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Our top picks for arts and culture this weekend include Small Press Nite, Mission Trails Photo Contest, Museum School Auction, "United Harmonies," Helena Holleran, "One of the Good Ones" and more.

Join us at The Prado at Balboa Park on Friday April 11, 2025 at 9am for a special Producers Club reception with Nan Sterman, the host of the KPBS show A Growing Passion and all-around garden expert. Nan recently took on a lead botanical role in the Botanical Building at Balboa Park renovations, where she designed the planters for the new building. Join us as Nan speaks about the process behind the renovation and how plants and gardens can transform a space. After the reception with Nan, you are welcome to a self-guided tour of the Botanical Building. Admission to this event includes a reception with a continental breakfast at The Prado, a presentation from Nan and the opportunity to explore the newly renovated Botanical Building with fellow KPBS Producers Club members. **This event if exclusive to Producers Club members. To learn more about the Producers Club and how to join, please visit kpbs.org/pc**

Where style meets philanthropy. Funds raised benefit the Patrons of the Prado Bucks4Buses initiative which supports nine Prado beneficiaries by providing transportation and educational programming for San Diego County K-12 school children to the world-class treasures of Balboa Park, inspiring cultural fluency for future generations. Visit: https://one.bidpal.net/POPfashionshow/welcome Patrons of the Prado on Instagram and Facebook

The City Council might have been able to approve a budget with a simple majority but if it wanted to challenge the mayor on something like this, a supermajority of the Council would have to override him.

In our January arts and culture preview for San Diego, explore our picks for visual art, dance, theater, film, literature and music, spanning jazz, classical, experimental and popular genres. Up next: theater at New Village Arts, Martha Graham Dance Company performs "Appalachian Spring," a national group visual art show, Haley Heynderickx and more.

Lucas Smith, celebrated award-winning artist and resident of San Diego, California, showcases his latest solo exhibition “Beyond the Boundaries: An Exploration in Abstract Art” at Studio 21 in April. This collection is an invitation to experience nature’s beauty through abstraction—to feel its presence, energy, and serenity in a way that is both deeply personal and universally resonant. It explores the dynamic interplay of color, texture and movement. In the past year, Lucas’s work has been juried in dozens of shows in some of San Diego’s best galleries and was awarded Best of Show, two 1st place, two 2nd place, Juror’s Choice, three Honorable Mentions and People’s Choice. He is a juried member of the Professional Artist group and is resident of Studio 2 at Art on 30th in North Park. Lucas is the Assistant Director of the San Diego Watercolor Society’s 45th International Exhibition and a member of North Coastal Art Gallery, OMA Artist Alliance, Sargent Art Group, and Foothills Art Association. He also recently launched Art Connect, a Facebook group that links artists to opportunities while encouraging collaboration and mutual support. Lucas’s art continues flying off the easel with 55 paintings sold in the past year through solo exhibitions, juried gallery shows, and private commissions. His work is now part of collections across California and the U.S., including New York, Connecticut, North Carolina, Illinois, Missouri, Oregon, Arizona, and internationally in Norway. For several decades, Village Arts Outreach has served as a crucial artistic outreach for the Art Center at Spanish Village in Balboa Park. Over the years, thousands of local emerging artists have been given the opportunity to showcase their work in Village Arts Outreach’s intimate, yet professional exhibit venue. “Beyond the Boundaries: An Exploration in Abstract Art” is on display at Studio 21 April 8th – 21st from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily, or by private appointment. A free public Opening Reception will be held Saturday, April 12th from 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. The gallery is located in Spanish Village Arts Center at 1770 Village Place, Balboa Park, San Diego, CA 92101. You will not want to miss the opportunity to experience this new body of work and engage with Lucas who is quickly becoming one of San Diego's premier artists! Visit: https://villageartsoutreach.org/portfolio/lucas-smith-solo-exhibition Gallery 21 on Instagram and Facebook

