The best things to do this weekend in San Diego: May 9-11

Here are some of the best things to do this weekend in San Diego from Friday, May 9 to Sunday, May 11.
Last week to visit The Flower Fields: The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch with its acres of giant tecolote ranunculus blooms is slated to close for the season on May 11. This year’s theme at The Flower Fields is “Where Color Takes Flight,” inspired by several dozen glass and steel sculptures of butterflies and insects in the fields and accompanying gardens. The display is part of a traveling exhibit, “Glass in Flight,” by artist Alex Heveri. Along with the ranunculus, visitors can see a number of themed gardens and other attractions, including tractor wagon rides, a sweet pea maze and Santa’s Playground. Tickets must be purchased online in advance and are $27; $25 for seniors, $17 for children 3-10 and free for kids younger than 3. Visit .
“Peril in the Alps”: North Coast Repertory Theatre presents the world premiere of Steven Dietz’s new play based on Agatha Christie’s Belgian detective Hercule Poirot. 7 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays; 8 p.m. Fridays; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; 2 and 7 p.m. Sundays. Through May 25. 987 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach. $57-$69. 858-481-1055,
“The Prom”: San Diego Musical Theatre presents this comedy musical about a group of attention-starved Broadway actors seeking publicity for helping a lesbian teen barred from attending her prom with her girlfriend. 7 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. Through June 1. San Diego Musical Theatre, 650 Mercury St., Kearny Mesa. $65-$75. 858-560-5740,
Mariachi concert: Mariachi Champaña Nevin is paying tribute to music icons at The Magnolia to kick off Mother’s Day weekend. The show will feature songs and covers by Vicente Fernández, Rocío Dúrcal and Juan Gabriel. The ensemble of musicians on stage will include a 14-piece Mariachi band and a 10-piece symphony orchestra. 7 p.m. tonight. The Magnolia, 210 E. Main St., El Cajon. $68.50-$122.50. 619-651-2004,
Tequila and Tajin: Cutwater’s Tasting Room and Kitchen is partnering with Mexican seasoning company Tajin for tequila tastings and tours on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in May. This seasonal event includes a 50-minute guided tour of the Cutwater distillery and tasting room. Ticketed guests will also sample Cutwater’s blanco and anejo tequilas, spicy mango margarita, paloma and appetizers from the kitchen. Plus, customers will receive a special tequila and Tajin take-home item. Noon to 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays in May. Noon to 4 p.m. Sundays in May. 9750 Distribution Ave., San Diego. $24. 858-672-3848, /tasting-room
“Grease”: Moonlight Stage Productions opens its 2025 season with this classic 1950s rock ‘n’ roll musical about love between a good girl and a bad boy. 8 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays. Through May 17. Moonlight Amphitheatre, Brengle Terrace Park, 1200 Vale Terrace Drive, Vista. $41-$62. 760-724-2110,
Elton John ‘Curebound for Cures’ benefit concert: The biggest show of the year here, figuratively and literally, is Elton John’s return to Petco Park — two years after his farewell tour concluded. It’s the 77-year-old pop legend’s only announced show for 2025, and the fact John is himself a cancer survivor should make this Curebound fundraising concert even more resonant. 8 p.m. May 9. Petco Park, 100 Park Blvd., San Diego. $300-$600 for individual tickets; $5,000-$20,000 for tables of four; $40,000-$75,000 for VIP tables of six to eight. /concert-for-cures and
Gator by the Bay: Fans of zydeco, blues and Cajun music should have a field day at the 22nd annual edition of this zesty, Louisiana-flavored fete. The 2025 lineup will feature more than 100 performances, including Ozomatli, Sugaray Rayford, Nathan & The Zydeco Cha-Chas, Steve Riley & The Mamou Playboys, and D.K. Harrell, plus 10,000 pounds of crawfish (the edible crustaceans, not a band of that name). May 8-11. Spanish Landing Park, 3900 North Harbor Drive, across from San Diego International Airport. $68-$254.
