Get ready for a mashup across San Diego County this weekend, where Beethoven meets Beyoncé and touchdowns meet tule boats. Whether you’re cheering for Bad Bunny’s halftime show or kicking it with Antarctic experts, it’s going to be super.
“Chill” with scientists from Scripps Institution of Oceanography conducting research in and about Antarctica at a pop-up science event from 1-3 p.m. Friday at Birch Aquarium in La Jolla. Enjoy free hot chocolate surrounded by science and scenes from Antarctica while you learn about polar research. The event is included with admission for members and guests.
The Beyhive goes classical with Steve Hackman’s Beethoven and Beyoncé at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Jacobs Music Center. The mashup blends Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 with 15 Beyoncé hits, including “Crazy in Love,” “Single Ladies”, “Cuff It” and “Texas Hold ’Em.” Conducted by Hackman and performed with the San Diego Symphony Orchestra, the production features vocalists and a live band, culminating in an emotional peak that fuses Beyoncé’s “Halo” with the symphony’s iconic second movement. Tickets start at $61.
Sing your heart out at Broadway Rave, a Broadway dance party taking over the Voodoo Room at the House of Blues Friday. Belt out your favorite showtunes, hit the dance floor with fellow musical theater fans and show up dressed as your favorite character, with the possibility of surprise appearances by Broadway stars. Doors open at 9 p.m. and tickets are $30.
It’s closing weekend for the world premiere of Louisa Gillis by Joanna McClelland Glass, directed by David Ellenstein, at North Coast Repertory Theatre in Solana Beach. The gripping drama begins with a haunting incident from 40 years ago and unfolds into a tense psychological thriller about family, betrayal and the long shadows of revenge. The play explores whether the strongest family bonds can hold us together or set us free. Showtimes are Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m., with tickets starting at $68.50.
Lace up your sneakers and bring the whole family to Carlsbad’s Poinsettia Park at 8 a.m. Saturday for the 17th annual Warrior Spirit 5K Run/Walk to benefit the Mitchell Thorp Foundation. The event supports families whose children are battling cancer, rare diseases and other critical medical conditions. Stick around after for firefighters grilling hot dogs, Carlsbad High School cheerleaders, miniature therapy horses and sky jumpers. Registration is free for youth 12 and under, $34.09 for ages 13 to 18, and $50.14 for adults.
Honor wetlands conservation while getting your hands a little muddy at Saturday’s Love Your Wetlands Day experience from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at UC San Diego’s Kendall-Frost Marsh Reserve in Pacific Beach. Learn about the marsh’s history, cultural significance and role in the community while taking part in guided kayak tours, marsh cleanups, Kumeyaay tule boat building and science talks from local researchers. This free, family-friendly event has one important rule: no dogs allowed at the reserve.
Catch the San Diego Seals riding a three-game winning streak when they host the league-leading Saskatchewan Rush at Pechanga Arena Saturday at 7 p.m. for Rock the Box Night. After bouncing back from a slow start, the Seals (4-3) have tightened their defense, outscoring Vancouver and Philadelphia 33-23 over their last three games, with goaltender Chris Origlieri stopping 82.7% of shots faced. Arrive early to be one of the first 2,000 fans to receive a Seals cooler bag. Doors open at 6 p.m., and tickets start at $20.
Celebrate love, joy and connection at the biannual Red Hot Dance for queer women 21+ 6-9 p.m. Saturday at the San Diego LGBT Center in Hillcrest. DJ Laura Jane will spin everything from ’80s anthems to current hits at the space-themed dance while free appetizers and drinks from women-owned businesses fuel your night. A quiet Lunar Lounge offers a place to relax when needed. Suggested $10 donation at the door, and RSVPs can be made on The Center’s website.
If you’re looking for fresh air and exercise before Super Bowl festivities, consider these two races:
- The 13th annual Hungry Dog Dash at NTC Park in Liberty Station features a flat, fast waterfront course with three waves starting at 8 a.m. The community race benefits the Point Loma High School Parents Association Cross Country Team. Registration is $45.20, with a discounted rate of $39.80 for ages 0 to 14. A virtual race option is also available. Go Pointers!
- Race along Coast Highway at the Kook Run, taking in Pacific Ocean views and surf breaks along the scenic out-and-back course. The action starts under the “Encinitas” sign, rolls downhill before climbing back toward a downtown finish, and includes a competitive costume contest. Registration is $83.26 for a 10K and $59.83 for a 5K, with elite and open starts beginning at 7:20 a.m. Kids can join the Jr. Kook Run Saturday for $14.56 and a virtual Kook Run option is available for $49.18.
Whether you’re rooting for the Seahawks, Patriots or Bad Bunny, here are a few places to catch the big game:
- The Smoking Gun in the Gaslamp Quarter is hosting a pre-game Happy Hour from 12–3 p.m., with all-you-can-eat wings for $22.99, beer buckets for $15, and halftime specials including $6 drafts, $7 wells and $8 “Super Bowl Slammers.” Super Bowl Squares are free to enter. The main viewing party starts at 3:30 p.m.
- Sandbar in Pacific Beach offers reserved seating with the Touchdown Package starting at $75. Doors open at 2:30 p.m. and your ticket includes three drink tickets, one raffle ticket, hosted apps and all-you-can-eat tacos made to order (until 7 p.m.), plus 26 screens.
- PRK 101 in Carlsbad Village has a large outdoor LED screen in the courtyard. Doors open at 10 a.m., with a $250 Super Bowl Drink Package for groups or à la carte specials, including $5 Bud Light pints. The MVP Super Bowl Sunday Menu ($180) includes smoked wings, sliders, chili potato skins and pizza logs.
- The Hills Pub in La Mesa offers Sunday Funday brunch from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. with a waffle bar, plus drink specials including $15 craft beer pitchers, $11 domestic beer pitchers and $12 champagne bottles. Bonus: half off arcade games all day and a chance to win a free tab if clear Gatorade or water is poured on the winning coach.
Not into football? It’s Museum Month, with half-price admission at more than 70 museums, historic sites, gardens and aquariums across San Diego County. Pick up a free printed pass at any of 80+ San Diego city, county or educational libraries or download a digital pass to your mobile device. The pass gets you half-price admission for up to four people at participating museums throughout February.
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