The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch
March 1 – May 13
This spring, The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch transforms into a dazzling array of colors like never before. For the first time in 15 years, the 50 acres of Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers cascade down the hillside in a new spectacular color pattern sure to take your breath away. The new fields of color overlooking the Pacific Ocean stun both new and past visitors.
The Flower Fields offers the ultimate family experience hosting a variety of activities and events. Attendees can enjoy a ride on an open-air wagon being pulled by an antique tractor, visit the Cymbidium Orchid Greenhouse, or immerse themselves in the fragrant Sweet Pea Maze.
Make long lasting memories with your friends and family at The Flower Fields and participate in any of this spring’s special events:
March 31- Once Upon a Garden: Fairies, Gnomes and Princesses! Join The Flower Fields for a fairy parade at 11am and 1pm by the Animal Cracker Conspiracy
April 01- Kid’s Day: Kids can enjoy face painting, Ronald McDonald, The Coast Kids, and crafts to make Kid’s Day an unforgettable event!
April 7- Strawberry and Flower Fields Forever: Observe the Mira Costa floral design competition or participate in a strawberry shortcake eating competition
April 8 - Easter Sunrise Service: The Fields Church is pleased to present a sunrise service on Easter morning for the eighth year in a row.
With over 50 acres of extraordinary color, The Flower Fields offers a unique opportunity for adults and kids to enjoy a day together among fields of color. The Flower Fields is open daily from 9am to 6pm March 1 – May 13. For the convenience of guests, The Flower Fields provides free parking, restroom facilities and accessibility for people with disabilities.
Admission is $6-$11. The Flower Fields are located at 5704 Paseo Del Norte, Carlsbad. For more information call (760) 431-0352 or visit www.theflowerfields.com.
17th Annual shamROCK in the Gaslamp Quarter Featuring the Young Dubliners
March 17, Saturday, 2pm-Midnight
We’ve Got Free Tickets!
It’s been 17 years since the birth of shamROCK and since lucky number 17 falls on a Saturday this year, shamROCK is destined to be the biggest Irish Celebration on the West Coast. This time around, over 20,000 Irish revelers are expected to hit the streets of the Gaslamp. The 17th Annual shamROCK, presented by Jameson and The Field, takes place on the most sacred party day of the year, St. Patrick’s Day, Saturday, March 17, from 2pm until Midnight. The Gaslamp is pulling out all the stops for this year’s Celebration as a 150-foot Irish Pub on the streets of the Gaslamp is re-created; the streets turn green with over 80,000 square feet of green artificial turf; and with a lighting extravaganza, the Gaslamp Quarter transforms into an urban, super chic version of the rolling hills of Ireland!
shamROCK is the party of the year in San Diego, and this year it lives up to the “rock” in shamROCK with three stages of live entertainment. The Field Irish Stage features the Young Dubliners, Irish Rock, Irish Punk Rock and other Irish favorites. Fifth Avenue and F Street features the new Electronica stage will have the most sexy, crazy sounds to hypnotize you into an Irish haze. The third stage is located next to the 150-foot Irish pub and presents over 25 Irish River Dancers and your favorite San Diego and Los Angeles DJs. And, Dublin has nothing on “The Pub,” which has lots of beer and plenty of Jameson Irish Whisky to concoct your favorite St. Paddy’s Day libations.
shamROCK once again takes place on 6th Avenue between E and G Streets, “F” Street between 5th and 7th Avenues, and G Street between 5th and 6th Avenues in the Gaslamp Quarter in San Diego. Tickets to shamROCK are $35-$45, and a wristband gets you special privileges. Don’t test your luck. Get your tickets now, as Shamrock has sold out the last three years. For additional information or to purchase tickets, please contact (619) 233-5008 or visit www.sandiegoshamrock.com
Win Free Tickets!
It’s easy to win free tickets to shamROCK. Just visit our entertainment website at www.HotinNorthcounty.com and fill in the simple registration form. Ticket winners will be randomly selected. Winners will be notified by phone and email. Some restrictions apply. Only one entry per person is allowed. Promoters are not liable in the event of day or time change, or cancellation. Must be 18 years or older to win tickets and over 21 to drink alcohol.
18th Annual Mardi Gras and Fat Tuesday in the Gaslamp
February 21, Tuesday, 6pm – midnight
Win Free Tickets!
