Local Cross-Cultural Events
March 2026
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7:30 PM -
Book Talk: The Korean Art of Living Well
* Upcoming Events *
Sunday, March 15
| All Day | Cherry Blossom Festival Celebrate the tradition of hanami at the annual Japanese Friendship Garden & Museums Cherry Blossom Festival March 12-15, 2026. Join us from March 12-15 for an exciting lineup of special performances, featuring guest acts on March 14 and 15! Come see new attractions, including a wall of lanterns and community art. Bring the whole family for a fun-filled day of including activities in our children's area! Sample a variety of cultural food, or delicious beverages in the popular beer and sake garden, nestled in the lower garden. Don’t miss the chance to shop from our amazing local vendors in the upper garden, and then take a leisurely stroll through the cherry blossom grove. It’s the perfect way to celebrate spring!
Japanese Friendship Garden |
| 11:00 AM | House of Ireland Lawn Program House of Ireland celebrates St. Patrick's Day with their annual lawn program featuring Irish food, music and dancing.
International Cottages |
| 2:00 PM | Stage: Henrik Ibsen’s Hedda Gabler Film, television, and stage star Katie Holmes (Broadway’s Our Town, Off Broadway’s The Wanderers) brings to life a landmark role in one of the defining masterpieces of world drama. Hedda and Tesman have just returned from their honeymoon—and the cracks in their marriage are already showing. Bored and restless, Hedda tries to control those around her. But as her schemes tighten, her own world begins to unravel. Artistic Director Barry Edelstein, reuniting with Holmes in a vivid new version by Erin Cressida Wilson (Secretary, The Girl on the Train), brings a fresh and emotionally charged lens to this Ibsen classic.
Old Globe |
| Stage: Somewhere Over the Border Inspired by a real-life journey, Somewhere Over the Border weaves a heartwarming tale of resilience and hope. Blending magical realism with the charm of The Wizard of Oz, this moving musical follows Reina’s courageous journey to build a better life. With vibrant characters and a lively score, it’s a musical about family, sacrifice, and the pursuit of the American Dream. Featuring a lively, Latin-inspired score infused with cumbia, mariachi, boleros, American rock, and hip hop, this moving story reminds us that courage can lead us anywhere — even over the rainbow.
Cygnet Theatre, Liberty Station |
| Stage: Motown, the Groove that Changed America March is Motown Month! Mosaic Theatricals’ Motown: The Groove that Changed America returns once more to the Center’s Concert Hall in March 2026. The D. Ben-Jamin’ Orchestra and an incredible group of vocalists will have you on your feet with the music of Smokey Robinson, The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Martha and the Vandellas, The Supremes and so many more. This ultimate celebration of Motown music is unlike any other. Audiences rave year after year. Come see what everyone is talking about!
California Center for the Arts |
| Stage: The Book of Will Without William Shakespeare, we wouldn’t have Romeo and Juliet, but without Henry Condell and John Heminges, we would have lost half of Shakespeare’s plays forever. Those who best knew Shakespeare fight to collect his plays into one volume in order to honor the legacy of the man they loved. Along the way, they’ll battle a shady publisher, drunken poet, shrinking resources, and their own mortality, amidst the noise and colour of Elizabethan London. The Book of Will is by Lauren Gunderson, directed by Samuel Young.
Lamplighters Community Theatre |
| 3:00 PM | Stage:Vignettes, Stories from the Latina Experience Vignettes: Stories from the Latina Experience is an evening of original short plays that center the voices of Latina women, including U.S.-born Latinx artists, as they navigate life, identity, and belonging in the United States. Through intimate, deeply personal stories, these vignettes explore family relocation, cultural adjustment, generational ties, and the resilience it takes to carve out a sense of home. Rooted in lived experience yet resonating far beyond it, Vignettes illuminates universal themes of identity, community, and hope. Each performance is brought to life through a rich blend of live music, song, and dance, with musicians collaborating alongside playwrights from the very beginning. The result is a moving, multidisciplinary theatrical experience that invites audiences to listen, reflect, and connect.
New Village Arts |
| Film: From Hilde, With Love German Currents Kino presents From Hilde, With Love
Berlin, 1942: it was the most beautiful summer for Hilde – madly in love with Hans and joyfully pregnant. But amid the passion there is grave danger. Hans becomes involved in the anti-Nazi resistance, with a group of young people who will later be called the “Red Orchestra”. Despite the huge risks, Hilde decides to get involved herself but is arrested by the Gestapo and gives birth to her son in prison. Now in a desperate situation, Hilde develops a quiet inspirational strength, but she only has a few months left with her son.
FROM HILDE, WITH LOVE is the eighth collaboration between director Andreas Dresen and screenwriter Laila Stieler. The film is based on the true story of Hilde and Hans Coppi, who were executed in Berlin-Plötzensee. Between 1942 and 1943, more than 50 members of the “Red Orchestra” resistance group were murdered. The film tells a nearly timeless and powerful love story — about decency and resistance, intuition and civil courage, dignity and fear.
