San Diego Weekend Guide: April 3-5 – Easter edition

There’s no shortage of things to do — in fact, there are parties galore this San Diego weekend, but for very different reasons. On the secular side, there’s music and luaus. On the spiritual side, there’s Easter, the highest of Christian holy days. We’ll give you a taste of both.

First up

The secular world does have a high holy holiday of a sort locally, in the midtown area at least, and it’s the North Park Festival of Beers. The 16th annual festival starts in front of the Lafayette Hotel on Saturday at 1 p.m. (although VIP entry begins at noon) and ends at 4 p.m. or when you have hit your limit of the 80-plus craft beers on offer. Ticket prices start at $40.74.

If that’s not quite your thing (or if you’ve wrapped up by then), try the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina for a Rhythms of the Pacific Luau. These infrequent events boast a Hawaiian buffet and fire dancing in a convivial outdoor setting. Tickets begin at $71.21.

Also on Saturday, celebrate San Diego’s queer surf and skate culture at the Eden SD Queer Lifestyle + Music Festival at The Quartyard. The event will feature live music, DJs, an open-air beer garden and a half-pipe. The event is 21 and up. Tickets start at $24.30. But if this event looks interesting, better move fast — early-bird tickets are all sold out.

Another fun one going on all weekend, especially if you’re on a budget: The Makers Arcade Spring Fair at Balboa Park is intended to showcase arts, crafts and technology as well as celebrate area artists and small businesses, and, of course, bring the community together. Meet makers, enjoy their booths, and eat at one of the food trucks on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $5.

Easter weekend

Shift into the spirit on Good Friday with St. Peter’s by the Sea in Ocean Beach, which hosts a community faith walk between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. The walk sets off from the church, 1371 Sunset Cliffs Blvd.; once it is complete, shuttles will be available for returning participants.

Here’s two for the family:

• Eggstravaganza Spring Festival in Carlsbad includes a range of fun, from face painting and cookie decorating to twists on the traditional hunt and photos with the Easter Bunny. Instead there will be an egg scramble, where two age groups of kids can collect candy-filled eggs and (watch out rabbit) something called Soak the Bunny. Poinsettia Park hosts from 10 a.m to 1 p.m.; $8 activity cards and $8 unlimited inflatables wristbands are available for the events.
• First Evangelical Lutheran Church of El Cajon hosts a kids carnival on Saturday, with an Easter egg hunt, jump, crafts and more. Head to the event at the church, 867 S. Lincoln Ave., from 10 a.m. to noon.

Two separate sunrise services, one along the coast and one on Mount Helix, will welcome early-rising worshippers on Sunday:

• Mission Bay Park – United Methodist churches from La Jolla and Pacific Beach team up for a 6 a.m. service near the parking lot off Crown Point Drive and Corona Oriente Road. Those who attend should bring chairs or blankets.
• Mt. Helix Park – Legacy Church hosts the 6:15 a.m. service in the park amphitheater. Meet at Grossmont High to pick up a shuttle to the service, which has a history dating back to 1917.

Belmont Park combines the love of spring with Easter festivities Sunday for the first weekend of “Belmont in Bloom.” There will be floral arrangements and sculptures on display throughout the amusement park, live music and face painting. On Easter, children can enjoy an egg hunt on the beach (tickets are required). The bloom fest continues through May 31.