Classical Arts Entertainment presents State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine: ‘Sleeping Beauty’: Only a kiss can break an evil fairy’s spell in the tale of Princess Aurora, performed by an international cast at two venues, featuring hand-painted sets and jeweled costumes. The Escondido show is accompanied by a live orchestra. 7 p.m. May 9-10. California Center for the Arts Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido. $43.20-$150. ; 2 p.m. May 11. Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave., downtown. $60.45-$169.90.
“World of Orchids”: San Diego Botanic Garden will host its annual spring orchids showcase, “World of Orchids,” an immersive display in its 8,000-square-foot, glass-enclosed facility — the Dickinson Family Education Conservatory. In addition to the orchids that typically grow in the garden’s conservatory, displays will include plants on loan from private growers belonging to two local groups — the San Diego County Orchid Society and the Palomar Orchid Society — as well as orchids and materials from local businesses. Vendors on select weekends will sell unusual orchids and other merchandise. Hands-on classes will accompany the exhibition. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (closed Tuesdays). 300 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas. Reservations highly recommended for “World of Orchids” and will designate an entry time. $18 general admission, $15 military/student/senior 60-plus, $10 ages 3 to 17, free for under 3. Memberships start at $55 individual, $105 family. /world-of-orchids
Lego Festival: The Lego Festival will run on weekends through June 9. Highlights of the event include five hands-on zones focused on music, creativity, dance, gaming and chill time. Visitors receive festival lanyards and can pose with a Lego “I Heart Play” model unique to California. Legoland California Resort, One Legoland Drive. Day passes typically start at $89. Visit /california.
“Music of the Americas”: Musica Vitale a cappella vocal ensemble, Crown City Chorale, MiraCosta College Chamber Choir and Ghukasyan String Orchestra will perform in this concert of choral and instrumental works from Canada, Mexico, Brazil and the United States. 7:30 p.m. tonight. St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral, 2728 Sixth Ave., downtown. 619-876-6620, /performances
Lamb’s Players’ long-running ‘Once’ closes Sunday: Lamb’s Players Theatre’s long-running revival of its award-winning 2018 production of “Once,” will close Sunday after a four-month run. The musical is based on the 2007 film about a lonely busker in Belfast, Ireland, who finds musical and romantic harmony with an immigrant woman from the Czech Republic. 7 p.m. tonight; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. 1142 Orange Ave., Coronado. $48-$118. 619-437-6000,
“Hamilton”: The North American touring production of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s founding fathers musical has returned for an 11-day run. Inspired by Ron Chernow’s biography of Alexander Hamilton, the musical blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B and Broadway music in a high-energy, dance-infused musical that won 11 Tony Awards and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays; 7:30 p.m. Thursdays; 8 p.m. Fridays; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; 1 and 7 p.m. Sundays. Through May 16. San Diego Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave., downtown. $82 and up. /upcoming-events/hamilton-2025
“The Comediologist”: San Diego cardiologist, comedian and playwright Alan Maisel stars in this solo autobiographical comedy show with host Victor Paz Jr. 7:30 p.m. Friday. Point Loma Playhouse, 3035 Talbot St., San Diego. $25.
“Regency Girls”: The Old Globe presents this world premiere musical from the writers of “Veep,” “Scrubs” and “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” about four young women in Regency-Era England on a road trip for reproductive freedom. 8 p.m. Friday; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday; 2 and 7 p.m. Sunday. Old Globe Theatre, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, San Diego.$45 and up. 619-234-5623,
Jeremy Piven: The “Entourage” star will bring his stand-up comedy act to San Diego. 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. 818 Sixth Ave., San Diego. $36. /collections/jeremy-piven-live-may-8-10
Balboa Park Powwow: The 37th Annual Balboa Park Powwow celebrating Native American heritage takes place this weekend. The family-friendly community event features Native American music, dance and art. Highlights include Native American singers, drummers, and dancers in traditional regalia from across the Southwest sharing their traditions and passing on customs. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Balboa Park at the corner of Park Blvd. and President’s Way. Free. /powwow/.
