Here is our list of the best events in San Diego this March.
See MJ The Musical at San Diego Civic Theatre; PHOTO BY MATTHEW MURPHY/MURPHYMADE
3/2
DAVID SPADE
NBC’s Saturday Night Live star brings his sharp wit and charisma to the Balboa Theatre during this one-night special show, Catch Me Inside. Get ready to laugh out loud at the Emmy-nominated comedian’s riotous set. 8 p.m., Balboa Theatre, Downtown San Diego, sandiegotheatres.org
3/5-10
MJ THE MUSICAL
From moonwalks to toe stands, MJ The Musical portrays the rise of Michael Jackson through signature sounds and moves in a show created by Tony Award-winning director and choreographer Christopher Wheeldon and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage. San Diego Civic Theatre, Downtown San Diego, broadwaysd.com
3/9
LESLIE JONES
Comedian and actress Leslie Jones—known for her three seasons on Saturday Night Live and her upcoming role in Angry Birds 2—will bring the crowd to tears of laughter during her comedic sketch live at The Magnolia. 8 p.m., The Magnolia, El Cajon, magnoliasandiego.com
3/9
THE GREATEST SHOW ANNUAL FUNDRAISING GALA
Support the Southern California Ballet during this circus-themed soiree taking place at Rancho Bernardo’s American-style pub, The Cork & Craft. 6 p.m., The Cork & Craft, Rancho Bernardo, southerncaliforniaballet.org/gala2024
3/9-31
KING JAMES
Reflect on the incredible career of NBA icon LeBron James in this energetic play by Pulitzer Prize finalist Rajiv Joseph. The show weaves tales of friendship, light-hearted quips and a bit of poignancy—themes that mirror James’ enduring legacy. Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre at The Old Globe, Balboa Park, theoldglobe.org
3/16-17
AN AMERICAN IN PARIS
Acclaimed choreographer Geoffrey Gonzalez will unveil his original ballet while City Ballet will premiere its inaugural Christopher Wheeldon piece. Director Steven Wistrich will provide behind-the-scenes insight. Balboa Theatre, Downtown San Diego, sandiegotheatres.org
Beau du Bois is the mastermind behind the cocktail menu at Marisi, host of the upcoming Friends of James Beard Dinner. PHOTO COURTESY OF MARISI
3/20
FRIENDS OF JAMES BEARD DINNER
La Jolla’s Italian hot spot Marisi will present the first-ever James Beard-hosted dinner in San Diego. Executive chef Cameron Ingle will showcase his culinary skills in a five-course meal with cocktail and wine pairings. 6 p.m., Marisi, La Jolla, jamesbeard.org/events
3/21
DOWNTOWN CHULA VISTA’S 28TH ANNUAL TASTE OF THIRD
Grab your passports, and get ready to travel through Downtown Chula Vista during the 28th annual Taste of Third, featuring culinary creations by 25 local businesses from H to E Street. 4 p.m., Downtown Chula Vista, downtownchulavista.com/events
3/21
COOL WOMEN CELEBRATION AND LUNCHEON
Girl Scouts of San Diego will recognize five outstanding women who will mentor a community of 50 emerging Girl Scout leaders from grades 10 to 12 during this special awards ceremony. 11 a.m., Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines, sdgirlscouts.com
Join the Girl Scouts of San Diego for their annual Cool Women Celebration and Luncheon. PHOTO BY PAUL NESTOR
3/22
MAINLY MOZART GALA: CULINARY CONCERTO
With the help of MasterChef judge Claudia Sandoval, celebrity chefs will prepare a luxurious four-course dinner tableside for guests while violin virtuoso Alexander Rybak delivers his first-ever public performance in San Diego—with proceeds going toward Mainly Mozart’s musical initiatives. 6 p.m., Julep Venue, Middletown, mainlymozart.org/gala
Tamie Smith and Mai Baum win the 2023 Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event; PHOTO BY SHANNON BRINKMAN
3/22
USET FOUNDATION'S EQUESTRIANS IN PARIS BENEFIT GALA
Actor Mark Wahlberg will serve as the honorary chairman of this benefit that supports the United States Equestrian Teams headed to the 2024 Paris Olympics and Paralympic Games. Guests will enjoy cocktails, live performances, dinner, a live auction and afterparty, and are encouraged to wear Parisian-inspired cocktail attire. 5 p.m., Del Mar Fairgrounds, uset.org/eip-gala
3/23-24
ALL THINGS EQUAL: THE LIFE AND TRIALS OF RUTH BADER GINSBURG
Legendary playwright Rupert Holmes crafts an intimate portrait of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, portrayed by Michelle Azar, and her tenacious quest for human rights and gender equality, from her days at Harvard Law School to her home life. Balboa Theatre, Downtown San Diego, sandiegotheatres.org
3/24
LA JOLLA PLAYHOUSE GALA
Tony Award winner Idina Menzel will wow guests at this intimate New York-themed evening of dinner and performance, which supports La Jolla Playhouse’s community engagement and military programs. Mandell Weiss Theatre, La Jolla, lajollaplayhouse.org
3/25
BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN AND THE E STREET BAND
The Boss and his E Street Band are making a much-anticipated stop in San Diego to kick off their 2024 tour, where the crowd will roar to the nostalgic sounds of one of the world’s bestselling artists. 7:30 p.m., Pechanga Arena, Midway, pechangaarenasd.com
3/28-30
BALBOA THEATRE 100TH ANNIVERSARY GALA
This highly-anticipated centennial affair will greet guests with dazzling showmanship and feature acclaimed pianist, playwright and actor Hershey Felder as he performs 100 years of musical history. 6:30 p.m., Balboa Theatre, Downtown San Diego, sandiegotheatres.org/balboatheatre100
3/29-30
PROKOFIEV: ROMEO & JULIET – IMAGINED!
From Prokofiev’s famed 1935 ballet score, watch Romeo and Juliet’s tragic story come to life in this unique visual experience reimagined by the San Diego Symphony and music director Rafael Payare. 8 p.m., Jacobs Music Center, Downtown San Diego, sandiegosymphony.org
3/28-31
SAN DIEGO PADRES HOME-OPENING SERIES
Head out to the ball game during the opening series week of the San Diego Padres. Party in the park with Southwest Airlines, or bring your family to the first Kidsfest of the year, featuring bounce houses, face painters and the ability to run the bases (ages 14 and under). Petco Park, Downtown San Diego, mlb.com/padres
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