San Diego’s most decadent day of debauchery is turning eighteen, so the Gaslamp is throwing the most outrageous party yet! It’s Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp on Fat Tuesday, February 21, from 6pm to Midnight. The streets of the Gaslamp will “laissez les bon temps rouler” (let the good times roll)! One of the most anticipated festivals on the West Coast, Gaslamp Mardi Gras returns and is anticipated to have over 40,000 in attendance. This year’s Mardi Gras builds on the success of last year’s revamped event with five stages featuring live music performances, special guest appearances, and the world’s top electronica, dubstep, and house DJs.
Mardi Gras features a grand parade traveling down Fifth Avenue at 9pm, as well as multi-dimensional street performers entertaining on over 16 blocks throughout the Gaslamp Quarter. Cutting-edge lighting, sound, and visuals enhance the venue as they draw Mardi Gras revelers through the pulsating streets of the Historic Gaslamp Quarter. Proceeds benefit the Gaslamp Quarter Association, the 501(c)6 non-profit trade organization that protects and promotes the Gaslamp Quarter as a National Historic District and San Diego’s premier shopping, dining and entertainment destination.
Tickets to this Mardi Gras festival are $20-$25. Attendees must be 21 years or older and have a valid photo ID to enter. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.gaslamp.org or call (619) 233-5227.
Win FREE Tickets to Mardi Gras!
So, get down to the Gaslamp and “Throw me something, mister!” This year, the North County Sun and www.HotinNorthCounty.com are giving away pairs of tickets to this outrageous Gaslamp party! It’s easy to win FREE TICKETS! Just visit www.HotinNorthCounty.com and fill in the simple entry form. Ticket winners will be randomly selected. Only one entry per person is allowed. Winners will be notified by phone and email. Some restrictions apply. Entrants must me 18 years or older to win tickets. North County Sun and www.HotinNorthCounty.com are not liable for inclement weather, delays, date and time changes, program changes, or cancellation. See you at Mardi Gras on February 21!
32 Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival
Mar 17, Sat. 10:30am
Celebrate the Spirit of Ancient Ireland on Saturday, March 17. This will mark the 32nd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival thanks to the dedication and commitment of the many volunteers that make up the ICSC, the support of the Irish community and all the sponsors. The 2012 Parade Theme is “Celebrating the Spirit of Ancient Ireland.”
There will be over 120 entries, includes Marching Bands, Floats, Police and Fire Department units, the Emerald Societies, Clowns, equestrian entries, Border Patrol units, Scout Troops, bagpipe contingents, dancing groups, drill teams, roller skaters, antique cars, the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, representatives from Ireland, and the reigning Miss Colleen and Smiling Irishman.
Following the parade head over to Balboa Park for the Irish Festival. Live entertainment on the Festival’s 2 stages will run from 11:00am to 5:30pm and will include well known folk singers and bands.?The Festival area will open at 9:00 a.m. with food and craft booths as well as two beer gardens serving ice cold Guinness (the presenting Sponsor) and other beers, wine and Spirits. There will be an authentic Celtic Village and Kids Zone with Rides. The Festival and its entertainment are free to the public. For more information visit www.stpatsparade.org.
Annual World Water Day Festival in Carlsbad
March 24, Saturday, 12-3pm
The Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation hosts its 6th Annual World Water Day Festival on Saturday March 24 from 12 - 3pm. This event is designed to bring awareness to local and global water issues facing the world today. The festival is held to coincide with International World Water Day as a means of focusing attention on the importance of freshwater, and advocating for the sustainable management of freshwater resources.
The World Water Day Festival features educational booths and displays where people of all ages can learn sustainable practices for the use our limited water resources. There are speakers every hour on water-related topics, a demonstration and tour of sustainable native gardening practices, and a visit from the ever-popular Splashmobile! The day begins with a lagoon clean up by kayak from 10am –noon. Participants with a kayak meet at the foot of Bayshore (off Park) at 10am. Lagoon clean up volunteers receive a free lunch at the World Water Day Festival.
The WW Day Festival is held each year at the Lagoon Foundation’s Discovery Center at 1580 Cannon Road, Carlsbad. This event is free. For more information call (760) 804-1969 or visit www.aguahedionda.org.
27th Annual Spring Home/Garden Show at Del Mar Fairgrounds
March 2-4, Fri 11am-6pm, Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 10am-5pm
Now in its 27th year, the Spring Home/Garden Show returns to Del Mar Fairgrounds for a three-day extravaganza of inspiring displays, real gardens, hands-on demonstrations, educational seminars, and face-to-face consultations with experts. The show features dramatic home landscape displays by San Diego designers, plant sales, seminars led by San Diego home and garden experts, and hundreds of exhibitors.