Wildlife tour at lagoon: The Nature Collective will put on a free Wildlife Tour from . The tour includes plants around the lagoon and any wildlife that might be out. Event is weather permitting. 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday. San Elijo Lagoon, 2710 Manchester Ave., Cardiff. Registration is required at /event/wildlife-tour-may-10-2025.
Flower Show and Plant Sale in park: The Poway Valley Garden Club will host its 46th annual Flower Show and Plant Sale, themed “Reimagining Nature’s Symphony.” The theme for this year’s Horticulture Specialty Show is “Reimagining Nature’s Symphony.” The plant sale will be in the gazebo with items such as spring planting supplies, garden art and gifts, including succulent dish gardens and hand-crafted birdhouses. There will be representatives from the Kumeyaay-Ipai Interpretive Center and Blue Sky Ecological Reserve along with master gardeners. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Old Poway Park, 14134 Midland Road. Admission is free. For the schedule and information on submitting entries, visit /flower-show.
Annual Spring Arts and Crafts Fair: The 48th annual Spring Arts and Crafts Fair with handcrafted goods sold by artists and crafters includes 125 vendors from across Southern California, with a range of crafted items from handmade jewelry, soaps, paintings and sculpture to local honey, clothing and pottery along with art for home and garden. There will be outside wine bars throughout the winery grounds and Italian fare from the Kitchen restaurant in the courtyard along with a food court. The permanent winery village shops will also be open during the fair. No pets are allowed on winery grounds. (Some vendors only accept cash.) 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Bernardo Winery, 13330 Paseo Del Verano Norte. .
Nowruz Festival: The Azizi Foundation presents the Nowruz Festival. Nowruz, which means “new day” in Persian, marks the Persian New Year. The festival celebrates the start of spring. 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday. The Naval Training Center Park, 2455 Cushing Road. General admission tickets are $25 at or $30 at the door. Admission is free for kids age 6 and younger.
Mission Hills Garden Walk: The Mission Hills Garden Club will hold its 27th annual Mission Hills Garden Walk, themed “A Garden Walk Through Time.” The walks include a number of gardens, including the Grant TK-8 School organic Gecko Garden. The event will include local musicians and artists in the gardens, and there will also be a garden-oriented bazaar and food demonstrations. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are $40; free for children under age 10. Visit /garden-walk.
“Kapwa through the Arts”: PASACAT, the South Bay-based Philippine performing arts company, and the Filipinos of South Bay Committee have partnered to present a special lecture that will delve into the Filipino cultural concept of “kapwa,” which in English means “fellow human” or “kindred.” Culturally speaking, it fosters a sense of “shared identity and unity of oneself with others.” The two-hour-long lecture will feature two South Bay residents: Bryan Pangilinan, composer of “Larry The Musical,” and Salvador S. Idos, author of the newly released collection of poems and stories, “Sulyap ng Kadakilaan” (“Glimpse of Greatness”). Both will speak about the concept of “kapwa” through the lens of artists, teachers and community leaders. Light refreshments will be served. A tour of the exhibit “Filipinos of South Bay” — on display through December 2025 — will be given at 1:30 p.m. 2-4 p.m. Saturday. Chula Vista Civic Center Library, 365 F St. Free. Register online at /e/kapwa-through-the-arts-tickets-1339150799089.
