Friday, April 5

Arab Film Festival
The San Diego Arab Film Festival announced its lineup for 2019. It will open on April 5 and include nine feature films and six shorts. The festival will host three screenings at the Museum of Photographic Arts in Balboa Park and seven at the AMC 20 complex at Westfield Mission Valley. The festival is offering passes for all 10 screenings, three-screening ticket packages, as well as tickets for individual screenings. Individual tickets are $12 for general admission and $7 for students. Three ticket packages are $33. Festival passes are $100.
For ticket purchases and screening information, visit sandiegoaff.org

‘Angels in America’
 “Angels in America Millenium Approaches” and “Perestroika.” Set in America in the mid-1980s. In the midst of the AIDS crisis and a conservative Reagan administration, New Yorkers grapple with life and death, love and sex, heaven and hell. Alternately hilarious and heartbreaking, it was awarded two Tony Awards for Best Play and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Playing through April 20. Cygnet Theatre. $35-$55. 4040 Twiggs St. Old Town.
bit.ly/2EwYGAf

‘Life After’

The Old Globe presents the U.S. premiere of “Life After,” a rapturously beautiful and stirring new musical with book, music, and lyrics by Britta Johnson, directed by the Globe’s own Barry Edelstein. With choreography by Ann Yee and music supervision, arrangements, and orchestrations by Lynne Shankel, “Life After” will run through April 28 on the Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage in the Old Globe Theatre, part of the Conrad Prebys Theatre Center. 1363 Old Globe Way. $34-$102.
bit.ly/2Us1nvO

Saturday, April 6

The Sand Box
Join Hillcrest’s newest art gallery for a family-friendly, all-ages drag show. The Studio Door opens their gallery to feature queens performing for the very first time alongside a cast of seasoned local performers. This free show runs from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at 3867 Fourth Ave.

Photos with the Easter Bunny ? The Easter Bunny will be located in Seaport Village’s West Village Food Court. No appointment necessary; all captured photos will be saved on a USB drive for you to keep for $35. Guests will also enjoy live music and free Easter treats. Various dates and times. 849 W Harbor Drive.
bit.ly/2HYdWck

They Promised Her the Moon
Through May 5
The Old Globe Theatre presents the West Coast premiere of Laurel Ollstein’s “They Promised Her the Moon.” Detailing the life and accomplishments of aviator Jerrie Cobb, the first women to be tested by NASA for duty as an astronaut during the 1960s. This story examines the powerful forces that kept her from reaching orbit. Ticket pricing starts at $30.
Tickets and showtimes at bit.ly/2FSu64H

Sunday, April 7

UHCA Swap Meet
The UHCA hosts its annual Ostrich Nest yard sale this year on April 7 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Stroll this open-air market in search of hidden treasures while getting more in touch with the University Heights community. Located in Trolley Barn Park at 943 Adams

Ave.

Autism Awareness Bar Crawl
In honor of National Autism Awareness Month, Gaslamp District Media has created a scavenger hunt-themed bar crawl for its annual event. Attendees will enjoy small bites, cocktails and the chance to win prizes along the crawl, which begins at Meze? Greek Fusion. Additional stops along the route include Float at Hard Rock Hotel and Monkey King. The event will conclude at the final stop, El Chingon, followed by an after-party. Registration is priced at $20 per person, with additional team pricing. All proceeds from this event go toward Community ConNext, a local nonprofit benefiting kids, teens and young adults with developmental disabilities.
Registration and additional information at bit.ly/2uDPDHZ

‘Step by Step’ 5K
The Parkinson’s Association of San Diego (PASD) will hold its annual ‘Step by Step’ 5K walk on April 7 at Liberty Station. CBS News 8 Anchor Carlo Cecchetto will emcee the event that will feature speakers from the Michael J. Fox Foundation and the Davis Phinney Foundation. An expo and entertainment are part of the festivities and the walk is dog friendly. All proceeds from the event go towards services and resources provided by PASD. The walk will commence at 9:30 a.m. The entry fee is $50.
Register online at bit.ly/2OE2ovf

Tuesday, April 9

Gay Men’s Book Club
The new Gay Men’s Book Club will meet on Tuesday, April 9, to discuss the April selection, “Dancer from the Dance” by Andrew Holleran, a classic novel about gay men in Manhattan and Fire Island before the AIDS epidemic changed everything. Anyone interested in novels, memoirs and plays with gay themes is welcome to join the club. 6-7:30 p.m. at Mission Hills-Hillcrest Library, 215 W. Washington St.
Contact Ron Alsop at [email protected] or 908-347-3877 for more information.

