Events
Jurassic Quest at Del Mar Fairgrounds
Jan. 17-20. Travel back in time about 100 million years to go walking with dinosaurs via this interactive exhibit. The Del Mar Fairgrounds have been transformed into a prehistoric fantasyland—filled with more than 70 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, bounce houses and “dino rides.” See website for hours and to purchase advance tickets. 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar. jurassicquest.com
“City Lights” at Quartyard
Jan. 17-19. Don’t miss closing weekend of “City Lights: An Immersive Journey Through Light and Sound” at Quartyard. The 50-minute, walkable experience takes you through six artistic zones inspired by elements of city life—incorporating lasers, reactive video, LED sculpture and projection mapping. Adding to the fun, “livetronica” duo KAIPORA performs Friday evening; along with back-to-back DJ sets from Boys Don’t Disco and Paul Najera, with choreographed light and sound performances, on Saturday; and an R&B block party on Sunday. Plus: seasonal tapas by El Comal and cocktails. 1301 Market St., East Village. More Info
Holo Holo Music Festival
Jan. 18. Fans of island and reggae music will converge at Frontwave Arena on Saturday for the Holo Holo Music Festival. Hosted by Western Conference, the all-ages festival includes performances by the likes of Common Kings (pictured), Josh Tatofi, Spawnbreezie, K’Nova and 8R08; plus vendors, food and libations. (Opened in September 2024, the 7,500-capacity Frontwave Arena is also home to the San Diego Sockers and the NBA G-League San Diego Clippers.) Show starts at 4 p.m.; doors open at 3 p.m. $76-$88 (see website). 3475 Hero Drive, Oceanside. More Info
2025 Farmers Insurance Open
Upcoming | Jan. 22-25. San Diego hosts one of the county’s biggest events of the year: the Farmers Insurance Open. The esteemed PGA Tour competition returns to the famed Torrey Pines Golf Course, which sits atop La Jolla’s famous coastal cliffs overlooking the Pacific. Watch the pros work the 36-hole course, including Jason Day, Ludvig Åberg, Hideki Matsuyama, Luke List, Keegan Bradley, Zach Johnson, Sahith Theegala, Luke Clanton and Jackson Koivun. See website for daily schedule, passes and pricing for the exclusive Canyon Club. 11480 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla. farmersinsuranceopen.com
San Diego Sailing Tours
Ongoing. All aboard! 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 includes your own captain, beverages and snacks. Cabrillo Isle Marina, 1450 Harbor Island Drive, Harbor Island, 619.786.0173. More Info
Food + Drink
Oceanside’s “Swell Plates Series”
Jan. 15-Feb. 13. Get a true taste of Oceanside via the inaugural “Swell Plates Series,” a month-long culinary celebration in conjunction with California Restaurant Month. Grab a Swell Plates Passport and indulge in chef-curated dishes at 15 participating restaurants—such as Mussels Mariniere at 333 Pacific; seafood risotto at Blade 1936; braised short ribs at Piper; the Fishermen’s Special at Wrench & Rodent Seabasstropub; and the “quesotaco” at The Bar at Valle. Get your Passport stamped at least three times and be entered to win an overnight stay in Oceanside. See website for all details. More Info
Oceanside Sunset Market
Jan. 16. 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 by local bands and musicians. Shop for gifts, fashion accessories and home wares at World Marketplace; and sample gourmet cuisine and desserts 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
Pop Pie Co. Carlsbad Grand Opening
Jan. 18. Beloved all-day pie shop Pop Pie. Co. expands to Carlsbad, opening its newest location at Roosevelt Cottages. Stop by the official grand opening on Saturday (9 a.m.-6 p.m.) for exclusive giveaways and special collaborations. The first 20 guests in line will receive a free savory pie with any purchase, and the first 10 guests get a limited-edition cap. Pop Pie Co. also will unveil a special Brisket Mac & Cheese Pie, in collaboration with Daniel Castillo of Heritage Barbecue. See website for regular shop hours. 2956 Roosevelt St., Unit 3, Carlsbad, 442.325.3158. poppieco.com
Arts + Culture
Martin Luther King Jr. Parade
Jan. 19. Celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at this annual waterfront parade along San Diego Bay. 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 43rd 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 on Harbor Drive. 11 a.m. 1355 N. Harbor Drive, downtown. More Info
Lamb’s Players Theatre: Once The Musical
Upcoming | Opens Jan. 21. Recipient of the San Diego Theatre Critics Circle Award for “Outstanding Musical” in 2018, Lamb’s Players Theatre brings us Once The Musical, once again, Jan. 21-March 30. Kerry Meads directs the beloved Irish musical—based on the book by Enda Walsh, music and lyrics by Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová, and musical direction by G. Scott Lacey—featuring Lamb’s original cast of actors, singers, dancers and musicians from the production seven years ago. See website for showtimes and tickets. 1142 Orange Ave., Coronado, 619.437.6000. lambsplayers.org
Photo credits: “City Lights” by Erica Joan Thornberry. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.
