It's basically a national holiday in San Diego. The Padres are back, the Crew Classic is on the water, and there are more events packed into this weekend than most cities see in a month. Whether you're chasing happy hour deals before the game or looking for live music after, here's your complete itinerary for March 27–29.
The Main Event: Padres Opening Day
The San Diego Padres take on the Detroit Tigers in a three-game opening series at Petco Park. This marks the first time the Padres open a season with an interleague matchup — and it's a nod to the 1984 World Series.
- Thursday, March 27: First pitch at 1:10 PM. Gates open at 11:00 AM. Nick Pivetta takes the mound for SD against Detroit's Tarik Skubal.
- Friday, March 28: Game time 6:40 PM. Be one of the first 40,000 fans to snag the Opening Series Scarf giveaway.
- Saturday, March 29: Game time 5:40 PM.
New this season: expanded big screens, fresh food options, and the stadium's first cocktail lounge — the Diamond Room. The Padres will also wear a No. 35 patch honoring the late Randy Jones. Hitting Petco early? Check out our guide to the best happy hours in the East Village and Gaslamp for pre-game spots. Full Opening Day guide via Axios.
All Weekend Long
53rd Annual San Diego Crew Classic
The premier spring rowing regatta in the country returns to Crown Point Shores on Mission Bay for its 53rd year. Over 4,000 athletes will compete in 140 races across collegiate, masters, youth, and para categories.
- Friday: 2:30–5:00 PM (gates at 2:00 PM) — featuring brand-new Beach Sprints for the first time.
- Saturday & Sunday: 7:00 AM–4:00 PM (gates at 6:00 AM).
- Admission: Free on Friday. Saturday/Sunday tickets available at crewclassic.org. Free for kids under 12, active military, and students with ID.
- Parking: Free at Ski Beach with a shuttle.
Don't miss Vendor Row, Alumni Row, and the Coronado Brewing outdoor beer garden. Spectator info here.
Friday, March 27
Sesame Place 4th Birthday Celebration
Sesame Place San Diego kicks off its spring season and celebrates turning four. Free birthday treats and Sesame Street headbands from 10–11 AM (while supplies last), plus character meet-and-greets in party attire, birthday storytime at Big Bird's Nest, and a dance party. Located at 2052 Entertainment Circle in Chula Vista.
The Maine at The Observatory North Park
Catch "I Love You But... I Chose The Maine" at The Observatory North Park. Doors at 5:30 PM. The beautifully restored 1929 concert hall holds 1,100 and sits right on University Ave in the heart of North Park. Grab a drink on 30th Street before or after — North Park has some of the best rooftop happy hours in the city. Tickets on Ticketmaster.
Pitch a Friend at the Carlsbad Flower Fields
Head to the Barn at The Flower Fields (5704 Paseo Del Norte, Carlsbad) at 6:30 PM for Pitch a Friend — a singles event where friends pitch their single friends to the crowd via fun 3–5 minute slide presentations. Your ticket includes event entrance, one free beer or wine, and access to explore 50 acres of ranunculus blooms. Open to singles, pitchers, supporters, and the curious. Details & tickets.
Koi Pond Market
Browse local vendors at the San Diego Maid Factory from noon to 6:00 PM. A curated marketplace spotlighting local artisans and makers.
Sunset Pilates & Sound Bath
Unwind at La Jolla Shores at 6:00 PM with beachside pilates followed by a calming sound bath as the sun sets over the Pacific.
Glow Ball Tournament
Tee off after dark at The Loma Club (2960 Truxtun Rd, Liberty Station). Check-in at 6:30 PM, shotgun start at 7:30 PM. Nine holes of glow-in-the-dark golf on a real Par 3 course — not mini golf. Includes a welcome beer and unlimited beer tastings on the course. 21+. Details at The Loma Club.
San Diego Clippers vs. Stockton Kings
The San Diego Clippers host the Stockton Kings at Frontwave Arena in Oceanside. Friday at 7:30 PM, Saturday at 7:00 PM. Tickets start around $30. Get tickets on AXS.
Saturday, March 28
IRONMAN 70.3 Oceanside
One of the biggest triathlon events on the West Coast takes over Oceanside starting at 6:40 AM. The course features a 1.2-mile ocean swim, 56-mile bike through Camp Pendleton, and 13.1-mile run finishing near the Junior Seau Pier Amphitheater. This year's pro field includes world champions Kristian Blummenfelt, Gustav Iden, Taylor Knibb, and defending champ Paula Findlay. Spectating is free along the entire course. Event details at Visit Oceanside.
