Table of Contents
Sports
Monster Jam
Jan 10–11, 2026
Trade your tranquil beach day for the glorious, ground-shaking chaos of 12,000-pound trucks doing things they absolutely shouldn’t be able to do. It’s the loudest, muddiest way to watch physics get completely ignored as these behemoths race and perform backflips at Snapdragon Stadium. Consider getting a Pit Pass to see the mechanical monsters up close before they start flying through the air.
San Diego Seals vs. Toronto Rock
Jan 9
Ever been to a rock concert that broke out into a sports game? That’s basically a Seals match, where indoor lacrosse meets a full-blown light show and party at ‘The Deepest, Loudest, Roughest House in the NLL.’ Come for the nonstop, high-scoring action and stay for the surprisingly family-friendly rowdiness.
San Diego Mojo vs. Orlando Valkyries
Jan 11
Finally, a chance to watch volleyball without getting sand in your shoes. See San Diego’s own pro team, the Mojo, serve up some serious heat in their home opener at Viejas Arena. The spikes are powerful, the crowd is loud, and the energy is way more exciting than your last Zoom call.
San Diego Resolution Run (5K/10K/Half)
Jan 10, 2026
Here’s your chance to actually complete a New Year’s resolution before the motivation wears off around mid-January. Run, jog, or enthusiastically walk this scenic Mission Bay course to earn a finisher medal and some serious bragging rights. You’ll get a cool t-shirt to prove you did something active before retreating to your normal routine of finding the best California burrito.
Fair
San Diego Home Show
Jan 10–11, 2026
Tired of staring at that crooked cabinet door or a backyard that’s more ‘sad-scape’ than landscape? Head inside the convention center to get some real inspiration and find a pro who can save you from your next DIY disaster. You can browse all the latest smart-home gadgets and pretend you’re on your own HGTV show for the afternoon.
Escondido 2nd Saturday Art Walk
Jan 10, 2026
Venture beyond the coast and pretend you’re cultured for an evening at this free, self-guided tour through downtown Escondido’s galleries and artist studios. You can look at art for just long enough to feel sophisticated before rewarding your efforts with live music and specials at nearby restaurants. It’s the perfect amount of culture before you get back to important things, like tacos.
San Diego Oddities and Curiosities Expo
Jan 10–11, 2026
If you think the weirdest thing in San Diego is someone wearing a jacket when it’s 65 degrees, you need to visit this expo. Get your fill of all things strange, from preserved specimens and skulls to spooky art for your decidedly not-beach-themed home. This is your chance to embrace your inner Morticia Addams right here in sunny SoCal.
North Park Coffee & Tea Fair
Jan 10
Get ready to be overcaffeinated for a good cause at this free artisan market. You can sip on local brews, support eco-friendly vendors, and maybe even adopt a dog who will be just as hyper as you are after three espressos. Since proceeds benefit Feeding San Diego, your coffee addiction is basically philanthropy now.
WOOD: A Furniture Show XVI
Jan 10 – Feb 27
If your greatest woodworking achievement is a wobbly IKEA bookshelf, prepare to be amazed by what actual artisans can do. This annual showcase features stunning furniture from regional craftsmen who definitely know how to handle their tools. It’s the perfect place to get inspired or just admire things that won’t fall apart if you breathe on them too hard.
Festival
soundON Festival of Modern Music
Jan 8–10, 2026
If your idea of classical music is just sleepy violins, prepare to have your expectations gloriously shattered. This festival features mind-bending new compositions in a cozy library, proving modern music can be both innovative and not require a PhD to enjoy. Consider it an ear-tune up for the musically adventurous.
San Diego Brew Fest
Jan 10, 2026
If your two main food groups are ‘craft beer’ and ‘food truck,’ this is basically your family reunion. The [San Diego Brew Fest](https://www.sandiegobeerfest.com/) is your chance to sample from 70+ breweries, lose gracefully at lawn games, and discover your next favorite IPA in one sunny afternoon at Liberty Station.
Winter Festival at Poway Community Park
Jan 9–10, 2026
Finally, a chance to experience winter without the pesky commitment of actually leaving San Diego. The city trucks in actual snow so you can get your sledding fix, then head back to the beach in the afternoon. It’s the perfect opportunity to wear a scarf ironically while roasting marshmallows over a cozy campfire.
Music
Disney’s Frozen Jr.
Jan 10–18, 2026
Ready to trade the endless car-ride chorus of \”Let It Go\” for the real deal? San Diego Junior Theatre’s talented young cast brings the magic of Arendelle to Balboa Park. At just one hour long, it’s the perfect dose of musical fun for kids without the epic-length runtime, so you won’t be wishing for a magical freeze yourself.
Spreckels Organ Society Concert
Jan 11, 2026
Forget stuffy concert halls, this free outdoor show in Balboa Park features one of the world’s largest pipe organs. You might hear Bach or you might hear the Star Wars theme, making it the most epic way to feel cultured on a Sunday without having to wear fancy pants.
Savor Every Note (Mainly Mozart)
Jan 11
Time to prove you can be classy, San Diego. [Savor Every Note (Mainly Mozart)](https://mainlymozart.org/savor-every-note) offers a high-brow evening of classical music in Rancho Santa Fe, complete with wine and hors d’oeuvres to make you feel like you’ve really made it. You get to enjoy a performance led by a world-class concertmaster without having to pretend you know which fork to use first.
Comedy
D.L. Hughley Stand-Up Comedy Show
Jan 9–11, 2026
Forget your usual Gaslamp weekend plans, because a comedy royal is holding court downtown. The legendary D.L. Hughley, one of the ‘Original Kings of Comedy,’ brings his famously sharp and politically savvy humor to the stage.
David Spade: I Got A Feel For It
Jan 10
If your sense of humor is as dry as a Santa Ana wind, you’re in luck. The legendary David Spade is hitting the iconic Balboa Theatre with the signature snark he’s perfected from SNL to Joe Dirt. Expect razor sharp takes on modern life and probably a few stories about being Hollywood’s favorite wiseass.
Film
San Diego Short Film Festival
Jan 10
If your attention span has been wrecked by social media, this is the film festival for you. You can watch up to 46 incredible short films from local creators, then debate your favorites over cocktails and food from Mr. G’s Bistro. It’s like the Oscars, but with way better traffic and a chance to actually meet the filmmakers.
