Concerts & Festivals | Theater & Art Exhibits | More Fun Things to Do

Concerts & Festivals in San Diego This Month

San Diego Tết Festival

January 31 – February 2

Kick off the Year of the Wood Snake at the free San Diego Tết Festival, which brings cultural festivities, carnival rides, and the Miss Vietnam San Diego pageant to NTC Park in Liberty Station.

January 2, 2025

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Kudo One Earth Tour

February 6

Traditional taiko drumming group Kodo returns to the roots of its ancient form with a soul-stirring concert at the Balboa Theatre.

WorldBeat Cultural Center’s 44th Annual Bob Marley Day

February 21-22

Dancehall legends Sister Nancy and Johnny Osbourne will perform at WorldBeat Cultural Center’s 44th annual Bob Marley Day, a celebration of Caribbean rhythms and reggae.

Theater & Art Exhibits in San Diego This Month

San Diego Museum Month

February 1-28

Receive half-off admission at more than 70 cultural institutions during San Diego Museum Month. You can download your pass to your phone or pick one up at your nearest public library.

January 22, 2025

The Writer’s Symposium By The Sea Returns Feb. 26–28RELATED ARTICLE

The Alien Painting at Oceanside Museum of Art

February 12-23

Robert Xavier Burden depicts childhood toys and pop culture in his massive-scale The Alien Painting. This month’s exhibition at the Oceanside Museum of Art offers viewers a last chance to see the piece before it enters a private collection.

we are continuous at Diversionary Theatre

February 13 – March 9

In Harrison David Rivers’ semiautobiographical play we are continuous at the Diversionary Theatre in University Heights, a family reels in light of a major secret.

Brian Regan at The Magnolia

February 16

Known for his impeccable timing and squeaky-clean jokes, comedian Brian Regan specializes in pointing out life’s absurdities. See what laughs are in store when he stops by The Magnolia.

Menopause The Musical 2 at Balboa Theatre

February 25-26

Board a cruise ship with four gal pals at the Balboa Theatre as they sing parody songs and navigate their bodies’ changes in Menopause The Musical 2.

The Unfair Advantage at La Jolla Playhouse

February 25 – March 27

In The Unfair Advantage, an intimate live spectacle at the La Jolla Playhouse, sleight-of-hand expert Harry Milas unveils the confidential tricks behind mind-blowing illusions and sneaky card cheats.

More Fun Things to Do in San Diego This Month

Keep a Breast Foundation’s 25th Anniversary Fundraiser: Dolly Parton Valentine

February 14

Attendees at Keep A Breast Foundation’s 25th-anniversary fundraiser in Solana Beach can watch breast cancer survivor Nena Anderson perform Dolly Parton’s hits—and participate in a Dolly look- alike contest themselves.

January 22, 2025

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WinterFest Gala at University Club

February 21

Dive into a “Fantasy Under the Sea” with gourmet cuisine and classical compositions from the London Symphony Orchestra and pianist Yunchan Lim at La Jolla Music Society’s WinterFest Gala at downtown’s University Club.

The post The Best Things to Do in San Diego: February 2025 appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

They’ve both got hefty pedigrees. Webber cooked at Michelin three-star Benu, and was running a Korean fried chicken food truck in Portland when he got a text from Addison exec chef William Bradley saying, essentially, “time to come back and get some Michelin stars.” Jordan was at Boulder’s one-star Michelin Frasca before joining Addison, helping then-chef de cuisine Stefani di Palma launch the restaurant’s bread program. 

January 22, 2025

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Both fans of Chinese food, in 2021 they launched a side gig—a Chinese culinary pop-up concept at places like Nola on 5th, Wormwood, Lion’s Share, and random kind strangers’ backyards. They thought about opening a food truck. Then they took over an old dive bar in Oceanside and changed the names six or seven times.

And finally, on Jan. 31, Jordan and Webber will officially open 24 Suns at 3375 Mission Avenue to celebrate the Lunar New Year.

Lunar New Year, sometimes called Chinese New Year, begins the start of spring. As an important Chinese holiday that marks fresh starts, Webber says it’s one of their biggest times of the year.

January 22, 2025

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“We have a whole new menu… every dish has a lot of intentionality and tradition and meaning behind it,” he explains. The two dishes he’s most excited to add to the spring menu are Yi Mein (known as “longevity noodles”) and Yi Sangh (“prosperity salad”).

“The longer the longevity noodle, the longer the life,” says Webber. So, 24 Suns’ take is to serve one single noodle—that happens to be 12-feet long “We really want you to have a long life!”

Lunar New Year is a tradition rife with symbolic dishes—like the prosperity salad, which uses homophones to glean meaning. “Tangerine, for example, is a homophone for abundance,” Webber explains. “It’s a really intentional salad made with families, where every family member adds an ingredient, and each ingredient has a purpose and a blessing that you say into the salad as you make it.”