Coast to Crest 10K & 5K Trail Race
The 11th annual Coast to Crest starts at 8:00 AM in Del Mar. Dubbed "The Flat and the Furious," this sprint-style race runs on 100% groomed dirt trail with spectacular lagoon views and a downhill finish. Start location: San Andreas Staging Lot, 2801 Via De La Valle. Register at ERS Events.
San Diego Wave FC vs. Chicago Stars FC
The San Diego Wave host Chicago Stars at Snapdragon Stadium at 5:45 PM. It's the club's 100th regular-season match, and they're riding a two-game win streak. The match airs live on ION. Tickets on Ticketmaster.
14th Annual Opening Weekend Block Party
The East Village Block Party takes over J Street from 6th to 10th Avenue — right outside Petco Park — from 11:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Free and all-ages with a classic car show, three stages of live music, artisan vendors, street eats, fitness demos, a Wiffle Ball Derby, and a Margaritaville Activation Zone.
Beach Bunny Kite Festival
A free spring festival at Seaport Village from 1:00 to 4:00 PM. Bunny photos, live music in multiple courtyards, kite flying along the Embarcadero, plus free crafts and activities for kids. No tickets needed.
Bunny Blossom Bash
Spring festivities at Rancho San Diego Town Center from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Bring the kids for seasonal activities and community fun.
Kobey's Vintage Alley
San Diego's largest vintage sneaker and clothing swap meet, held the last Saturday of every month. Open 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM in the Pechanga Arena parking lot (3500 Sports Arena Blvd). Dig through racks of curated vintage clothing, sneakers, accessories, and one-of-a-kind finds.
Lakeside Monster Truck Wars
Big trucks, big noise, big fun at Barona Speedway in Lakeside (1754 Wildcat Canyon Rd). Two shows: matinee at noon and evening at 6:00 PM. Featuring Shark Attack, T-Rex, Outlaw, and the tour debut of Locomotive — plus quad races and power wheel competitions for kids ages 3–9. Adults $20, kids 7–17 $10, 6 & under free. Gates open 2 hours before each show with Pit Party access.
Love Isn't Blind
A comedy dating show where the men can't speak. Saturday at 6:30 PM at the Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter (401 K Street). Men compete on stage for a bachelorette through games — including calling the guys' moms and unlocking their phones live on stage. Pre-show happy hour at Wild Hare Bar Garden.
Cowgals & Cowbois R&B Block Party
R&B meets country vibes at Quartyard from 5:00 to 10:00 PM. 90s, early 2000s, and today's R&B hits with a cowboy/cowgirl dress code. 21+. Tickets online only.
Seadays Market
Browse local goods at Moniker General (2860 Sims Rd, Liberty Station) from 5:00 to 9:00 PM. A curated evening market with food, drinks, and local makers.
Floating Sound Bath
A one-hour floating sound bath in the Lanai Pool at the Sheraton San Diego Resort (1380 Harbor Island Dr) at sunset, overlooking the San Diego Marina. Crystal bowls, chimes, and gongs resonate over the water. Limited capacity — advance registration required.
R&B Lovers Tour — CANCELED
Heads up: The R&B Lovers Tour (featuring Keith Sweat, Joe, Dru Hill, and Ginuwine) at Pechanga Arena has been canceled. Check with your ticket provider for refund info.
Live Music & Nightlife
Looking for a pre-show drink deal? Check out our guide to the best live music + happy hour combos in San Diego.
- Creature Canyon at The Casbah — Doors 7:30 PM, show 8:30 PM. San Diego's own indie/psych-rock favorites with SEGO and Community Pool. $20–$25. 21+. Tickets.
- Boots 'N Beats Country EDM at Music Box (1337 India St) — 9:00 PM. Opens with a 30-minute live country set, then DJ mash-ups all night. Tickets $17–$35.
- Time Machine: 90s & 2000s Dance Party at Nova SD (454 Sixth Ave) — 10:00 PM. Free. 21+.
- Flashback: 2010s EDM Tribute at Bloom Nightclub (919 Fourth Ave) — 10:00 PM. This is Bloom's final night — the club is permanently closing. Free with RSVP. A farewell to a Gaslamp institution.