Digital Gym |
| Music: Irish Traditional Storytelling Music The Center Chorale and Pacific Coast Chorale will perform Music of the Heart in the Irish tradition of storytelling through song. Choirs will perform with the City Ballet Orchestra ensemble folk, classic, and contemporary ballads both familiar and unusual in honor of the celebration of the seasonal St. Patrick's Day holiday. Join us for this performance of familiar and unusual tunes as conductor John Nettles, soprano soloist Caroline Nelms, and the singers and dancers of Cinballera Entertainment take us on a poignant journey with rousing dances, moving ballads, and wonderful examples of Celtic music and film scores.
The Grand, Escondido |
| Musical: Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812 Theater for Young Professionals presents Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812, an innovative, sung-through electropop opera by Dave Malloy, based on a 70-page segment of Leo Tolstoy\'s War and Peace, following young Natasha\'s scandalous romance with the rake Anatole while her fiancé is away, and the existential crisis of family friend Pierre as he tries to sort out the mess, all set to a unique blend of Russian folk, classical, indie rock, and EDM music in an immersive, nightclub-style theatre experience.
Theatre for Young Professionals |
| 4:00 PM | ISSD Nowruz Celebration The ISSD 38th Nowruz is scheduled for Sunday, March 15, 2026, from 4:00 to 6:30 p.m. at the Lewis Middle School Auditorium. The program starts promptly at 4 pm. The tickets are available via Eventbrite. Please click the link and purchase tickets for yourself and your child/student/dancer. Students who perform during the program also need to purchase tickets. Everybody who attends must purchase a ticket. The program consists of performances of songs, dances, a play, and music by students. Snacks and drinks will be available at intermission.
Lewis Middle School |
| 7:00 PM | Stage: Somewhere Over the Border Inspired by a real-life journey, Somewhere Over the Border weaves a heartwarming tale of resilience and hope. Blending magical realism with the charm of The Wizard of Oz, this moving musical follows Reina’s courageous journey to build a better life. With vibrant characters and a lively score, it’s a musical about family, sacrifice, and the pursuit of the American Dream. Featuring a lively, Latin-inspired score infused with cumbia, mariachi, boleros, American rock, and hip hop, this moving story reminds us that courage can lead us anywhere — even over the rainbow.
Cygnet Theatre, Liberty Station |
Monday, March 16
| 7:00 PM | Songs of the Ancient World Enjoy an adventurous concert of music inspired by ancient history and mythology. Journey back in time with the second Cinballera Salon of 2026, Songs of the Ancient World, celebrating the Ides of March with a concert inspired by ancient times. Some of the greatest operatic masterpieces were inspired by events which took place thousands of years ago, either in the annals of history or in the pages of mythology. From opera excerpts about Roman generals to oratorio arias sung by Hebrew heroines, this will be a historical whirlwind of music. In keeping with the Villa's gracious history, guests are encouraged to dress like your favorite ancient character.
Villa Montezuma Museum |
Tuesday, March 17
| 4:30 PM | Stage: SIX! (Teen Edition) From Tudor Queens to Pop Icons, the SIX wives of Henry VIII take the mic to reclaim their identities out of the shadow of their infamous spouse, remixing five hundred years of historical heartbreak into a Euphoric Celebration of 21st-century girl power.
Canyon Crest Academy |
| 7:00 PM | Highland Way featuring Rose Academy of Irish Dance Highland Way brings a lively performance of “Scirish” (Scotland and Ireland’s) song, mixed with rapid-fire-fiddling, guitar, accordion, bass, percussion, and humor. Scotsman Brian Caldwell, from Glasgow and now Escondido, leads the 6-piece band in songs of work and play, conflict, love, and the gathering of friends. He is joined by master of all-things-strings Paul Graham Castellanos, Sharon Whyte (accordion, keyboard, vocals), Jim Soldi (bass. guitar, vocals), Glen Fisher on bass, and Bob Sale on percussion.
California Center for the Arts |
| 7:30 PM | Stage: The Recipe Before Julia Child became the TV personality that we all know, she careened from Pasadena to New York to Washington D.C. to Ceylon and finally to Paris’s famed Cordon Bleu cooking school. A funny and delicious new play about the early life of an endlessly fascinating character and her path from confusion to discovery, failure to success.
La Jolla Playhouse |
Wednesday, March 18
| 3:00 PM | KS Resmi South Indian Carnatic Music Trio KS Resmi performs south Indian music
Mesa College |
| 3:35 PM | 33rd San Diego Latino Film Festival Bienvenidos! Media Arts Center San Diego is proud to announce our 33rd San Diego Latino Film Festival, March 18 - 22, 2026
Beyond the screen, SDLFF 2026 comes alive with a vibrant lineup of cultural experiences – from live music and immersive art exhibitions to culinary celebrations that honor the bold flavors and traditions of Latino culture. From Opening Night to the festival’s closing celebrations, these events create a festive, community-driven atmosphere where storytelling, culture, and connection united.
Film Schedule
AMC Mission Valley/Digital Gym Cinema |
| 4:00 PM | Iranian Music Presentation A short presentation on Iranian culture and music in time for Nowruz or Spring Equinox at our local library.
San Carlos Library |
| 4:30 PM | Stage: SIX! (Teen Edition) From Tudor Queens to Pop Icons, the SIX wives of Henry VIII take the mic to reclaim their identities out of the shadow of their infamous spouse, remixing five hundred years of historical heartbreak into a Euphoric Celebration of 21st-century girl power.
