San Diego Restaurant Week
Hours of Participating Restaurants Vary, Locations VaryFoodies, you'll really savor this one:
San Diego Restaurant Week is back! The first round of the 2018 edition of the beloved dining event runs through this Sunday, featuring more than 180 participating eateries spanning more than a dozen neighborhoods in San Diego County, North to South, East to West. Restaurants will offer special prix fixe lunch and/or dinner menus featuring two to three courses, priced at $10 to $50. It's a good opportunity to try some of those places on your San Diego dining bucket list. Treat yourself.
Beauty or Torture: Society’s Demand of Perfection Examined
12 p.m. to 4 p.m., Women’s Museum of California
This exhibition at the Women’s Museum of California at Liberty Station explores the timeless quest for beauty and the lengths women have gone to over the centuries to alter their looks to conform to society’s beauty standards of the time. The exhibition takes a look at weird beauty trends and how routines weren’t always pretty. Admission is $5. “Beauty or Torture: Society’s Demand of Perfection Examined,” is on display through this Sunday.
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Culture & Cocktails: Masters From Latin America
6 p.m. to 10 p.m., The San Diego Museum of Art
The San Diego Museum of Art’s popular 21+ sundown series returns, this time focused on two exhibitions: “Modern Masters From Latin America: The Perez Simon Collection,” and “Friday and Me.” The evening includes cocktails, live music, a DJ spinning Latin beats, dance performances and savory eats, plus a crafty art station where attendees can make their own mini piñata to take home. Tickets cost $25 if purchased in advance and $35 at the door.
Zumba Fitness Fun
6:30 p.m., Harrah’s Resort Southern California
This energizing Zumba class goes down each Thursday on the second-floor South Tower at Harrah’s Resort SoCal. The movin’ and groovin’ starts at 6:30 p.m.
Circus Vargas
7:30 p.m., Westfield Mission Valley
Gather ‘round the big top, San Diego – Circus Vargas’s run continues this weekend, now at Westfield Mission Valley. The traveling show boasts thrilling performances by acrobats, daredevils, flying trapeze artists, jugglers, contortionists, comics and more. This time around, the Circus Vargas theme is “Dreaming of Pirates,” so attendees can expect some swashbuckling surprises. Take the family 30 minutes before show time and enjoy a special, free pre-show where kids can create their own magic under the big top. Tickets range from $15 to $72; kids age 2 and under get in free with a paying adult, so long as they sit on an adult’s lap. Circus Vargas will be at Westfield Mission Valley through Feb. 5 before moving on to Westfield Plaza Bonita on Feb. 8.
Inside Liberty Public Market: Fall 2017
Hamilton: An American Musical
7:30 p.m. (through Jan. 28), San Diego Civic TheatreThis is your final shot, San Diego. The famed, Tony Award-winning Broadway musical, “Hamilton,” will wrap up its 3-week run this weekend at the San Diego Civic Theatre, with performances through Jan. 28. Thursday’s show is at 7:30 p.m. Most performances are sold out but we’d be remiss if we didn’t tell you this hit was coming through town – and you’d wonder why the crowds near the theatre were so big. The Hamilton app is offering a
digital lottery-type system where fans can enter for a chance to buy a limited number of orchestra tickets for $10. “Hamilton” is the brainchild of Lin-Manuel Miranda, based on Ron Chernow’s biography of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton. Its trailblazing score blends hip-hop, jazz, blues, rap, R&B and Broadway as it unravels the story of America – then and now.
Percussion Love Fest
7:30 p.m., Bread & SaltBread & Salt (1955 Julian Ave.) has been hosting a music series this month dubbed “Percussion Love Fest,” showcasing local percussion talent, from jazz drummers to symphonic musicians. The concerts are curated by Duncan Moore and Steven Schick, and part of the San Diego Symphony’s “It’s About Time Festival.” Thursday’s show is the final one in the series, and will feature musicians Jon Szanto, Rahis Khan, Matt DiBiassi and Monette Marino. Tickets are $20 at the door, and $10 for students.
