Celebrate Earth Day at Balboa Park, marvel at vintage cars in La Jolla, and enjoy concerts ranging from Adrian Younge to Disney on Ice - April in San Diego has it all. Below is our comprehensive list of more than 30 events taking place this month, all in date order. Mark your calendar, get out there and make the most of spring!
Harry Mack Anomaly Tour 2025 (April 1) - Catch rapper and freestyler Harry Mack at SOMA Mainstage for his Anomaly Tour, delivering a fully improvised live experience. All ages welcome.
Kimball Park Spring Carnival (April 3-6) - Enjoy a family-friendly carnival at Kimball Park in National City with 14 amusement rides, games, and carnival eats. Features a $2 ride special on opening night, $2 entrance fee (free for 12 and under), and $45 daily unlimited ride wristbands.
The Studio Door’s Art Noir Exhibit (April 3-26) - Dive into the suspenseful world of noir at The Studio Door in Hillcrest, where this national exhibition showcases art inspired by the genre’s mystery and intrigue.
Wanda Sykes: Please & Thank You Tour with Special Guest Keith Robinson (April 4) - Catch Emmy-winning comedian Wanda Sykes and special guest Keith Robinson at the San Diego Civic Theatre for a night of sharp-witted stand-up comedy, featuring Sykes’ signature humor and Robinson’s dynamic set. Show starts at 7:30 PM, tickets available at sandiegotheatres.org.
Goodguys Meguiar’s Del Mar Nationals (April 4-6) - Classic car fans can head to the Del Mar Fairgrounds for the Goodguys Meguiar’s Del Mar Nationals, featuring hot rods, muscle cars, and customs in a three-day automotive celebration.
Fit Yoga at The Rady Shell (April 5) - Experience a free Bootcamp Yoga session led by Viktoria Talbot from Fit Athletic at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park. Registration required, bring a mat, and enjoy the bayside views. Dogs allowed on the perimeter only.
North Park Festival of Beers (April 5) - Sip over 50 beers and other hard beverages from global breweries at the annual North Park Festival of Beers, with live music, including headliner Buck O Nine, and specialty food vendors. Promo code SDVILLE saves on tickets.
Felipe Esparza at Pechanga Arena (April 5) - Comedian Felipe Esparza brings his Fool’s Gold tour to Pechanga Arena, delivering his signature humor in an all-ages show starting at 8pm.
The Okee Dokee Brothers at Epstein Family Amphitheater (April 5) - Bring the kids to UC San Diego's Epstein Family Amphitheater for a family-friendly folk concert by The Okee Dokee Brothers, complete with interactive storytelling.
Circus Vargas (Through April 7) - Catch the final days of Circus Vargas's Hollywood Dreams at Mission Valley's Westfield Mission Valley through April 7. This modern circus dazzles with high-flying acrobatics, stunning performances, and a star-studded celebration under the Big Top tent. Use promo code SDVILLE for ticket discounts. For those that miss the San Diego tour, Circus Vargas will be in nearby Temecula from April 11-28.
The Hot Wing King (April 9 – May 2) - Pulitzer Prize-winning play The Hot Wing King takes the stage at Cygnet Theatre in Old Town, exploring family dynamics and culinary rivalry as Cordell Crutchfield navigates a tragedy while competing in a hot wing contest.
Quartyard 10 Year Anniversary with Adrian Younge (April 5) - Enjoy a soulful performance by Adrian Younge, a self-taught virtuoso known for TV soundtracks, accompanied by a 10-piece orchestra at Quartyard in East Village.
Alton Brown LIVE: Last Bite (April 5) - The Food Network star reflects on his decades in food media, presents several of his favorite culinary mega-hacks, sings some of his funny food songs, and in general offers a culinary variety show the likes of which human eyes have never seen.
Felipe Esparza at Pechanga Arena (April 5) - Comedian Felipe Esparza brings his Fool’s Gold tour to Pechanga Arena, delivering his signature humor in an all-ages show starting at 8pm.
The Okee Dokee Brothers at Epstein Family Amphitheater (April 5) - Bring the kids to UC San Diego's Epstein Family Amphitheater for a family-friendly folk concert by The Okee Dokee Brothers, complete with interactive storytelling.
IRONMAN 70.3 Oceanside (April 5) - Triathletes kick off the North American circuit at IRONMAN 70.3 Oceanside, a scenic race featuring a swim, bike, and run along the coast, testing winter training with a competitive pro field.
The Rocket Man Show Starring Rus Anderson (April 6) - Experience a night of Elton John’s greatest hits at Balboa Theatre with Scotsman Rus Anderson, Elton’s official 70s body double, featuring stunning costumes and fierce piano. Tickets start at $55, all ages welcome.
Nikki Glaser: Alive And Unwell Tour (April 6) - Join American actress, stand-up comedian, and television host Nikki Glaser at the San Diego Civic Theatre, featuring two shows in one night at 7pm and 9:30pm.