Thursday, April 11

Art Alive
The San Diego Museum of Art has announced its signature Art Alive fundraiser for 2019. On view from April 11-14, the exhibit features the work of nearly 100 floral designers who have interpreted famous works throughout the museum, filling the galleries with beautiful color. Open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., the expansive exhibit will be included with general admission. The fundraiser will kick off with the Bloom Bash, followed by three days of special events and activities.
Tickets and information available at sdmart.org/artalive

 First Port, First City
A San Diego 250 commemorative event inspired by the arrival of the Spanish sailing ship, San Antonio, into San Diego Bay 250 years ago to the day. The event brings together the Kumeyaay Nation, public officials, the Maritime Museum and honored guests to share in marking the day that San Diego began. The Maritime Museum’s San Salvador ship will serve as an impressive backdrop to the beautiful gazebo location in Embarcadero Marina Park North. Short presentations and cultural exchange activities will begin at noon, lasting approximately 30 minutes. Educational information panels, light snacks, refreshments and seating will be provided in a covered area adjacent to the gazebo. This event is free to the public. Embarcadero Marina Park North, 400 Kettner Blvd.

Friday, April 12

Classic Cinema Under the Stars ?Convivio’s popular outdoor Films Al Fresco series continues with a screening of Cecil B. Demille’s biblical epic, “The Ten Commandments.” Presented in Little Italy’s Amici Park, the series of 10 movie classics invites gusts to gather together, under the stars to view great films alongside great company. “The Ten Commandments” tells the story of Moses (Charlton Heston). Raised as an Egyptian prince, Moses discovers his Hebrew heritage, hears God’s call, and engages in a bitter battle with Pharaoh Ramses (Yul Brynner) to free the Jews from slavery, leading them to the Promised Land. $12/50-$17.50. Amici Park, 1660 Union St.
bit.ly/2OLSiZr

Saturday, April 13

Taste of Hillcrest ? Hillcrest’s vibrant walking feast is back! With over 40 different types of cuisine, Fabulous Hillcrest offers an international tour of exciting new concepts and comfort food favorites. Savor small bites from some of Hillcrest’s most recognized and award-winning restaurants while you discover and explore an eclectic mix of shops and boutiques! $30 presale, $35 day of event. Noon-4 p.m.
bit.ly/2GGKfZ0

Building Hogwarts
Join the North Park Branch Library for a Lego build-a-thon as they piece together Hogwarts castle. Guests will be assigned a station and work as a team for this complex build. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided by the Friends of the North Park Library. Ages 6-plus. Free. 3795 31st St.

SDGMC Presents: ‘Motown’

The San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus presents “Motown: The Music + The Legends.” Join their nearly 200 singers and dancers for music that roared out of Detroit and took a nation by storm. They’ll be at the Civic Theatre, playing some of your favorite classics from superstars like Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross & the Supremes, Lionel Richie, Gladys Knight & the Pips and the Jackson 5. Three shows over two days, April 13-14. Tickets start at $27.
Tickets and showtimes at bit.ly/2FR0ovU

Young Arts Patron Social
The Studio Door is hosting an art-filled ice cream social hour for young philanthropists interested in becoming informed patrons of the arts. Patricia Frischer of San Diego Visual Arts Network will speak on the importance and methods of art collecting. Event begins at 11 a.m. Free. 3867 Fourth Ave.

Sunday, April 14

SpeakUp5K ? Join us for the 4th SpeakUp5k San Diego! This is a fun, family-friendly event designed by Cameron Gallagher to help eliminate the stigma associated with teen depression and anxiety. Whether you run, walk, stroll or volunteer, we want you to “SpeakUp” with us. A portion of the race proceeds will benefit the mental health initiatives of Rady Children’s Hospital. 8:30-11 a.m. Embarcadero Marina Park South, 200 Marina Park Way.
bit.ly/2ucQEXk

Wednesday, April 17

Brain Science
Learn more about the brain, take part in an interactive brain dissection demonstration and participate in a brain trivia game! The North Park Branch Library hosts a brain science workshop for students from second to 12th grade on April 17 from 4:30-5:30 p.m. The class will be taught by scientists from SDSU’s Brain Development Imaging Labs. Registration required.
Registration and information available at bit.ly/2UauR1W

Thursday, April 18

Smino with EarthGang
St. Louis-born rapper Smino will be at the Observatory North Park with EarthGang on April 18 at 8 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $25.
Tickets and show information at bit.ly/2FKKoeH