Friday, Jan. 26
Whale Watching Aboard America
11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Maritime Museum of San DiegoExperience San Diego’s whale watching season aboard America, a 138-foot sailing yacht that launches from the Maritime Museum. This 4-hour tour cruises the coastline on a quest to view the sea creatures. Light snacks and beverages are included in the ticket price, plus admission to the Maritime Museum of San Diego before or after the cruise. Tickets range from $42.50 to $85, with discounts for active duty and retired military. Check-in is 30 minutes before your departure time at the booth in front of the Berkeley Steam Ferry.
San Diego Sunroad Marina Boat Show
12 p.m. to 6 p.m. (Thursday through Sunday), Sunroad Resort MarinaThis big boating expo goes down at the Sunroad Resort Marina (955 Harbor Island Dr.) all weekend, showcasing new and pre-cruised sailboats and motor yachts, new marine services and products, boat rides, free boating seminars, food and drinks. Tickets cost $13 for adults; kids age 12 and under get in free. The San Diego Sunroad Marina Boat Show is open from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Group Works to Restore Balboa Park Carousel
Caffeine Crawl: San Diego
1 p.m. to 3:50 p.m., 3.25-Mile Route From Carlsbad to Oceanside
The 5th annual Caffeine Crawl will canvas San Diego this weekend, inviting java enthusiasts to explore the roasters, cafés and companies creating buzz in our local coffee scene. Friday’s crawl features five stops along a 3.25-mile route from Carlsbad to Oceanside. Organizers say it’s meant to be a driving route, but participants can also bike it. In all, the 3-day Caffeine Crawl will hit up nine route featuring more than 25 coffee-friendly spots around the county. Tickets range from $25 to $37 and include a goodie bag, drink sample and short presentation at each stop.
Santiago Quesnel
1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Lux Art InstituteThe works of visiting Argentinian artist Santiago Quesnel are currently on exhibit at Lux Art Institute in Encinitas (1550 South El Camino Real). Quesnel’s paintings are inspired by the memories and layered landscapes of his hometown of Buenos Aires. His art is on display at the Lux’s Artist Pavilion through Feb. 17, which is open from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays. Admission to the Lux is $5 for adults and free for children ages 18 and younger. If you ride your bike there, you get in free, too.
Cardio Samba (Brazil)
6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Crown Dance Studio
Power up your workout routine with this high-energy class at Crown Dance Studio (6904 Miramar Rd.). Gladys Altafani, a Sambista of the Brazilian Carnivale, leads fun every Friday. Drop-in classes cost $20; if you sign up for a membership, the price drops by a few dollars.
Disney on Ice: Follow Your Heart
7 p.m., Valley View Casino Center
Disney favorites – including Dory from “Finding Nemo,” the Emotions from Pixar’s “Inside Out,” the cast of “Frozen,” the gang from “Toy Story,” and classic princesses like Cinderella, Rapunzel and Ariel – for this ice skating spectacular at Valley View Casino Center that’s all about the bravery, kindness and perseverance. Tickets range from $15 to $80; kids 2 and older must pay for the show. “Disney on Ice: Follow Your Heart” returns to the rink several times during the weekend: 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday, and 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Sunday. There’s also a performance Thursday evening.
Stories in Time
8 p.m., Copley Symphony Hall
This Jacobs Masterworks Concert at Copley Symphony Hall explores the relationship between music and time, and how rhythm can give music the texture it needs to move along. “Stories in Time” will be led by conductor Steven Schick, featuring percussionists Aiyun Huang, Gregory Cohen, Andrew Watkins, Erin Douglas Dowrey and Ryan J. DiLisi. Tickets range from $20 to $76. The concert returns to the venue on Sunday at 2 p.m.
