East Village Association welcomes Padres return at their Opening Weekend Block Party for 11th year

By ETHAN OLSEN

The East Village Association is excited to announce the return of their annual East Village Opening Weekend Block Party celebration for its 11th year on Saturday, April 1 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. after a successful weekend in 2022 following a two-year break. Taking place on J St from 7th to 10th Avenue in front of Petco Park, this event honors all things East Village including local small businesses, live music and entertainment, tasty bites, beer and cocktails, local retail vendors, photo opportunities, a variety of fun family-friendly activities, and of course, a celebration of East Village’s very own San Diego Padres.

Back for its 11th year, the celebration will be bigger and better than ever before. For the past few years, the East Village Association has made it their goal to enhance the Downtown area by creating a more welcoming community, further solidifying East Village as the premier entertainment hub in beautiful San Diego. Through a variety of grand initiatives and improvements including updated parking programs, enhanced pedestrian lighting and the overall identity of the district, the East Village Association is excited to showcase these achievements and invites the community to come celebrate at the East Village Opening Weekend Block Party. Events like this feed the heart and soul of the community, bringing everyone closer together and allowing attendees to meet the hardworking, dedicated business owners throughout East Village.

Starting in 2010, with a two-year hiatus in 2020 and 2021, the East Village Opening Weekend Block Party has drawn in thousands of San Diegans from across the county. Now back in full swing, the event will feature fun for the entire family including a variety of activations, vendors and one main entertainment venue, located at the intersection of 9th and J Street, featuring back-to-back performers and entertainers.

While dancing to the upbeat tunes from local performers, the community is welcome to peruse the fenced-in blocks enjoying bites and sips from a variety of local vendors. One landmark vendor, Sovereign Modern Thai, with two Michelin Guide Reviews and a visit from Guy Fieri in their portfolio, will even be selling tasty fresh Thai plates at the event. Pair any delicious meal with a brew, cocktail, or glass of wine from the many alcohol vendors at the event. Those over the age of 21 can enjoy sips from San Diego-based hard seltzer company, Ashland Hard Seltzer, who will be debuting their newest seltzer flavor, Musgrove Mango, for the first time to a large audience.

Offering family-friendly activities as well including scattered photo opportunities, professional dog adoptions with The Animal Pad and so much more, the East Village Association welcomes Padres fans of all ages to attend. There is truly something for everyone at the East Village Opening Weekend Block Party. Featuring hundreds of local East Village businesses, the East Village Opening Weekend Block Party is a great way to learn about and explore all the amazing businesses and character East Village is known for. Following the celebration in East Village, the community is encouraged to join the Padres for their home-opener, with first pitch at 5:40 p.m. followed by a grand firework show at the end of the game.

Entry into the event is free. In addition to street parking throughout Downtown, parking is available in Park It On Market and 6th and K Street, but attendees are encouraged to take rideshare services or public transportation.

For the latest updates on East Village Association, please visit us at eastvillagesandiego.com and follow us on Instagram, TikTok and Twitter at @EastVillageSD.

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