Fun Things to Do in May 2014

REAL PIRATES, Natural History Museum, Balboa Park, The year was 1717. Valuable cargos were being shipped across the Atlantic. Piracy was at an all-time high. Sam Bellamy and his fearsome flotilla had just captured the slave ship Whydah on her way to England, laden with gold and silver. But before the crew had a chance to divvy up the abundant spoils, a storm would send the ship, its treasure, and 143 men to the bottom of the sea. Discover the perils and privileges of 18th century pirate life as you explore more than 200 authentic artifacts recovered from her wreck. Runs through September 1 st . Get discount tickets from MWR ITT Office or Van: Adult $17 (reg $27).

Sin Diego: The Stingaree’s Transformation from Vice to Nice. Learn about the red light district

during the late 1800s in this new exhibition at the San Diego History Center in Balboa Park, April 1–

October 31. http://www.sandiegohistory.org/

May 1:

From Flapping Birds to Space Telescopes: The Art and Science of Origami. Shiley Theater - USD campus, 7pm. Dr. Robert Lang, an internationally renowned mathematics researcher and origami master will be presenting a fascinating look at how the ancient art of origami is used in modern STEM fields, such as medicine, mathematics, engineering, and spacecraft. Free to all.

George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic perform at the House of Blues, downtown, 7pm. GA tickets $31.50 - $41. http://concerts.livenation.com/event/0A004C6A935233F5?dma_id=381&utm_campaign=c427bb52b6-Save+on+Tickets+to+Upcoming+House+of+Blues+Shows&utm_source=Just+My+Ticket+Members&utm_term=0_bf34a2fab8-

c427bb52b6-224921665&utm_medium=email

May 2:

The Carlsbad Flower Fields are open just until May 11th! Spring is in the air and Carlsbad is in bloom at the Flower Fields. Don’t miss the fabulous Orchid Greenhouse, Historic Poinsettia Greenhouse, Organic Demo Garden, and Artist Gardens. Adults $12, Child 3-10 $6, Wagon Rides $5 www.theflowerfields.com

Fiesta Old Town Cinco de Mayo, FREE. May 2-4th. The largest Cinco de Mayo fiesta north of the border, don't miss this three-day celebration of the history and culture of Mexico! This 3 Day Fiesta will feature three stages with live entertainment, over 40 bands, traditional ballet folklorico dancers, Lucha Libre performances, equestrian show, soccer competition, stagecoach rides, children’s area w/petting zoo & pony rides, a mercado with over 100 retail and food booths, 2 beer gardens and Lowrider Lane. www.cincodemayooldtown.com

Friday Night Liberty at NTC Promenade @ Liberty Station, FREE, Every First Friday – Starting at 5:00pm. Open Artist Studios, Galleries and free Dance Performances, Wine, cheese & snacks. Schedule: http://www.ntclibertystation.com/what.php

The Complete Frida Kahlo: The Exhibition – Her Paintings, Her Life, Her Story. Engagement extended through June 8th at Liberty Station, Barracks 3. Audio Tours available www.thecompletefrida.com (Erin Lyles, x32463, has some discount tickets available: Admission & Audio Tour $15 (reg $21.50 )

Gaslight Gathering 4, a Steampunk Convention, May 2-4 at the Town & Country Hotel. Guests of Honor include the world-famous Professor Elemental, Cherie Priest, Ramona Szczerba, and Dan Benedict! Tickets: Fri. $20, Sat $35, Sun $10, 3-Day Pass

$60 at the door. There is a Military, Student, and Seniors (55+) 3-Day Pass for $30. http://gaslightgathering.org/tickets/buy-tickets-to-gaslight-gathering/

First Friday Film: “Death Metal Angola” at SD Museum of Art, Balboa Park, 7pm, Copley Auditorium. Chronicles the efforts of a group of orphans in Huambo, Angola, to organize and implement the country's first rock concert. The film explains how the specific genre of death metal became a source of healing for war-torn orphans and how their passion for music became a movement that could inspire others. $5 members, $10 non-members. http://www.sdmart.org/calendar/first-friday-films-death-metal-angola