He instructs his cooks to whisper their own blessings as they assemble the ingredients, and invites guests to toss it at the table. “The higher the toss, the higher the prosperity.”

Jordan and Webber have brought on Kyle South, lead sommelier at Addison and wine expert for Service Animals (the hospitality group behind Ponyboy at the Pearl hotel) as general manager. Usually, to make cocktails fit a food menu, bartenders will take a traditional cocktail and replace one of the ingredients with a spice being used in the food (in the case of Chinese, maybe five spice or cinnamon going into an Old Fashioned). But 24 Suns will lean on the chefs’ prowess to create a more ambitious cocktail program.

“We’re being very intentionally not Pan-Asian,” Webber explains. For example, don’t look for any matcha, which did originate in China, but for centuries has been much more widely found across Japan. Of course, they’re still having a bit of fun, creating things like a “Sazer-quack” by rendering duck fat in brown butter and washing Cognac with it. 

Although 24 Suns has been quietly operating since last July, they’re currently closed for renovations for a true grand opening on January 31. It’s taken them a while to get here, but each hiccup helped them hone the vision.

“It forced us to take that leap,” says Webber. I was calling it a dive bar with lipstick [in the beginning]. Now, we will not be that anymore. We’ll be a nice-looking restaurant that will match the quality of the food.”

24 Suns will hold 50-60 guests, including 16 at a stone bar, plus four big booths and tables.

24 Suns will be open Wednesday through Sunday from 4-10 p.m. starting Jan. 31. 

San Diego Restaurant News & Food Events

Enjoy Champagne and Chamber Music Series by Le Salon de Musiques

Every month during Le Salon de Musiques concert series, a musicologist (the second coolest-sounding -ologist job, after geologist, IMHO) starts the musical festivities with a chamber music concert, followed by a Q&A with the performers.

But wait, there’s more—the party continues with Champagne and a high tea buffet provided by Clement Le Deore (Desserts by Clement). The next iteration of the 15-year-strong series takes place on Sunday, February 2, featuring masterpieces by Borodin, Rachmaninoff, Catoire, and Taneyev performed on strings and piano. Music? Treats? Champagne? Sounds like it’s time to head to the La Jolla Woman’s Club.

Beth’s Bites

• I’ve followed Cassandra Shaeg’s career over the past few years, so I was thrilled to hear her SIP Wine & Beer concept will be part of the airport’s brand-new Terminal 1 dining options. San Diego may be known for craft beer, but she’s helped put our wine scene on the map, and now, everyone from around the world going through SAN will know it. 
• I strongly prefer my oysters raw than grilled, but the chargrilled oysters at Lala were Parmigiano-crusted perfection. Next time, I probably won’t share any with my dining companion (I am nothing if not ruthless with my bivalves). 
• Do you even wassail, bro? A wassail is an ancient Nordic winter tradition where revelers sing, dance, and make merry in orchards to bless the year’s harvest. Wearing a cool hat is encouraged; banging pots and pans to scare away evil spirits even more so; and of course, drinking plenty of cider is mandatory. (Not really, but it’s a whole vibe.) Calico Cidery is throwing their fifth annual Wassail at 4 p.m. on Saturday, February 1, so start weaving your crown of twigs now.

Have breaking news, exciting scoops, or great stories about new San Diego restaurants or the city’s food scene? Send your pitches to [email protected].

The post Former Addison Chefs Opening Chinese Restaurant in Oceanside appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

The list, while short, is no surprise: Roma Norte is up for Best New Bar, while chef Tara Monsod at Animae and chef Roberto Alcocer at Valle are up for Best Chef: California. This year is Monsod’s second nomination in as many years, when she was the first-ever San Diego chef to make it to the final round. That’s huge. 

April 26, 2024

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“It’s kind of surreal,” says Monsod. “I’m happy to represent our city again—especially with the others nominated.” She’s quick to tip her hat to the Animae team, who stepped up to keep things rolling as she split her time between there and Le Coq in La Jolla. “They worked really hard to represent Animae, and do it well. If anything, it’s a team win.”

Chef Alcocer echoes her sentiments to his fellow nominees in a press release. “Being recognized alongside friends and chefs I deeply admire makes this moment even more special,” he says. “This nomination is not just for me, but for all the Latinos who work tirelessly in kitchens across the United States.” (We couldn’t agree more.)

Everyone mentioned is already intimately familiar with accolades for their work. Roma Norte’s Beau du Bois comes from the former three Michelin-starred The Restaurant at Meadowood in Napa Valley, and Roma Norte’s parent company Puesto earned a Michelin Plate nod in 2021.

Even with so many awards under his belt, du Bois says it’s still an honor. “To be listed among so many programs that we look up to, we’re very humbled as a team,” he says, citing his staff of incredibly passionate bartenders as the reason the six-month-old cocktail bar earned its spot.

December 11, 2023

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Animae also earned Michelin Plate recognition and is listed in the 2024 guide, setting them up for their own star one day. Valle snagged its first Michelin star in 2023 and has kept it ever since, making it one of only five restaurants in San Diego that have ever had a star bestowed on them (including Southern California’s only three Michelin-starred Addison by William Bradley). 

