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67th Annual Del Mar National Horse Show at the Del Mar Fairgrounds
April 19 - May 6, various times
The Del Mar National Horse Show runs Thursday, April 19, through Sunday, May 6, at the Del Mar Fairgrounds Arena. The Del Mar National Horse Show is among the most respected, distinguished, and popular equestrian events on the West Coast. Consisting of three distinctly different equestrian disciplines – western, dressage, and hunter/jumper – the Del Mar National represents the best in competitive opportunities for world-class equestrians and is unrivaled in its entertainment appeal.
Each week of competition features its own signature Saturday Night Event. During Western Week, April 19-22, the “Night of the Horse” promises evenings full of action, celebrities, color, and top-notch entertainment. A variety of equestrian disciplines will demonstrate the theme of the evening, “Why We Love Horses.” The Mistress of Ceremonies, Bo Derek, will bring dazzle and glamour to an already star-studded evening.
You needn’t be an expert in the sport to be astonished and awed by the “Evening of Musical Freestyles” dressage competition on Saturday night. Olympic and World Champion pairs demonstrate the artistry, athleticism and awe-inspiring collaboration between horse and rider to the delight of your eyes and ears.
Hunter/Jumper Week, May 1-6, features the $100,000 Grand Prix of Del Mar, which caps off the three weeks with an evening filled with speed, agility, and nail-biting competition. Some of the best riders and horses in the nation will have you on the edge of your seat as they negotiate a difficult course of jumps exceeding five feet in height and width.
Tickets are $18 and can be purchased through www.ticketmaster.com or by calling (858) 792-4252. The Del Mar Fairground is located at 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, in Del Mar. For more information, call (858) 792-4288 or visit www.delmarnational.com.
Birch Aquarium Spring Events
Grunion Run Invades Local Beaches
April 8 & 23, May 7 & 22, June 6, various times
Join Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego, for a must-see ocean adventure. From April to early June, observe the mysterious grunion spawn on the beaches of La Jolla. Following high tides on certain spring nights, hundreds of the small, silvery fish ride the waves onto shore for this remarkable mating ritual.
The naturalists from Birch Aquarium at Scripps guide participants through an unforgettable night, starting with a presentation on grunion, followed by a rare opportunity to witness grunion eggs hatch before their eyes. The unique experience continues with a moonlight beach exploration. Please bring a flashlight and warm jacket. Reservations must be received in advance.
The program is $10-$12 per person, ages 6+. Grunion runs do not take place at Birch Aquarium. Make reservations and find further information at www.aquarium.ucsd.edu or by calling (858) 534-7336.
Sea Days “Wonders of Wind” at Birch Aquarium
April 21, Saturday, 11am-3pm
Experience science, exploration, and adventure for all ages this spring at Birch Aquarium at Scripps. The theme for April is “Wonders of Wind.” This family friendly event on Saturday, April 21, is full of breezy hands-on activities and projects. Humans began using wind energy in 3500 B.C., when they learned it could propel their sailboats. Learn from today’s experts at the California Center for Sustainable Energy how wind energy can still be used to power our daily lives.
Sea Days features multi-generational learning about cutting-edge Scripps Institution of Oceanography research. Monthly events focus on current ocean topics with hands-on exploration, special activities, and a chance to interact with Scripps Oceanography scientists. Sea Days also provides an ideal venue for students, scouts, and others to meet requirements for “Interview a Scientist” or career-day projects.
Birch Aquarium is located at 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla. Sea Days programs are included with aquarium admission. Tickets $9-$14. For more information, call (858) 534-3474 or visit www.aquarium.ucsd.edu.
Celebrate Carlsbad Day at LEGOLAND California
April 28th, Sat, 1pm – 9pm
The eighth annual “Celebrate Carlsbad Day” at LEGOLAND California will be held Saturday, April 28th, from 1 pm to 9 pm. Specially priced $20 “Celebrate Carlsbad Day” tickets are now available and will include admission to LEGOLAND with park hours extended to 9 pm. A special fireworks display will take place at 8 pm.