Tacos and Beer Fest: Banda Tierra Surena and other acts will perform at this community festival. Expect face painting, a dance contest, a kids zone and more. A mom of the year contest will help celebrate Mother’s Day. 2 to 10 p.m. Saturday. 421 Aqua Lane, Ramona. $20 or free for kids ages 10 and under. /tacos-and-beer/
“House of India”: The Old Globe presents the world premiere of this play by Deepak Kumar about an immigrant family in Cleveland fighting to keep their Indian restaurant alive, or change with the times. Previews Saturday through Wednesday. Opens Thursday and runs through June 1. 7 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays; 8 p.m. Fridays; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; 2 and 7 p.m. Sundays. Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre, The Old Globe, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, San Diego. $41 and up. 619-234-5623,
San Dieguito Art Guild Mother’s Day Weekend Art, Garden & Studio Tour: The nonprofit San Dieguito Art Guild presents its 28th annual self-guided, driving tour on Mother’s Day weekend, exploring eight North County homes where tourgoers can peruse more than 30 unique exhibits of locally made art and relax in each unique coastal or inland garden. Artists from the San Dieguito Art Guild will be in the gardens — showing and selling their paintings, ceramics, glass, gourd art, fiber arts, photography, jewelry and more. Free refreshments will be served. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. $35 for purchase at the Off Track Gallery (937 South Coast Highway 101, Suite C-103, Encinitas), at , or day-of at tour homes. Ticket sales begin in early April. Children 17 and under are free. /events
Coronado Art & Wine Festival: A celebration of art, wine, food and community is taking place in Coronado. The city’s fourth annual Art & Wine Festival features art and community businesses with over 100 artist booths, student art and performances, live music, food and wine tastings. This street fair offers free admission to the art festival portion. There are also three ticket levels, including one with access to the wine village, a lounge area at Garage Buona Forchetta and a VIP experience with 12 premium wine and food pairings. Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday. Coronado Chamber of Commerce, 1125 10th St., Coronado. $50-$150.
Mental health awareness: May is Mental Health Awareness Month and the WNDR Museum San Diego is hosting a themed event. The immersive experience called “Always WNDR With The Homies” will have art, live music and a small market featuring San Diego vendors and mental health organizations. A portion of proceeds from the event will go to support Miriam’s House LA, a transitional sober living home for women and their children, according to WNDR Museum San Diego. The show is curated by the group Always Check On The Homies, a mental health-focused community initiative founded by mental health advocate William Doerr. 7 to 10 p.m. Museum San Diego, 422 Market St, San Diego. $60.
“Chasing Shadows”: Sparks Gallery presents a solo exhibition of painted plexiglass and canvas works by Kathleen Kane-Murrell. Opens Saturday and runs through July 6. 530 Sixth Ave., downtown.
“The Beauty of What You Love”: Santa Ysabel Art Gallery presents a solo exhibit by fiber artist Doshi. Opens Saturday and runs through July 7. 30352 Highway 78, Santa Ysabel. 760-765-1676,
Dance and fitness: Studio K Dance and Fitness is hosting its Twerk n’ Tone Twerkshop. This exercise class involves dancing to music while toning muscles. It’s taught by experienced instructors and no experience is required. 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday. Studio K Dance and Fitness, 9340 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. Suite F, San Diego. $17.85.-$44.52.
North Park Vegan Market: Dine out from a variety of vegan food vendors and learn about dog adoptions at this recurring event. noon to 4 p.m. Saturday. North Park Mini Park, 3812 29th Street San Diego. Free. /e/north-park-vegan-market-tickets-1334662173489
Free basketball clinic for kids: Ballers from second grade trough junior high are invited to learn basketball fundamentals and train with the players from the San Diego Sharks. Sign up online. A guardian must be present during the clinic. 10:30 a.m. to noon Saturday. Free.
Madison Gallery opens ‘Lino Lago — Multipolar’: Madison presents its third solo exhibition by the Spanish artist, who will explores his idea of confrontation between different worlds and cultures. In “Multipolar,” Lago will allow viewers to view snippets of a portrait through squiggles across monochrome canvases. Opens Saturday and runs through June 20. 320 S. Cedros Ave., Suite 200, Solana Beach. Free. 858-523-9155,
“Park Opera”: Project BLANK presents the U.S. premiere of Polish composer Wojtek Blecharz’s opera that has been presented in public parks across Europe. Elements of this piece will be presented in multiple locations throughout Balboa Park over three hours. 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday. Meet at the Moreton Fig Tree, Balboa Park. Free, but registration is requested at /ticket/p/70158450/park-opera-san-diego-balboa-park.