These are completely deserved, if not somewhat obvious picks. If you’ve had the pleasure of drinking or dining at any of these destinations, you’ll know what I’m talking about. If you haven’t, get the fig leaf Old Fashioned at Roma Norte; the chef’s tasting menu experience at Valle, clearly, you’re in good hands; and the short rib kare kare at Animae. Then order 10 more things. 

I’d also be remiss if I didn’t echo SDM food critic Troy Johnson’s earlier musings about the obvious imbalances of the award regions and coverage. For San Diego to only nab three nominations in two categories out of 14 eligible categories feels a little familiar, and a little disappointing. California had 46 overall nominations, with Los Angeles clocking 14 of them and 16 going to San Francisco. Our region’s culinary scene is making huge strides, but still isn’t taken as seriously as it should be.

“San Diego doesn’t get enough love and recognition for our food culture here,” agrees Monsod. But, she adds, she thinks we’re on the right track. “I think, finally, we’re getting a little more representation… and it’s exciting to see.” She points to Roma Norte’s inclusion for Best New Bar as proof the city is growing up, not just in food, but drink as well. 

Indeed, rather than dwelling on what we haven’t won, it feels like San Diego, at long last, is on the right path. Huge congratulations to Monsod, Alcocer, and the team at Roma Norte. 

The full semifinalist list is here, and nominees for finalists in each category will be announced on Wednesday, April 2. Winners will be announced at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony on Monday, June 16.

The post San Diego Snags Three 2025 James Beard Award Noms appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

Few books have stood the test of time the way House on Mango Street has. Written in the voice of a young girl, the story chronicles the life of Esperanza Cordero, a 12-year-old Mexican-American preteen who is trying to find how she fits into her neighborhood, her school, her family, and her world.

September 5, 2024

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Forty years after its first printing, the book is still popular around the world. Of course, getting banned in some communities is any book’s best publicity. The themes in Mango Street have been deemed as too mature for certain regions and age groups. Still, Los Angeles public schools are using it as their common read for students this year, and schools throughout San Diego use it regularly in their classes. It has also been made into an opera.

While Cisneros has continued to write novels and stories—as well as several collections of witty, insightful, lyrical poetry—she is still best known for her first novel, Mango Street. We caught up with the author to ask five questions before the event.

House on Mango Street is still huge, especially here in Southern California. Does the significance of this book surprise you? And of all the books you have written, which one would you have thought would have this kind of popularity?

I expected Caramelo would have resonance with the public, especially after laboring on it for almost a decade. I think it’s a stronger book than my first novel. It will garner its audience eventually, I’m certain, perhaps not in my lifetime.

What are you reading these days?

I am reading a biography of Jane Austen and a biography of Tolstoy, both because I’m rereading their novels. And I’m reading The Gift Horse by Hildegarde Kneff, Twelve Patients Life and Death at Bellevue Hospital (The Inspiration for the NBC Drama New Amsterdam) by Eric Manheimer, MD, and a biography of the mystic painter Hilma Af Klint. And Pema Chodren’s How We Live is How We Die. Oh, and RuPaul’s most recent memoir on audio.

Is there a book or poem by someone else that you tend to return to over and over?

I often return to the same books as the mood strikes. For me they are Merce Rodoreda’s novel Plaza Del Diamante for inspiration. Or the stories of Hans Christian Andersen for the same reason. Or Eduardo Galeano’s, especially El Libro de Abrazos. I’m a big fan of the stories of Tennessee Williams and Christopher Isherwood. And I like to read poetry that makes me feel like writing poetry. That could be the greats like Emily Dickenson, or Rumi, or Cavafy, or my contemporaries like Martín Espada, Jan Beatty, Ámbar Past, Joy Harjo.

January 17, 2025

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Is there a book or poem of yours that best accomplished what you set out to do, or do all of them do that?

I don’t think a book or a poem could manage all that weight, do you? I try with each book to do something that will exceed my last. I am on a trajectory of self-awareness and craft that perhaps only I am aware of. Of late, I would say I am proudest of my adaptation of House as an opera, a collaboration with composer Derek Bermel. That has pleased and stretched me greatly.

Have you spent much time in San Diego? If so, what do you like to do here? If not, what sounds appealing?

I don’t know San Diego. I think I have only been there once or twice in my life, and only briefly as my destination was across the border for conferences. The only thing I know about San Diego is that RuPaul was born there, and I find that amusing and fascinating.

Click here for tickets and more information on the Symposium.

The post The Writer’s Symposium By The Sea Returns Feb. 26–28 appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

The Michelin Bib Gourmand taco shop is taking over the 8,800-square-foot space that formerly housed El Jardín and Go Go Amigo (near Moniker General). Despite the building’s resistance to Mexican cuisine concepts thus far, Vizcarra has eyed it for a long time. 