Sunday, March 29
San Diego Sockers vs. Kansas City Comets
It's Fan Appreciation Night — the final home match of the regular season for the Sockers. Kick-off at 3:00 PM at Frontwave Arena in Oceanside. Get tickets.
Clint Black: Back on the Blacktop Tour
Country legend Clint Black performs at the Events Center at Harrah's Resort SoCal at 8:00 PM. Tickets start at $39 via Ticketmaster. Must be 18+.
Sip & Style at Pure Project North Park
A sustainable circular fashion pop-up by Positive Phee at Pure Project in North Park from 1:00 to 4:00 PM. Pay a flat fee per bag, fill it with curated pre-loved fashion items. Your ticket includes a drink token for a Pure Project beer or wine. Dog-friendly, all ages.
Wasted Heart Free Market
A donation-based free community pop-up store at The Temple in Ocean Beach from noon to 5:00 PM. Take what you need, leave what you can. Community at its best.
Maker's Market at CinKuni
Local artisans and crafters set up shop at CinKuni from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Browse handmade goods while supporting small businesses.
Puppies & Pilates
Exactly what it sounds like. Pilates surrounded by adoptable puppies at Pure Pawsh at 10:00 AM, supporting the San Diego Humane Society. Good for your core, great for your soul.
Dog Glow Pack Walk
Light up the evening with your four-legged friend. The Dog Glow Pack Walk starts at Superbloom (2688 E Mission Bay Dr) at 6:30 PM. A 1–2 mile walk lasting 45–60 minutes. Bring your own glow gear or grab a Light Up Pups glow collar ($25) or leash ($35) on site.
San Diego Weekend Events FAQ
What time is the Padres Opening Day game on March 27?
First pitch is at 1:10 PM at Petco Park. Gates open at 11:00 AM. The Padres host the Detroit Tigers for a three-game series running Thursday through Saturday.
Is the San Diego Crew Classic free to attend?
Friday general admission is free. Saturday and Sunday require tickets, available at crewclassic.org. Kids under 12, active-duty military with ID, and students with ID get in free all weekend.
Where is IRONMAN 70.3 Oceanside and can I watch for free?
The race starts at Oceanside Harbor at 6:40 AM on Saturday. Spectating is completely free along the entire 70.3-mile course and at the finish line near the Junior Seau Pier Amphitheater.
What free events are happening in San Diego this weekend?
Several free events this weekend: Friday admission at the Crew Classic, the Beach Bunny Kite Festival at Seaport Village (Saturday 1–4 PM), the 14th Annual East Village Block Party (Saturday 11 AM–4:30 PM), the Time Machine 90s & 2000s Dance Party at Nova SD (Saturday night), Bloom Nightclub's farewell party with RSVP (Saturday), and the Wasted Heart Free Market at The Temple in OB (Sunday noon–5 PM).
What San Diego sports events are happening this weekend?
It's a packed sports weekend: Padres vs. Tigers at Petco Park (Thu–Sat), Clippers vs. Stockton Kings at Frontwave Arena (Fri 7:30 PM, Sat 7 PM), Wave FC vs. Chicago Stars at Snapdragon Stadium (Sat 5:45 PM), IRONMAN 70.3 Oceanside (Sat 6:40 AM), Coast to Crest 10K/5K in Del Mar (Sat 8 AM), and Sockers vs. Kansas City Comets at Frontwave Arena (Sun 3 PM).
Make the Most of Your Weekend
With this many events spread across the county, the trick is picking your lane. Here are a few suggested combos:
- The Sports Fan: Padres game → East Village Block Party → Wave FC at Snapdragon.
- The Outdoors Lover: Coast to Crest trail race in the morning → Crew Classic at Crown Point → Sunset Pilates at La Jolla Shores.
- The Market Hopper: Kobey's Vintage Alley → Seadays Market at Moniker General → Maker's Market at CinKuni on Sunday.
- The Night Owl: Creature Canyon at The Casbah → Boots & Beats at Music Box → EDM Tribute at Bloom.
- The Dog Parent: Puppies & Pilates on Sunday morning → Dog Glow Pack Walk Sunday evening.
Whatever you get into this weekend, San Diego's got you covered. Happy Opening Day.