Events
‘80s Dance Party at Quartyard
Jan. 24. Calling all fans of 1980s New Wave music! Get your dancing shoes on for “The Cure: Live Tribute by The Perfect Boys.” Staged at Quartyard, it’s an ‘80s New Wave dance party, featuring a live tribute to The Cure—the English rock band known for hits like “Just Like Heaven,” “Pictures of You,” “Fascination Street” and “Friday I’m in Love”—by The Perfect Boys; plus a DJ set by Saul Q. Guests can also enjoy libations and food from onsite Mexican eatery El Comal. 5-9 p.m. See website for ticket pricing (21+). 1301 Market St., East Village. Details
Monster Jam Weekend II
Jan. 24-25. Back for its second weekend, this two-day competition is a battle of speed and skill that pits 12,000-pound monster trucks against each other. Featured competitors include “Avenger,” “Grave Digger,” “Megalodon” and “Zombie.” The fun includes the Monster Jam Trackside experience, including a peek behind the scenes with the Pit Crew, giveaways and the Judges Zone Overview; and the Pit Party, where guests can see the monster trucks up close. See website for schedule and tickets. Snapdragon Stadium, 2101 Stadium Way, Mission Valley. Details
SeaWorld Mardi Gras
Jan. 24-Feb. 22. SeaWorld San Diego brings some big New Orleans energy to the park on Saturdays and Sundays (as well as Friday, Feb. 13 and Monday, Feb. 16). The carnival-style celebration includes special costumes, decorations channeling the French Quarter, and Creole and Cajun cuisine. Mardi Gras-inspired entertainment includes live music, ukulele jesters, DJs and fire dancers; a walk-through tunnel of 5,000 lights; the Royal Mardis Gras Parade; and more. See website for hours and tickets. 500 Sea World Drive, Mission Bay, 619.222.4732. seaworld.com
Yoga at The Rady Shell
Jan. 24. Breathe your way through winter with this popular event by the bay. Presented by Fit Athletic, Yoga at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park has become a regular gathering—inviting yogis and novices for an hour-long “bootcamp yoga” session along the bayfront, led by Viktoria Talbot. Behold the therapeutic powers of holding a Downward Dog pose while surrounded by sea breezes and views. Admission is free but space is limited; register online in advance to reserve your space. And bring your own mat. 9:30 a.m. 222 Marina Park Way, downtown. theshell.org
San Diego Restaurant Week
Jan. 25-Feb. 1. San Diego’s most delicious week (eight days to be exact) of the year returns. Taste your way through town during San Diego Restaurant Week (SDRW), when nearly 80 restaurants countywide will offer discounted, multicourse menus for lunch and dinner—starting as low as $20. Some of our favorite participating restaurants include French bistro La Bonne Table in Hillcrest; Island Prime and Rumorosa on Harbor Island; Lionfish in the Gaslamp Quarter; and Rustic Root Solana Beach (pictured). See website for all participating restaurants, menus and pricing. Details
Food + Drink
North Park Thursday Market
Jan. 22. Grab fresh flowers, organic produce, artisanal foods, pantry items, jewelry and more at this weekly alfresco market—showcasing more than 50 local vendors—plus kids activities at North Park Mini Park; along with live music while you shop. Some of our favorite finds: floral bouquets from Hidalgo Flowers; citrus fruits, eggs and avocados from R&L Farms; bread from Hommage Bake House; and salsas and tortillas from Ruth’s No. 5. 3-7:30 p.m.; rain or shine. North Park Way (between Granada Avenue and Ray Streets), North Park, 619.294.2501. Details
Flamenco Dinner Show at Cafe Sevilla
Jan. 24. Spice up your Saturday night with dinner and flamenco dancing. Cafe Sevilla presents a two-part flamenco show, featuring dancers who were trained in Spain; along with a three-course dinner featuring its award-winning Paella Valenciana. Add-ons include a tapas menu, wine and a full bar. Advance tickets are required and include entry to the restaurant’s nightclub. 6:30 p.m. (Doors open at 6 p.m., with communal-style seating assigned upon arrival.) $95 per person. 353 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.233.5979. Details
Oceanside’s “Swell Plates Series”
Through Feb. 11. Get a true taste of Oceanside via the second annual “Swell Plates Series,” a month-long culinary celebration. Grab a Swell Plates Passport and indulge in chef-curated dishes at 17 participating restaurants—such as the spring lamb gnocchi at 333 Pacific; sheepshead tartare at Matsu; Best Coast pizza at Odie’s Pizza Co.; braised lamb at Piper; the banana-peel torta at The Plot; and many more. Get your Passport stamped at least three times and be entered to win a $50 restaurant gift card. See website for all details. Oceanside. More Info
Arts + Culture
SDMA: Two New Centennial Exhibitions
Opening Jan. 24. Celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, The San Diego Museum of Art (SDMA) opens two special exhibits this weekend. On view through July 26, Local Visions: Reimagining the Façade displays works by 10 local artists offering contemporary interpretations of the museum’s iconic exterior. SDMA 100 Years (through Feb. 7, 2027) explores the institution’s rich history told through various media. (Pictured: construction of the façade in 1925.) 1450 El Prado, Balboa Park, 619.232.7931. sdmart.org
Birch Aquarium: Meditation Ocean Exhibit
Now Open. Birch Aquarium at Scripps debuts Meditation Ocean: Aquarius Reef Base. Created by artist Hope Ginsburg and the Meditation Ocean Constellation, it’s a multisensory art and science installation that reimagines the world’s only undersea research habitat: the Aquarius Reef Base. Experience life beneath the ocean through the eyes of an aquanaut, stepping inside a recreation of their living quarters, and exploring projections filmed at the original platform, accompanied by ambient reef sounds. 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, 858.534.3474. aquarium.ucsd.edu
The San Diego Museum of Art historical photo is courtesy of the SDMA Archives. Birch Aquarium is by Jordann Tomasek. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.