December 24, 2024

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“Liberty Station is one of those places that continues to grow,” he says, pointing to the steady flow of locals and tourists who flock daily to the one-time Naval training center along the bay. To completely transform the indoor/outdoor space, he’s bringing in JSa architects, who designed chef Enrique Olvera’s two-Michelin-starred Pujol in Mexico City and Michelin-recognized Criollo in Oaxaca. 

Because of the size and massive outdoor patio, Vizcarra plans to emulate the beautiful but unpretentious dining culture of Mexico. It’ll feature Lola 55’s trademark fast-casual tacos, plus some plated options that feature plenty of wood-fired flavors from the outdoor grill.

“There are just so many things that you can do with wood and fire, and not very many places in San Diego have that luxury and that ability,” he explains. “We have it, and we have the know-how that goes with it as well.”

Over the next few months, he’s sending a number of his chefs to different corners of Mexico to hone their skills. Vizcarra’s aiming for an August/September opening, but it’s not the only project he’s working on. He’s also transforming the original Lola 55 location in East Village into a full-service restaurant. 

When he opened the first Lola in 2018, he wasn’t sure how San Diegans would receive it. “We were changing the dialogue with tacos,” he says. Covid-19 disrupted their trajectory, but it also gave them an opportunity to evaluate the concept’s longevity. 

January 14, 2025

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Business was booming, but customers weren’t utilizing the grab-and-go approach as much as he anticipated. “People were standing there with trays, waiting for a table to open,” he explains. “And as much as you love that, you also don’t feel great because your customers’ food is getting cold.” 

The reimagined Lola 55 East Village will also have a taco omakase experience, not unlike the famed Pujol, plus tasting menus. Vizcarra anticipates switching all Lola 55 locations to full-service, while keeping the fast-casual concept at newer L55 concepts in Westfield UTC and the Rady Shell (plus future outposts). 

He hopes (and believes) people will embrace the change. “Lola belongs to San Diego,” he promises. “We want people to come in and immerse themselves in the location… to be transported into a Mexican ancestral artisan experience.”

San Diego Restaurant News & Food Events

Cheese, Please: New Expo Coming To Liberty Station

The annual Liquid City Cheese Expo has rebranded itself as Cheese & Libation Expo and will take place at BRICK at Liberty Station from May 16-18. It’s still a bonanza of artisanal cheese from around California and the globe (CheeseSmith, Cypress Grove, etc.) and AleSmith and the Women’s Wine Alliance pouring drinks over the three-day event. Don’t drink? Not to worry—plenty of NA beverages will also be available. Does dairy not agree with you? Pack your Lactaid pills and a prayer. 

Beth’s Bites

• The talented Logan Kendall has departed from Cellar Hand, and Ashley McBrady—who helped Kendall develop it into one of Hillcrest’s most-talked about restaurant of 2024—is the new exec chef. The restaurant’s full-time fermentation chef Chris Ruhl (ex-Trust) remains by her side to continue their relentless pursuit of hyper-local cuisine. As long as they keep the chicken liver pate, I’ll live.
• Trying to get into Tribute Pizza next week? Hit pause on your plans—the North Park pizzeria is closing for a week starting (Jan. 20-28) to give their pizza oven some major TLC and a few necessary repairs. Try to manage your cravings for Grandma-style pies until then. 
• Despite its acclaim as a citrus cultivator (they even have a World’s Biggest Lemon sculpture), Lemon Grove isn’t known (yet) for its thriving restaurant scene. However, the small town just southeast of San Diego is about to get a new mariscos spot called El Cata Mariscos & Sushi at 8099 Broadway in the short-lived Barn House BBQ location. I’m not sure if it’s the same people behind Mariscos El Cata in Old Town, but either way, I wish them luck—and more longevity than their predecessors.

Have breaking news, exciting scoops, or great stories about new San Diego restaurants or the city’s food scene? Send your pitches to [email protected].

The post Michelin-Recognized Lola 55 Expanding & Evolving  appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

Jeep maintains a bucket list of “Badge of Honor” off-roading trails in the US. Of the 68 trails on the list, California is home to six. Three of those—Gold Mountain, Holcomb Creek, and John Bull—are located in Big Bear. “People travel from all over the world to try to complete those trails,” Hauer says. “Not only do they have amazing views and scenery, but they have some very challenging terrain.” 

John Bull is perhaps the most famous of the three trails, thanks in part to the entrance: 100 yards of massive boulders many call the Gatekeepers. Unlike many trails, the rocks and boulders on the John Bull trail are loose, which means they shift as vehicles roll over them, leading to constant, exciting changes. But it’s not for beginners—its black diamond rating means it’s among the most difficult on Jeep’s Badge of Honor list (similar to ski trails). 

January 13, 2025

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That’s why you won’t find yourself trundling down John Bull with Big Bear Off Road Experience, which provides customers the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of off-roading.