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The Addams Family: A New Musical
8 p.m. to 10 p.m., The Coronado Playhouse
They’re creepy and they’re kooky, mysterious and spooky, they’re altogether ooky, the Addams Family. Opening The Coronado Playhouse’s 2018 season is “The Addams Family,” a musical comedy from the writers of “Jersey Boys” directed by Playhouse favorite, Rayme Sciaroni. The musical runs at The Coronado Playhouse through Feb. 25 on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets range from $20 to $27.
Around the World in 80 Days
8 p.m., North Coast Repertory TheatreThe North Coast Rep presents “Around the World in 80 Days,” through Feb. 4. The play is adapted by Mark Brown from the iconic novel by Jules Verne about a fearless adventurer circling the globe alive with danger, romance, and comic surprises at every turn. The fast-paced production features five actors portraying 42 characters in a race against time. Friday’s performance is at 8 p.m.; tickets start at $49.
Cinema Under the Stars: ‘Blazing Saddles’8 p.m., Cinema Under the Stars (Mission Hills)Enjoy a movie under the stars at this outdoor theater on Goldfinch Street in Mission Hills. The winter/spring screening season features a movie screening every Friday and Saturday night at 8 p.m., now through April 29. This weekend, the 1974 Mel Brooks classic, “Blazing Saddles,” hits the big screen for a night of gags and puns. Admission is $18 at the box office, or you can reserve your seat in advance for $20.
Saturday, Jan. 27
1 Wave Challenge & Beach Run7:30 a.m., La Jolla ShoresJoin surfers as they gather at La Jolla Shores to attempt to break a world record for the most surfers on one wave at one time. On top of being part of a potentially historic experience, participants will be supporting the
Boys to Men Mentoringcharity, a local mentoring program for fatherless boys. Can’t surf? No problem! The 5K or 5-mile beach run to Torrey Pines is for those looking to stay out of the water.
San Diego GT Cars & Coffee8 a.m. to 10 a.m., O’Gara La Jolla Service CenterFrom Bugattis to Lamborghinis — unique luxury cars will gather in one place for
Cars and Coffee. This free event at O’Gara La Jolla (11433 Sorrento Valley Road) is your chance to meet fellow car enthusiasts and mingle with owners. There will be complimentary coffee, food trucks and live music as you explore the most exotic cars San Diego has to offer.
Yoga in the Rotunda
8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., San Diego Museum of ManEnjoy a quiet, teacher-led morning yoga session at the San Diego Museum of Man before the doors open to the public for the day. This class is designed for yogis of all levels and encourages well-being, mindfulness and community in a positive environment. Students must bring their own mat, water and towel; tickets cost $10 and must be purchased online.
San Salvador Sailing Adventure
11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Aboard San Salvador at the Maritime Museum of San DiegoEnjoy a 4-hour sailing adventure aboard the historic 16th Century replica galleon,
San Salvador, Saturday at the Maritime Museum of San Diego. Tickets range from $49 to $99 for children and adults and include admission to the museum. The ship is a replica of Spanish explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo’s 1542 flagship, and was built in a parking lot along San Diego’s waterfront. It aims to be a “floating classroom,” where stories of the past are taught, all about the cultural, political and economic underpinnings of Cabrillo’s era of exploration.
Lucky Street Vintage Market10 a.m. to 5 p.m., 1722 South Coast Highway #3, OceansideEvery Saturday and Sunday, Lucky Street Productions hosts its “vintage marketplace” in a large warehouse filled with vintage finds in a variety of styles. From shabby chic to oddities and French country to glam, you are sure to find the vintage style of your choice. The market sells clothing items, gardening items, architecture, craft supplies and so much more.
Pancakes & Booze Art Show7 p.m. to 1 a.m., 57 DegreesThis traveling art show brings together local artists, photographers, bands and DJs to 57 Degrees (1735 Hancock St.). Don’t expect a stuffy art show; instead the
Pancake and Booze Art Show has a unique line up of live painting, live musicians and other entertainment. Of course, as the name implies, there will be plenty of pancakes. The highlight of the event, though, is the work of more than 50 San Diego artists.