The highlight of the day will be live performances by students from schools across the Carlsbad Unified School District on LEGOLAND’s Fun Town Stage. Interspersed between the performances will be recognition of event sponsors and donors, elected officials and highlights of outstanding programs and teachers. The program will be taped before a live audience as part of the 2011 Kids Are Worth A Million telecast, which will broadcast on Time Warner Cable TV in June. The day will conclude with a special fireworks display over LEGOLAND.
LEGOLAND will donate a portion of the proceeds from the event to the Carlsbad Educational Foundation to help support the cost of weekly music instruction for every elementary school student throughout the year, hands-on science and innovative educational programs that will enrich the lives of nearly 11,000 Carlsbad students. To become a sponsor or to purchase tickets, or find out more, call the Carlsbad Educational Foundation at (760) 929-1555 or visit www.CarlsbadEd.org.
Wildflowers of the Desert at Anza-Borego State Park
April
Experience the full peak season for the desert wildflowers in Southern California. To view the desert’s beautiful display of yellow dandelions, pink lupines, brown-eyed evening primrose, California poppies and more, nature lovers are encouraged to head east towards Anza-Borrego State Park.
Anza-Borego State Park is the largest state park in California with five hundren miles of dirt roads, twelve wilderness areas and many miles of hiking trails. The park is names after Spanish explorer Juan Bautista de Anza, and the Spanish word “borego” meaning bighorn sheep. Remember to bring along lots of water and sun protection. For more information visit www.desertusa.com.
Legoland California Spring Events
Lego Star Wars Days at Legoland California
April 1
Lego Star Wars Days return to Legoland California and promise to be bigger and better than ever this year! Join other Star Wars fans for product viewing, building activities, competitions and giveaways, and mingle with your favorite Star Wars characters from the 501st Legion of Stormtroopers. May the Force be with you at Legoland! All Lego Star Wars Days activities are included in the price of Legoland admission.
Sea Life Carlsbad Aquarium Celebrates Earth Day All Month Long
April 1-30
Earth Day may officially be April 22, but Sea Life Carlsbad Aquarium wants to inspire kids to do their part in caring for our seas every day! To help in this quest, Sea Life is offering an Earth Month-themed Daily Dive Show every day at 10:30am as well as special “green” learning activities and crafting events every Saturday in April from 11am to 4pm with a special craft activity on Sunday, April 22 from 11am to 4pm. All Earth Day activities are included in the price of Sea Life admission.
Legoland California MS Walk
April 22
Legoland California is proud to host the MS Walk on Sunday, April 22 starting at 7am. The MS Walk route at Legoland is a one and a half mile loop through the Park and is a great opportunity for walkers to view all the new additions to Lego Star Wars Miniland. At the conclusion of the fundraiser, all walkers are invited to re-enter the family theme park at a discounted admission price and enjoy the more than 60 rides, shows and attractions Legoland has to offer. Legoland and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society expect more than 4,000 people to participate in the walk to raise money to support the MS Society. Walkers and supporters can register and pledge donations at www.mswalk.com.
Celebrate Carlsbad Day
May 14, Saturday
The eighth annual “Celebrate Carlsbad Day” at LEGOLAND California will be held Saturday, May 14, from 1 pm to 9 pm. Specially priced $20 “Celebrate Carlsbad Day” tickets are now available and will include admission to LEGOLAND with park hours extended to 9 pm. A special fireworks display will take place at 8 pm. LEGOLAND will donate a portion of the proceeds from the event to the Carlsbad Educational Foundation to help support the cost of weekly music instruction for every elementary school student throughout the year, hands-on science and innovative educational programs that will enrich the lives of nearly 11,000 Carlsbad students. To become a sponsor or to purchase tickets, or find out more, call the Carlsbad Educational Foundation at (760) 929-1555 or visit www.CarlsbadEd.org.
Legoland California Unveils New Attraction, Pirate Reef
May 24, Thursday
Mark your calendar for Thursday, May 24, as Legoland California unveils its latest swashbuckling adventure, Pirate Reef! The new attraction invites guests to battle each other on the high seas as they blast water cannons, try to avoid getting drenched on the main bridge, and plunge 25 feet down a chute that splashes through the battle between Captain Red Brick and Captain Blue Brick. The splash bridge, water cannons, and brick building play area are the three main interactive components of this new attraction which is the first to be accessible not only through Pirate Shores within Legoland itself, but also via Legoland Water Park.