The company offers a guided tour in which participants drive their own off-road Jeeps, following behind a lead vehicle. Guides will show you how to air out the tires and spot you through the obstacles on the trails. “We teach them all about the techniques—driving over rocks, boulders, obstacles—and we go do it,” Hauer says. 

According to Hauer, while the introduction of trail-capable vehicles to showroom floors has made off-roading more accessible (enthusiasts used to have to build the cars out themselves), those vehicles cost upwards of $80,000. Repeat customers from San Diego and Los Angeles look to Big Bear Off Road Experience to go off-roading a few times a year without making a major investment on a Jeep of their own.

Hauer initially started a wakeboarding and waterskiing school in Big Bear, but he soon realized that many people were more interested in experiencing the high performance boats than learning to wakeboard, inspiring him to give a similar customer base the chance to get behind the wheel of off-road Jeeps. Those who don’t want to drive, though, can hop on Hauer’s 12-passenger TourZilla for a thrilling off-road tour of the valley. 

Of course, the area’s off-road trails aren’t just limited to four wheels. The mountain town also draws dirt bikers with its annual Big Bear Run. 

Molly Williams-Sunday and her husband, Steven Melhan, run Mystic Moto in the village. The unique store is part motorcycle-themed gift shop and part candlemaking bar called Ritual Provisions. The couple moved to Big Bear four years ago and is now part of a core group of dirt bikers. “We just came up for mountain biking initially. Once we moved in, we started discovering all the trails for dirt bikes,” Williams-Sunday says. 

Williams-Sunday and Mehlan previously lived in San Diego, where you have to drive at least an hour to find accessible land to ride on. In Big Bear, though, you only need to go 15 minutes to find a trail. There’s a solid posse of regular dirt bike riders in Big Bear, but plenty of out-of-towners come out to ride in the spring and summer—and often roar into the main part of town. Soon, Mystic Moto plans to offer guided rides with dirt bikes for rent. 

Off-roading in Big Bear is a year-round activity, thanks to the area’s multiple elevations (even if some trails are snowed in, you can always find an open one). So next time you’re in the area, take a break from the slopes or boats to try the trails on for size.

The post How to Explore Big Bear’s Renowned Off-Roading Trails appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

Food & Drink | Concerts & Festivals | Theater & Art Exhibits | More Fun Things to Do

Food & Drink Events in San Diego This Weekend

Georges at the Cove’s Inaugural WhistlePig Beefsteak Dinner 

January 24

Georges at the Cove welcomes local guest chefs Mike Reidy from The Fishery and Nine-Ten executive chef Jason Knibb for its first-ever WhistlePig Beefsteak Dinner this Friday at 6 p.m. Perched at communal banquet table seating, patrons will enjoy a family-style meal with a seafood appetizer, salad, multiple cuts of meat, sides, and dessert. Tickets to this dinner are $220 and include food, two cocktails, and three one-ounce pours of WhistlePig whiskies. 

1250 Prospect Street, La Jolla

January 16, 2025

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Pure Project Ninth Anniversary Party: Crops & Hops

January 25

This Saturday at Pure Project’s flagship taproom in Miramar, the brewery is hosting a ninth anniversary shindig with games, bands, food trucks, and many, many beers from 1 to 5 p.m. General admission ($42) tickets for this hoppy birthday celebration come with six drink tokens, a limited-edition ninth anniversary glass, and an included $1 donation to Coastal Roots Farm. Book a VIP ticket ($71) to access an exclusive tap list from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

9030 Kenamar Drive, Miramar 

Bartend for a Cause at Oxford Social Club

January 25

San Diegans are invited to fundraise for their neighbors to the north at Oxford Social Club’s Bartend for a Cause fundraiser this Saturday. A portion of the event proceeds will go towards the California Fire Foundation and Direct Relief as they assist victims of the ongoing wildfires in the LA County region. The night will include music from DJ Crooked, guest bartenders crafting signature drinks, and a special Hennessy VSOP cocktail on the menu. There will also be a donation box set up for guests to directly donate to the featured organizations. 

435 Fifth Avenue, Gaslamp

San Diego Restaurant Week

January 26–February 2

San Diego Restaurant Week returns this Sunday for eight days of dining out on the town. The California Restaurant Association has assembled a comprehensive list of potential eats—more than 100 restaurants in dozens of neighborhoods are offering multi-course menus beginning at $30. You can sign up for SDRW’s Eight Days of Dining contest for the chance to indulge in dinner for two at eight local restaurants. 

Citywide 

Concerts & Festivals in San Diego This Weekend

Lettuce + GZA at The Sound

January 22

The legendary Wu-Tang Clan’s GZA will deliver a performance of his landmark 1995 album Liquid Swords in honor of the record’s 30th anniversary. Backed by funk sextet Lettuce, GZA appears at The Sound this Wednesday, with tickets starting at $56. 