Things to Do in Old Town
The Roots of Rhythm
8 p.m., Copley Symphony HallThe origins of modern jazz are far and wide. At this concert at Copley Symphony Hall, John Santos, musician and historian of the Afro-Latin musical movement, will use his large personal collection of musical instruments to explore Jazz’s origins. Expect some special guests to drop in. Tickets range from $25 to $68.
Maria De Buenos Aires10 p.m., Lyceum TheaterThe tale of Maria, an Argentinian woman overtaken by the slums of Buenos Aires, is brought to life with the sound and dance of Tango in this work by composer Astor Piazzolla and Horacio Ferrer. There are only tickets left for one performance of the popular show at the Lyceum Theater at Horton Plaza — a last-minute add-on Saturday at 10 p.m. Tickets range from $81 to $171.
Sunday, Jan. 28
Guided Nature Walk
9:30 a.m., Mission Trails Regional Park Visitor Center
Join a trail guide from Mission Trails Regional Park (MTRP) on this free, 1.5-hour nature walk and learn about the plants, animals, geology, history and ecology of the park. The walk begins at the Visitor Center and will head out to one of three scenic trails: The Oak Grove Loop, The Visitor Center Loop, or The Riverside Grinding Rocks. These walks are typically held at MTRP every Saturday, Sunday and Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. Wear close-toed shoes and sunscreen, and bring water.
Things to Do at Balboa Park
Bite San Diego Walking ToursTimes vary, Locations varyThis one's for foodies: Bite San Diego takes guests on a 3-hour+ walking tour through a select neighborhood, offering samples of the culinary scene from at least five restaurants while showcasing the neighborhood’s history. Tours make an average of five stops at some of the most mouthwatering restaurants in San Diego County. Participants can choose from tours in North Park, Liberty Station, Downtown San Diego, Coronado, La Jolla and Encinitas. Tours are offered Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays (depending on the location); hours vary. For more customization, Bite San Diego offers private tours.
Tidepooling Adventure
1 p.m. to 3 p.m., La JollaLittle pockets of life are created where the sea meets the land at San Diego’s beaches. The Birch Aquarium’s team of trained naturalists want to show you how to explore these tide pools at Dike Rock or False Point for $16 ($13 for members). The winter months are the most optimal for tidepooling and exploring this natural wonderful, because, according to the aquarium, lower tides reveal even more beaches.
Sunday Organ Concert
2 p.m. to 3 p.m., Spreckels Organ Pavilion at Balboa Park
Enjoy a free, hour-long organ concert Sunday at Balboa Park’s famed Spreckels Organ Pavilion. At the keys, the audience will find
Raul Prieto Ramirez, the city’s newest San Diego Civic Organist and Artistic Director of the Spreckels Organ Society. Prieto Ramirez hails from Spain and, as he told NBC 7, hopes to keep the program interesting – from Bach to Queen – at the historic Spreckels Organ.
Pepe Aguilar y Familia Presentan: Jaripeo Sin Fronteras6:30 p.m., Viejas Arena at Aztec Bowl at SDSUMexican-American singer-songwriter Pepe Aguilar and his family headline at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University Sunday. The concert will also feature Christian Nodal. Tickets start at $41.
The Importance of Being Earnest7 p.m., The Old Globe Theatre
The Old Globe Theatre brings Oscar Wilde’s beloved “trivial comedy for serious people” to the stage. In "The Importance of Being Earnest," Jack and Algernon, a pair of bachelors attempting to avoid the realities of their lives, create fictitious personas and end up finding themselves in ridiculously funny situations. Performances run at various times through March 4; ticket prices vary by day.
Free or Cheap Things to Do in San DiegoTimes and locations vary
Free or Cheap Things to Do in San Diego
Looking to save some cash, but still enjoy the city? In San Diego, there are still plenty of activities to enjoy for free or on the cheap. Go for a hike at Torrey Pines State Park or Cowles Mountain, stroll Balboa Park, try a new craft brewery, admire the murals of Chicano Park or read a book at a downtown park. Get out there and explore America’s Finest City.
Courtesy of NBC San Diego
