WALLETFREE WEEKEND FEB. 19-21

Craving to be out-and-about this weekend, while keeping your budget inline? As always, we’ve got you covered. Here are 10 FREE events to dabble in this weekend in San Diego!

FRIDAY, FEB. 19

Spring Nights in Old Town
Listen to live Latin music while sitting by a bonfire at Old Town State Historic Park during its Springs Nights festivities. During Spring Nights, you’ll see different performers each night, including mariachi on Saturdays and old-school circus acts on Sundays. All performances take place in the main park plaza from 5:30-8:00pm.

San Diego Home Improvement & Landscape Show
Feel your home is in dire need of a makeover? Hold off on making any brash decisions, at least until this weekend when you can attend the San Diego Home Improvement & Landscape Show.  At this FREE event, you’ll get to tour sample green living spaces, learn how to design on a dime, speak to design experts and discover top trends. Friday, Feb. 19 to Sunday, Feb. 21 at the San Diego Convention Center. 

Gallery Opening at Mosaic Wine Bar
Savor FREE food, wine, music and art during the Mosaic Gallery’s second art opening, featuring local artists Rich Walker and Sanford Wolcott. Walker is featuring his Project 365, a collection of paintings for each day in 2009, while Wolcott showcases his unique style of abstract painting.

 
SATURDAY, FEB. 20

Big Saturday
Celebrate Black History Month in a BIG way, with round-the-clock events during Big Saturday at Malcolm X Library. This festival runs literally for a full 24 hours and includes events such as a  community breakfast, jazz café, and African drumming and dancing. Starts at 10am.

Chinese New Year
Celebrate the Year of the Tiger at the San Diego Chinese Center’s food and culture fair in downtown. At this FREE event, you’ll feast on savory Asian cuisine while watching lion dancers, Chinese acrobats, martial arts performances, and vignettes performed by Asian Story Theatre. Come back for more on Sunday, Feb. 21.

Historic Escondido
Join the Escondido History Center for a FREE 90-minute tour through the historic district while learning about this city’s past and original architecture. Meet at the southeast corner of Grand at Broadway at 10am. 

Live Preview: Cirque du Soleil’s KOOZA
Not sure whether or not to splurge on those coveted KOOZA tickets? Maybe the FREE preview this weekend will seal the deal. Join the performers, including jugglers and stilt walkers, at Horton Plaza for a sneak peek, prize giveaways, and free popcorn. 12-4pm

SUNDAY, FEB. 21

Bark in Balboa Park
Bring your four-legged best friend to a special organ concert by civic organist Dr. Carol Williams, as she serenades you and your pooch with animal-themed tunes. Donations accepted for the San Diego Humane Society. 2pm 

John Leguizamo
Chill out with the actor and author when he stops by Stone Brewery in Escondido for an informal book signing 1-3pm while he’s in town to perform at a La Jolla Playhouse production. 

Latin Jazz & Beyond
This FREE concert hosted by the Museum of Making Music presents the history of Latin jazz, showcasing its roots from Africa, South America, the Caribbean and Brazil combined with contemporary jazz and funk. 2pm at the Carlsbad City Library. While event is free, tickets are required for entry and are handed out beginning at 1pm outside auditorium. 
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