Canyon Crest Academy |
| 7:00 PM | Film: Mavka, The True Myth Join us for the exclusive premiere of the year’s most captivating romantic fantasy — an unforgettable night where myth, passion, and magic come alive. Mavka is one of the forest lake’s nymphs, creatures shrouded in mystique and dangerous allure. When she meets Lukian, a gifted biology student, she is given a single task: to lure him to her lake, where mermaids and other nymphs await, ready to capture human souls. But instead of leading Lukian to his doom, Mavka falls in love with him. As her feelings deepen, she begins to realize that the mermaids will stop at nothing to keep her on the dark side. The film is in Ukrainian with English subtitles.
UltraStar Mission Valley |
| 7:30 PM | Stage: The Recipe Before Julia Child became the TV personality that we all know, she careened from Pasadena to New York to Washington D.C. to Ceylon and finally to Paris’s famed Cordon Bleu cooking school. A funny and delicious new play about the early life of an endlessly fascinating character and her path from confusion to discovery, failure to success.
La Jolla Playhouse |
Thursday, March 19
| NOON | Art Exhibition: Aladino Ghioni An exclusive exhibition featuring 40 paintings of acclaimed Italian surrealist painter Aladino Ghioni [aladinoghioni.com] known for his expressive use of color, layered texture, and surrealist interpretations of classical themes, will be presented at Petra Stone.
At age 90, Ghioni remains one of Italy’s most respected living artists. His work has been showcased by many of the world’s leading cultural institutions, and his paintings are held in prominent museum and cathedral collections throughout Italy. In recent years, he has focused primarily on personal portraiture and commissioned works for private collectors. Ghioni’s art is permanently installed in several notable churches in Italy, including the Basilica of San Zeno in Verona, the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Assumption in Montecatini Terme, and the Duomo of San Lorenzo in Pescantina. These installations required extensive authorization from ecclesiastical authorities and Italy’s Soprintendenza delle Belle Arti, underscoring both the quality and cultural significance of his work.
Throughout his distinguished career, Ghioni has earned numerous honors, including the Golden Palette in Milan, the Gold Medal of the Senate of the Republic in Rome, recognition from the American Embassy, and awards from art institutions throughout Italy and abroad. His paintings have been featured in leading art publications, newspapers, and film productions.
Petra Stone |
| 4:15 PM | 33rd San Diego Latino Film Festival Bienvenidos! Media Arts Center San Diego is proud to announce our 33rd San Diego Latino Film Festival, March 18 - 22, 2026
Beyond the screen, SDLFF 2026 comes alive with a vibrant lineup of cultural experiences – from live music and immersive art exhibitions to culinary celebrations that honor the bold flavors and traditions of Latino culture. From Opening Night to the festival’s closing celebrations, these events create a festive, community-driven atmosphere where storytelling, culture, and connection united.
Film Schedule
AMC Mission Valley/Digital Gym Cinema |
| 7:00 PM | Film: C’è ancora domani (There's Still Tomorrow) In this moving comedic drama set in postwar Rome, a working-class woman dreams of a better future for herself and her daughter while facing abuse at the hands of her patriarchal husband. When a mysterious letter arrives, she discovers the courage to change the circumstances of her life. A wonderful movie with brave women as main characters, and a box office phenomenon, also winner of six David di Donatello Awards.
La Paloma Theatre |
| 7:30 PM | Stage: The Recipe Before Julia Child became the TV personality that we all know, she careened from Pasadena to New York to Washington D.C. to Ceylon and finally to Paris’s famed Cordon Bleu cooking school. A funny and delicious new play about the early life of an endlessly fascinating character and her path from confusion to discovery, failure to success.
La Jolla Playhouse |
Friday, March 20
| 4:15 PM | 33rd San Diego Latino Film Festival Bienvenidos! Media Arts Center San Diego is proud to announce our 33rd San Diego Latino Film Festival, March 18 - 22, 2026
Beyond the screen, SDLFF 2026 comes alive with a vibrant lineup of cultural experiences – from live music and immersive art exhibitions to culinary celebrations that honor the bold flavors and traditions of Latino culture. From Opening Night to the festival’s closing celebrations, these events create a festive, community-driven atmosphere where storytelling, culture, and connection united.
Film Schedule
AMC Mission Valley/Digital Gym Cinema |
| 7:00 PM | Musical: Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812 Theater for Young Professionals presents Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812, an innovative, sung-through electropop opera by Dave Malloy, based on a 70-page segment of Leo Tolstoy\'s War and Peace, following young Natasha\'s scandalous romance with the rake Anatole while her fiancé is away, and the existential crisis of family friend Pierre as he tries to sort out the mess, all set to a unique blend of Russian folk, classical, indie rock, and EDM music in an immersive, nightclub-style theatre experience.
Theatre for Young Professionals |
| 7:30 PM | Stage: The Recipe Before Julia Child became the TV personality that we all know, she careened from Pasadena to New York to Washington D.C. to Ceylon and finally to Paris’s famed Cordon Bleu cooking school. A funny and delicious new play about the early life of an endlessly fascinating character and her path from confusion to discovery, failure to success.