2260 Jimmy Durante Boulevard, Del Mar

January 2, 2025

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Marley Fest San Diego at The Holding Company

January 24

Roots Reggae pioneer Johnny Clarke will headline the lineup for Marley Fest San Diego, a 21-plus musical tribute to the genre’s revered hero at The Holding Company this Friday night. Fans can expect reggae performances from the Fully Fullwood Band, GONZO, Ocean Natives, Dukes of Roots, and more. Doors open at 5 p.m. for the festival (and the venue’s happy hour runs til 6 p.m.). Tickets are $38 for general admission and $107 for a VIP table seat. 

5046 Newport Avenue, Ocean Beach

San Diego Lunar New Year Festival

January 24–26

Kick off the year of the wood snake at the free San Diego Lunar New Year Festival this weekend at Officer Jeremy Henwood Memorial Park. Highlights include a massive wall of lanterns, lion and dragon dances, an adult soccer tournament, live performances, and 20 food vendors, along with contests for pho-eating, boba-drinking, and dumpling-wrapping. 

4455 Wightman Street, City Heights

Theater & Art Exhibits in San Diego This Weekend

Barbecue at Coronado Playhouse

Through February 2

Directed by Kimberly King, Barbecue revolves around the O’Mallerys’ attempts to convince a troubled family member to check into rehab during a family get-together. See the show Thursday through Saturday at 8 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m.. Tickets are $27. 

1835 Strand Way, Coronado

Stitched and Forged: The Art of Kelly Whitmer and Mônica Lóss at OMA West

Through May 11

Curated by Natalie Gonzalez, Stitched and Forged brings Kelly Witmer’s orb-like ceramics and Mônica Lóss’s colorful, pillowy sculptures to the Oceanside Museum of Art’s annex gallery at The Seabird.

704 Pier View Way, Oceanside

January 17, 2025

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An Evening with Fran Lebowitz at Balboa Theatre

January 23

Fran Lebowitz—writer, cultural critic, and the walking, talking human embodiment of New York City—won’t need much prompting to say what’s on her mind at the Balboa Theatre this Thursday at 7:30 p.m. Part of UC San Diego’s ArtPower Series, An Evening with Fran Lebowitz provides guests the chance to hear from a master of commentary on art, style, and modern life. Tickets start at $52 for this event, and admission is free for UCSD students. 

868 Fourth Avenue, Gaslamp

Beyond Prison Walls at Conrad Prebys Theatre

January 23-25

San Diego State theater students bring the work of incarcerated writers to life with the 13th season of Beyond Prison Walls at the Conrad Prebys Theatre. This collaboration between Playwrights Project and SDSU features scripts from playwrights at Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility and Centinela State Prison. Students will direct and perform six short plays Friday through Saturday, with shows followed by a conversation with artists, program alumni, and reps from the participating correctional facilities. Reserve your free spot here. 

5500 Campanile Drive, College Area 

Graham100: The 100th Anniversary of the Martha Graham Dance Company at Civic Theatre

January 25

Renowned architects of modern dance and choreographed movement, the Martha Graham Dance Company is celebrating a century of performing arts with a special program at the Civic Theatre on Saturday night. The show will feature Graham’s beloved ballet Appalachian Spring and two newer pieces crafted by contemporary choreographers. The event will begin with a prelude interview hosted by Malashock Dance Executive Director Molly Puryear at 6:30 p.m. Tickets range from $37 balcony seats to $116 spots in the front orchestra. 

1100 Third Avenue, Gaslamp 

Brand New National Group Show at Level of Service Not Required

January 25–March 1 

Explore work from an array of artists across several disciplines—including photography, video, and pottery—in Brand New, a group exhibition at La Jolla gallery Level of Service Not Required (LOS/NR). This Saturday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., stop by the show’s free opening reception to see the art and nab complimentary flowers and ice cream (while supplies last). LOS/NR is open Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. and by appointment. 

7910 Ivanhoe Avenue, La Jolla

More Fun Things to Do in San Diego This Weekend

Farmers Insurance Open

January 22–25

The West Coast Swing of the PGA Tour makes its way to Torrey Pines for the Farmers Insurance Open. The 2021 Masters Tournament champ Hideki Matsuyama and rising star Ludvig Aberg arrive as the odds-on favorites to win this year’s tournament. Grounds tickets, which come with general access to the Farmers Insurance Open and public attractions along the course, are currently $65 for full field days, $75 for Friday, and $85 for Saturday. There are also a handful of VIP experiences which offer all-inclusive food and drinks with seating perched next to the action. 

11480 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla

January 16, 2025

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Disney on Ice: Magic in the Stars at Pechanga Arena 

January 24–26

See Mickey, Minnie, and animated characters from Disney Pixar films strap on their skates at Disney on Ice: Magic in the Stars. There will be two performances each day this Friday through Sunday at Pechanga Arena, with tickets ranging from $32 to $142. There is also a pre-show character experience add-on ($76) for kids ages 2 and up that includes photo opportunities with Elsa and Mirabel. 