Legoland California admission $62 for kids 3-12 years old, $72 for adults; parking $12. Legoland Water Park admission $3 for kids 1-2 years old, $15 for kids 3-12 & adults. Sea Life Aquarium admission $15 for kids 3-12, $20 for adults; parking $5. For park hours and further information visit www.legoland.com.
The Carlsbad Flower Fields Amazing Ranunculus
April – May
This spring, The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch transforms into a dazzling array of colors like never before. For the first time in 15 years, the 50 acres of Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers cascade down the hillside in a new spectacular color pattern sure to take your breath away. The new fields of color overlooking the Pacific Ocean stun both new and past visitors.
The Flower Fields offers the ultimate family experience, hosting a variety of activities and events. Attendees can enjoy a ride on an open-air wagon being pulled by an antique tractor, visit the Cymbidium Orchid Greenhouse, or immerse themselves in the fragrant Sweet Pea Maze.
Make long lasting memories with your friends and family at The Flower Fields and participate in any of this spring’s special events.
April 1, Sunday
Kid’s Day:
Kids can enjoy face painting, Ronald McDonald, The Coast Kids, and crafts to make Kid’s Day an unforgettable event!
April 7, Saturday
Strawberry and Flower Fields Forever:
Observe the Mira Costa floral design competition or participate in a strawberry shortcake eating competition.
April 8, Sunday
Easter Sunrise Service:
The Fields Church is pleased to present a sunrise service on Easter morning for the eighth year in a row.
April 14, Saturday
Bluegrass Day:
Enjoy a free concert filled with the sounds of bluegrass, old-time jams and other favorite music! It’s “Summergrass San Diego,” sponsored by San Diego Summergrass, featuring “Pickin’ in the Posies” and “Fiddlin’ in the Flowers.”
April 15, Sunday
Gourd Art and Craft Jubilee:
Learn what a gourd is and how to transform it into art. View free demonstrations, participate in a “make and take” workshop, and browse the gourd arts and crafts available for purchase.
April 15, Sunday
Photography Workshop with Canon
April 21, Saturday
Blues Day:
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see some of San Diego’s great blues musicians come together for a memorable day of music and fun in the beautiful Flower Fields of Carlsbad.
April 21, Saturday
Red Hatter’s Rendezvous
May 12, Saturday
Bonsai Show and Sale:
Enjoy the unique blending of art and horticulture at this bonsai exhibition and sale.
May 13, Sunday
Join us for Mother’s Day
the final day of the season at The Flower Fields
With over 50 acres of extraordinary beauty, The Flower Fields offers a unique opportunity for adults and kids to enjoy a day together among fields of color. The Flower Fields are open daily from 9am to 6pm March 1 – May 13. For the convenience of guests, The Flower Fields provides free parking, restroom facilities and accessibility for people with disabilities.
Admission $6-$11. The Flower Fields are located at 5704 Paseo Del Norte, Carlsbad. For more information call (760) 431-0352 or visit www.theflowerfields.com
Whale Watching Experience
Through April
This spring and experience the annual epic journey of gray whales. Enjoy daily local whale-watching cruises featuring aquarium naturalists as well as whale-watching expeditions to Baja California, Mexico. Witness the longest mammal migration in the world, when approximately 20,000 gray whales pass San Diego on their 10,000-mile round-trip journey from Bering Sea feeding grounds to Baja’s lagoons, where they play, rest, breed and give birth.
Get ready for one big adventure as whale watching boats venture out for twice-daily cruises to locate gray whales on their roundtrip migration from the Bering Sea to Baja’s breeding grounds. Get an up-close look at these amazing animals aboard vessels in Oceanside.
You can also follow the magnificent mammals along our North County coastline. Great spots to view whales from shore are: The Oceanside Pier, Carlsbad Beach boardwalk, Swamis Point in Encinitas, Seagrove Park in Del Mar, and La Jolla Cove.
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