La Jolla Playhouse |
| Music: Oghlan Bakshi The Center for World Music presents Oghlan Bakshi in concert. Step into the ancient musical world of Turkmenistan with Mohammad Geldi Geldi Nejad, known by the honorific Oghlan Bakhshi, roughly translated as “prodigious child bard.” In this rare solo performance, he brings to life a centuries-old tradition of dutar (two-string lute) playing and bardic singing passed down through generations of nomadic storytellers. His strumming evokes the galloping rhythms of horses across the steppes, while his guttural vocal ornamentation conveys the full range of nomadic emotions—from love and longing to sorrow and heroic struggle.
La Jolla Community Center |
| 9:00 PM | Primavera Fest Biggest 18+ Spring Break Fest In San Diego. 12 Grupos Live
Babylon Palace Banquet Hall |
Saturday, March 21
| 9:00 AM | SDUSD Indian Ed Youth & Social Powwow Join us for the Youth & Social Powwow 2026 — a powerful day of culture, community, and youth celebration!
San Diego Miramar College |
| 10:00 AM | Fangaea 2026 FANGAEA 2026 is coming Saturday, March 21, 2026! Where fan worlds collide and there is something awesome for everyone! You are invited you to be a part of the Awesomest Pop Culture and Fandom Convention - the SEVENTH Annual Fangaea (fan-JEE-uh)! Meet up with your posse and make new friends at the Fangaea family friendly fandom festivities! Sci fi, steampunk, comics, cosplay, art, video games, escape room, vendors, martial arts, virtual reality, and much more! We have something for everyone - Fangaea is where Fandoms join forces for fun!
Handlery Hotel |
| 11:00 AM | Talk: Excavating Southern California’s Lost City Local archaeologist and historian Richard L Carrico will be joining us to talk about his latest book, El Presidio de San Diego; Excavating Southern California’s Lost City, where he uncovers San Diego’s first European settlement. Founded in 1769, the ruins of upper California’s first mission and fort lie buried beneath the landscaped hills in Presidio Park. Carrico’s extensive research on the presidio and its people include materials from Spanish archives housed in Mexico City and Berkeley, Kumeyaay oral tradition, and nearly a decade of archaeological excavation at the site - two seasons of which Professor Carrico himself directed. In this talk, he will delve into the men, women, and children who lived and died at the presidio. About the Lecturer: Richard Carrico is an Army veteran and award-winning author of non-fiction and historical fiction. He focuses on eclectic topics that vary from Indigenous people, Spanish colonial history, archaeology, and, most recently, true crime. Carrico grew up in San Diego, California and has travelled extensively in Mexico and France in search of archaeological sites. He taught history, anthropology, and Native American studies at San Diego State University for thirty years before retiring in 2024.
San Diego Archaeological Center |
| NOON | Ticitozaá Folklorico Dance Festival The Ticitozaá Folklorico Dance Festival is a vibrant celebration of traditional Mexican dance and culture. Attendees can expect to be dazzled by the colorful costumes, energetic performances, and the rich history of folkloric dance.
California Center for the Arts |
| 33rd San Diego Latino Film Festival Bienvenidos! Media Arts Center San Diego is proud to announce our 33rd San Diego Latino Film Festival, March 18 - 22, 2026
Beyond the screen, SDLFF 2026 comes alive with a vibrant lineup of cultural experiences – from live music and immersive art exhibitions to culinary celebrations that honor the bold flavors and traditions of Latino culture. From Opening Night to the festival’s closing celebrations, these events create a festive, community-driven atmosphere where storytelling, culture, and connection united.
Film Schedule
AMC Mission Valley/Digital Gym Cinema |
| 2:00 PM | Stage: The Recipe Before Julia Child became the TV personality that we all know, she careened from Pasadena to New York to Washington D.C. to Ceylon and finally to Paris’s famed Cordon Bleu cooking school. A funny and delicious new play about the early life of an endlessly fascinating character and her path from confusion to discovery, failure to success.
La Jolla Playhouse |
| Stage: SIX! (Teen Edition) From Tudor Queens to Pop Icons, the SIX wives of Henry VIII take the mic to reclaim their identities out of the shadow of their infamous spouse, remixing five hundred years of historical heartbreak into a Euphoric Celebration of 21st-century girl power.
Canyon Crest Academy |
| Stage: The Book of Will Without William Shakespeare, we wouldn’t have Romeo and Juliet, but without Henry Condell and John Heminges, we would have lost half of Shakespeare’s plays forever. Those who best knew Shakespeare fight to collect his plays into one volume in order to honor the legacy of the man they loved. Along the way, they’ll battle a shady publisher, drunken poet, shrinking resources, and their own mortality, amidst the noise and colour of Elizabethan London. The Book of Will is by Lauren Gunderson, directed by Samuel Young.