Visitors can find everything they need to save time and money improving, refreshing, or remodeling their home and outdoor surroundings—from garden lighting to security systems, from baths to sunrooms. In addition to the main hall where hundreds of exhibitors showcase the newest products and hottest trends at special low prices, the show offers several unique home and garden features that provide extraordinary added value.
Tour “The Garden Masters,” the largest and best collection of display gardens created expressly for any weekend expo. Enjoy 20 theatrically lit gardens created specifically for this year’s show by professional landscape architects, designers, and contractors.
At “Ask the Experts,” attendees can consult face-to-face with experts and representatives of professional organizations, including building department representatives. All consultations are complimentary.
Visit the “All about Gardens” areas for free garden-related seminars throughout the weekend and gain priceless knowledge from San Diego garden experts. Topics like “How to Have A Beautiful, Water Smart Yard” include instruction on designing with succulents, creating sustainable landscapes, clearing the yard of thirsty plants, the latest efficient water delivery hardware and recommended plant materials.
In “The Garden Marketplace” select from hundreds of varieties of plants on sale direct from San Diego area garden and plant societies, clubs, and other local growers, who enjoy sharing planting tips and advice.
Bargains? The Spring Home/Garden Show is a home and garden shopper’s paradise. Special pricing is a big attraction for any homeowner looking for deep one-time-only savings. The Marketplace is also an ideal opportunity to arrange for multiple bids on any home project, be it shutters, doors, windows, skylights, or hundreds of other essentials.
Admission is $8. The Del Mar Fairgrounds is located at 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar. For more information or discount tickets go to www.springhomegardenshow.com.
Flush Puppies Poker Tournament
March 17, Saturday
May the luck of the Irish be with you for Flush Puppies, the second annual Texas Hold’em, no-limit Poker Tournament benefiting Helen Woodward Animal Center. The event takes place at the Lomas Santa Fe Country Club and is hosted by Richard Lederer, renowned author and father of two world-class professional poker players, Howard Lederer and Annie Duke. Richard hosts an informational seminar before the event on the history of poker and some helpful hints to a winning hand.
There are prizes for the top three players including a fishing trip to Mexico and a private lesson with Annie Duke. The buy-in is $200 and discounted pricing is offered for spectators. The evening includes a delicious buffet and drinks. For more information, please call (858) 756-4117. All proceeds benefit the programs of Helen Woodward Animal Center.
For the Love of Chocolate and SweetArt Festival
February 11, Saturday, 1pm-5pm
Chocolate pairings kick off the “For the Love of Chocolate” festivities at 1pm on Grand Avenue on Saturday, February 11. Guests will experience an assortment of exotic chocolates paired with wine and champagne at boutiques, spas, salons and other retail stores along Grand Avenue, between Centre City Parkway and Juniper Street.
“Sweet Street” also opens at 1pm on Grand Avenue at Kalmia Street. Attendees stroll among vendor booths to taste and purchase gourmet, international, and even unusual treats, all produced and presented by local and international chocolatiers. Participating vendors include Sweet Petite Confections, The Cookie Chew, Dove Chocolate Discoveries, and City Cupcakes, to name a few. Musical entertainment is provided by Jimmy Patton and Enrique.
Additional variations on this chocolate theme can be found all around Downtown to satisfy one’s chocolate cravings. Visitors can indulge by stopping into many other Downtown galleries, restaurants, and spas, who will be offering Valentine’s Day activities and treats as well as specials on chocolate drinks, entrees, and desserts. Following the festival, from 5pm to 9pm, the “SweetArt” Walk brings fine art into the mix with gallery openings and receptions.
The event takes place in Downtown Escondido along Grand Avenue, between Centre City Parkway and Juniper Street. “For the Love of Chocolate” tickets are $20 and can be purchased at www.escondidochocolatefestival.com or at Grand Avenue and Kalmia Street on the day of the event. “Sweet Street” is open to all ages and is free to attend. For further information, please visit the above website or call (858) 243-3211.
The Fred Hall Show - The Ultimate Outdoor Experience
March 22-25, Thursday-Sunday
The Fred Hall Show- The Ultimate Outdoor Experience hosts over 400 exhibitors displaying the hottest trends in boating, fishing, camping, hunting, water sports and international travel. Don’t miss the high flying Dodge Dock Dogs, the Kids Fish Free Trout Pond and over 200 informative seminars. Other highlights include Kayak and Stand Up Board demonstrations, free fly fishing and casting lessons, air gun and archery demos, and precision knife thrower, Jack Dagger-The King of Fling.
