San Diego

East Village Block Party to Celebrate Padres Opening Weekend

The annual block party goes down March 30 and March 31 in downtown San Diego’s East Village, near Petco Park

As the San Diego Padres swing into their opening weekend at the end of this month, Friars fans can celebrate the start of baseball season with a two-day block party near the ballpark.

The East Village Association (EVA) will host its 8th annual Opening Weekend Block Party on March 30 and March 31, a free community festival on J Street, between 6th and 10th avenues near Petco Park. The block party runs from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and noon to 6:30 p.m. Saturday.

“I love coming out here and seeing all the cool festivities and getting to see people,” said Florencio Valdovinos at the event Friday. 

The all-ages event features food and drink vendors lining the streets of the East Village, plus an interactive game zone and live music from Caliber. Basically, it’s the ultimate tailgate party among baseball fans.

“Me and my brother are very excited because, I mean, we’ve never been here before!” exclaimed 9-year-old Lynette Casarrubis. 

NBC 7 has a booth near Eighth Avenue with free foosball and games that give you the chance to win prizes. 

“I’m having fun here!” shouted 9-year-old Zachary McCarthy in front of the NBC 7 booth Friday afternoon. “You know, I like to have fun!” 

Stopping by the NBC 7 booth could mean spotting on-air talent. On Friday, Midday News Anchor Greg Bledsoe was there, along with NBC 7 Digital Correspondent Danielle Radin. 

“I like coming here for the celebration,” said Ricky Dixon. “And for Channel 7, one of my favorite T.V. stations.” 

If you missed it Friday, the NBC 7 booth will also be in the same location on Saturday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., when you can meet on-air talent from Telemundo 20. 

The March 31 round of the party is dubbed “Pet Saturday,” as festivities that day include a pet expo and “Four-Legged Fan Fashion Show” at 2:30 p.m. Saturday’s fun also includes a free, 18+ boxing class presented by The Boxing Club at 12:15 p.m.

Parking downtown will be at a premium, so it may be a good idea to take public transit to the East Village. The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) typically ramps up service for Padres Opening Weekend; check the MTS websitefor updates on that.

The Padres take on the Milwaukee Brewers at Petco Park on March 29, March 30 and March 31. Tickets start at $16.

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