Lamplighters Community Theatre |
| 3:00 PM | Opera: Giulio Cesare The epic Baroque opera about the love story which shaped empires! George Frideric Handel’s opera “Giulio Cesare” (Italian for Julius Caesar) set London afire with its passionate music in 1723. In 2026, the drama and musical genius are coming to San Diego in Cinballera Entertainment’s dynamic production. Many consider this to be Handel’s greatest opera, if not the best opera of the Baroque period. An intrinsic component of its enduring popularity is its evocative subject matter, torn from one of ancient history’s most dramatic pages. When Roman general Julius Caesar conquers Egypt, he quickly finds himself conquered by the beautiful maiden Lydia. Little does he know that she is really Cleopatra, the brilliant Egyptian queen. Can romance and royal ambition survive the passion and devastation of war? This unique production honors tradition while creatively incorporating classical ballet to convey the intricate story more dramatically
Shiley Theatre, USD |
| 4:00 PM | RefugeeNet Story Fest Our annual fundraiser, reimagined to deepen your encounter with the people, cultures, food, song, and dance of those whom we serve! We're so excited to share that we've reimagined our annual fundraiser in order to deepen your encounter with the people, cultures, food, song, and dance of those whom we serve. We will be centering the stories of the families we've helped to resettle over the past year, inviting them to share what the first twelve months of life in San Diego has been like. It will be an unforgettable night! We hope you'll join us in celebrating the resilience of the human spirit together.
St. Luke's Episcopal Church |
| 7:00 PM | Music: Gypsy Jazz & Brazilian Choro Two world-class guitarists unite Brazilian Choro and Django-style Gypsy jazz into a fiery, elegant, and wildly virtuosic evening
Paper Moon Event Hall |
| Music: Enjambre Enjambre is a Mexican indie rock band. It is composed of brothers Luis Humberto, Rafael, and Julián Navejas, their cousin Isaac Navejas, and Ángel Sánchez.
The Observatory |
| Ticitozaá Folklorico Dance Festival The Ticitozaá Folklorico Dance Festival is a vibrant celebration of traditional Mexican dance and culture. Attendees can expect to be dazzled by the colorful costumes, energetic performances, and the rich history of folkloric dance.
California Center for the Arts |
| Musical: Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812 Theater for Young Professionals presents Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812, an innovative, sung-through electropop opera by Dave Malloy, based on a 70-page segment of Leo Tolstoy\'s War and Peace, following young Natasha\'s scandalous romance with the rake Anatole while her fiancé is away, and the existential crisis of family friend Pierre as he tries to sort out the mess, all set to a unique blend of Russian folk, classical, indie rock, and EDM music in an immersive, nightclub-style theatre experience.
Theatre for Young Professionals |
| 7:30 PM | Stage: The Book of Will Without William Shakespeare, we wouldn’t have Romeo and Juliet, but without Henry Condell and John Heminges, we would have lost half of Shakespeare’s plays forever. Those who best knew Shakespeare fight to collect his plays into one volume in order to honor the legacy of the man they loved. Along the way, they’ll battle a shady publisher, drunken poet, shrinking resources, and their own mortality, amidst the noise and colour of Elizabethan London. The Book of Will is by Lauren Gunderson, directed by Samuel Young.
Lamplighters Community Theatre |
| 8:00 PM | Stage: The Recipe Before Julia Child became the TV personality that we all know, she careened from Pasadena to New York to Washington D.C. to Ceylon and finally to Paris’s famed Cordon Bleu cooking school. A funny and delicious new play about the early life of an endlessly fascinating character and her path from confusion to discovery, failure to success.
La Jolla Playhouse |
Sunday, March 22
| 11:00 AM | House of Iran Lawn Program The House of Iran lawn program begins with the usual speeches and National anthem, followed by a musical program. Professional dancers from Los Angeles and dancers from the local Persian Dance Academy will perform some of their traditional ethnic and folk dances in their authentic costumes. In addition, there will be reading of poems plus singing and playing of instruments.
International Cottages |
| NOON | Ticitozaá Folklorico Dance Festival The Ticitozaá Folklorico Dance Festival is a vibrant celebration of traditional Mexican dance and culture. Attendees can expect to be dazzled by the colorful costumes, energetic performances, and the rich history of folkloric dance.
California Center for the Arts |
| 33rd San Diego Latino Film Festival Bienvenidos! Media Arts Center San Diego is proud to announce our 33rd San Diego Latino Film Festival, March 18 - 22, 2026
Beyond the screen, SDLFF 2026 comes alive with a vibrant lineup of cultural experiences – from live music and immersive art exhibitions to culinary celebrations that honor the bold flavors and traditions of Latino culture. From Opening Night to the festival’s closing celebrations, these events create a festive, community-driven atmosphere where storytelling, culture, and connection united.
Film Schedule
AMC Mission Valley/Digital Gym Cinema |
| 2:00 PM | Stage: The Book of Will Without William Shakespeare, we wouldn’t have Romeo and Juliet, but without Henry Condell and John Heminges, we would have lost half of Shakespeare’s plays forever. Those who best knew Shakespeare fight to collect his plays into one volume in order to honor the legacy of the man they loved. Along the way, they’ll battle a shady publisher, drunken poet, shrinking resources, and their own mortality, amidst the noise and colour of Elizabethan London. The Book of Will is by Lauren Gunderson, directed by Samuel Young.