Padres - vs. Arizona Diamondbacks, Friday at 7:10 p.m. - Padres Beerfest at Park at the Park. https://blog.spawar.navy.mil/cmwr/2014/03/online-discounts---padres-games-at-petco-park.html

May 3:

Sunrise Surprise Strolls at the Zoo, May 3, 4, and 31st. 7:30am-9am. 12 yrs & up. $16 plus admission. Experienced Zoo educators share the latest updates on our animal collection and the “inside secrets” of what’s going on, all before the Zoo opens for the day. Each month is different, and you won’t know what you’ll see and learn until you get here! Includes breakfast muffins and coffee at the end of the program. http://zoo.sandiegozoo.org/content/sunrise-surprise-strolls

The San Diego Air & Space Museum, Balboa Park, is hosting it's 11th Annual Space Day celebration in its Pavilion of Flight Sat. May 3rd from 10am - 2pm.  Meet space shuttle astronaut Woody Spring. Lots of demos, hands-on activities, freebies. Our SPAWAR team will be hosting a booth at this event so feel free to swing by and say hello to them if you make it out! Kids 17 and under are free with paid adult. http://www.sandiegoairandspace.org/calendar/event.php?id=144

LITTLE ITALY MERCATO, The Little Italy Mercato is the city market for downtown San Diego residents and visitors with more than 150 booths lining Date Street from Kettner Blvd to Front Street offering farm fresh produce, artisan foods and specialty items. Every Saturday, from 8am-2pm. https://www.facebook.com/LittleItalyMercato

ARTISANS MARKET, Old Town, 9am-4pm. FREE admission. This event includes live music, paintings, jewelry, photography, hand blown glass, clothing, pottery and more. More info: http://www.oldtownsaturdaymarket.com/

Hillcrest Farmer’s Market & Open Air Bazaar, 9am-2pm. An array of groceries and goodies. Featured items include fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, seafood, dairy, dry goods, prepared foods, and specialty treats. There are also health & beauty products and art & craft items. http://hillcrestfarmersmarket.com/

23rd Annual Pug Party at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, Paddock area, 10am-3pm, Pug Rescue of San Diego County’s biggest fundraiser of the year. Enjoy a fun-filled day with your pug(s) and family at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. Approximately 500 Pugs are expected to attend. Pug costume contests & numerous activities and fun things to do. See website for admission & entry fees. www.pugbutts.com

14th Annual Junior League of San Diego Food & Wine Festival will take place at La Jolla Cove. 1pm-5pm. Over 50 of San Diego’s best restaurants and beverage purveyors will be offering exquisite bites, flavorful wines, top craft and micro brews, and exotic cocktail tastings to our exclusive guests. At this year’s festival, we will be celebrating the Kentucky Derby, donning our best hats and cheering on the Run for the Roses! $85 includes unlimited tastings.

http://www.jlsdfoodandwine.com/ Get $25 off ticket price at this site: http://justmyticket.us2.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=1a74b84c38620950f1c05ac9b&id=9a9b79b5c7&e=9760650b7a

Ramona’s Bluegrass Music and Old West Festival May 3-4 at Ramona Community Park. Top performers and bands, day & night jam sessions, fireside storytelling, and overnight camping. $10-$30 http://ramonabluegrassfest.com/

Escondido Renaissance Faire at Felicita County Park, April 26 & 27, May 3 & 4th, 10am-6pm. The age of chivalry will be recreated among the wonders of nature in an idyllic setting. Travel back to the 16th century and the glories of the reign of Elizabeth the First. Activities include several of Will Shakespeare's new plays, battle pageants, music in the streets, jugglers and hundreds of costumed re-enactors performing in this giant outdoor play. There is an admission fee, which covers all entertainment. http://www.goldcoastfestivals.com/

"Jersey Boys" Stars in New Doo Wop Group, Under the Streetlamp, Balboa Theatre Saturday, May. 3 @ 8:00pm, Goldstar Price: $28.75 (reg $57.50) www.goldstar.com