San Diego doesn’t do quiet weekends — and Easter weekend 2026 is proof. We counted 25+ events across every corner of the county, from a literal drone light show in Chula Vista to a craft beer festival taking over El Cajon Boulevard. Whether you’re hunting for happy hour deals before a Friday night market or mapping out your Easter Sunday brunch crawl, this is your complete guide to April 3–5.
Friday, April 3
Drone Art Show
This is the headliner. Hundreds of synchronized drones paint massive light sculptures across the sky at the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center. Shows start at 6:00 PM on both Friday and Saturday. If you haven’t seen one of these in person, it’s genuinely jaw-dropping — think fireworks meets digital art. Get there early for parking and grab food from the on-site vendors.
Brooke & Connor Make a Podcast — Live
The wildly popular podcast hits the stage at the Balboa Theater downtown at 7:00 PM. The historic 1924 theater on Fourth Avenue is a gorgeous venue for a live show, and downtown has plenty of pre-show happy hours within walking distance.
San Diego Gulls vs. Bakersfield Condors
Hockey night at Pechanga Arena. Puck drops at 7:00 PM. The Gulls are pushing for a playoff spot, so the energy should be electric. Bonus: Pechanga Arena is in the Midway District, which means you’re a short ride from Pacific Beach or Point Loma for post-game drinks.
Sublime & No Doubt Tribute Night at Belly Up
Two of SoCal’s most iconic bands, one night, tribute-style at the legendary Belly Up Tavern in Solana Beach. If you’ve never been to Belly Up, it’s one of the best live music venues in the county — intimate, great sound, and the drinks are reasonably priced. Show starts Friday night.
Led Zeppelin Tribute at The Magnolia
More live music Friday at 7:00 PM — The Magnolia hosts a Led Zeppelin tribute. Located in the heart of the Gaslamp, it’s an easy add to any downtown Friday night. Check out nearby rooftop happy hours before the show.
Friday Night Markets
Friday is absolutely stacked with markets this week. Take your pick — or hit more than one:
- Sustainable Night Market at AleSmith Brewing — 5:00 to 9:00 PM. Eco-friendly vendors plus great beer in Miramar. AleSmith’s tasting room is worth the visit on its own.
- Velvet Underground Market at Banshee Bar — 5:00 to 10:00 PM. Curated vintage, art, and handmade goods with a bar attached. Yes, you can shop with a cocktail in hand.
- Figure 8 Market on Adams Avenue — 5:00 to 10:00 PM. Over 50 vendors and a live DJ in Normal Heights. This is one of the best recurring markets in SD.
- Good Friday Daygo Night Market — 7:00 to 11:00 PM in National City. A vibrant night market celebrating local culture, food, and community.
Justin Bieber Night at PB Alehouse
Look, we don’t judge. PB Alehouse hosts a Bieber-themed night starting at 9:00 PM. It’s Pacific Beach on a Friday — things are going to get rowdy regardless. PB Alehouse is right on Garnet Avenue with solid beer prices and a rooftop patio.
Saturday, April 4
LSKD 3-Year Anniversary
The popular activewear brand celebrates three years with a warehouse sale starting at 10:00 AM and a run club meetup at 8:30 AM in Pacific Beach. If you’re an early riser, knock out the run, grab coffee, and hit the sale before the crowds.
Fuego House Pop-Up at The Yard
Saturday morning vibes at The Yard in Pacific Beach from 7:00 to 10:00 AM. Fuego House brings their popular pop-up shop — great for picking up unique pieces while the rest of PB is still asleep.
Spring Harp Fest
A surprisingly beautiful event at Harry Griffin Park from 11:00 AM to 6:30 PM. Live harp performances in a park setting — it’s peaceful, it’s free-spirited, and it’s very San Diego.
Day at the Park
A multicultural celebration at Pepper Park in National City from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Live music, cultural performances, food, and community vibes. Family-friendly and free.
Wags & Wines Foray
Dogs and wine — does it get more San Diego? Hosted by Real Dog Box on Saturday from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Bring your pup, sip some wine, and pretend you planned something productive for the afternoon.
North Park Festival of Beers
The big one for beer lovers. Saturday at 1:00 PM on El Cajon Boulevard, right in front of the Lafayette Hotel. Dozens of craft breweries, food trucks, and live music in the heart of North Park. This neighborhood is already home to some of the best happy hours in San Diego, so you can easily extend the day into an evening bar crawl on 30th Street or University Avenue.
Desperado Bagel Pop-Up at Pali Wine
Carbs meet wine in Little Italy. Desperado Bagels pops up at Pali Wine on Saturday from noon until sold out. Little Italy on a Saturday is already buzzing — add fresh bagels and natural wine and you’ve got yourself a perfect afternoon.
San Diego Legion at Torero Stadium
Rugby fans, the San Diego Legion play at Torero Stadium at 4:00 PM. The stadium sits on the University of San Diego campus in Linda Vista, with views of Mission Bay. Underrated live sports experience.
Saturday Night Out
- Salsa & Bachata at The Julep Venue — 6:00 to 10:00 PM. Dance the night away whether you’re a pro or a complete beginner.
- Noise Complaints 2-Year Anniversary at Soap Bar — 6:00 to 10:00 PM. Celebrating two years of the party series.
- Free Flow Collective: Sips, Slow Jams & Connection — 7:00 PM at Easy Does It. A chill, community-driven night with good music and good people.
Drone Art Show (Night 2)
Missed Friday’s show? The drones are back at the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center at 6:00 PM Saturday. Same spectacle, second chance.
Sunday, April 5 — Easter
Easter Brunch at The Lot
The Lot is hosting Easter brunch at all of their San Diego locations this Sunday. If you haven’t been, The Lot combines a boutique movie theater with a full restaurant and bar — so you can follow your mimosas with a matinee. Locations in Liberty Station, La Jolla, and beyond.
Makers Arcade Spring Fair
Running both Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5:00 PM, the Makers Arcade Spring Fair is a curated marketplace of local artisans, designers, and makers. Great for last-minute Easter gifts or just browsing with a coffee in hand.
Low Tide Market at Kitchens for Good
A Sunday market at Kitchens for Good from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Local vendors, handmade goods, and food — with the added feel-good factor that Kitchens for Good is a nonprofit culinary training program. Shopping with purpose.
San Diego Mojo vs. Dallas Pulse
The San Diego Mojo (pro volleyball) take on the Dallas Pulse at Viejas Arena at 5:00 PM. Sunday evening sports are an underrated move — close out Easter weekend with live volleyball and the energy of a college-arena crowd.
How to Plan Your Weekend
With this many events, the trick is picking a lane. Here are a few combos that work:
- The Night Market Crawl (Friday): Figure 8 Market at 5 PM → Daygo Night Market at 7 PM → PB Alehouse at 9 PM.
- The Beer Day (Saturday): LSKD run club at 8:30 AM → Desperado Bagels at noon → North Park Festival of Beers at 1 PM → 30th Street bar crawl.
- The Culture Lover: Drone Art Show Friday at 6 PM → Spring Harp Fest Saturday → Makers Arcade Sunday.
- The Sports Fan: Gulls game Friday night → SD Legion Saturday afternoon → SD Mojo Sunday evening.
- The Chill Easter: Brunch at The Lot → Low Tide Market → Mojo game at 5 PM.
Whatever you get into this Easter weekend, San Diego’s delivering. Happy Easter, SD.