3500 Sports Arena Boulevard, Midway

The Koi Club of San Diego’s 35th Annual Koi Show at Del Mar Fairgrounds

January 25–26

See hundreds of beautiful koi fish at The Koi Club of San Diego’s free annual showcase at Del Mar Fairgrounds from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday. The event includes a koi auction, a judged koi competition, family-friendly activities, and a vendor market with koi-themed art, shirts, and supplies. 

2260 Jimmy Durante Boulevard, Del Mar

The post 16 Things to Do in San Diego This Weekend: January 22–26 appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

I recognize that I wouldn’t be where I am today without access to knowledge offered by the library, and I am a huge proponent of giving back where I can. I remember reading A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith after securing my first engineering job out of college, and this quote in particular really struck me. It inspired me to start looking for volunteering opportunities within my community, an activity I have continued to sustain ever since. Aside from being a Trustee for the San Diego Library Foundation, I also volunteer for the Friends of San Diego Public Library of which I am a director for the corporate board and am the president for the Serra Mesa-Kearny Mesa Chapter.

“A person who pulls himself up from a low environment via the bootstrap route has two choices. Having risen above his environment, he can forget it; or, he can rise above it and never forget it and keep compassion and understanding in his heart for those he has left behind him in the cruel upclimb.” A favorite quote of mine from A Tree Grows in Brooklyn.

November 12, 2024

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What do your volunteer duties entail?

Advocacy! My first experience volunteering was with my local Friends of the Library, and focused on fundraising specifically for my local branch, mainly via book sale events. My experience with the San Diego Library Foundation has helped me expand my efforts toward affecting change on a broader level. Going to city council meetings to voice my support for increased library budgets, writing letters to council members, and encouraging folks around me to do the same. Being a vocal advocate to people I encounter day-to-day about the benefits of the library, the programs they have going on, and telling them to get a library card if they haven’t yet. Some Lyft drivers out there might remember a passenger encouraging them to get a library card; perhaps that passenger even gave you a book to encourage you to get back into reading, that was probably me. When I volunteer in support of the library, I am putting energy into something that I think will multiply by enriching the lives of others. 

Can you describe your favorite or most memorable experience while volunteering?

Attending my first city council meeting was a great experience, and I would have never thought to go to one before my involvement with the San Diego Library Foundation. Not only did I have a chance to voice what was important to me, but it was very powerful for me to hear the other voices in my community and what was important to them. You learn a lot about your community and who may or may not be getting the support they need. Local politics is where we can have the most impact in driving the changes in policy that support the values we align with.

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced?

The team is very supportive, so working with the staff has not been challenging at all. What can be perceived as more of a challenge by many new volunteers is scheduling. I work a full-time job and often work long hours. But the scheduled board meetings are only an hour or so every month, mostly over Zoom, so I can still make time for them. Every so often I have a conflict I am not able to miss, but the Foundation is flexible as well and it doesn’t hinder my ability to be engaged with library advocacy. There are so many events and ways to get involved to show support for libraries that it’s easy to find ones to fit into your schedule.

Any advice for someone considering volunteering as a way to get involved with their community?

Make the leap! If you have friends that volunteer, join them for a day just to get a feel and look for organizations that align with values you want to promote. Ask any volunteer you know and they will tell you it’s one of the most fulfilling activities they do. And those they have helped are also grateful for it, volunteering helps a community thrive multiple times over.

The post Volunteer Diaries: The San Diego Library Foundation appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

Here’s where to eat, explore and shop next time you’re wandering this hidden gem.

Escondido Restaurants and Bars

Cordiano Winery

Get the best views in town from this hilltop winery in Highland Valley. The family-owned and operated Cordiano Winery offers a wide selection of estate wines—the Tempranillo and Trinity Red Blend are some popular ones—but the oven-fired pizza is the star of the show. The owners, Gerardo and Rosa Cordiano, emigrated from Italy in the 1970s and bring decades of experience working in New York-style pizzerias to this passion project. The outdoor patio faces west, so it’s the perfect spot to watch the sun set. 

15732 Highland Valley Road

EscoGelato

This downtown Esco staple has practically had a line out the door since it opened in 2012. EscoGelato celebrates the agricultural heritage of the area by sourcing gelato ingredients from local farmers. You’ll find 14-18 gelato and sorbet flavors that change daily in flavors ranging from the classic (Stracciatella, pistachio) to the creative (apricot goat cheese or strawberry balsamic sorbet). Pair your gelato with an espresso drink made with Zumbar’s locally roasted beans.

122 South Kalmia

Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens

An Escondido guide would be remiss to exclude Stone Brewery, the iconic craft brewing giant that started in the neighboring community of San Marcos in 1996. In 2006, it moved its headquarters to Escondido, where it established a unique restaurant experience featuring lush gardens, koi ponds and, of course, an extensive tap list. You can wander the grounds, glass in hand, while you wait for your meal, or take a brewery tour. While this restaurant might be a bit commercialized (see: large on-site gift shop), it’s still a must-see when in town.