Tickets are $12-$13. This event is located at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar. For more information visit www.fredhall.com.
Inaugural Healthy Living Festival
April 14-15
This spring, commit to a healthier lifestyle at the inaugural Healthy Living Festival at the Del Mar Fairgrounds’ Exhibit Hall, Saturday and Sunday, April 14 and 15. Energy, productivity and happiness thrive with a healthy lifestyle. Whether seeking a more healthful way of life, or looking for new ways to enrich an existing healthy regime, the Healthy Living Festival will have it all.
This April, San Diegans can learn more about eating healthier, finding a healthy weight, getting into healthy activities and keeping a healthier home. They’ll have a chance to listen to experts share new ideas about lifestyle changes that can help prevent disease and lower stress. Guests can also take part in free medical testing and screening.
In addition to all the educational sessions, the festival will also feature area chefs preparing healthy and ultra-tasty dishes with take home recipes. Attendees can also take in a belly dancing show, join a yoga class, receive a massage, or climb the rock wall.
The biggest attraction of the event is its 160 exhibitors who have come to Del Mar from across the nation. Attendees can stroll through the festival and sample organic foods and beverages, visit health professionals and sports and fitness experts, learn about the latest in nutrition, skin care and green living products.
Admission is free. Show hours are: Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For more information, visit www.healthylivingfestival.com or call (805) 461-6700.
20th Annual San Diego Brazil Mardi Gras Carnival
February 18, Saturday, 9pm - 2am
No need to book a flight - celebrate Carnival and Mardi Gras at this adults-only event, right in San Diego. Brazil comes to you, bringing an unforgettable all-night party of non-stop dancing, pulsating drums, samba beats, and a Carnival parade, making for the best Brazilian Carnival on the West Coast. See sexy samba dancers and electrifying capoeira performances, sample the authentic national cocktail of Brazil, caipirinha, and enter a free raffle for a chance to win a round trip to Rio De Janeiro!
As producer of the San Diego Brazil Mardi Gras Carnival, Christine Portella pays tribute to her hometown of Rio de Janeiro, promising to show you a night of fun, feathers, and fantasy. Don’t miss this chance to get a taste of one of the most famous Carnivals in the world!
The Carnival takes place at the 4th & B Showcase Theatre at 345 B Street, San Diego. Tickets are $25-$70 and are available at www.brazilcarnival.com. For more information please call (619) 224-4684.
10th Annual Antique Sale and Appraisal
February 11, Saturday, 10am-4pm
The City of San Marcos Community Services presents its 10th Annual Antique Sale and Appraisal, “Family Heirlooms and Attic Treasures”, on February 11, Saturday, from 10am to 4pm at the San Marcos Community Center.
The event features vendors selling a variety of antiques and collectibles including pottery, linens, books, household items, furniture, vintage items and more. For a fee of $7, a certified appraiser will provide a verbal estimate of any antique or fine art piece (fine jewelry, weapons, and coins/stamps not included).
Attendance to the event is free; appraisals $7 each. A limited number of appraisal appointments are available, but are not required. The Community Center is located at 3 Civic Center Drive, San Marcos. For more information or to schedule an appraisal appointment, visit www.san-marcos.net or call (760) 744-9000.
San Diego Botanic Garden Events
Valentines Day Event
February 14, Tuesday, 5-8pm
Enjoy a romantic Valentine’s Day in the Garden on February 14. Stroll the gardens while enjoying romantic touches including champagne, gourmet appetizers, chocolate, flowers, photographs, music and dancing.
Through the Eyes of an Artist
March 3, Saturday, 9am-1pm
In celebration of Sculpture in the Garden there is a panel discussion recognizing the value of art in the garden with stunning illustrated examples.
Herb Festival, Plant Sale, and Tomatomania
March 17-18, 9am-5pm
One of today’s gardening buzzwords is “sustainable.” You’d be hard put to find a more sustainable landscape style than an organically grown edible garden. Rosalind Creasy, pioneer in the field of edible landscaping, gives a mouth-watering slide presentation. Among the topics she is covering are an A to Z of her recommended beautiful edible plants for home gardens, an overview of the wide variety of edible landscapes, as well as the principles of landscape design particular to edibles. Back by popular demand is Tomatomania with lectures on culture and care and plenty of tomato seedlings. For more information visit www.tomatomania.com/encinitas.
The San Diego Botanic Garden is located at 230 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas. For more information about these events call (760) 436-3036 or visit www.sdbgarden.org.
