Events

North Park Thursday Market

Jan. 12. Grab fresh flowers, organic produce, artisanal foods, pantry items, CBD products, clothing, jewelry and more at this weekly alfresco market—showcasing more than 50 local vendors—plus kids activities happening 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; salsas and tortillas from Ruth’s No. 5; and bread from Hommage Bake House. 3-7:30 p.m.; rain or shine. North Park Way (between Granada Avenue and Ray Street), North Park, 619.289.8909. northparkfarmersmarket.com

Monster Jam Weekend II

Jan. 14-15. Because one weekend just isn’t enough, Snapdragon Stadium hosts a second weekend of Monster Jam. The two-day competition is a battle of speed and skill—pitting 12,000-pound monster trucks against each other while tearing up the dirt. Watch as 12 world-class drivers race at speeds of up to 70 miles per hour—performing backflips, going vertical on two wheels and more. The fun also includes the Monster Jam Pit Party, where fans can see the trucks up close and get autographs. See website for full schedule and tickets. 2108 Stadium Way, Mission Valley. snapdragonstadium.com

Onesie Downtown Bar Crawl & Ball

Jan. 14. Leave the stilettos at home and don your favorite onesie for the Levinson Group’s 4th Annual Onesie Downtown Bar Crawl & Ball. The party kicks off at American Junkie in the Gaslamp, where participants can choose their own adventure on this nonguided bar crawl—comprising stops at multiple bars (no cover charge), drink specials, giveaways, live entertainment and a costume contest. Guests will also receive foam glow sticks and have access to an LED craft table to make necklaces, glasses and other bling. 7 p.m.-2 a.m. $10-$120. 628 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter. More Info

Jurassic World: The Exhibition 

Through April 16. There’s still time to check out this limited engagement at Westfield Mission Valley. Billed as “the closest you’ll ever come to living dinosaurs,” Jurassic World: The Exhibition takes guests behind the famous Jurassic World gates. The 20,000-square-foot, family-friendly walk-through exhibit allows visitors to get close to life-sized velociraptors, a tyrannosaurus rex and brachiosaurus; interact with baby dinosaurs, including “Bumpy” from the animated series Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous; and more. See website for tickets. 1640 Camino Del Rio North, Mission Valley. More Info

Food + Drink

Flamenco Dinner Show at Cafe Sevilla

Jan. 14. Spice up your Saturday night with dinner and flamenco dancing at this beloved Spanish eatery (a Gaslamp Quarter staple since 1987). Cafe Sevilla presents a two-part flamenco performance, featuring seasoned dancers who were trained in Spain; plus a three-course dinner featuring its award-winning Paella Valenciana. Add-ons include tapas, wine and a full bar. Tickets include entry to the restaurant’s nightclub. 6:30 p.m. (Doors open at 6 p.m., with communal-style seating assigned upon arrival.) $89.50 per person. 353 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.233.5979. More Info

North Park Vegan Food Pop-Up

Jan. 14. Come hungry and ready to make some tasty discoveries at the city’s biggest vegan market, which pops up on Saturday at North Park Mini Park. Explore plant-based culinary delights from 40-plus vendors hailing from San Diego, Orange County and Los Angeles—including pastries and doughnuts, salads and produce, juices, teas, vegan sushi, pizza, pastas and other noodles, Mexican fare and more. Other vendors include A Way Home for Dogs, Compilations in Art, Samadhi CBD and Dripping Candles. Noon-4 p.m. Free entry and parking (kids and dogs welcome). 3812 29th St., North Park. More Info

Mati’s Birria + Beer

Now Open. This new casual eatery lives up to its name—specializing in slow-braised Mexican birria in the form of tacos, tortas, nachos, bowls, platters and more; along with Mexican lagers to wash it all down. Menu highlights include the El Padre Taco, with birria drizzled with house-made chipotle sauce, loaded into a corn tortilla; plus the birria crunch-wrap, birria grilled cheese (available on weekends), and birria flautas. Vegans will love the cauliflower ceviche and mushroom “birria” taco. Open daily beginning at 11 a.m. 4150 Mission Blvd., Suite 107, Pacific Beach, 619.936.5324. More Info

Toasted Gastrobrunch + Dinner

Now Open. Who needs lunch when you can enjoy a lingering brunch and then transition to dinner? Toasted serves brunch (8 a.m.-3 p.m.) and dinner (3 p.m.-8 p.m.) daily. The ample brunch menu (which also offers some lunch entrees and salads) offers a selection of “bennys,” loaded toasts, pancakes, “South of the Border” dishes, and egg specialties such as the smoked brisket hash. Return for dinner and try the wagyu burger on brioche. The eatery boast a cheery-mod interior and wraparound sidewalk patio with a fire pit. 339 N. Cleveland St., Oceanside, 760.836.0500. More Info

Arts + Culture

Caught On Camera Exhibit at the Nat

Now Open. This new exhibit at the San Diego Natural History Museum (aka the Nat) captures “wildlife when no one’s watching.” Peruse fascinating images of bobcats slinking through backyards; bats skimming and sipping water; a coyote roaming Westlake Village; and more. Presented in English and Spanish, the exhibit gives insight to the importance of camera footage in understanding and protecting animals and ecosystems. Animal lovers are also welcome to submit their own wildlife photos via the Nat’s website. Open Th-Tu 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 1788 El Prado, Balboa Park, 619.232.3821. sdnhm.org

Balboa Park Hidden Gems Tour

Ongoing. How well do you know the “Crown Jewel” of San Diego? A seasoned tour guide takes you on a fun exploration of the city’s 1,200-acre park, whose buildings date back to the Panama-California Exposition of 1915-16. You’ll learn little known facts about its development over the decades; as well as its 16 museums, gardens and cultural outlets. Tours are offered regularly (see website for schedule). Each 90-minute tour comprises approximately one mile of walking. $45. Meet at the front steps of San Diego Museum of Art, Plaza de Panama, Balboa Park, 619.504.9474. More Info

Photo credits: Onesie Bar Crawl courtesy the Levinson Group. Jurassic World: © 2021 Universal Studios and Amblin Entertainment, Inc. Caught on Camera bobcat image by Roy Toft. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.