The Padres are heading back to Petco Park, and with high hopes for a World Series win, it’s time to plan where you'll be rocking your brown and gold while catching the games on the big screens. Here are a few spots in Downtown Chula Vista you won't want to miss. Brewjeria, the newest addition to Third Avenue’s craft beer scene, is the perfect spot to grab a pint and catch a Padres game in Downtown Chula Vista. Founded by a passionate team of brewers from South LA and the San Gabriel Valley, this community-driven brewery blends tradition, creativity, and culture in every pour. You can’t go wrong with fresh seafood and baseball at Las Pesca, formerly known as Los Cuates Seafood and Bar. From their mouthwatering ceviche to a classic surf & turf taco, dive into the flavors that make it one of San Diego’s top seafood spots—and don’t forget to catch the game on their big screens. La Nacional is the place to be for Padres Nation! This lively Mexican cantina specializes in classic drinks with a twist and a delicious Oaxacan-inspired menu. Whether you’re enjoying ribeye tacos or a mezcal Negroni, La Nacional is the perfect spot for great food, drinks, and even better times with friends. For an unforgettable game day, head to Kalaveras, where vibrant colors, music, and art create the ultimate atmosphere. This lively spot blends Latin American culinary classics with urban mixology, serving up fresh cocktails and modern twists on traditional Mexican dishes. It’s the perfect place to savor bold flavors and cheer on the Padres in style! Chula Vista Brewery stands out in Downtown Chula Vista as a place where craft beer and community come together. As San Diego County’s only Black- and Brown-owned brewery, it offers a welcoming space with quality brews and a commitment to its neighbors. Whether you're watching the Padres or catching up with friends, it’s a laid-back spot to enjoy great beer in good company. Step into Vogue Tavern, a retro-themed European tavern with an American twist. Known for its classic Bavarian Pretzel, this family-friendly spot also offers tasty options like chicken wings, mac & cheese, and a spicy chicken sandwich. Grab a bite, sip on a drink, and enjoy the game with a cozy vibe. Grab the perfect bite with your game at The Balboa South, where locals are always raving about the incredible burgers and fries paired with a pint or one of their famously done-up Bloody Marys. The Balboa South is dedicated to offering guests an exceptional dining experience—what they proudly call the "Chula Vista" experience. Groundswell Brewing Company is a local favorite that focuses on high-quality, balanced beers with nuanced flavors. Established in 2013, Groundswell offers a unique experience with a selection of lower-alcohol content beers that are perfect for elevating your appreciation of every sip. Thr3e Punk Ales is where punk rock vibes meet great craft beer. Rock out to electrifying playlists, enjoy award-winning beers, and catch the game on the TV screens. If you're into punk and craft beer, this spot’s a home run! Downtown Chula Vista is on Facebook / Instagram / TikTok

It's your annual chance to reconnect with your Irish Roots at our 43rd Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade and Festival on: March 15, 2025 Festival grounds open: 9 a.m. and the Parade Starts: 10:30 a.m. This year's theme, "Celebrating Irish Business," promises a day filled with excitement and Irish entrepreneurial spirit. We'll kick off the parade at 10:30 a.m. on Fifth Avenue at Laurel Street, with the festival grounds opening at 9 a.m. Expect a day packed with live entertainment, an expanded kids' area, and craic for the whole family until 6 p.m. So grab your green, bring your loved ones, and join us for this fantastic celebration of Irish culture and business. St. Patrick’s Day Schedule: Festival Area Open: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. 9:45 a.m. Flag Presentation Ceremony, Balboa Park - Sixth Ave & Laurel 10:30 a.m. Parade Steps off at Fifth Avenue and Laurel St. and proceeds North up Fifth Avenue to Upas Street, over to Sixth Avenue and South on Sixth to Juniper. Parade & Festival Location and Parade Route Maps Shuttle runs approximately every 30 minutes between 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Park at Inspiration Point parking lot on Park Blvd and Presidents Way (old Navy hospital parking on east side of Balboa Park). The shuttle will pick up/drop off at the corner of the parking lot and pickup/drop off at the corner of 4th Ave and Laurel. 2025 Entertainment Line up: 1 p.m. - Tony Cummins and Friends 2 p.m. - The Fooks3:00pm - Ass Pocket Whisky Fellas 4 p.m. - The Downs Family 5 p.m. - Blindfold Monks For more information go to http://www.stpatsparade.org/

Opening night at the GI Film Festival features the San Diego premiere of "SHEEPDOG," filmmaker appearances, discussion, the awards announcements and dessert reception on Wednesday, May 7 at 6 p.m. at the Museum of Photographic Arts at the San Diego Museum of Art (MOPA @ SDMA) in Balboa Park Exclusively featuring films for, by and about service members and veterans, the festival runs May 7-9, 2025 featuring 16 Films | 5 Showtimes | 3 days! View the full schedule of films "SHEEPDOG" The Movie on Facebook / Instagram / X About GI Film Festival San Diego: The 2025 event takes place May 7-9, 2025 in San Diego, during Military Appreciation Month. All community members, civilians, family, allies, service members, veterans and film lovers are welcome to catch a film, be inspired, and build community. The festival is organized by KPBS in partnership with the Film Consortium San Diego. The GI Film Festival San Diego is a member of the San Diego Veterans Coalition and the San Diego Military Family Collaborative. GI Film Festival San Diego on Facebook / KPBS on Instagram

Balboa Park gardens feature succulent plants from around the globe. Some are strikingly beautiful in their symmetry while others are alien looking, as if from another planet. Each has found hundreds of similar and unique ways to survive in arid environments where most life forms are unable to thrive. This tour focuses on the clever adaptations and beauty of their many fascinating forms. Forever Balboa Park offers thematic park tours that focus on the park’s unique biodiversity and highlight the park’s horticultural wonders on the second Saturday of each month. Led by park volunteer and horticultural enthusiast Bill Edwards, the free tours leave from the Visitors Center at 10 a.m. unless otherwise indicated. Walks last 90 minutes and are typically less than 1 mile on level terrain. It is advised that potential attendees contact the Balboa Park Visitors Center prior to the scheduled walk to determine if there are any last-minute changes or cancellations to the tours. Visit: Balboa Park Desert Garden Forever Balboa Park on Instagram and Facebook