Lamplighters Community Theatre |
| 3:00 PM | Opera: Giulio Cesare The epic Baroque opera about the love story which shaped empires! George Frideric Handel’s opera “Giulio Cesare” (Italian for Julius Caesar) set London afire with its passionate music in 1723. In 2026, the drama and musical genius are coming to San Diego in Cinballera Entertainment’s dynamic production. Many consider this to be Handel’s greatest opera, if not the best opera of the Baroque period. An intrinsic component of its enduring popularity is its evocative subject matter, torn from one of ancient history’s most dramatic pages. When Roman general Julius Caesar conquers Egypt, he quickly finds himself conquered by the beautiful maiden Lydia. Little does he know that she is really Cleopatra, the brilliant Egyptian queen. Can romance and royal ambition survive the passion and devastation of war? This unique production honors tradition while creatively incorporating classical ballet to convey the intricate story more dramatically
Shiley Theatre, USD |
| Performance: Doodle POP A mischievous duo starts to doodle… and ends up creating a whole imaginative world! What will happen as we follow their vivid drawings into this beautiful watery world? From BRUSH Theatre in South Korea, this touching and playful non-verbal show uses live musicians who perform the accompanying score and sound effects, stunning interactive animation projections and live whiteboard drawings, and an abundance of theatrical imagination.
Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center |
| Musical: Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812 Theater for Young Professionals presents Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812, an innovative, sung-through electropop opera by Dave Malloy, based on a 70-page segment of Leo Tolstoy\'s War and Peace, following young Natasha\'s scandalous romance with the rake Anatole while her fiancé is away, and the existential crisis of family friend Pierre as he tries to sort out the mess, all set to a unique blend of Russian folk, classical, indie rock, and EDM music in an immersive, nightclub-style theatre experience.
Theatre for Young Professionals |
| 5:00 PM | Ticitozaá Folklorico Dance Festival The Ticitozaá Folklorico Dance Festival is a vibrant celebration of traditional Mexican dance and culture. Attendees can expect to be dazzled by the colorful costumes, energetic performances, and the rich history of folkloric dance.
California Center for the Arts |
Monday, March 23
| 6:00 PM | 19th Annual Indian Music & Dance Festival Enjoy a celebration of Indian music and dance with unique dance and musical performances featuring over 75 artists from India and USA and 150 children from San Diego and the USA.
JCC |
Tuesday, March 24
| 9:00 AM | Workshop: Sword Casting Class The class begins with my teaching about Bronze Age history, the beginning of metallurgy, and the story of several swords. Next, everyone chooses their sword and I’ll demonstrate how to make sand casts. Afterwards, everyone gets to work making their molds and I circulate around helping. If you’d like to prep for class a bit, you can hear much of my information about Bronze Age history on my first appearance of How To Make Everything.
TBA |
| 4:30 PM | Stage: SIX! (Teen Edition) From Tudor Queens to Pop Icons, the SIX wives of Henry VIII take the mic to reclaim their identities out of the shadow of their infamous spouse, remixing five hundred years of historical heartbreak into a Euphoric Celebration of 21st-century girl power.
Canyon Crest Academy |
| 5:30 PM | Music: Kourosh Taghavi Enjoy a free concert of classical Persian music at Del Mar Library featuring master musician Kourosh Taghavi.Through the delicate tones of the setar and the poetry that inspires his work, Kourosh weaves a captivating performance of improvisation, storytelling, and musical dialogue—inviting audiences into a meditative and emotionally rich journey through one of the world’s great musical traditions.
Del Mar Library |
| 6:00 PM | 19th Annual Indian Music & Dance Festival Enjoy a celebration of Indian music and dance with unique dance and musical performances featuring over 75 artists from India and USA and 150 children from San Diego and the USA.
JCC |
| 7:00 PM | Stage: SIX! (Teen Edition) From Tudor Queens to Pop Icons, the SIX wives of Henry VIII take the mic to reclaim their identities out of the shadow of their infamous spouse, remixing five hundred years of historical heartbreak into a Euphoric Celebration of 21st-century girl power.
Canyon Crest Academy |
Thursday, March 26
| 6:00 PM | Soirée en Egypte: Music & Flavors of Egypt Indulge in an elegant evening celebrating our 5th Soirée Francophone, highlighting Egypt this year, set against a stunning view of San Diego Bay.
Savor a night of culture, flavors, and sophistication at our Soirée en Égypte. Guests will enjoy a traditional dinner (menu below), accompanied by live music and a singing performance by guest star Yasmina El-Abd.
Secure your place with our early-bird tickets—availability is limited for this exclusive event.
Dress code: Cocktail attire
An Egyptian and award-winning actress and singer whose career spans music, television, and cinema, Yasmina El-Abd gained international recognition through her role in the Netflix series Finding Ola. As a singer, she performed at the prestigious Grand Egyptian Museum Opening in Cairo. She represents a new generation of artists sharing modern Egyptian storytelling and creativity with the world and appeared on the Forbes Middle East 30 under 30 list.
Yasmina embodies a unique fusion of cultures and serves as an excellent ambassador for the Francophonie as she is Egyptian and Swiss.
Tower Beach Club |
| 19th Annual Indian Music & Dance Festival Enjoy a celebration of Indian music and dance with unique dance and musical performances featuring over 75 artists from India and USA and 150 children from San Diego and the USA.
JCC |
| Soirée en Egypte Indulge in an elegant evening celebrating our 5th Soirée Francophone, highlighting Egypt this year, set against the stunning backdrop of San Diego Bay. Join us for a night of culture, flavors, and sophistication at our Soirée en Égypte, with distinguished guests Adrien Frier, Consul General of France in Los Angeles, and Samy Shoker, Egyptian chess Grandmaster. Guests will be delighted by a singing performance from guest star Yasmina El-Abd, live music, and a traditional Egyptian dinner (menu below). Guests will receive a custom made Egyptian cookie, made by chef Noura from The Hidden Gazebo Eatery . This event is supported by Villa Albertine, Consulate General of France in Los Angeles, Organisation Internationale de la francophonie and Hatem Elshimy, Financial Planner with Principal®. Hatem helps individuals, families, and business owners with retirement planning, investment guidance, insurance needs, and long-term financial strategies. His goal is to help people gain clarity, make informed decisions, and build a more confident financial future.
