CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL BLOOMS AGAIN
The Japanese Friendship Garden hosts this annual festival welcoming spring. Entertainment includes performances of traditional Japanese music and opera, a cosplay contest, taiko drumming, food vendors, a beer and sake garden, and a children’s area. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. today through Sunday. Japanese Friendship Garden, Balboa Park, San Diego. $14 general admission; $12 military, seniors (65+) and students. niwa.org/cbw
Poetry reading:
Enjoy a night of poetry with writer, speaker and community activist Kevin Powell, author of an upcoming biography of Tupac Shakur. He is considered an expert on the intersections of culture, race and poetry, and he curated the first exhibit on the history of hip-hop in America at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Powell will read from his collection “Grocery Shopping With My Mother” and sign copies of his book. 7 p.m. today. Twiggs Coffeehouse Green Room, 4590 Park Blvd., San Diego. Free. (619) 296-0616.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade: The 41st annual parade and festival, organized by the Irish Congress of Southern California, celebrates Celtic culture, commerce and community. The festival includes craft and vending booths, food booths, and Irish dance and music. Festival and beer garden 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. Entry $5 adults (21 and up); free for active-duty military with ID. Balboa Park along Sixth Avenue between Laurel and Nutmeg streets. Parade starts at 10:30 a.m. on Fifth Avenue at Laurel Street. Free. stpatsparade.org
This canine-focused festival offers activities, giveaways, exhibitors and ways to show off your pup, like the agility course and off-leash tennis ball chase, as well as contests for largest and smallest dogs and best trick. Bring an item for the Shelter Donation Drive and be entered to win a gift basket. The San Diego Humane Society will provide microchipping and pet licensing. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Town Center Community Park East, Santee. Free. santeespecialevents.com
World of Orchids: The San Diego Botanic Garden hosts its third annual spring orchid showcase. Artist-in-residence René van Rems will change the assortment of flowers each week so visitors can experience different blooms and displays. The show features vendors on select weekends selling plants, potting materials and other merchandise. Timed admissions starting at 9 a.m. Saturday through April 9; closed Tuesdays. 300 Quail Gardens Drive (at Ecke Ranch Road), Encinitas. $18 adults; $12 military/students/ seniors (60 and up); $10 ages 3-17. sdbg.org