Love is in the air! Happy February! As if this year isn’t already zipping by we have some great suggestions on things to do around our beautiful city. It’s museum month! Free pass across 40 locations throughout San Diego County. A great way to get out and appreciate the culture here in our hometown. There’s also fun events, runs & walk and several of our favorite local wineries are hosting Valentine’s Day inspired tastings with chocolate pairings and good times. Be sure to check it all out! Enjoy the love…
Museum Month Feb. 1-29
The San Diego Museum Month pass is free; one pass can be used at several museums throughout the month of February. Receive a San Diego Museum Month pass when you book a stay in February at one of Hilton’s 40 participating locations throughout San Diego County. The Museum Month discount pass can be picked up at over 75 library locations in the San Diego area.
619-276-0101 / www.sandiegomuseumcouncil.org
Brewbies Beer Festival Feb. 8
Enjoy an array of outstanding, interesting, unique and (our favorite) signature PINK beers from over 40 of the best breweries around! As always we donate 100% of the proceeds from Brewbies to the Keep A Breast Foundation to help support their mission of empowering young people around the world with breast health education and support!
12-5pm / Bagby Beer Company, Oceanside
www.brewbies.org
Cabrillo Sunrise 5K Fun Run & Walk Feb. 8
Spectacular ocean views in a unique setting at an hour of the day when the park is normally closed. Plus, your participation helps with the park’s many programs, including science education for underprivileged children.
6:30-8:30am / Cabrillo National Monument, Point Loma
619-222-4747 / www.cnmf.org
Mermaid Half Marathon San Diego Feb. 8
The course features beautiful Bay views and the majority of the course takes place on closed roads. The flat course is ideal for both runners and walkers. Mermaids receive a stylish race shirt, finisher medal and necklace! 10K, Half, 5K, Mermaid Dash (Ages 9-12) and Mermaid Dash (Ages 6-8).
7-11am / South Shores Park, Mission Bay
www.mermaidseries.com
Chinese New Year Fair Feb. 8-9
We will have traditional and cultural entertainment all day long on both days, LION DANCES, kung fu, traditional instruments, classic Chinese dances, and so much more! We will also be featuring a very special Chinese Acrobatic performance on both days, so don’t miss out!
San Diego Chinese Historical Society and Museum: 404 3rd Ave
619-338-9888 / www.sdcny.org
2020 Cardiff Kook Run Feb. 9
The course starts under the world famous “Encinitas” sign on historic HWY 101 in beautiful Encinitas, California. This scenic loop passes by the famous “Cardiff Kook” statue (The Magic Carpet Ride), rises above some of the most popular surf breaks in the world and heads down to Cardiff State Beach. Prizes will be awarded to the top three costume participants who best display the spirit of the annual Cardiff Kook.
7am-12pm / 505 S Coast Highway 101, Encinitas
www.cardiffkookrun.com
San Diego Theatre Week Feb. 13-23
More than 30 San Diego performing arts organizations have come together to collaborate on and promote the fourth annual San Diego Theatre Week, a celebration of performing arts that will serve to promote the vast array of performing arts in the city. Most theatres will be performing during the special week, but even organizations without events that week will have special offers whether for present or future performances.
858-381-5595 / www.sandiegotheatreweek.com
Valentine’s Events in North County
Hungry Hawk Vineyards Feb. 14 Local San Pasqual Valley winery in Escondido is hosting a Valentine’s Chocolate & Wine Pairing. Music & bites. Tickets are only $65. Featuring D’liteful Chocolat, Hungry Hawk Vineyards will be hosting an intimate event of chocolate making Friday, February 14th at 6:30pm. HungryHawkVineyards.com
Vesper Vineyards Escondido Feb 14-17 Urban winery in Southwest Escondido is hosting a couple Valentine’s inspired events. The first through February 16th, make and take Valentine’s crafts for your loved ones. No cost and great activities for the kiddos while Mom & Dad enjoy a glass of wine or tasting. Speaking of tasting, Vesper & Stehleon Vineyards are hosting wine & chocolate pairing for only $25 which comes with a tasting of 6 wines and 5 chocolates. A perfect delight for a weekend of love. More info at: SansV.com
BK Cellars Urban Winery and Tasting Lounge & Le Fleur Winery are collaborating for a jam packed Valentine’s event on Valentine’s Day Friday 2/14. Join these urban wineries on the North County Inland Wine trail for this fun-filled, romantic evening of wine, chocolate, roses, and appetizers at La Fleur’s Urban Winery and BK Cellars Urban Winery along the “North County Inland Wine Trail” on Friday, February 14th from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. Each ticket entitles the ticket holder to five tastes of wine, a chocolate pairing, light appetizers, and a rose from each winery (La Fleur’s and BK Cellars). That’s a total of 10 tastes of wine! We suggest spending approximately 75-90 minutes at each winery, so plan your time accordingly. No tickets will be sold at the door. Be sure to buy today! Price:$30/person or get a discount at $55/couple, includes taxes and fees. Get tickets online at www.lafleurswinery.com until February 13th. No tickets sold at the door. Visit: Wine, Chocolate & Roses event page for tickets and more details.
