Spring is (almost) here and Balboa Park has lots of ways to get into the swing of spring. From blooming blossoms to the music of mariachis to some scientific myth busting, there’s no shortage of things to do in the park this March.
You Don’t Want to Myth This
MythBusters: The Explosive Exhibition
When: Thru September 3, 2018
Where: The Fleet Science Center – 1875 El Prado Balboa Park, San Diego, CA 92101
No fake news here. MythBusters: The Explosive Exhibition is all about uncovering the truth with a combination of science and silliness. Ever wondered if you’ll get less wet running or walking through rain? Or how about does toast always land butter-side down? The exhibit, inspired by the Discovery Channel’s MythBuster series, is all about getting the real answer through fun, hands-on experiences and live demonstrations.
Get a Bit Fit in Balboa Park
When: March 7, 2018
Where: Bea Evenson Fountain (outside The San Diego Natural History Museum)
Get your steps in and your sweat on with this free exercise class that transforms Balboa Park into your own personal gym. Led by Fitbit Local Ambassadors Sherry Matthews Kimmel and Mike Sherbakov, this class, which runs from 6:15 to 8:00 AM, explores all the park has to offer with a mix of stretching, strength and cardio. (Warning: There will be burpees. Lots and lots of burpees.) All levels are welcome and owning a Fitbit is not required but there is a chance to win one.
Cherry On
13th Annual Cherry Blossom Festival
When: March 9-11, 2018
Where: Japanese Friendship Garden – 2215 Pan American Way E, San Diego, CA 92101
Welcome in spring at the Japanese Friendship Garden’s 13th Annual Cherry Blossom Festival. This three-day festival allows visitors to enjoy the delicate and fleeting beauty of cherry blossoms along with the opportunity to shop unique vendors, indulge in Japanese food, beer, sake, and teas, and enjoy cultural performances by local community groups. Tickets are available online prior to the event or at the event. The Cherry Blossom Festival runs from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM each day.
Speed Thrills
When: Thru 2018
Where: San Diego Air & Space Museum – 2001 Pan American Plaza, San Diego, CA 92101
Do you have a need for all things that have to do with speed? Then quick, get over to the Air & Space Museum for its new exhibit featuring some of the most iconic land-speed record holders. The focus of the exhibit changes every month from jets to rockets to cars to motorcycles, and the theme for March is drag racing. The exhibition also features hands-on exhibits and displays designed to replicate a Formula 1 track, so visitors can see if they have what it takes to race at 125 miles per hour.
After Dark Arts
When: March 16, 2018
Where: San Diego Museum of Art – 1450 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
Experience the San Diego Museum’s special exhibitions and its 20 galleries for only $5 from 5:00 to 8:00 PM all while live music plays at Panama 66 in May S. Marcy Sculpture Garden. Make sure to stop by Panama 66 after enjoying the art to try one of the many local indie craft beers it serves, including Societe’s Pupil IPA or Benchmark’s Blonde Ale.
Pet (Art) Project
When: March 25, 2018
Where: San Diego Museum of Man – 1350 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
Picture this. A painting of your pet – whether it be your pup or pussy cat or parrot. It’s possible. Just head over to the Museum of Man to paint your own one-of-a-kind portrait of your pet with the assistance of local artist Paul Naylor. All you need to do bring is a photo of your pet as all the art supplies will be provided. The event is free with general admission and is part of the Museum of Man’s “Living with Animals” exhibit that looks at the surprising, unique and inspiring ways we live with animals.
Mariachis in March
When: March 31, 2018
Where: The Old Globe
Soak in the sights and sounds of Mariachi Reyna, an internationally acclaimed all-female mariachi band from Los Angeles. This free concert, which runs from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM in the Copley Plaza, is in partnership with the Mariachi Women’s Festival and AXIS, The Old Globe’s arts engagement program. The concert is a great way to get into the mood for the world premiere of American Mariachi, a comedy about the trials and tribulations of starting an all-girl mariachi band in the 1970s, which starts March 23 and runs through April 29 on the Donald and Darlene Shiley in The Old Globe Conrad Prebys Theatre Center.