Arts & Entertainment

22 Can't-Miss Events This Spring In Southern California

It's officially spring in Southern California, and the events calendar is in full bloom.

From March 1 through May 10, nearly 80 million flowers blanket the rolling hills at The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch.
From March 1 through May 10, nearly 80 million flowers blanket the rolling hills at The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch. (The Flower Fields)

It's officially spring in Southern California, and the events calendar is in full bloom.

Spring is a busy time for schools across Southern California. Some events of general interest include the German Easter Egg Hunt & Spring Festival in Huntington Beach and Spring Home Garden Show in Del Mar.

Earth Day is Wednesday, April 22. It's celebrated annually with community cleanups, teach-ins, tree plantings and other activities in communities across the country. In Southern California, Earth Day events include: Earth Day at the Bay in Newport Beach and Earth Month Celebration in Carlsbad.

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104th Coronado Flower Show

  • When: April 18-19
  • Where: Spreckels Park, Coronado
  • What: Since 1922, the Coronado Flower Show has invited neighbors and flower fans to gather "beneath the tent" to celebrate beauty, community and heritage.

Balboa Island Artwalk

  • When: May 17
  • Where: South Bayfront Promenade, Newport Beach
  • What: This fine art show features 90 artists exhibiting paintings, jewelry, blown glass, sculpture, and photography.

BBQ Smoke Off Competition

  • When: April 18
  • Where: Patriots and Paws, Anaheim
  • What: Join Patriots and Paws for a day of competitive barbecue and food at this community-focused event.

Circus Vargas

  • When: March 13-April 6; April 10-27
  • Where: North County Mall, Escondido; Promenade Temecula, Temecula
  • What: This two-hour family-friendly show features world-renowned artists, aerialists, acrobats, comedians, daredevils and more.

Culver City Book Festival

  • When: March 29
  • Where: The Wende Museum, Culver City
  • What: The event is free and open to everyone, and will highlight the work of local authors, publishers, journals and literary nonprofits.

Desert Mountains Art Fair

  • When: April 4
  • Where: Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center, Palm Desert
  • What: Support local artists and find gifts and desert mementos, all while enjoying the natural beauty of the desert mountains.

Disney On Ice Presents "Road Trip Adventures"

  • When: April 10-12
  • Where: Pechanga Arena San Diego, San Diego
  • What: The show features a mix of classic and newer Disney stories brought to life through skating, stunts and audience interaction.

Earth Day at the Bay

  • When: April 18
  • Where: Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center, Newport Beach
  • What: The free family-friendly event features hands-on arts and crafts, educational activities, and science discovery.

Earth Day Birding Bus Tour

  • When: April 17
  • Where: Sam's Club Parking Lot, Palm Desert
  • What: Whether you are a beginner or a serious birder, enjoy desert and mountain scenery on a guided bus tour to well-known birding and nature hotspots in and around the Coachella Valley.

Earth Month Celebration

  • When: April 18
  • Where: Poinsettia Community Park, Carlsbad
  • What: This annual celebration brings the community together for hands-on workshops, family-friendly activities and practical tips to help reduce waste and repurpose everyday items.

Flower Fields

  • When: March 1-May 10
  • Where: The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch, Carlsbad
  • What: For 10 weeks only, the annual attraction welcomes guests to explore 55 acres of giant tecolote ranunculus. A full slate of activities is planned for the season, including live music performances, workshops and wellness classes.

German Easter Egg Hunt & Spring Festival

  • When: April 4
  • Where: Old World Biergarten Festival Hall & Concert Venue, Huntington Beach
  • What: From hand-painted eggs to seasonal treats, it's a day of culture and community.

Los Angeles Times Festival of Books

  • When: April 18-19
  • Where: University of Southern California, Los Angeles
  • What: The festival will feature more than 550 writers, experts and storytellers.

Marinelli Bros. Circus

  • When: March 13-30; April 3-12
  • Where: Antelope Valley Mall, Palmdale; Ventura County Fairgrounds, Ventura
  • What: The two-hour family-friendly show offers jaw-dropping stunts, soaring aerialists and world-class performers, according to the website.

Mission Fed ArtWalk

  • When: April 25
  • Where: Piazza della Famiglia, Little Italy, San Diego
  • What: The festival will fill the streets of San Diego's Little Italy district with more than 250 fine artists, four music stages and interactive art for families.

North Coast Symphony Free Family Concert

  • When: April 18
  • Where: San Dieguito United Methodist Church, Encinitas
  • What: Bring the family for a musical journey across the globe in "Dancing Around the World," a free family concert by North Coast Symphony.

Panda Fest San Diego

  • When: April 25-26
  • Where: Waterfront Park, San Diego
  • What: Panda Fest will transform Waterfront Park into a vibrant celebration filled with global flavors, cultural artistry, live performances, and panda-themed fun.

San Marcos Spring Fling Festival

  • When: April 12
  • Where: North City, San Marcos
  • What: The all-day festival transforms North City into a mix of shopping, music, food and community energy.

Searchers Gem and Mineral Annual Show

  • When: April 25-26
  • Where: Anaheim Brookhurst Community Center, Anaheim
  • What: The 65th annual show features 41 dealers displaying the best in rocks, minerals and jewelry.

Seven Seas Food Festival

  • When: Feb. 27-April 26
  • Where: SeaWorld San Diego, San Diego
  • What: This year's menu features more than 150 food and drink options inspired by dishes from around the world.

Spring Home Garden Show

  • When: April 25-56
  • Where: Del Mar Fairgrounds, Del Mar
  • What: The two-day event features demonstrations, hundreds of home-improvement products and services, exhibitors, plant sales, and face-to-face consultations with top experts.

Spring Market

  • When: April 18
  • Where: Promenade Temecula, Temecula
  • What: The market features shopping, face painting, music and special guest characters.

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