San Diego’s top weekend events: April 28-May 1

Here are the top events happening in San Diego from Thursday, April 28 to Sunday, May 1.

Thursday, April 28

Wagner New Play Festival

UC San Diego Theatre + Dance presents its annual festival of new student plays, returns to live performances beginning next week Three full-length plays and two one-acts will alternate performances. This year’s plays are Preston Choi’s “Limp Wrist on the Lever”; Ankita Raturi’s “Fifty Boxes of Earth”; Keiko Green’s “Hells Canyon” and the paired one-acts Agyeiwaa Asante’s “Promithes, Promithes” and Milo Cramer’s “Nonna Kills the President.” Runs through May 14. For showtimes and tickets, visit theatre.ucsd.edu/season/wnpf22

Disney On Ice

Step away from the screens and watch Disney come to life — on ice. “Disney on Ice: Mickey and Friends” features animated performances from a wide range of characters, from the “Toy Story” crew to Anna and Elsa from “Frozen.” 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday. 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday. 1 and 5 p.m. Sunday. Pechanga Arena San Diego, 3500 Sports Arena Blvd., Midway District. Tickets start at $20; disneyonice.com

“Mother of the Maid”

Moxie Theatre presents Jane Anderson’s play about the mother-daughter relationship between French saint Joan of Arc and her mother, Isabelle of Arc. 7:30 p.m. Thursdays. 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. 2 p.m. Sundays. Through May 22. Moxie Theatre, 6663 El Cajon Blvd., Suite N, San Diego. $35-$37, with $15 rush tickets for unsold seats one hour before showtime. (858) 598-7620. moxietheatre.com

“Once”

CCAE Theatricals presents this Tony Award-winning musical inspired by the 2007 film about the musical magic that blooms between a Dublin street busker and immigrant Czech pianist. 7:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays. 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Through May 7. California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido. $40-$75. (800) 988-4253. artcenter.org/education/ccae-theatricals

Snail Mail at Observatory North Park

Indie rock act Snail Mail — aka 22-year-old Lindsey Jordan — is on tour promoting her second album, “Valentine,” released last November. The guitarist/singer-songwriter will bring her alternative sound to San Diego and perform an-all ages show. 7 p.m. Thursday. Observatory North Park, 2891 University Ave., North Park. Tickets $27.50; livenation.com/venue/KovZ917AxAB/the-observatory-north-park-events

Bob Fosse’s Dancin’

More than 30 years after his death, Bob Fosse’s work will come to life on the Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage at The Old Globe. Fosse’s musical “Dancin’” has been reimagined by director Wayne Cilento — who starred in the original Broadway production — and produced in cooperation with Fosse’s only daughter, Nicole Fosse. Opens 8 p.m. Thursday and runs through May 29; times vary by date.The Old Globe, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park. Tickets start at $52; theoldglobe.org/press-room/2022-season/bob-fosses-dancin

Friday, April 29

‘Art Alive’

San Diego Museum of Art presents its annual floral-inspired fundraising exhibition this weekend. More than 70 floral arrangements will be created and displayed throughout the museum next to the artworks that inspired them. This year’s rotunda designer is Britton Neubacher, who will create floral installations inspired by the special exhibits currently on display for a limited time,
including “Terra: Fernando Casaemperere” and “Monet to Matisse.”10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Hands-on art-making and interactive activities will be offered in the garden on Saturday and Sunday. 1450 El Prado, Balboa Park. $40, museum non-members. $5, youth ages 7 to 17. Free youth 5 and under and members. (619) 232-7931. sdmart.org

“The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical”

San Diego Junior Theatre presents this family-friendly musical based on the novel by Rick Riordan about the the son of Poseidon on an epic quest. Making his San Diego directing debut is Jason Blitman, who was an original member of the “Lightning Thief” Off Broadway producing team. Opens tonight and runs through May 15. Showtimes, 7 p.m. Fridays. 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Casa del Prado Theatre, 1600 Village Place, Balboa Park. $16-$18. (619) 239-8355. juniortheatre.com

Ian Edwards at Comedy Store La Jolla

Comedian Ian Edwards performs five, 21-and-up shows in La Jolla. His resume includes acting credits in indie movies like “Tangerine,” co-producing shows like Netflix’s “Friends From College” and HBO’s “Crashing,” and multiple appearances “Conan.” In fact, Edwards was the first comedian to be signed to Team Coco Records, Conan O’Brien’s record label, which released his debut comedy album “100% Half Assed.” 7 and 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. and 7 p.m. Sunday. Comedy Store La Jolla, 916 Pearl St., La Jolla. Tickets are $25; thecomedystore.com/la-jolla

Kelsey Cook at ACC

Kelsey Cook — as seen on shows like “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon” and “A Little Late with Lilly Singh”— brings “The Hustler Tour” to San Diego, performing four shows in two days. In addition to her standup, Cook co-hosts the popular podcast “Self-Helpless” with comedian Delanie Fischer. 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. American Comedy Co., 818 Sixth Ave., Gaslamp. Tickets are $10 for 7:30 p.m. shows, with no cover for 9:30 p.m. shows; americancomedyco.com

