Events
North Park Thursday Market
Jan. 25. 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; 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. More Info
2024 Farmers Insurance Open
Through Jan. 27. Pro golf’s biggest stars will swing by (pun intended) Torrey Pines Golf Course—whose famous north and south courses sit atop towering cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean—for this annual PGA Tour competition. Max Homa (pictured)—who clinched this coveted victory in 2023—returns to defend his title; along with odds leaders such as Xander Schauffele, Patrick Cantlay, Ludvig Aberg, Collin Morikawa, Sungjae Im, Tony Finau, Jason Day and many more. See website for daily schedule, passes and pricing for the exclusive Canyon Club. 11480 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla. More Info
Monster Jam Weekend II
Jan. 27-28. It’s the second and final weekend at Snapdragon Stadium for this two-day competition that pits 12,000-pound monster trucks against each other. Featured competitors include “Grave Digger” (Adam Anderson), “Megalodon” (Cory Rummell) and “Zombie” (Bari Musawwir). The fun includes the Monster Jam Trackside experience, including a peek behind the scenes with the Pit Crew, giveaways and the Judges Zone Overview; the Pit Party, where guests can see the monster trucks up close; and a post-event driver meet-and-greet. See website for full schedule and tickets. 2101 Stadium Way, Mission Valley. More Info
Yoga at The Rady Shell
Jan. 27. Namaste by the bay, anyone? Behold the therapeutic powers of holding a Downward Dog pose while surrounded by sea breezes and views. Presented by Fit Athletic, Yoga at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park has become a regular event—inviting yogis and novices alike for an hour-long “bootcamp yoga” session along the bayfront, led by seasoned instructor Viktoria Talbot. And the best part? Admission is free. However, space is limited; register online in advance to reserve your space. And bring your own mat and sunscreen. 9:30 a.m. 222 Marina Park Way, downtown. theshell.org
Food + Drink
Educational Tours at Cardiff Farmers Market
Jan. 27. The Cardiff Farmers Market (Saturdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.) will be extra fun and informative this weekend. Integrative nutritionist Francesca Orlando, founder of Healthful Living SD, will be on hand—leading educational tours of the market. Learn more about how to select the best produce to create nutritious meals within your budget; local agricultural practices; nutritional value and disease prevention; and more. The tours are free (and include free tote bags!) and no need to RSVP; just meet at the Cardiff 101 booth at 11 a.m., noon or 1 p.m. 333 Manchester Ave., Cardiff-by-the-Sea. cardiff101.com | healthfullivingsd.com
Lou Lou’s Jungle Room
Now Open. Welcome to the jungle. The latest venue to open at the overhauled Lafayette Hotel, Lou Lou’s Jungle Room (formerly the Mississippi Ballroom), is a lavish, 1920s-NYC-inspired jazz nightclub. The space’s historical clam shell stage and hardwood dance floor have been restored to their original 1940s glory; along with plush seating, ornate art deco light fixtures, a circular bar with red fringe dangling above, animal prints, and a sculptural big cat or two. On the menu: supper club fare and classic cocktails. 2223 El Cajon Blvd., North Park, 619.296.2101. loulousclub.com
New Dinner Menu at Paradisaea
Now Available. Known for its seasonal California fare, Paradisaea—Bird Rock’s Michelin Guide-recognized restaurant and cocktail bar—has launched a new dinner menu‚ crafted by executive chef Jeff Armstrong and owners Eric and Zoe Kleinbub. New offerings include prime bone-in ribeye (pictured) with marbled potatoes and leek soubise, veal Milanese with chickories, dry-aged amberjack crudo, and lamb-neck tortellini with collard greens and ricotta salata; along with an exclusive chef’s tasting menu ($105 per person). See website for hours and reservations. 5680 La Jolla Blvd., Bird Rock, 858.255.8011. paradisaea.com
Arts + Culture
Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience
Jan. 26-April 4. The works of Dutch post-Impressionist painter Vincent Van Gogh (1853-1890) come to life, literally, in this traveling exhibit—which returns to the Wyland Center at Del Mar Fairgrounds. Created by Mathieu St-Arnaud of Montreal’s Normal Studio, the walk-through experience showcases more than 300 of Van Gogh’s masterpieces via 3D projection technology. The space features projection-wrapped walls of shapes, lights and colors that dance and morph into the artist’s famous landscapes, flowers, cafes and portraits—all set to a symphonic score. 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar. Tickets
English at The Old Globe
Opens Jan. 27. The multi-award-winning play (including the 2023 Pulitzer Prize) English runs through Feb. 25 at The Old Globe. Screenwriter and playwright Sanaz Toossi (pictured; also known for Wish You Were Here) brings us an intricate, comic and contemplative story—centered on four adult students in a classroom near Tehran, Iran, who are prepping for an English proficiency exam. We get to know them as they bond over a shared desire for new opportunities. Arya Shahi directs. See website for showtimes and tickets. 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, 619.234.5623. theoldglobe.org
Marston House Museum
Open. Getting to visit this historical landmark is our kind of house call. Built in 1905 and named for George W. Marston (the “Father of Balboa Park”), the Marston House is the embodiment of the Arts & Crafts architectural movement. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the house—nestled on five acres of landscaped gardens—was designed by renowned architects William Hebbard and Irving Gill. Tours start every half hour and last 40-45 minutes. Sa-Su 10 a.m.-4 p.m. See website for pricing. 3525 Seventh Ave., Balboa Park, 619.297.9327. More info
Photo credits: Farmers Insurance Open / Max Homa by Gordon Seay. Lou Lou’s Jungle Room by Kimberly Motos. Beyond Van Gogh by Gayaman Visual Studio / courtesy of Paquin Entertainment Group. Marston House Museum by Paul Body. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.