Hey, it’s me again (Faye). Back at it after a very solid San Diego weekend. I spent most of it doing the usual – morning swims in the ocean, some time at CRSSD Fest dancing around, and generally taking advantage of the absolutely ridiculous weather. I know half of you were out there doing the exact same thing, so consider this your gentle Monday check-in. If you’re easing back into the week, I’ve got a handful of good things happening around the city to keep on your radar.

Also — quick heads up. We’re starting a new weekly segment where someone from the local scene takes over this little corner of the newsletter and shares five things they love about the city. Favorite restaurants, best venues, local legends, random memories — whatever knowledge you want to lay down on the community.

If you’re tapped into the scene and have some strong opinions about San Diego, we’d love to hear from you. Reply to this email or shoot a note to [email protected] if you want to be featured.

A FREE STAYCATION? WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?!

FYI: It’s the last day to enter the Spring to the Beach at OPI. We’re sending one lucky person on the ultimate Pacific Beach staycation — a two-night stay at Ocean Park Inn, a Mission Bay pontoon cruise with friends, beachside cocktails at The Grass Skirt and Firehouse, plus an Activity Hub adventure. Basically: sunshine, boats, and zero responsibilities. Just what the doctor ordered.

JUST ANNOUNCED

• 2 Chainz is pulling up to NOVA on 4/2, which feels like the correct venue for someone responsible for at least five songs you’ve yelled in a rideshare at 1am. The Grammy-winning Atlanta legend is stopping through with a proper club set.

• If you like your country a little dusty and a little weird, Wayne Hancock is coming through Soda Bar 6/2 with The Doohickeys. The Texas honky-tonk legend has been doing this since the ’90s and somehow still sounds like he time-traveled here straight from 1954.

• If you’ve ever heard a brass band cover of “Sexual Healing,” there’s a decent chance it was Hot 8 Brass Band. The New Orleans legends hit Belly Up 4/6 on their Big Tuba Tour with Rey Wolf. Be there.

• Festival energy is sneaking into Spin Nightclub 4/25. Same Same is bringing back SUBmerged with Dirt Monkey, Jaenga, and more. A full late-night takeover packed with the kind of crowd you usually only find at Same Same.

• Plus other just announced shows from Grupo Frontera, Leftover Crack, The Roots, St. Vincent, Built To Spill, Toad The Wet Sprocket, and more!

50+ BIRTHDAY FREEBIES IN SAN DIEGO: WHERE TO SCORE FREE FOOD, DRINKS & MORE

Pisces season is wrapping up, and Aries energy is officially clocking in, which means a new wave of birthday people are about to start reminding everyone it’s their special week. If that’s you, happy early birthday — and also, don’t miss this list of 50+ San Diego spots that hook you up with free food, drinks, and birthday treats.

THIS WEEK

LOCALS ONLY

• Mondays just got an upgrade. The new Corner Pizza in Encinitas is running buy one pizza, get one free every Monday, which honestly feels like the only acceptable way to start the week. Grab a friend, grab two pies, and call it self-care.

• Want to do something good for the coast? Join I Love A Clean San Diego and Green Oceanside for the Lake Blvd Street Sweep Cleanup on Thursday (3–5pm). Show up, grab some supplies, and help keep trash out of our waterways and the Pacific.

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