Saturday, April 30

Escondido Renaissance Faire

Renaissance lovers rejoice: The annual Escondido Renaissance Faire is back for two back-to-back weekends. Presented by Olde Tyme Productions, the event features a wide range of medieval entertainment, from theater performances to activities like archery. Highlights include a royal parade, battle pageant, jousting tournament and live music from Gallows Humor. Food and drink vendors will serve up turkey legs, beer, ale, mead and rum, and a marketplace with an assortment of “shoppes” will sell medieval attire, weapons, and trinkets. Costumes are encouraged! 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sunday, (Also happening next weekend, May 7 and 8.) Felicita County Park, 742 Clarence Lane, Escondido. Tickets available online for $23 (one day) or $38 (two day) for adults; discounts available for children, seniors and military/law enforcement. oldetymeproductions.com

Fiesta Old Town Cinco de Mayo

Entertainment, art and cuisine will fill the streets of Old Town for its Cinco de Mayo celebration. Now in its 39th year, this family-friendly event features live music and dance performances, a children’s area with activities and crafts, and an artisan mercado full of trinkets, artwork, and food. There will also be Lucha Libre wrestling matches and the “Lowrider Lane,” a car show with more than 20 cars on display. 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. San Diego Avenue (between Conde and Twiggs streets), Old Town. Free; cincodemayooldtown.com

Mission Fed ArtWalk Little Italy

This weekend, hundreds of artists will fill the streets of Little Italy for Mission Fed ArtWalk. The annual festival, which was canceled in 2020 and postponed to October in 2021, is back with its regular springtime date and in-person format. In addition to the artist booths, highlights include live music, food vendors, KidsWalk activities, and a vinyl record art auction that benefits nonprofit ArtReach San Diego. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Throughout Little Italy. Free; artwalksandiego.org/missionfederal

READ MORE: Mission Fed ArtWalk finally returns to Little Italy this weekend. What you need to know

Book Crawl

Celebrate Independent Bookstore Day with the fifth annual San Diego Book Crawl. All visitors will receive a book crawl passport to collect stamps at 11 independent bookstores, earning participants merch like limited-edition buttons, tote bags, pins and a glow-in-the-dark trophy. Saturday to Monday at various San Diego County bookstores; hours vary by store. Free. libraryshopsd.org

OB Pier Surf Classic

Head to the shore for this sixth annual surf competition in Ocean Beach. Hosted by Hodad’s and AWOL (A Way of Life) Productions, the event features competitions in longboard, shortboard and family divisions, along with raffles, giveaways and trophies for the winners. Proceeds benefit Hodad’s Foundation for Youth Sports, Summer Surf and Skate Camps. 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday. Ocean Beach Municipal Pier, 1850 Ocean Front St., Ocean Beach. Registration fee is $20-$40; hodadies.com/events

Adams Avenue Unplugged

Local music lovers rejoice: Adams Avenue Unplugged returns this weekend, with more than 50 performances spread out across 20 stages. Visit the website for a full list of artists and a concert schedule. Noon to 10 p.m. Saturday. Happening at various locations along Adams Avenue in Normal Heights. Free; adamsavenuebusiness.com/event-info/adams-avenue-unplugged. Note: There will be a ticketed performance from headliner John Doe at 7 p.m. Normal Heights United Church, 4650 Mansfield St. Cost is $25.

READ MORE: John Doe will perform, minus X, at Adams Avenue Unplugged: ‘People love to see their singers screw up!’

Tequila and Taco Music Festival

Spend the weekend drinking tequila, eating tacos and listening to live music at this 21-and-up event. Tickets include general admission to the event, which includes entertainment and access to food and drink vendors. Guests have the option to add on the “Tequila Experience” (six tequila samples) or “Margarita Experience” (two margaritas). 1 to 9 p.m. Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. Petco Park, 100 Park Blvd., East Village. Prices vary; tequilaandtacomusicfestival.com/san-diego

Sunday, May 1

NWEAMO Festival: “The Magic Hummingbird (El Colibrí Mágico)”

Southern California composers Maile Pacumio, Jordan Kuspa and Nakul Tiruviluamala will perform original works and songs from NWEAMO artistic director Martin Waters’ fantasy opera “The Magic Hummingbird.” 7 p.m. Sunday. The Jazz Lounge, 6818 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego. $20 suggested. thejazzlounge.live

California Bridal and Wedding Expo

Getting married soon? Head to the San Diego Convention Center for the Bridal and Wedding Expo, showcasing various exhibitors and wedding professionals ready to help you with your big day. There will also be a bridal fashion show, live band and DJ performances, and cash prizes and giveaways. Visit the website for a full list of exhibitors. 12:30 to 5 p.m. Sunday. San Diego Convention Center, Hall E, 111 West Harbor Drive, downtown San Diego. Free with online registration or $10 at the door; cabridalshows-sd.com

Pam Kragen contributed to this report.