Tower Beach Club |
| 7:00 PM | Film: Rapito (Kidnapped) In 1858, in the Jewish quarter of Bologna, the Pope’s soldiers burst into the home of the Mortara family. By order of the cardinal, they have come to take Edgardo, their seven-year-old son. The child had been secretly baptized by his nurse as a baby and the papal law is unquestionable: he must receive a Catholic education. Edgardo’s parents, distraught, will do anything to get their son back. Supported by public opinion and the international Jewish community, the Mortaras’ struggle quickly takes a political dimension. But the Church and the Pope will not agree to return the child, to consolidate an increasingly wavering power...
Digital Gym Cinema |
Friday, March 27
| 6:00 PM | 19th Annual Indian Music & Dance Festival Enjoy a celebration of Indian music and dance with unique dance and musical performances featuring over 75 artists from India and USA and 150 children from San Diego and the USA.
JCC |
| 7:00 PM | Musical: Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812 Theater for Young Professionals presents Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812, an innovative, sung-through electropop opera by Dave Malloy, based on a 70-page segment of Leo Tolstoy\'s War and Peace, following young Natasha\'s scandalous romance with the rake Anatole while her fiancé is away, and the existential crisis of family friend Pierre as he tries to sort out the mess, all set to a unique blend of Russian folk, classical, indie rock, and EDM music in an immersive, nightclub-style theatre experience.
Theatre for Young Professionals |
| 7:30 PM | Opera: Carmen The most fearless and indomitable heroine in all opera is back! When Carmen tosses a flower to the soldier Don José, he becomes obsessed, leaving his post to join her band of smugglers. But when she loses interest and sets her sights on a bullfighter, Don José may not be able to handle the rejection. With a score packed with opera classics, including the "Habanera," the "Toreador Song," and one of the greatest overtures ever written, you'll be joining Don José as you fall under the spell of Carmen.
San Diego Civic Theatre |
Saturday, March 28
| NOON | 10th Annual Antonio Garra Day A historic gathering in Old Town honoring the legacy of Native American patriot Antonio Garra. This family-friendly event, hosted by the Pala Band of Mission Indians and the First San Diego Courthouse Museum, features traditional bird singing, inspirational speeches, and cultural exhibits showcasing the rich heritage of Southern California's Native American communities.
Old Town State Historical Park |
| 1:00 PM | Persian Nature Day Nowruz, meaning “new day,” is the Persian New Year celebrated for two weeks starting around the spring equinox. With over 3,000 years of history, it symbolizes renewal, hope and harmony with nature. Join this free event with music, dance and cultural crafts to welcome new beginnings.
Carlsbad City Library |
| 3:00 PM | Acting Shakespeare with Ben Cole With over 20 years of professional acting experience, Ben Cole has been seen on stage locally at The Old Globe, La Jolla Playhouse, North Coast Repertory Theatre, and many others. In addition to his work at NCRT, he is an adjunct professor of Theatre at Grossmont College. Cole earned his Master of Fine Arts in Acting from Western Illinois University and his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting/Directing from Central Michigan University, and studied acting through New York University in Ireland. He has experience acting, teaching, directing, and fight choreographing across the country, including work with the Orlando Shakespeare Theater, the Oklahoma Shakespearean Festival, and the Illinois Shakespeare Festival.
Mission Valley Branch Library |
| 6:00 PM | 19th Annual Indian Music & Dance Festival Enjoy a celebration of Indian music and dance with unique dance and musical performances featuring over 75 artists from India and USA and 150 children from San Diego and the USA.
JCC |
| 7:00 PM | Comedy: Persians of Interest Get ready for a one-night comedy takeover as Persians of Interest storms The Yellow Door for a high-octane stand-up showcase celebrating Nowruz with nonstop laughs. This special event brings together a killer lineup of sharp, fearless, and wildly funny comics serving up bold perspectives, big personalities, and crowd-rocking sets. Whether you’re Persian, Persian-adjacent, or just a fan of great stand-up, this show is built to hit hard and leave you smiling. ? Featuring: Persian Karen Awon Ray Cameron Noel Rod Dezzy Aaron Yankosky From clever cultural takes to universal chaos, Persians of Interest blends smart comedy, party energy, and late-night club vibes into one unforgettable night.
The Yellow Door |
| Musical: Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812 Theater for Young Professionals presents Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812, an innovative, sung-through electropop opera by Dave Malloy, based on a 70-page segment of Leo Tolstoy\'s War and Peace, following young Natasha\'s scandalous romance with the rake Anatole while her fiancé is away, and the existential crisis of family friend Pierre as he tries to sort out the mess, all set to a unique blend of Russian folk, classical, indie rock, and EDM music in an immersive, nightclub-style theatre experience.
