San Diego Weekend Guide: March 22-24 – Dinos & Disco

BCDs. It’s not quite the ABCs, but close. Brews and basketball? Culture? Disco and dinos? This San Diego weekend, we have all these and more for your leisure time pleasure.

Ready to roar? Legoland California opens its newest attraction, Dino Valley, Friday. Located near the entrance of the Carlsbad park, Dino Valley features three rides, an area for build-and-play activities and really, just “tons of prehistoric fun.” Weekend admission starts at $99.

Of course, you might want to roar for another reason – to cheer on San Diego State at the NCAA Tournament. Take an early – and long – lunch at Novo Brazil in Mission Valley for the watch party, at 10:45 a.m. Friday. SDSU faces the University of Alabama, Birmingham. And hey, try Azteks Raspberry Kombucha too – it was made in collaboration with players on the team. If they win, there’s a TBD game Sunday.

The Blue Water Film Festival continues through Sunday in La Jolla and Encinitas with screenings and panels to honor UN World Water Day. Films include In the Whale, about a modern-day Jonah, a man swallowed by a whale, Downwind, a look at the impact of U.S. nuclear testing and Treasure of the Caribbean, about the possible discovery of a rare “super reef.” Some screenings are free; others cost $22. Panels cost $20. Full passes rise to $300.

The 12th annual Chamorro Cultural Festival begins at Oceanside Pier at 10 a.m. Saturday. The festivals unite Chamorros – the indigenous people of the Mariana Islands – living in California and beyond in a celebration to promote and preserve the Chamorro language, culture, food, art and seafaring traditions. Go for entertainment, eats and cultural workshops.

For another cultural fest, head to Hourglass Field at Miramar College at 11 a.m. Saturday for Holi 2024. The Hindu fest, known as the Festival of Colors, includes a Taste of India for eats, Bollywood music and dancing for kids. Tickets costs $20 for adults and $12 for youngsters.

The Barks and Brews Festival returns to Waterfront Park from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. Saturday with craft beer and food tastings from more than 25 local vendors and naturally, room for your furry bestie. You obviously have a best dressed and talented pup? Good, because there’s a contest or two at the fest. Admission starts at $24. The fun benefits Barking Lot Rescue.

The Mustache Bash, billed as the “funkiest disco day on Earth … where the soul of ’75 comes alive,” began as a backyard confab but now is so beloved that Saturday’s Broadway Pier party is sold out. But never fear, the after party is still open for lovers of jumpsuits, Donna Summer and Saturday Night Fever. Grab those tickets for $35.

The Poway Symphony Orchestra hosts its 20th Anniversary Celebration concert at the Poway Center for the Performing Arts. The show, at 4 p.m. Sunday, includes masterpieces from the 19th and 20th centuries. General admission starts at $35.