Carlsbad 5000 (April 6) - Run along Carlsbad’s seaside streets at the Carlsbad 5000, a full day of road racing featuring a scenic 5K course, presented by National University.
Garden Party at Estancia La Jolla (April 6) - Embrace spring at Estancia La Jolla Hotel’s Garden Party, where you can wear floral attire, shop local vendors, and stroll through lush gardens with cocktails and Champagne.
GranFondo San Diego (April 6) - Cyclists can join the GranFondo San Diego for four route options, timed competitions, and a Bike & Fitness Expo with food and guest speakers, celebrating Italian cycling culture.
Free Eco-Centric Concert at Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve (April 6) - Enjoy a free concert at Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve in Escondido, celebrating nature through music in a serene outdoor setting.
Carlsbad 5000 (April 6) - Run along Carlsbad’s seaside streets at the Carlsbad 5000, a full day of road racing featuring a scenic 5K course, presented by National University.
Garden Party at Estancia La Jolla (April 6) - Embrace spring at Estancia La Jolla Hotel’s Garden Party, where you can wear floral attire, shop local vendors, and stroll through lush gardens with cocktails and Champagne.
GranFondo San Diego (April 6) - Cyclists can join the GranFondo San Diego for four route options, timed competitions, and a Bike & Fitness Expo with food and guest speakers, celebrating Italian cycling culture.
Free Eco-Centric Concert at Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve (April 6) - Enjoy a free concert at Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve in Escondido, celebrating nature through music in a serene outdoor setting.
The Hot Wing King (April 9 – May 2) - Pulitzer Prize-winning play The Hot Wing King takes the stage at Cygnet Theatre in Old Town, exploring family dynamics and culinary rivalry as Cordell Crutchfield navigates a tragedy while competing in a hot wing contest.
Disney on Ice: Into the Magic at Pechanga Arena (April 10-11) - Families can enjoy Disney on Ice’s Into the Magic at Pechanga Arena, featuring beloved characters in a dazzling ice-skating show at 7pm both nights.
San Diego Music Society: Music By The Sea at Encinitas Library (April 11) - The San Diego Music Society hosts an intimate coastal concert, Music By The Sea, at the Encinitas Library.
Space Oddity David Bowie Tribute at Balboa Theatre (April 12) - David Brighton channels David Bowie in Space Oddity, a live tribute to the Starman’s iconic career, at the historic Balboa Theatre.
Race for Autism Superhero 5K (April 12) - Celebrate 19 years of supporting autism initiatives at the Race for Autism Superhero 5K in Balboa Park, a family-friendly run to make a difference.
La Jolla Half Marathon, 5K, and 10K (April 12) - Run a scenic route from Del Mar Fairgrounds to La Jolla Cove, featuring a coastal stretch, a climb to Torrey Pines State Park, and a finish with waterfront views.
Spring Home/Garden Show (April 12-13) - Explore inspiring “Garden Masters” landscapes, hands-on demos, and hundreds of home-improvement exhibitors at the Del Mar Fairgrounds for a three-day extravaganza.
Race for Autism Superhero 5K (April 12) - Celebrate 19 years of supporting autism initiatives at the Race for Autism Superhero 5K in Balboa Park, a family-friendly run to make a difference.
La Jolla Half Marathon, 5K, and 10K (April 12) - Run a scenic route from Del Mar Fairgrounds to La Jolla Cove, featuring a coastal stretch, a climb to Torrey Pines State Park, and a finish with waterfront views.
Spring Home/Garden Show (April 12-13) - Explore inspiring “Garden Masters” landscapes, hands-on demos, and hundreds of home-improvement exhibitors at the Del Mar Fairgrounds for a three-day extravaganza.
Coronado Flower Show (April 12-13) - The nation’s largest tented flower show at Spreckels Park features exhibits, live music, a food pavilion, and a beer garden, with trophy presentations at a central gazebo.
43rd Annual Day at the Docks (April 13) - Celebrate the start of Southern California’s spring saltwater fishing season at the West Coast’s largest public sportfishing event in Point Loma, with activities for anglers, vendors and food.
Fallbrook Avocado Festival (April 13) - Avocado enthusiasts can sample the fruit, enjoy live entertainment, browse avocado-themed gifts, and witness a quirky cooking contest at this annual festival in Fallbrook.
43rd Annual Day at the Docks (April 13) - Celebrate the start of Southern California’s spring saltwater fishing season at the West Coast’s largest public sportfishing event in Point Loma, with activities for anglers, vendors and food.
Fallbrook Avocado Festival (April 13) - Avocado enthusiasts can sample the fruit, enjoy live entertainment, browse avocado-themed gifts, and witness a quirky cooking contest at this annual festival in Fallbrook.
Silent Movie Monday: The Mark of Zorro (April 14) - Step back in time at the Balboa Theatre for a screening of The Mark of Zorro (1920), with live guitar by Fred Benedetti and organ accompaniment by Ken Double on the historic Wonder Morton Theatre Organ. Tickets are $24.
