatre:**
The performance by OnWord Theatre about a politically savvy couple strategizing their next move plays at 7 p.m. on Friday and 4 p.m. on Saturday.
Tickets are priced at $45 at the Alma San Diego hotel.
**“Mary’s Wedding” at Scripps Ranch Theatre:**
This romantic dream play navigates love amidst the chaos of World War I.
Performances run through April 27, with evening shows at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and matinees at 2 p.m. on Sundays.
Tickets range from $29 to $49.
**WNDR Museum Interactive Installation:**
Explore the new interactive exhibit “You Can Do Most Anything” at WNDR Museum San Diego.
Admission to this museum showcasing sound and light installations is $24.99.
**“Knock Loudly” at OnStage Playhouse:**
Anna Sandor’s play takes audiences through an alcoholic actress’s confrontation with life and mentoring a teenage girl.
Shows are from 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 5 p.m. on Sundays until April 27.
Tickets range from $15 to $25.
**San Diego History Through Music:**
The San Carlos Library hosts a free event exploring the soundtrack of San Diego’s history through music led by musician Chris Burns at 2 p.m.
**La Havana Madrid at New Village Arts:**
This musical play showcasing a Chicago nightclub that celebrated immigrant culture in the 60s runs at 7:30 p.m. on select days through April 27.
Tickets start at $25.
**Teen Glow-In-The-Dark Egg Hunt:**
For teens in grades 6-9, enjoy the glow-in-the-dark egg hunt from 5 to 9 p.m. April 18 at the Mickey Cafagna Community Center.
Space is limited with a $6 registration fee.
**“Once” at Lamb’s Players Theatre:**
Experience the revival of the award-winning Broadway musical “Once,” playing through May 11.
It features multiple showtimes throughout the week, including Wednesdays and Sundays.
Tickets range from $48 to $118.
**Community Cleanup in Del Mar:**
Join the Del Mar Village Association for a cleanup event from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on April 19, celebrating Earth Month.
After the cleanup, enjoy a pancake brunch hosted by lifeguards.
**“Seven Last Words” Concert:**
Hausmann Quartet will perform Haydn’s “The Seven Last Words of Christ” at 8 p.m., accompanied by spoken word presentations.
Donations are welcome to support local charities.
**Saturday Events**
**Chicano Park Day:**
Celebrate the 55th annual Chicano Park Day in Barrio Logan from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Experience cultural performances, indigenous dances, and a showcase of local artists at Chicano Park.
**Spring Egg Scramble:**
Families can participate in a free egg scramble at Walnut Grove Park in San Marcos from 8 to 11:30 a.m.
The egg hunt for various age groups starts promptly at 10:15 a.m.
**Raiders of the Lost Eggs at Heritage of the Americas Museum:**
Kids up to fourth grade can join the Easter-themed egg hunt from noon to 3 p.m., with some eggs containing gems or fossils.
The event costs $5, with museum admission priced at $6.
**San Diego EarthFest:**
Returning to Balboa Park, the EarthFest hosts over 140 vendors and a variety of activities from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Join in for panel discussions, live music, and an international food court.
**Fern Street Circus:**
The circus free performances will delight families across San Diego neighborhoods, with community health fairs and a mariachi performance.
Catch the show in several locations this weekend.
**Indigenous Culture & Art Festival:**
The festival at Grape Day Park aims to spotlight Native American traditions with arts and storytelling from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
**EGGstravaganza Spring Festival:**
Participate in ongoing egg hunts and family-friendly activities at Poinsettia Community Park from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
**Lotería: Game On!:**
Join a staged reading of Mabelle Reynoso’s immersive play at the California Center for the Arts from 1 to 2 p.m.
**Wicked Sing-Along:**
Wear costumes and sing along to musical performances at the Carlsbad City Library from 1:30 to 6 p.m.
**C Fodoreanu Solo Exhibition:**
Visit the solo exhibition by artist Cornel Fodoreanu, showcasing diverse artistic forms, at LOS/NR gallery from noon to 4 p.m.
**Earth Day Festival at Alta Vista Botanical Gardens:**
The Earth Day Festival promises a day filled with activities, live music, and community fun from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
**Too Darn Not:**
Viani’s Performing Arts presents an original staged dance concert, showcasing a choreographer’s time-traveling journey to the golden age of Hollywood.
Performances are at 7 p.m. and at 4 p.m. on Saturday.
**Dark Sky Star Party:**
The celebration of International Dark Sky Week takes place in Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve from 6 to 10 p.m., featuring telescope sessions and learning about bats and light pollution.
**Nature Walk at Batiquitos Lagoon:**
A free, guided nature walk focused on local wildflowers starts at 10 a.m.
**The Spirit of Mardi Gras:**
The San Diego Symphony hosts a celebration featuring conductor Byron Stripling and special guests, with performances at 7:30 p.m.
**Children’s Spring Festival & Egg Hunt:**
Join the kids’ festivities at La Colonia Park at 10:30 a.m. for fun and games.
**Julian Farm and Orchard Egg Hunt:**
Participate in an Easter egg hunt at Julian Farm with diverse activities for children up to 12 years old from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
**Annual Spring Egg Hunt at Oceanside:**
Another free annual event is scheduled at Mance Buchanon Park from 9 a.m. to noon.
**Earth Day Festival:**
The annual event occurs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Alta Vista Botanical Gardens, featuring activities, live music, and environmental information.
**Sunday Events**
**Elmo’s Eggstravaganza at Sesame Place:**
Join the Easter festivities, including a scavenger hunt, from now until April 20, with rides and festivities included with admission.
**Spring Egg Hunt at Otay Lakes County Park:**
Join games and crafts at the park from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. and capture moments with the Easter Bunny.
**Community Easter Celebration at Flower Fields:**
Attend the sunrise service at The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch at 6:30 a.m., featuring live music and an Easter message.
**Easter Sunday Egg Hunt at Revival Church:**
For families attending services on Easter, there will be an egg hunt featuring thousands of eggs after both the 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. services.
This weekend in San Diego promises an array of fun and meaningful activities, providing opportunities for connection, celebration, and community involvement.
Whether you’re interested in culture, the environment, or family-oriented activities, San Diego has something special to offer everyone this weekend.
image source from：https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2025/04/16/the-best-things-to-do-this-weekend-in-san-diego-april-18-20/