5K Paw Walk in the Garden Feb. 15
San Diego Botanic Garden is partnering with Rancho Coastal Humane Society once again for our 8th Annual 5K Paw Walk in the Garden. Both organizations benefit from this great event. Dogs and their human friends follow a scenic route through the 37 acre garden. There will be pet products, food (for people), treats (for dogs), lots of great information for dog lovers, and (of course) dogs and puppies.
8am-12pm / San Diego Botanic Garden, Encinitas
760-436-3036 / www.sdbgarden.org
Brick Fest Live LEGO Fan Experience Feb. 15-16
Filled with hands-on attractions and activities engineered to inspire, educate, and entertain. Neon City and Glow Gallery: See LEGO® art shine under black-light and add your custom creations to the mix! Brick Fest Speedway: Build, race and win! Watch your custom-built LEGO® derby car zoom on 35-foot long timed-tracks!
9am-5pm / Del Mar Fairgrounds www.brickfestlive.com
California’s American Indian & Indigenous Film Festival Feb. 20-22
The CAIIFF will highlight the best of current films from American Indian filmmakers, producers, directors, and actors working through Indian Country. The festival offers an event that promises not only exclusive viewings, but includes three days of interactive dialogues with film industry professionals, selected panel discussions and opportunity for Q&A sessions after each screening.
CSU San Marcos & Pechanga Resort & Casino
760-750-3535 / www.caiiff.com
San Diego Mardi Gras Celebration Feb. 21-22 & 25
Indulge in an evening of Mardi Gras festivities including DJ, live music, themed parties, decadent drink specials, extended Happy Hour and more perks! Dress Festive in Mardi Gras colors (purple, gold and green). Put on your comfy dancing shoes!
6pm-2am / Gaslamp Quarter
619-944-8900 / www.gaslampmardigras.com
San Diego Beer Chase Feb. 22
A one-day six-person running relay of approximately 50 miles, consisting of 12 legs of varying distance—to sunny SoCal to celebrate the amazing craft beers of San Diego County! Teams will start in San Marcos and meet the Pacific Ocean in Carlsbad to enjoy beautiful oceanfront running through the coastal towns of Solana Beach, Del Mar, La Jolla, Pacific Beach, and Mission Bay to finish in San Diego. Run with your friends and enjoy some sun & sand, while sampling San Diego’s best breweries!
Mason Ale Works, San Marcos
www.cascaderelays.com/beer-chases/san-diego-beer-chase
Hillcrest Mardi Gras Feb. 25
Hillcrest will be tossing out the beads, and doubloons while the food and drinks are flowing throughout the entire neighborhood–in true New Orleans Mardi Gras style! Your ticket allows you exclusive access to hop on/off any party bus and enjoy no cover, and priority admission to the neighborhood’s best bars, clubs, and venues where you will enjoy exclusive drink specials, beads, offers, samples and more!
7-11pm / University Ave & Third Ave, San Diego
619-299-3330 / www.fabuloushillcrest.com
San Diego Bird Festival Feb. 26-Mar. 1
We’re celebrating the birds and habitats of our county, which truly offer some of the best birding in the United States. We hope you will join us for the celebration, and we’ll give you plenty of opportunities to “look up” and see the birds of San Diego. Know that your experience is giving something back to the birds: the proceeds of this festival support the education, conservation, and sanctuary programs of San Diego Audubon Society.
Marina Village Conference Center: 1936 Quivira Way
858-273-7800 / www.sandiegoaudubon.org
KuumbaFest Feb. 28-Mar. 1
KuumbaFest is San Diego’s longest running and premier celebration of African-American expression, culture, and heritage. The three-day festival that includes traditional African art and pageantry, drama, educational workshops, community leadership awards, an African marketplace, a health fair, Hip Hop Showcase, tribute to the famed Apollo Theatre “Live at the Lyceum,” a Gospel Concert, and powerful guest speakers and artists.
San Diego Repertory Theatre: 79 Horton Plaza
619-544-1000 / www.sdrep.org
Mission Valley Craft Beer & Food Festival Feb. 29
That’s right, FOOD. You don’t pay for food at MVCBF. As 2020 will be our 10th Anniversary we wanted to do something special. So we joined forces with San Diego Bacon Fest to celebrate bacon and all things craft.
1:20-5pm / SDCCU Stadium www.mvcbf.com
Sycamore Canyon Trail Races Feb. 29
The Sycamore Canyon Trail Races are run on a loop course in the beautiful Goodan Ranch Sycamore Canyon Preserve just east of San Diego. Registration Requirements: 100k Solo runners must have completed at least one 50k+ race.
4:30-10:30pm / Goodan Ranch Sycamore Canyon Preserve, Lakeside
http://dirtyfeet.us/trailraces/sycamore
Wine, Chocolate and a Good Book Feb. 29
Enjoy the sunset at a beautiful home on the beach in Oceanside while you sip wine, sample chocolate, mingle with friends, and meet Hudu Al-Marashi, author of First Comes Marriage. In addition to the sipping and sampling, there’ll also be the opportunity to bid in a variety of silent auction items including two vacation trip.
4-6:40pm / Location with ticket purchase
760-435-5564 / http://wcgb2020.eventbrite.com
TinyFest California Feb. 29-Mar. 1
Tour tiny houses, van conversions, skoolies and more! Enjoy speakers, workshops, Simple Living Marketplace, food and live music.
Sat 10am-6pm, Sim 10am-5pm / Del Mar Fairgrounds