Soundscapes of Afghanistan: Tradition Reimagined at Mingei International Museum (April 18) - Qais Essar performs at the Mingei International Museum, exploring Hindu Kush folk traditions in an intimate concert and Q&A.
Soundscapes of Afghanistan: Tradition Reimagined at Mingei International Museum (April 18) - Qais Essar performs at the Mingei International Museum, exploring Hindu Kush folk traditions in an intimate concert and Q&A.
The Big Lebowski Screening with Jeff Bridges (April 18) - Join an evening with movie star Jeff Bridges at Balboa Theatre for a screening of his 1998 cult classic The Big Lebowski, where “The Dude” seeks justice for his ruined rug.
San Diego EarthFest at Balboa Park (April 19) - Celebrate Earth Day at San Diego EarthFest on the lawn at Park Boulevard and Presidents Way in Balboa Park, featuring over 100 eco-friendly vendors, live music, speakers, yoga classes, and kid-friendly activities.
Chicano Park Day (April 19) - This free event in Barrio Logan celebrates San Diego’s Latino heritage with traditional music, dance, a lowrider car show, vendor booths, and kids’ arts workshops.
Tito Double P at Frontwave Arena (April 19) - Rising Latin music star Tito Double P performs at Frontwave Arena in Oceanside, bringing his energetic corridos to North County fans at 8pm.
Taste of La Mesa Village (April 24) - Stroll La Mesa Boulevard for the inaugural Taste of La Mesa Village, a downtown food tour showcasing local cafés, bars, and eateries, highlighting neighborhood culture and flavors.
Chicano Park Day (April 19) - This free event in Barrio Logan celebrates San Diego’s Latino heritage with traditional music, dance, a lowrider car show, vendor booths, and kids’ arts workshops.
Tito Double P at Frontwave Arena (April 19) - Rising Latin music star Tito Double P performs at Frontwave Arena in Oceanside, bringing his energetic corridos to North County fans at 8pm.
Taste of La Mesa Village (April 24) - Stroll La Mesa Boulevard for the inaugural Taste of La Mesa Village, a downtown food tour showcasing local cafés, bars, and eateries, highlighting neighborhood culture and flavors.
Albert Lee at Museum of Making Music (April 24) - Legendary guitarist Albert Lee performs at the Museum of Making Music in Carlsbad, delivering a night of country and rock at 7pm.
Art Alive Fundraiser at the San Diego Museum of Art (April 24-27) - Florists reinterpret the San Diego Museum of Art’s works with plants at Art Alive, kicking off with the Bloom Bash gala featuring local eats and live performances.
Without Walls Festival at La Jolla Playhouse (April 24-27) - La Jolla Playhouse hosts the Without Walls (WOW) Festival, featuring four days of site-based, immersive theatre, dance, and music by local, national, and international artists across the UCSD campus.
Without Walls Festival at La Jolla Playhouse (April 24-27) - La Jolla Playhouse hosts the Without Walls (WOW) Festival, featuring four days of site-based, immersive theatre, dance, and music by local, national, and international artists across the UCSD campus.
La Jolla Concours d’Elegance Car Show (April 25-27) - Car enthusiasts can marvel at over 150 classic automobiles at the La Jolla Concours d’Elegance, featuring a VIP soirée, Porsches and hypercars on Prospect Street, and a stunning display along La Jolla Cove. Prom code SDVILLE save 10% on all tickets.
Dining Out for Life San Diego (April 25) - Support The Center’s health programs at the 19th annual Dining Out for Life, where San Diego restaurants and bars donate 25% or more of sales from breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks.
Grossmont Symphony Orchestra & Master Chorale (April 25) - Enjoy a classical performance by the Grossmont Symphony Orchestra & Master Chorale at Grossmont College, showcasing local talent at 7:30pm.
Art Scene West Film Festival at Seaport Village (April 25-26) - Independent filmmakers showcase short films at the inaugural Art Scene West Film Festival in Seaport Village, with proceeds supporting equitable education programs through ArtReach.
Lakeside Rodeo (April 25-27) - The Premier Rodeo of Southern California returns to Lakeside for a weekend of thrilling competitions and family-friendly entertainment.
Adams Avenue Unplugged (April 26) - This free musical walkabout spans a two-mile stretch of Adams Avenue from University Heights to Kensington, featuring 150+ performances in restaurants, bars, and galleries.
Because You’re Mine: The Music of June Carter and Johnny Cash at Sunshine Brooks Theater (April 27) - Celebrate country music’s iconic couple with Because You’re Mine, a tribute to June Carter and Johnny Cash at Sunshine Brooks Theater in Oceanside.
What a packed month! If there are any events we’re missing and should add to this list, please send us an email to [email protected].
Because You’re Mine: The Music of June Carter and Johnny Cash at Sunshine Brooks Theater (April 27) - Celebrate country music’s iconic couple with Because You’re Mine, a tribute to June Carter and Johnny Cash at Sunshine Brooks Theater in Oceanside.
What a packed month! If there are any events we’re missing and should add to this list, please send us an email to [email protected].
