New, Now, Next: April 2026 Edition

After debuting just last year, Carlsbad village bistro and wine bar Cbar is settling into its next era with a new name, redesign, and revamped menu from new Executive Chef Jarle Saupstad. A wine club fetes its pair of monthly sommelier selected bottles with pick-up parties featuring guided tastings and light bites for its members, but you don’t need a membership to tuck into the bistro’s thoughtful menu of from-scratch dishes that pair perfectly with the sommelier-selected wine list at this charming neighborhood establishment.

Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography has unveiled Imagine Wild: Mountain Yellow-legged Frog, an immersive exhibition that transports guests to a reimagined California mountainside habitat. Through interactive storytelling, visitors explore the fragile ecosystem of this endangered species, the challenges it faces, and the conservation efforts helping it recover. The installation highlights Birch Aquarium’s own milestone role in the species’ survival, including the successful release of more than 200 frogs in 2025 — the aquarium’s first-ever reintroduction. Blending science, education, and hope, the exhibition offers a compelling look at resilience and the power of long-term environmental restoration.

All month, Escondido celebrates Arts, Culture & Creativity Month, a statewide initiative highlighting the essential role of the arts in building vibrant communities. From gallery exhibitions and live performances to theater, music, and hands-on workshops, the city is showcasing its dynamic creative scene while emphasizing the arts’ impact on education, economic vitality, and quality of life. A full calendar of events is available on the Visit Escondido website.

Alpine Acres Sanctuary Farm invites families to its annual Easter Egg Hunts, taking place April 3 to 5 on its scenic 20-acre property in Alpine. Daily hunts begin at 11am, with more than 7,000 eggs filled with toys, treats, and special prizes hidden throughout the farm. Guests can also meet the Easter Bunny for photos and enjoy time with the sanctuary’s nearly 200 animals, from farm favorites to more exotic residents. The festive tradition offers a fun, family-friendly way to celebrate the season while supporting the farm’s mission of providing care and refuge for animals in need.

Butterfly Jungle is back at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park — but only through April 12, so don’t delay! Step into a vibrant, immersive world of pollinators. Inside the Hidden Jungle aviary, hundreds of butterflies fill the lush space, where visitors can offer nectar, capture up-close moments, and learn about the vital role these species play in our ecosystem. This seasonal experience is enhanced by knowledgeable wildlife care specialists who share insights throughout the 20-minute visit. Proceeds support global conservation efforts, including protection of endangered local butterfly species.

Michelin-starred Lilo in Carlsbad will mark its first anniversary with a one-night-only collaborative dinner on April 17, bringing together acclaimed local chefs Travis Swikard, Tara Monsod, and Jason McLeod. The multi-course evening will blend Lilo’s celebrated menu with signature dishes from its guest chefs, offering a rare showcase of San Diego’s culinary talent. The milestone follows a remarkable debut year for Lilo, which earned a Michelin star just two months after opening, landed on The New York Times’ list of America’s 50 Best Restaurants, and garnered national design acclaim, while chef Eric Bost was named a James Beard Award semifinalist.

North County’s standout venue, Frontwave Arena, welcomes SD Fight Night: Family Business on April 18. The inaugural installment of what’s planned to be a series that will bring regular, high-level boxing to San Diego features local boxers (and cousins) Julius Ballo and Jonny Mansour, who’ll compete separately in this double main event. This month also opens the 2026 seasons of the Oceanside Bombers Arena Football League team and the San Diego Strike Force of the Indoor Football League — both of which call Frontwave Arena their home turf, in addition to the San Diego Sockers and the San Diego Clippers G League basketball team, whose seasons wrapped in March.

The Coronado Flower Show returns April 18 and 19, celebrating its 104th year as both the largest tented flower show in the U.S. and Coronado’s longest-running tradition. Presented by the Coronado Floral Association, this year’s theme, “Welcome to the Jungle,” invites guests into an immersive world of lush installations, vibrant floral design, and imaginative botanical displays. Held in Spreckels Park, the two-day festival features horticulture and design competitions, live entertainment, educational workshops, and a lively beer and wine garden. Community-wide programming extends the celebration across the island, making it a true showcase of creativity, nature, and local spirit.

L’Auberge Del Mar invites guests to its second annual L’Auberge Uncorked: A Coastal Wine Celebration on May 3 from 1 to 4pm, offering an elevated afternoon of wine, cuisine, and oceanfront ambiance. Set on the terrace overlooking the Pacific, the grand tasting showcases an impressive lineup of local and international wineries, with opportunities to connect directly with vintners and explore curated selections. The experience is complemented by live music and an indulgent array of bites, from freshly shucked oysters to carved tomahawk steak and playful coastal fare. Consider the Uncork & Unwind package, featuring the best available room rate and a L’Auberge Uncorked ticket for each adult booked in the room. 

Gator By The Bay returns May 7 to 10, transforming Spanish Landing Park into a lively Louisiana-inspired celebration along the San Diego Bay. The four-day festival kicks off with a free Thursday evening party, setting the stage for a weekend of more than 100 live performances across seven stages, featuring renowned Zydeco, Cajun, blues, and New Orleans funk artists. Beyond the music, guests can indulge in authentic Southern fare — including 10,000 pounds of fresh crawfish — explore cooking demonstrations, shop artisan vendors, and join in festive dancing and parades. Held over Mother’s Day weekend, this family-friendly event brings the spirit of Mardi Gras to San Diego with vibrant culture, cuisine, and community. By Mia Park and Deanna Murphy