SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — The weather may be gloomy this weekend, but it's still a great chance to get out and enjoy San Diego!
Circus Vargas is still in town to provide amazing feats of circus entertainment in the South Bay and Thursday is the last day to take advantage of half-priced admission during San Diego Museum Month.
Families will definitely want to check out all the hands-on, educational fun at Petco Park with the annual San Diego Festival of Science & Engineering Expo. The educational experience brings several opportunities to learn about everything that STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) encompasses in a fun, free environment.
RELATED: Things to do for free in San Diego County
This weekend also heralds the arrival of a couple of March holidays: Mardi Gras and St. Patrick's Day. And San Diego is ready for both with the Gaslamp District's Mardi Gras celebration and El Cajon's St. Patrick's Day half marathon/5K/Green Mile.
Here's a look at what's happening around town this weekend:
THURSDAY
Circus Vargas
Where: Westfield Plaza Bonita; Cost: $15 - $72
(Thursday - Sunday) The Big Top is back for another weekend in San Diego as Circus Vargas hits Westfield Plaza Bonita! Acrobats, daredevils, and flying trapeze artists will perform to audiences' delight, recreating circus feats from the past for a new audience.
San Diego Museum Month
Where: Various museums; Cost: Half-priced regular admission
It's the last day to enjoy half-priced admission at more than 40 local San Diego museums for San Diego Museum Month. And there's something for everyone, whether it's art, history, science, or the seas at participating museums such as the San Diego Natural History Museum, Maritime Museum of San Diego, San Diego Air and Space Museum, and many more.
FRIDAY
San Diego Yoga Festival
Where: Imperial Beach: Cost: $25 - $216
(Friday - Sunday) Enjoy an epic day of yoga at the beach open to all ages and all skill levels, with nonstop yoga sessions featuring a variety of yoga types like skateboarding yoga, family yoga, yoga in Spanish, and a yoga festival wedding! The festival will also be packed with music, meditation, and food vendors with an array of healthy eats.
34th annual Spring Home Garden Show
Where: Del Mar Fairgrounds; Cost: Free - $8
(Friday - Sunday) The Spring Home Garden Show returns to the Del Mar Fairgrounds, featuring three days of "garden masters" show guests how to transform their homes into amazing landscapes, hands-on demonstrations, and hundreds of home improvement exhibitors and seminars with experts.
SATURDAY
11th annual San Diego Festival of Science & Engineering Expo
Where: Petco Park; Cost: Free
The Biocom Institute Festival of Science and Engineering is a ten-day educational experience including interactive demonstrations, hands-on activities and dynamic speakers to engage kids and families in all that encompasses STEM (science, technology, engineering and math).
San Diego Mardi Gras Fat Tuesday Celebration
Where: Gaslamp District; Cost: Starts at $25
(Friday - Saturday) Mardi Gras gets started early in San Diego's Gaslamp District with 20 parties over the weekend and then for one more night on Fat Tuesday. Tickets get guests access to more than 20 nightclubs, bars, and restaurants, an opening night and finale party, and food and drink specials around downtown.
San Diego Undy Run/Walk
Where: Mission Bay Park - De Anza Cove; Cost: Free - $40
Help benefit the Solorectal Cancer Alliance at San Diego Undy Run/Walk in Mission Bay! It's a family-friendly, undy-themed event designed to provide support for patients, survivors, and families affected by colorectal cancer.
SUNDAY
St. Patrick's Day Half Marathon, 5K, Green Mile
Where: Downtown El Cajon; Cost: $25 - $99
Hit the ground running or walking in El Cajon to ring in St. Patrick's Day early, either in half marathon, 5K, or mile fashion. Runners and walkers work through a scenic course along the city's landmarks, and 5K runners get to tackle a Crossfit-style obstacle course. Hang around for the after race festival for a beer garden, live music, and costume contest!
Spring Busker Festival
Where: Seaport Village; Cost: Free
(Saturday - Sunday) The Spring Busker Festival returns to San Diego's Seaport Village, bringing street performers to the seaside venue to showcase their amazing, eye-catching acts like knife throwing, sword swallowing, and juggling tricks for the public. Busker After Dark, an 18-and-over event on Saturday, features more live acts and special food and beverage sales.
Sunday Family Fun Day
Where: San Elijo Lagoon Nature Center; Cost: Free
San Elijo Lagoon Nature Center will host nature-themed crafts and activities for families for free this weekend, spanning topics such as the lagoon's native birds, insects, and flowers. Check out the center's exhibits and trails that explore the terrain!