Theatre for Young Professionals |
| 7:30 PM | Opera: Carmen The most fearless and indomitable heroine in all opera is back! When Carmen tosses a flower to the soldier Don José, he becomes obsessed, leaving his post to join her band of smugglers. But when she loses interest and sets her sights on a bullfighter, Don José may not be able to handle the rejection. With a score packed with opera classics, including the "Habanera," the "Toreador Song," and one of the greatest overtures ever written, you'll be joining Don José as you fall under the spell of Carmen.
San Diego Civic Theatre |
| Stage: Drum Tao Founded in 1993, Drum Tao has redefined the art of Japanese taiko drumming by integrating it with modern performance elements. The ensemble’s rigorous training regimen, which includes daily physical conditioning and musical practice, ensures a level of precision and energy that is evident in every performance. Their commitment to excellence has earned them a reputation as cultural ambassadors, showcasing the rich traditions of Japan to audiences around the globe.
Poway OnStage |
| Music: Drum Tao Back by popular demand, Drum Tao combines traditional Japanese taiko drumming with acrobatics and stunning visuals, creating a dynamic performance that captivates audiences and transcends cultural boundaries.
Poway OnStage |
| 3:00 PM | Musical: Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812 Theater for Young Professionals presents Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812, an innovative, sung-through electropop opera by Dave Malloy, based on a 70-page segment of Leo Tolstoy\'s War and Peace, following young Natasha\'s scandalous romance with the rake Anatole while her fiancé is away, and the existential crisis of family friend Pierre as he tries to sort out the mess, all set to a unique blend of Russian folk, classical, indie rock, and EDM music in an immersive, nightclub-style theatre experience.
Theatre for Young Professionals |
| 6:00 PM | 19th Annual Indian Music & Dance Festival Enjoy a celebration of Indian music and dance with unique dance and musical performances featuring over 75 artists from India and USA and 150 children from San Diego and the USA.
JCC |
| 7:00 PM | Stage: Drum Tao Founded in 1993, Drum Tao has redefined the art of Japanese taiko drumming by integrating it with modern performance elements. The ensemble’s rigorous training regimen, which includes daily physical conditioning and musical practice, ensures a level of precision and energy that is evident in every performance. Their commitment to excellence has earned them a reputation as cultural ambassadors, showcasing the rich traditions of Japan to audiences around the globe.
Poway OnStage |
| Music: Ravi Shankar Ensemble Curated by Sukanya and Anoushka Shankar, the Ravi Shankar Ensemble is a multi-generational collective of world-class musicians dedicated to the masterful compositions and enduring legacy of the uniquely legendary musician Ravi Shankar. In its debut tour, the ensemble presents a special program featuring visual elements from the Ravi Shankar archives alongside a dynamic selection of Shankar’s soul-stirring music.
Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center |
| Music: Drum Tao Back by popular demand, Drum Tao combines traditional Japanese taiko drumming with acrobatics and stunning visuals, creating a dynamic performance that captivates audiences and transcends cultural boundaries.
Poway OnStage |
Tuesday, March 31
| 7:30 PM | Book Talk: The Korean Art of Living Well Warwick's presents Jenelle Kim as she discusses and signs her new book, The Korean Art of Living Well: The Eight Keys of Living Meditation for Balance and Transformation. Dr. Jenelle Kim, DACM, L.Ac., is a Taoist longevity expert and ninth-generation doctor of Traditional Oriental Medicine, practitioner of qigong (moving meditation), and teacher of the eight keys of living meditation. She is the founder of JBK Wellness Labs, which develops innovative products in clean beauty and nutraceuticals. Dr. Kim's unique approach to meditation combines lessons on movement and natural medicine learned from a lifetime of studying Eastern philosophy, Eastern medicine, and martial arts. As a wellness expert, she has been featured in Forbes, Allure, Meditation Magazine, Time, and Good Morning America.
Warwick's |
Wednesday, April 1
| 6:30 PM | Music: Sabrosas Latin Orchestra San Diego's first and only all-female salsa band, Sabrosas Latin Orchestra is a 501(c)(3) organization born out of a shared love for Latin music. The group brings together a talented roster of female musicians dedicated to moving and inspiring audiences throughout San Diego County through live salsa music.
Belly Up |
Saturday, April 4
| 10:00 AM | Otaku Smash Matsuri Otaku Smash Matsuri is an in-person gathering for anime, manga, and gaming fans, featuring cosplay contests, competitions, and a full day of fandom celebration.
Handerly Hotel |
| 11:00 AM | House of Scotland Tartan Day Celebration Tartan Day is usually observed by the House of Scotland on the first Saturday in April, honoring the achievements of people of Scottish descent throughout the world. Music and dancing are highlighted on stage, featuring the House of Scotland Pipe Band and other area performers. The lawn is filled with clan tents, vendors, traditional foods, children's activities, and a resale shop.
International Cottages |
| 8:00 PM | Stage: August Wilson's Fences Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning Fences is a cornerstone of August Wilson's The American Century Cycle and a powerful exploration of fatherhood, identity, and legacy. Set in 1957, the play follows Troy Maxson, a former Negro League baseball star now working as a sanitation worker. Grappling with the burden of his broken dreams, Troy struggles to assert control over his family and his future. Director Delicia Turner Sonnenberg helms this deeply human portrait of a family's love and resilience.
Old Globe Theatre |
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