San Diego Weekend Guide: March 6–8

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From the debut of the massive Denny Sanford Elephant Valley at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park to the closing weekend of the Oceanside Museum of Art's Artist Alliance Biennial, there's plenty to do in San Diego this weekend. Other highlights include the San Diego Festival of Science & Engineering, the Poway Cruisers Car Show, and several events celebrating International Women's Day.

Why it matters

San Diego is a vibrant city with a diverse array of cultural, educational, and recreational offerings. This weekend guide provides residents and visitors with a comprehensive overview of the many exciting events and activities taking place, allowing them to make the most of their time in the area.

The details

The opening weekend of the Denny Sanford Elephant Valley at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park is a major highlight, offering visitors the chance to walk among the herd in a sprawling habitat that replicates the animals' native environment. The San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas is hosting 'Food Waste Fridays', a hands-on learning lab focused on composting and decomposers. The Oceanside Museum of Art is closing out its 2025-26 Artist Alliance Biennial, featuring 53 juried works by regional artists. Anime fans can enjoy the #WeTouchGrass Anime Rave at Spin Nightclub in Mission Hills, while families can explore over 100 STEM activities at the San Diego Festival of Science & Engineering at Petco Park. The Home Energy Fair at La Mesa Library offers tips on reducing energy use, and the Poway Cruisers Car Show at In-N-Out Burger is a must-visit for classic car enthusiasts. Several events around the county also mark International Women's Day on March 8.

• The Denny Sanford Elephant Valley at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park opens this weekend and is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• 'Food Waste Fridays' at the San Diego Botanic Garden runs from 9:30 a.m. to noon through April 24.
• The 2025-26 Artist Alliance Biennial at the Oceanside Museum of Art closes this weekend, with hours from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
• The #WeTouchGrass Anime Rave at Spin Nightclub in Mission Hills takes place on Friday at 9 p.m.
• The San Diego Festival of Science & Engineering is on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Petco Park.
• The Home Energy Fair at La Mesa Library is on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• The Poway Cruisers Car Show at In-N-Out Burger is on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• The Bloom Together Celebration in Vista is on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
• The International Women's Day Brunch & Maker's Market at Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens in Liberty Station is on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• The 'Pass the Torch' celebration in City Heights is on Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.
• The Hot Chocolate Run near Petco Park is on Sunday, with the 5K at 7 a.m. and the 10K and 15K at 8 a.m.
• The San Diego Sockers host Military Night against the Baltimore Blast at Frontwave Arena in Oceanside on Sunday at 3 p.m.