San Diego Union-Tribune (Sunday)
Chocolate festival, museum month, Lunar New Year festivities and more
This week brings a taste of the sweet life with a chocolate festival in Escondido, the start of San Diego Museum Month, Mardi Gras weekends at Seaworld and more.
‘Wild Weekend’ at Zoo
Today, the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park are presenting the last day of their “Wild Weekend: Asian Rainforest.” The event is part of their ongoing conservation efforts and is themed to coincide with the Lunar New Year.
Both locations will offer Asianinspired foods, the opportunity to engage with wildlife specialists and fun activities for the whole family.
Reserve select activities online before you head out.
Learn more about “Wild Weekend” and the zoo’s ongoing conservation activities at sandiegozoowildlifealliance.org/lunar-new-year.
Chinese New Year Fair
The San Diego Chinese New Year Fair will wrap up today in Downtown San Diego’s Gaslamp
Quarter. The free event is San Diego’s oldest and biggest Lunar New Year festival, held in the old Chinatown of San Diego, now known as the Asian Thematic District.
Tens of thousands of people visit each year to see lion and dragon dancers, cultural displays, children’s arts and crafts and ongoing live performances on multiple stages.
Visit sdcny.org.
Escondido Chocolate Festival
If you’re looking for a fun, 21and-older activity next weekend, stroll around downtown Escondido and enjoy the annual For the Love of Chocolate Escondido Chocolate Festival from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11.
Purchase a festival “passport” that gives you access to 20 participating businesses offering special chocolate pairings.
The event includes chocolate tastings as well as wine and beer that best enhances the special confection.
Get your tickets early, as the event tends to sell out.
Learn more at.downtownescondido.com/events.
San Diego Museum Month
February is San Diego Museum Month, a great chance to expand your mind and experience more than 60 of San Diego’s best cultural hot spots, including museums, historic sites, gardens, zoos, aquariums and more.
Stop by any public library to pick up a month-long pass (or download a digital pass online) and save 50% admission at any participating museum or attraction through Feb. 28.
Visit sandiegomuseumcouncil.org/specials/museum-month.
‘The Ferryman’ in Carlsbad
New Village Arts is presenting the Tony Award-winning play, “The Ferryman,” through March 5 at its Dea Hurston New Village Arts Center, 2787 State Street, Carlsbad.
Written by playwright Jez Butterworth, “The Ferryman” takes place in a rural area of Northern Ireland in 1981 during the heart of The Troubles.
The Carlsbad production is directed by Kristianne Kurner. Show times are 2 p.m. Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays.
Tickets are $50, $41 for seniors and military with ID, $28 for students.
Visit newvillagearts.org or call (760) 433-3245.
Seaworld Mardi Gras
Seaworld Mardi Gras is a month-long celebration taking place Saturdays and Sundays at the San Diego amusement park through Feb. 26. Two mid-week dates are also scheduled: Friday, Feb. 17 and Monday, Feb. 20.
The New Orleans-style carnival event is included with the price of admission and features live music, costumes and famous New Orleans foods like jambalaya and beignets, along with other Creole and Cajun delicacies.
Find the complete food menu, sampler tickets and more information at seaworld.com/san-diego/events/mardi-gras/.