San Diego Union-Tribune (Sunday)
Across San Diego, March is a springboard for fun family events
Spring is just around the corner and San Diego is blossoming with Spring Fever. This week, you can get a head start on spring by exploring fields of colorful rannculus in Carlsbad, celebrating St. Patrick’s Day a touch early in San Diego, listening to the sweet sounds of the 1950s on stage at the Welk, celebrating a birthday with Big Bird so much more.
So let the clouds clear out, soak up any sunshine you can find and get ready for some fun March activities near you.
Flower Fields now open
The Flower Fields in Carlsbad officially opened for the season on Wednesday and will be wowing visitors now through May 14.
Plan on staying for a full day, with more than 55 acres of Giant Tecolote Ranunculus to explore as well as greenhouses devoted to other floral varietals, plus “u-pick” berry fields, a spacious playground, tractor tours and more.
The famed attraction also features a gift shop, as well as a variety of food including pizza, tacos or coffees and more.
Visit theflowerfields.com.
Sesame Place, the new children’s theme park and water park in Chula Vista, is getting ready to celebrate its first birthday and the party is going all month long.
The celebration includes all kinds of birthday-themed fun, from special entertainment to photo ops, events, giveaways and more furry surprises.
Certain days of the month feature extra special events, such as a birthday party with cake cutting and singalong on March 25. March 20 is devoted exclusively to Big Bird, as his birthday is in March, too.
Find a full schedule of celebrations, parades and performances, plus ticket information, on the Sesame Place website.
Visit sesameplace.com/sandiego/events/big-bird.
‘Marvelous Wonderettes’
If you love nostalgia and/or musical theater, head to The Theatre at The Welk in Escondido for the off-broadway musical comedy “The Marvelous Wonderettes,” playing through March 26.
The comedic jukebox musical recounts a 1958 prom night through the use of over 30 classic hits from the 1950s and 1960s, including “Lollipop,” “Dream Lover,” “Stupid Cupid,” and “Lipstick on Your Collar.”
Performances are Saturday and Sunday, with both matinee and evening shows available.
You can buy tickets online and/or contact the theater box office at (760) 749-3448 for more information.
Visit tickets.thewelksandiego.com.
‘Womanhouse’ screening
Celebrate International Women’s Day on Wednesday, March 8, at the Women’s Museum of California during its “Womanhouse: Movie and Craft Night.”
The event includes a screening of the documentary, “Womanhouse,” which explores the groundbreaking feminist art installation and performance space in the 1970s organized by Judy Chicago and Miriam Schapiro, co-founders of the California Institute of the Arts.
The screening will be preceded by a talk about the film’s importance and its relevance to the 1970s feminist movement. Participants will also create a craft inspired by 1970s art.
Tickets range from $10 for members to $20 for non-members.
Visit womensmuseumca.org.
St. Patricks Day Parade
The 41st Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival is marching into San Diego on Saturday, March 11.
The parade kicks off at 10:30 a.m. on Fifth Avenue at Laurel Street and the festival is all day, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m..
Hosted by the The Irish Congress of Southern California, the parade is filled with floats, marching bands and more.
The festival includes crafts, food and other vendors as well as music on two stages. There is also a pageant, contest and other fun.
Tickets are $5 for adults over 21; those under 21 and active duty military are free.
Visit stpatsparade.org.
thehub@sduniontribune.com