SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — San Diego's weekend is filled with opportunities to explore, learn, and drink in all the city has to offer.
Check out San Diego Comic Fest for a Comic-Con experience on a smaller — less chaotic — scale. Special guests from across the comic spectrum and panels with iconic creators are set for the weekend-long convention.
Fans of craft beer will enjoy Best Coast Beer Fest in the Embarcadero, parking the marina with some of the region's finest breweries and delicious food trucks and activities.
RELATED: Things to do for free in San Diego County
The Oddities and Curiosities Expo at Del Mar Fairgrounds is bound to expose guests to some strangeness they've never seen before, and Chula Vista's annual Mariachi Festival returns for a day filled with mariachi music, traditional dancing, and family fun at Bayside Park.
THURSDAY
San Diego Comic Fest
Where: Four Points Sheraton San Diego; Cost: Free-$50
(Thursday - Sunday) For a comic experience without all the hustle and bustle of downtown, San Diego Comic Fest returns to Mission Valley. Special guests this year include guests from "Spider-Man: The Animated Series," animators from various Disney films and classic cartoons, and many others.
Two Scientists and an Artist Walk Into a Bar
Where: Various locations; Cost: Free to attend
Fleet Science Center's "Two Scientist Walk Into a Bar" event returns this week, including an artist for a special event across town. Talk with local scientists and artists to discuss an array of topics hosted across the city, including drug development and paintings, neuroscience and mixed media, molecular biology and performance art, and much more.
FRIDAY
Museum of What? Love Tour
Where: Encinitas; Cost: Free-$24
(Thursday - Sunday) Check out the pop-up museum experience of "Museum of What?," featuring an interactive and entertaining look at exhibits inspiring love, laughter, and happiness.
International Women's Day Mixer
Where: Cafe Sevilla; Cost: $10-$20
The National Latina Business Woman Association will host a celebration of International Women's Day, bringing together businesswomen, entrepreneurs, and community leaders to network.
SATURDAY
16th annual Law Enforcement Challenge Guacamole Bowl
Where: Balboa Park Club; Cost: $8
San Diego's finest will face-off in a old fashioned cook-off, creating their own guacamole to claim the coveted Guacamole Cup. Entrance gets you a bag of chips, all the guacamole you can eat, and the chance to vote for your favorite! The event benefits Sports for Exceptional Athletes, a local organization that that serves athletes with developmental disabilities.
Best Coast Beer Fest
Where: Embarcadero Marina Park South; Cost: $50-$115
Enjoy a taste of more than 100 breweries, delicious food trucks, and live entertainment from local musicians at the Best Coast Beer Fest, benefiting Cuck Fancer, which supports young adults with cancer and cancer survivors.
The Oddities & Curiosities Expo
Where: Del Mar Fairgrounds; Cost: Free-$10
Explore the world of the strange and unusual at the Del Mar Fairgrounds at the San Diego Offities & Curiosities Expo. Guests can peruse jewelry made from bones, skulls, insects, original artwork, performances featuring human suspension, and more of the strange, weird, and unusual.
SUNDAY
7th annual Mariachi Festival
Where: Bayside Park; Cost: Free
Enjoy mariachi music and traditional folkloric dancing at Chula Vista's celebration of art and dancing at the Mariachi Festival, featuring groups from across the U.S. and Mexico. Families can also enjoy face painting, bungee jumping, games and activities, delicious foods, and much more!
San Diego Half Marathon
Where: San Diego; Cost: $45-$150
Take in the waterfront, San Diego's historic communities and beautiful parks along the route for the San Diego Half Marathon, with an epic finish inside Petco Park, benefiting local charities.
Brushes, Beaches, and Brews
Where: Ballast Point Miramar; Cost: $35
Head to Ballast Point for a day of painting the La Jolla Shores and learn all about the science of brewing from a Ballast Point Brew Master as part of the San Diego Festival of Science & Engineering.