Friday, April 19

Easter Bunny Teas ? April 19-20. A Westgate tradition. Celebrate spring in elegance with our sumptuous signature Parisian-style afternoon tea. Delicious proof of a long love of afternoon tea, Easter tea is served with a delicious selection of house-made sweet delicacies, yummy child-friendly petit-fours, savory tea sandwiches and pastries. All accompanied with a choice of freshly brewed fine teas and a special hop-in appearance from a fluffy guest. Stay on, as the springtime cheer continues on the Riviera Terrace with an egg hunt extraordinaire and an enchanting magic performance featuring the Easter bunny. There is no finer way to indulge in the chicest of San Diego surroundings. $79 adults, $55 children, complimentary ages 3 and under. 2:30-5 p.m. Westgate Hotel, 1055 Second Ave.
bit.ly/2CXXa8S

Saturday, April 20

Freedom Rider: An Art Blakey Centennial Celebration ? In a career that spanned the decades between the Big Band sounds of Billy Eckstine and the modern generation of neo-traditional jazz practitioners such as Wynton Marsalis, percussion master and band leader Art Blakey boldly blazed a trail of his own. For 35 years he led several incarnations of the Jazz Messengers through the glory years of bebop and beyond, incubating a dazzling lineup of young jazz talent along the way. Series Curator Gilbert Castellanos has assembled a stellar group of musicians, including former Jazz Messengers Brian Lynch, Bobby Watson, Bill Pierce, Donald Brown and Peter Washington, for this centennial tribute. The concert also features Freddie Hubbard drummer Carl Allen, who is former Artistic Director of Jazz Studies (2008-13) at The Juilliard School. $24-$76. Joan and Irwin Jacobs Music Center, Seventh Avenue.
bit.ly/2TPNT8J

Saturday, April 27

Adams Avenue Unplugged
The annual free music festival will feature 80 artists performing on 24 stages from Kensington through Normal Heights and ending in University Heights. Restaurant, bars and coffeehouses along Adams Avenue will be hosting performances. Multi-instrumentalist extraordinaire David Lindley and Grammy Award-winner Gaby Moreno are headlining. The event also features a beer garden and free trolley service to the festival. For the complete schedule and concert or beer garden tickets, visit www.adamsavenueunplugged.com

ArtWalk Little Italy ? For 35 years, Mission Federal ArtWalk has celebrated both visual and performing arts in San Diego. We believe art has the power to connect communities, cultivate new artistic talent and create a better quality of life for all through cultural enrichment. On April 27-28, Mission Federal ArtWalk will fill 16 blocks in San Diego’s Little Italy neighborhood. Thousands of attendees come to view and purchase artwork, enjoy music and dance performances, and participate in interactive art experiences.
bit.ly/2HiQTbc

Recurring Events

Mondays

Lestat’s West Open Mic
Weekly open mic event hosted by Robby Robertson every Monday, 6:30-11 p.m. at Lestat’s, 3343 Adams Ave.
bit.ly/LestatsWest

Tuesdays

Introduction to Buddhism & Meditation
Join an all-ages introductory class to learn the basic Buddhist concepts as well as participate in a discussion and silent meditation. Weekly event led by Jeff Zlotnik. Free. 7-8 p.m. at Dharma Bum Temple 4144 Campus Ave. Also held on Saturdays at 11 a.m.-noon
bit.ly/dharmabum

Thursdays

North Park Thursday Market
Shop at more than 90 tents for locally-grown produce, seasonal grocery items, fresh food and hand-crafted arts and crafts. 3-7:30 p.m. at 3000 North Park Way, stretching from 31st to Utah streets in North Park.
bit.ly/ThursMarket

Thursdays at the Ken
San Diego’s late-night jazz jam convenes every Thursday night at the Kensington Club. Hosted by musicians Ian Buss, Robert Dove and Hugo Suarez. $5. 10 p.m.-1:30 a.m. 4079 Adams Ave.
bit.ly/ThursKen

Fridays

Free Friend Friday
Looking for a co-working space with value-aligned social entrepreneurs, artists, nonprofit professionals and local startups? Collective Impact Center offers a complimentary day pass to use shared desks and office space. Bring your laptop and check in on social media with #cicfreefriendfriday for free Wi-Fi. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at Collective Impact Center, 3295 Meade Ave.
bit.ly/free-Fridays

Saturdays

Old Town Saturday Market
This street market features original works from local artists including paintings, jewelry, photography and more. Every Saturday and Sunday. 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at Harney Street and San Diego Avenue in Old Town.
bit.ly/OTMarket

Sundays

Hillcrest Farmers Market
About 175 venders offer a variety of locally-grown produce, hand-made arts and crafts and fresh-cut florals at one of the city’s largest open-air markets. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on Normal Street between University and Lincoln avenues.
bit.ly/HillcrestMarket