San Diego Weekend Guide: March 8-10 – Blue Angels & Blossoms

Step up for two big games this San Diego weekend, one with a hometown fave and the other featuring the good ol’ U.S. of A. And enjoy fests that celebrate nature or head out of town for one that shows off our military might.

• 7 p.m. Friday – San Diego State welcomes Boise State in its final regular season game of the year. The team is locked in for the NCAA Tournament, but this game looms large for seeding at the conference tournament that begins Wednesday. Cheer on the Aztecs at your favorite bar, as the game at Viejas Arena is sold out. One option – NOVO Brazil Brewing Company’s new sports bar in the Mission Valley Mall.
• 5:15 p.m. Sunday – The CONCACAF Women’s Gold Cup concludes at Snapdragon Stadium with the U.S. Women taking on Brazil. The U.S. won a rain-soaked contest Wednesday for a shot at the cup. And remember – four San Diego Wave faves, including Naomi Girma, are on the U.S. squad. Tickets start at $50.

San Diego’s air show isn’t until the fall, but you can tide yourself over this weekend with a day trip. Head to Naval Air Facility El Centro for the 53rd annual air show – it’s free – with gates opening at 8:30 a.m. Saturday. Enjoy favorites such as a classic car show, mariachi music and rock from the U.S. Navy band, the Destroyers. But the main event is in the air, including the Navy’s Blue Angels and flying acts provided by the U.S. Air Force.

The Japanese Friendship Garden’s annual Cherry Blossom Festival continues through Sunday. Go for the gorgeous blooms of course, but there’s dancing, taiko drumming, workshops and treats too. General garden tickets, $14, include admission to the fest. Gates open at 10 a.m.

Animals on the Bay Day, at Chula Vista’s Living Coast Discovery Center, includes a chance to interact with Animal Ambassadors. Representatives of the nature center’s partner organizations will be there, as will local food trucks and craft vendors too. Admission is reduced for the special day, at $5, with gates open at 10 a.m.

The West Coast Taco & Beer Festival returns at 2 p.m. Saturday. Dig in for unlimited taco tastings and beer/beverage sips from dozens of restaurants, taquerias, breweries and more. See DJs and live Lucha Libre wrestling too, at the Port Pavilion on Broadway Pier. Tickets start at $49.

Want more sports – sort of? The Old Globe has King James through March 31. Now, NBA superstar LeBron James himself isn’t in the play by Pulitzer Prize finalist Rajiv Joseph, but his shadow looms large. The comedy explores the friendship of Shawn and Matt, who couldn’t be more different, yet they are bound by their love of the Cleveland Cavaliers, James’ first team. Tickets start at $33.