What’s coming to San Diego this Spring

Just in time for warmer days ahead, two beloved California brands — the family fashion-focused Rylee + Cru and Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa — have teamed up to launch a limited-edition swimwear collaboration. The collection features styles for men, women, and children, and features a whimsical citrus print illustrated by Rylee + Cru founder Kelli Murray Larson, who was inspired by the lush gardens and citrus groves on a recent visit to Rancho Valencia. What’s more, all Rylee + Cru swimwear is UPF 50+, offering sun protection with style.

Flowers are always front and center in Carlsbad this time of year as The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch are in peak bloom. The Power of Flowers campaign from Visit Carlsbad lets the rest of the city get in on the (colorful) action — a seamless way to activate the powerful mood-boosting impact these sunny blooms have on us with fun offers and packages that are sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face. Participating partners include Omni La Costa Resort & Spa, Westin Carlsbad, Cape Rey Carlsbad Beach, Ocean Palms Beach Resort, Beach Terrace Inn, and more, featuring dining, spa, and stay offers. The campaign runs through May 31 and supports The Flower Fields Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides hands-on educational programs for children and grants for underfunded schools in the area. 

In a celebration of automotive excellence and one of the most iconic performance brands in the world, Little Italy Association and O’Gara San Diego present The Bulls of Sant’Agata Charge Little Italy, a Lamborghini extravaganza featuring more than 20 classic, rare, and new cars that will have enthusiasts of all ages singing “That’s Amore!” On April 14 from 3:30pm to 6:30pm, cruise (on foot) along India Street between W. Fir and W. Grape Streets and take in these exquisite “Italian bulls,” where live music will fill the air and set the mood.

Arguably the grand dame of all flower shows, the Coronado Flower Show is yet another way to embrace the vibrant beauty of the season. On April 20 and 21, this largest tented flower show in the country — also Coronado’s longest-running tradition — returns in its 102nd year. Themed “Ocean of Flowers,” it focuses on five divisions (Horticulture, Design, Special Exhibits, Youth, and Botanical Arts) and includes landscape displays, a variety of floral competitions, educational lectures and demonstrations, live bandstand entertainment, food, a beer and wine garden with locally crafted beers, and shopping. In addition to the main event, the Coronado Floral Association will host a Family Movie Night on April 19 in Spreckels Park, and a Saturday night party, themed “The 1922 Club” in honor of its founding year, that includes food, drinks, and dancing, all under the tents of the Coronado Flower Show.

South Coast Plaza also bursts with color this month as it presents Fleurs de Villes: Artiste, an international floral series that pays homage to art across disciplines. Southern California florists will create floral mannequins inspired by art and artists that have been influential to the region’s art scene, spanning contemporary figures to historic trailblazers. An exclusive, limited-access preview day takes place April 24, with the exhibition on full view April 25 to 28. The show coincides with SCP’s Southern California Spring Garden Show, also from April 25 to 28, where dozens of vendors will offer botanicals for sale, and the floral theme will extend to participating home stores, which will feature home and garden vignettes in their windows, plus a 25-foot-tall floral display, and a horticulturalist from Sherman Library and Gardens to host tours of SCP’s palms. 

Next month, Downtown’s new Research and Development District (RaDD) will unveil a stunning new event space, aptly named Eve. As part of the Padres special events venue portfolio, the space boasts soaring 19-foot ceilings with stunning bay views, state-of-the-art amenities, and audio-visual technology for a combined indoor-outdoor offering that can accommodate up to 570 people seated and 1,126 in a reception format. 

Meanwhile in Oceanside, another debut is set to draw people in droves: Frontwave Arena. Slated to open in September, it has already made significant announcements as the future home of the San Diego Sockers and the San Diego Clippers of the NBA G-League — adding even more exciting options to enjoy live sports to an already robust San Diego scene. The 7,500-capacity arena will also be a prime destination for entertainment and performances, with luxury suites, VIP viewing decks, and more. Deanna Murphy & Mia Park