San Diego Symphony and Alisa Weilerstein: Noted cellist Weilerstein will perform alongside her husband, Symphony Music Director Rafael Payare, in a concert featuring Unsuk Chin’s Cello Concerto and Bruckner’s Symphony No. 7. 7:30 p.m. Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. $39-$120. Jacobs Music Center, 750 B St., downtown. 619-235-0804,
Top Rank Boxing: See an ESPN-broadcasted boxing match between Emanuel “Vaquero” Navarrete vs. Charly Suarez. 2:30 p.m. Saturday. Pechanga Arena San Diego, 3500 Sports Arena Blvd., San Diego. Tickets start at $56. /event/top-rank-boxing-2/
“I Can Cook, Too!”: San Diego musical theater performer Erica Marie Weisz presents a limited run of her cabaret show featuring jazz and Broadway songs, stories and cooking tips. 7 p.m. Sunday, Monday and May 18, 25, 26. New Village Arts, 2787 State St., Carlsbad. $20-$30. 760-433-3245,
Sunday Music Nights: Carruth Cellars opens its wine gardens at both locations for locals who enjoy charcuterie, salad, paninis and wine. At Liberty Station, hear from Rolf Olsen. In Oceanside, Maxwell the Great will be the performer. /all-events/
Mother’s Day Comedy Show: Moms can enjoy a day out at this event featuring a lineup of mom comedians. Willie Macc will headline the night. 5 p.m. Sunday. Mic Drop Comedy, 8878 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., San Diego. $25.50. /shows/316239
Mother’s Day cruises: Here’s one way to celebrate Mother’s Day along the San Diego Bay. City Cruises is hosting a brunch buffet and a dinner cruise that includes special chef-crafted meals and drinks aboard the Hornblower. Ticketed guests will cruise around the bay for approximately 2.5 hours and listen to a live DJ. The brunch buffet options include scrambled eggs, breakfast meats, French toast, potatoes, pastries, salads, salmon, strip loin, birria-style chicken and a dessert station. The dinner is a three-course meal featuring choices such as flat iron steak, Atlantic salmon, a pan-seared chicken breast, arugula salad, roasted red pepper bisque, cheesecake and pineapple upside-down cake. Children ages three years and under can eat for free. 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sunday. Pier 1 Hornblower Landing, 1800 North Harbor Drive, San Diego. $95-$130. 619-333-7192, /san-diego/city-cruises
Mother’s Day by the bay: The public has multiple ways to commemorate Mother’s Day at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront. The holiday kicks off with a red carpet welcome, featuring trumpeters and a throne for moms to sit in and take photos at the hotel’s Odysea library and lobby from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Hudson & Nash Waterfront Kitchen is serving brunch with food options such as made-to-order egg dishes, seasonal fruits and pastries from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Also from 2 to 4 p.m., guests can savor some afternoon tea, desserts and an a la carte menu at Odysea. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. 1 Park Blvd., San Diego. 619-564-3333, /en/hotels/sancchh-hilton-san-diego-bayfront
Mother’s Day Market: Locals can treat mom to brunch and support local vendors at Zentrl Kitchen + Bar. A one-day-only bazaar is taking place with small business pop-ups selling various items, and there will be a build-your-own boutique station for $25. The brunch buffet consists of several items, including buttermilk pancakes, eggs Benedict with smoked salmon and avocado toast with ricotta cheese and a poached egg. There will also be a mimosa and bloody mary bar. Drinks are not included in the buffet price and are sold separately. Reservations can be made at . Zentrl Kitchen + Bar has locations in La Jolla and Liberty Station. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. $30-$68.