San Diego Weekend Guide: March 29-31 – Easter Edition

Downtown has a couple special things to celebrate this San Diego weekend (though, fair warning, the weather may appear more wintry than springy) – a debut and the big 1-0-0 of a restored theater. And if things get a bit soggy, remember, spring showers bring April flowers.

For the centennial of the Balboa Theatre, take part in a military salute and some throwback family entertainment, all for a mere $3.50 a ticket:

• Friday – Honor San Diego’s military with a 7 p.m. screening of the silent film The Flying Fleet, accompanied by the Wonder Morton theatre organ. The salute marks the theater’s roles as both a silent movie venue and a wartime home for sailors. 
• Saturday – “Toons & Tunes: A Morning of Family Fun,” includes a 10 a.m. screening of classic cartoons accompanied by the same organ. Introduce youngsters to old-school faves like Mighty Mouse, Woody Woodpecker, Popeye and Felix the Cat and dress up like the Roaring ’20s for the parade that precedes the screening. Tickets are $3.50.

Two San Diego Music Award winners stop by the Fairmont Grand Del Mar Friday and Saturday at the Grand Social lounge. First up, at 6 p.m. Friday, is trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos. Vocalist Rebecca Jade follows at 6:30 p.m. Saturday. Free general admission is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis.  Guests can bring their blankets for the expansive lawn.

Try the Quartyard at 4 p.m. Saturday for Spanish DJ Pablo Fierro, making his San Diego debut, and local Simone Glad. Tickets cost $35.

The littles love an egg hunt. Carlsbad offers that and more at Poinsettia Park for the EGGstravaganza Spring Festival at 10 a.m. Saturday. There’s also face-painting, crafts, cookie decorating, a fun zone and soak the bunny (wait, what did the bunny do to deserve a soaking?). Activity cards cost $5.

Want more egg hunts on Saturday? Sure (but please check websites for weather updates):

• San Marcos – the Spring Egg Scramble at Walnut Grove Park, with egg hunts for several age groups and a $7 breakfast; 8-11:30 a.m.
• Santee – The Easter bunny visits at 10 a.m. at Santee Lakes and there will be a Kids vs. Parents tug-o-war. Whose side will the bunny be on?
• Cherokee Point – Cherokee Point Elementary‘s field will be the site for three 11 a.m. egg hunts, including one for sensory-sensitive youngsters. The fun includes crafts, games and raffles.
• Point Loma – the Rock Church hosts a 3 p.m. egg hunt followed by a 4 p.m. service. Look for family fun including balloon animals, toddler zone and an Easter Bunny photo op. The church promises the event will go on, rain or shine.