WALLETFREE WEEKEND – APR 9-11

 Buskers, beer, barkers and bloomin’ art – all part of this weekend’s lowdown of WALLETFREE events and diversions in San Diego.

Rick Insane Diego - Flickr

Spring Busker Festival – Sat, April 10 + Sun, April 11
Buskers perform for tips, and their colorful and quirky acts will be dotting the boardwalks at Seaport Village this weekend. Catch the fascinating talents of sword swallowers, contortionists and stuntmen. While event is FREE, line your pockets with cash to give to your favorite tricks. Runs 12-5pm each day. Buskers After Dark (recommended for adults only) takes place 7-10pm on Saturday.

Grand Spring Festival – Sun, April 11
Rev it up in San Marcos this weekend at this American Muscle Classic Car Show with 200 classic cars and hot rods, beer garden, children’s area and live entertainment. Starts at 9am at Via Vera Cruz at San Marcos Boulevard.

Woofstock at Balboa Park – Sat, April 10
Bring your pup to this ALMOST-FREE 60s-theme festival where you’ll find a K-9 playground, fly ball, fun zone for kids,  canine freestyle, biggest and smallest paw contests, 60’s music and a best 60’s pet costume contest. Your $5 donation goes to Canine Companions, a non-profit that provides assistance dogs free of charge for people with disabilities. From 10am-3pm.

Ray at Night – Sat, April 10
This art-infused block party on North Park’s Ray Street includes 40 galleries and music, as well as cafes and retail shops that offer light fare to art lovers and curiosity seekers alike.

2^nd Saturday at Hamiltons Tavern – Sat, April 10
Bring your thirst and hunger to Hamilton’s in South Park, when they showcase  15 Alpine beers on tap, such as Mandarin Nectar Orange Blossom Honey Ale (yum) and Willy American Wheat. Try them out for just $3.75 each, paired with complimentary BBQ. FREE food includes roasted tri-tip and a housemade Alpine Mcllhenney’s Red BBQ sauce, southern greens, Pure Hoppiness BBQ beans, country rolls and Alpine Token Porter Brownies.

UC San Diego Open Studios – Sat, April 10
Witness the mixed media artwork of creative geniuses when MFA graduates at UC San Diego open their studio doors for this FREE annual event. Held at the Visual Arts Facility at the UCSD Campus, parking is also FREE at the Gilman Parking Structure.

Cruisin’ Grand – Fri, April 9
These Friday car shows in downtown Escondido celebrate hot rods, custom, classic and vintage cars. This week, see rare and restored Willys and top cars from the Good Guys Car Show. Businesses stay open late along Grand Avenue; food and music, too. From 5-9pm.

Humiliation Contest – Sat, April 10
This is an ALMOST-FREE event, well worth the $5 you’ll pay to be shocked and amused. This “show and tell” is a half-booked, half open-mike night where you have five minutes to present your most humiliating story via fiction, poetry, skits or songs. Starts at 8pm at Cream Coffee and Wine Bar in University Heights.

Blooming Art – Fri, April 10 + Sat, April 11
Sounds like a miniature Art Alive that’s well worth the look-see. Local floral designers use current exhibitions at the Bonita Museum and Cultural Center to create an indoor garden. Runs 5-7pm