Events
Make-A-Wish San Diego’s Polar Plunge
Jan. 10. Start the year by “Freezin’ for a Reason.” Make-A-Wish San Diego—which makes life-changing wishes come true for kids with critical illnesses—presents its inaugural Polar Plunge at Catamaran Resort Hotel. More than 400 participants are expected to take a frigid dip in Mission Bay to raise funds for the beloved nonprofit. The family-friendly fun includes an Après-Plunge Celebration with hot cocoa and treats for the kiddos; and a bar for adults (21+). 9 a.m.-noon. Registration is $100 for adults; $25 kids ages 6-16. See website. 3999 Mission Blvd., Pacific Beach. Details
Monster Jam at Snapdragon Stadium
Jan. 10-11. It’s a battle of speed and skill at this two-day competition 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; 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 ticket pricing. 2101 Stadium Way, Mission Valley. Details
San Diego Resolution Run
Jan. 10. Put your best running foot forward in 2026 for the 19th annual San Diego Resolution Run 5K, 10K and Half-Marathon through Mission Bay—a scenic course with plenty of tranquil water views. Post-race, visit the Wellness Village for healthy food and products; and participants will receive a custom finisher’s medal, T-shirt and chip-timed results. 10 K and half-marathon begin at 7:15 a.m.; 5K at 7:30 a.m. Registration is $60 for 5K; $70 for 10K; and $116 for half-marathon. 1740 E. Mission Bay Drive, Mission Bay Park. Details
Winter Whale Watching
Ongoing. Spotting whales in San Diego waters year-round is common, but wintertime here is your best bet for spotting Gray Whales. Weighing up to 45 tons each, Gray Whales pass by California as they migrate from Alaska to the warm lagoon waters of Mexico. San Diego Whale Watch is one of our favorite local companies, offering whale-watching tours complete with a marine naturalist on board; plus private charters. In addition to Gray Whales, you might spot Humpbacks, Fin Whales, dolphins and other marine life. 1617 Quivira Road, Mission Bay, 619.542.9931. Details
Food + Drink
Lane Field Park Market
Jan. 10-11. This popular weekend market across from Broadway Pier features live music, gourmet street food, artwork and pop-up installations, jewelry, crafts, San Diego Bay views and more. Sample cuisine from close to 45 food vendors alone, including waffles, crepes, empanadas, burgers, gourmet hot dogs, Vietnamese bao, barbecue, Thai food, wood-fired pizza, hot mini doughnuts, baked goods and smoothies. Bring your own blanket for a picnic on the grass. Lawn umbrellas are provided for shade. Sa-Su 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free entry. 1009 N. Harbor Drive, downtown. Details
North Park Sustainable Market
Jan. 10. Make January healthy and delicious. Carnivores, herbivores and omnivores alike will make tasty discoveries at the city’s biggest sustainable food market, which pops up on Saturday next to North Park Mini Park. Explore culinary delights from 60-plus vendors from San Diego, Orange County and Los Angeles—including pastries and doughnuts, salads and produce, juices, teas, vegan sushi, pizza, pastas and other noodles, and Mexican fare. Plus: local products, crafts and services. Noon-4 p.m. Free entry and parking (kids and dogs welcome). 3812 29th St., North Park. Details
San Diego Brew Festival
Jan. 10. Calling all craft beer lovers! Head to Liberty Station’s NTC Park for a fun afternoon of suds and sunshine. The 15th annual event features more than 70 regional and local craft breweries (and cideries!) and 200 beers; along with 10 food trucks, live music and lawn games. Participating brewers include Ballast Point, Fall Brewing Co., Julian Hard Cider, Societe Brewing Company, Sour Cellars, Mike Hess Brewing and Latitude 33. Admission includes unlimited beer tastings. Noon-4 p.m. $50-$65 (free parking; no pets; 21+). 2455 Cushing Road, Liberty Station. Details
Arts + Culture
Maritime Museum of San Diego
Open. Ahoy! Docked along the north embarcadero, this floating nautical museum is home to one of the larger collections of historical sea vessels in the U.S.—including the world-famous Star of India, an iron-hulled sailing ship built in 1863. Become immersed in more than 500 years of seafaring history—from dockside ship tours to insightful exhibits to narrated San Diego Bay on-the-water adventures. See website for all exhibits and to purchase tickets. Open daily 10 a.m.-5p.m. 1492 N. Harbor Drive, downtown, 619.234.9153. sdmaritime.org
Spanish Village Art Center
Open. Established in 1936, this historical artist collective is known for its old-world architecture and brightly colored tile walkways reminiscent of an actual Spanish village. Stroll among its working studios, where you’ll witness art in action. More than 200 local artists—whose mediums span painting, sculpture, jewelry design, glass, wood, metal, mixed media and more—can be found creating their latest masterpieces. The center also hosts art classes, shows and special events. Open daily 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free admission. 1770 Village Place, Balboa Park, 619.233.9050. Details
Chicano Park Tours
Ongoing. An enclave for local artists and a proud community steeped in Mexican heritage, Chicano Park sits beneath the Coronado Bridge overpass. Founded in 1970, the park houses 72 murals created by various artists throughout the 1970s and 1980s—making it the largest collection of outdoor murals in the U.S. (A restoration project in 2011 returned 20 murals to their original glory.) Take a virtual tour online to familiarize yourself with each mural; then take a self-guided tour onsite. Open daily. National Avenue and Evans Street, Barrio Logan. chicano-park.com
Monster Jam opening photo is © Shawn Hancock LLC. Spanish Village Art Center is by KD Graves. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.