Seaport Village 6th Annual Busker Festival
March 24-25, Saturday-Sunday 12–5pm
Seaport Village welcomes the unthinkable from across the country at its sixth annual Spring Busker Festival, Saturday, March 24 and Sunday, March 25, from 12–5 pm. The celebration brings colorful street performers like sword swallowers, jugglers on unicycles, escape artists and comedic stuntmen to the cobblestone streets of downtown’s Seaport Village. The extraordinary and bizarre talents at this year’s festival provide outdoor amusement unlike any other festival in the region.
Popular across the globe, Busker Festivals are known for gathering remarkable performers at San Francisco’s Pier 39, Boston’s Faneuil Hall and London’s Covent Gardens in a celebration of rare and incredible street art. The Halifax International Busker Festival in Canada, the Christchurch World Buskers Festival in New Zealand and the Adelaide Fringe Festival in Australia have set the stage for celebration of street entertainment.
For a night of unforgettable performances, Seaport Village let the street performers loose for Buskers After Dark on Saturday, March 24 from 6-10 pm. The untamed show features a DJ, food and drink specials and multiple Busker acts best suited for those over 18.
Shops, restaurants and eateries will add to Seaport’s Spring Busker Festival flair with special sales. Enjoy two hours of parking in the Seaport Village lot for only $1 with any purchase and pay only $4 per hour thereafter. Parking is $10 for the day and shuttles run every 15 minutes from 12-6 pm. The Festival runs March 24 and 25, from 12-5 pm with Buskers After Dark on March 24 from 6-10 pm. All shops, restaurants and eateries are open for shopping and dining from 10 am–9 pm. While the Spring Busker Festival is free of charge, all Buskers will be accepting tips.
Seaport Village (849 West Harbor Drive, #D, San Diego, CA 92101) is located downtown at West Harbor Drive and Pacific Highway, adjacent to Embarcadero Park North. For more information visit www.seaportvillage.com or call (619) 235-4014.
Sweethearts Sail on the Bay
February 11, Saturday, 12-3pm
San Diego Bay is a great place to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your loved ones. Bring Mom, Grandpa, kids, and other relatives and share this day of love with those you care about. Guests will board the Californian for a three hour scenic tour of the bay, marine wildlife and local attractions. Ticket prices include keepsake photos, champagne, chocolate covered strawberries and other delicacies. The event takes place on Saturday, February 11 from 12pm to 3pm.
The Maritime Museum of San Diego enjoys a worldwide reputation for excellence in restoring, maintaining and operating historic vessels. The museum is located on the embarcadero in downtown San Diego at 1492 North Harbor Drive, San Diego. Tickets are $60 for adults and $35 for children and can be purchased online. For tickets or for more information call (619) 234-9153 or visit www.sdmaritime.org.
Pride of Vista Scholarship Pageant
March 17, Saturday
The Pride of Vista Lions Club hosts their annual community service and scholarship pageants: Miss Pride of Vista, Miss Teen Pride of Vista, newest additions Junior Miss and Little Miss. The participants are young women aged 13-24 and girls aged 7-12 years.
Winners of the pageants receive prizes and cash scholarships, represent their community at local functions and fundraisers, and serve as ambassadors for the Lions Club. Visit www.missprideofvista.com for more information.
Weidner’s Gardens Upcoming Events and Workshops
Visit Weidner’s Valentine’s Creations Corner where you’ll find great ideas for Valentine’s floral and plant creations. The following are some of their upcoming early spring horticultural events and workshops:
Plant a Fairy Garden Workshop
March 4, Sunday, 1:30pm
Enjoy fun fairy activities. Succulents make it easy. Weidner’s has all the fairies, flowers and supplies. Girls can wear their fairy clothes for a mini fairy parade. Cost $10. plus materials for adults. Kids are free as long as they believe in fairies. RSVP please. Age 5 and up suggested.
Moss and Plant a Basket Workshop with Master Designer Debbie Johnson
March 17, Saturday, 10:30am
Plant new or bring in your old tired out baskets for a re-make.
Class is Free but you pay for materials and plants. RSVP please.
Ladybug Weekend
April 14- 15
This family weekend is so much fun. Kid’s get Free ladybug samples and get to do fun ladybug crafts. Small fee.
Giant Parade of Custom Baskets and Containers
April 28-29
The walks and aisles are filled with big baskets, small baskets, unusual baskets and easy to care for baskets. Combination containers too. Every price, every size. Last year’s show had more than 100 combinations to choose from.
Weidner’s Gardens is located at 695 Normandy Rd, Encinitas. Call (760) 436-2194 or visit www.weidners.com. |
