Events
BIG Salsa Festival San Diego
Jan. 16-19. Calling all lovers of salsa music, dance and culture! This four-day extravaganza at the Marriott Mission Valley, presented by Baile International Grand, offers it all: performances by salsa’s biggest names, Latin dance parties, dance classes (from beginners to those looking to learn advanced dance moves), live band concerts, Latin food and more. See website for lineup of world-renowned salsa dancers, musicians and artists; as well as full schedule, hotel room rates and pricing for passes. 8757 Rio San Diego Drive, Mission Valley. bigsalsafestival.com
Jurassic Quest at Del Mar Fairgrounds
Jan. 16-19. Travel back in time 100 million years via this interactive exhibit. The Del Mar Fairgrounds have been transformed into a prehistoric fantasyland—filled with 70-plus full-size, animatronic dinosaurs. Jurassic Quest collaborated with paleontologists to painstakingly create the moving, life-like replicas. Beware of 50-foot-long Megalodon and the swinging tail of the 80-foot-long Spinosaurus! Fun photo ops abound; plus face painting and other activities for the kiddos. See website for hours and tickets. 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar. jurassicquest.com
San Diego Rodeo at Petco Park
Jan. 16-18. Yeehaw! The San Diego Padres—in partnership with C5 Rodeo Co. and Outriders Presents—presents this third-annual, family-friendly rodeo at Petco Park. Don your western hats and boots to cheer on the world’s top cowboys and cowgirls, as they compete across a three-day competition. The fun also includes after-parties in Gallagher Square, with live performances by Charley Crocket, Jamey Johnson and Cody Jinks—plus food vendors, craft beer and other libations. See website for tickets (they’re selling out fast!). 100 Park Blvd., East Village. Details
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade
Jan. 18. Celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at this annual waterfront parade. Coordinated by the Zeta Sigma Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. (the oldest African American fraternity in the U.S., founded in 1906), this 44th annual parade is among the largest of its kind in the nation. Watch high school bands, floats, drill teams, colleges and universities, churches, peace and youth groups, and local dignitaries as they march along the Embarcadero. 11 a.m. Harbor Drive (Ash Street to Pacific Highway), downtown. Details
San Diego Sailing Tours
Ongoing. During the height of whale-watching season (which is right now), San Diego is best explored by sea. Indulge in a coastal adventure by booking a private tour of the bay aboard a classic sailing yacht via San Diego Sailing Tours. Packages can be customized and range from a two-hour daytime sail, to a fully catered sunset cruise for two, to a private charter for up to six guests; plus packages for larger groups. The experience comes complete with your own captain, beverages and snacks. Cabrillo Isle Marina, 1450 Harbor Island Drive, Harbor Island, 619.786.0173. Details
Food + Drink
Oceanside Sunset Market
Jan. 15. Oceanside’s popular seaside market comprises four city blocks and 240 merchants—including artisanal food vendors, international street food, eclectic shopping, art, kids’ activities and live music. Shop for gifts, fashion accessories and home wares at World Marketplace; and sample cuisine from around the world, including Latin American, African, Middle Eastern, Asian/Pacific and Jamaican. The year-round event takes place every Thursday; see website for special themed evenings and seasonal events. 5-9 p.m. Free entry. Pier View Way, Oceanside. Details
Onesie Downtown Bar Crawl & Ball
Jan. 16-17. Throw on your favorite onesie for the Levinson Group’s seventh-annual Onesie Downtown Bar Crawl & Ball. The party kicks off each night at Toro Nightclub, where participants can choose their own adventure or opt for a guided bar crawl—comprising stops at multiple bars (no cover charge), drink specials and professional photogs. Guests will also receive LED foam sticks and have access to a craft table to make necklaces, bracelets and glasses. 8 p.m.-2 a.m. See website for ticket pricing. 672 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter. Details
Arts + Culture
North Coast Rep: Louisa Gillis
Jan. 14-Feb. 8. Don’t miss the world premiere of Louisa Gillis at North Coast Repertory Theatre. Written by Joanna McClelland Glass, the new drama is a “sophisticated psychological thriller” that explores the effects of betrayal, revenge, family ties and forgiveness—mixed with wit and humor. David Ellenstein directs. (Pictured from left: Faline England as Celia, James Sutorius as Grandpa, Caroline Renee as Lucy, and Denise Young as Helga.) See website for showtimes and ticket pricing. 987 Lomas Santa De, Suite D, Solana Beach, 858.481.1055. Details
S.D. Natural History Museum: “Nat at Night”
Jan. 16. “Nat at Night” at the San Diego Natural History Museum is back! Head to “the Nat” the third Friday of every month, when the museum stays open until 10 p.m.—with half-price admission after 5 p.m. You’ll get access to the rooftop patio, which boasts views overlooking Balboa Park—offering beer, wine, nonalcoholic drinks, and food from Wolf in the Woods. Plus: pop-up programming; access to the museum’s exhibitions (with bars on several floors serving cocktails); and coffee drinks in the atrium. 1788 El Prado, Balboa Park, 619.232.3821. sdnhm.org
Jacobs Music Center: Weekend Concerts
Jan. 17-18. San Diego Symphony presents two Jacobs Masterworks concerts at Jacobs Music Center. “Heroic Monuments: Dvořák Symphony No. 7” features Brahms’ Piano Concerto No. 1, with guest pianist Marc-André Hamelin (pictured); and Dvořák’s Symphony No. 7. Thomas Guggeis conducts. Sa 7:30 p.m.; Su 2 p.m. (And get tickets now for “Tragedy and Triumph: Shostakovich Symphony No. 8,” Jan. 24-25; Symphony Music Director Rafael Payare conducts.) See website for ticket pricing. 750 B St., downtown, 619.235.0804. More Info
North Coast Rep / “Louisa Gillis” is by Aaron Rumley. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.