1999 Citracado Parkway

O’Sullivan’s Irish Pub and Restaurant

A mainstay on Escondido’s Grand Avenue, O’Sullivan’s is a prime spot for people-watching from the dog-friendly patio on Cruisin’ Grand nights. It offers traditional Irish fare, like shepherd’s pie and corned beef with cabbage, as well as some Irish-inspired fusions—try the Irish nachos, thin-sliced potato chips topped with traditional nacho fixings. Sip on your Guinness while you listen to live music on weekend nights.

118 East Grand Avenue

Craft & Taco Lounge

A laid-back little spot just west of downtown Escondido, Craft & Taco serves up flavor-packed gourmet tacos alongside local craft brews. Try the Escondido coco loco taco (with coconut shrimp, bay scallops, micro greens and sweet and sour sauce) or vegan buffalo zucchini taco, both served on homemade tortillas.

511 West Valley Parkway

Four Tunas Fish & Bar

The family-owned Four Tunas offers fresh seafood in multiple Mexican-style preparations. Try the shrimp and fish aguachiles (similar to ceviche), the charbroiled octopus taco, or the ahi tuna tostada. Pair it with a fruity michelada or a flavored margarita with house-made syrup.

601 North Broadway, Suite D

A Delight of France Bakery & Bistro

You pretty much can’t go wrong when having breakfast or brunch at A Delight of France. This Grand Avenue staple offers crepes, brioche French toast, eggs benedict and croissant bechamel, which are all top-notch. Or you can take your breakfast to go by selecting a pastry, like a fruit tart or chocolate croissant, from the display case.

126 West Grand Avenue

Burger Bench

When this family-owned burger joint opened on Grand Avenue in 2015, it filled a much-needed void in the neighborhood for good burgers at a family-friendly restaurant. Burger Bench serves specialties such as the spicy Chorizo Diablo and handmade black bean burger alongside crispy tots or truffle Parmesan fries. For drinks, you can select from 20 taps of local craft brews or a hand-mixed milkshake. Burger Bench is set to open their second North County location in downtown Vista in 2025.

237 East Grand Avenue

Sunny Side Kitchen

A few blocks from Grand Avenue you’ll find the tiny mom-and-pop panini shop Sunny Side Kitchen. The owners pride themselves in doing everything the right way—sourcing the best local ingredients (including artisan sourdough from Bread & Cie), making every sandwich to order, and making every lemonade from scratch. Try their famous breakfast panini or crustless quiche, followed by a homemade bite-sized cookie.

155 South Orange Street

TJ Tacos

While the ambiance gives greasy fast food joint, don’t let that stop you from swinging by TJ Tacos. This is perhaps as close as you’ll get to authentic Tijuana street tacos without crossing the border. Popular picks are the adobada (marinated pork) taco, lengua (beef tongue) taco, and asada taco.

802 East Valley Parkway

Lourdes Mexican Food

On any cold and rainy day in Escondido, the phones ring nonstop for orders of the famous Lourdes chicken soup, made with hearty chunks of chicken, rice, cilantro, onions and avocado and served with to-die-for tortillas. You can order from the counter then enjoy your soup at a booth, but most patrons take their meal to go.

650 South Escondido Blvd.

Forgotten Barrel Winery

You’ll find this historic winery—whose site dates back to the 1880s—tucked in a residential neighborhood. Forgotten Barrel restored the former Prohibition Era–founded Ferrara Winery and uses the priceless old growth Sequoia redwood barrels that were left (i.e., forgotten) on the property when Ferrara closed. Not only are the grounds a stunning backdrop for a date night, but the fruit-forward handcrafted wines are surprisingly good, thanks to the skills of the winery’s Napa-trained master winemaker.

1120 West 15^th Avenue

Rock n’ Jenny’s Italian Subs

Tucked in a strip mall right off the freeway, Rock n’ Jenny’s Italian Subs is named for the father-daughter duo who’ve run it since 1989. They serve up authentic East Coast–style Italian sandwiches that are hard to find on this coast—customer favorites include the hot pastrami grinder, the meatball sub, and Italian cold cuts.

1044 West Valley Parkway

Things to Do in Escondido

San Diego Zoo Safari Park

The biggest draw for visitors to Escondido is the counterpart to the San Diego Zoo. The 1,800-acre San Diego Zoo Safari Park in the San Pasqual Valley is home to more than 3,000 animals and 300 species, including the only two platypuses living outside of Australia. 

15500 San Pasqual Valley Road

Cruisin’ Grand

Every Friday night from April to September, Grand Avenue is packed with locals for the free community favorite Cruisin’ Grand. Pre-1974 hot rods line the streets on display (usually with their owners sitting in camping chairs on the sidewalk) as musicians and DJs entertain the crowds. It’s a worthwhile weekly event for car enthusiasts and people watchers.

Grand Avenue

EcoVivarium

You can’t tell from the old office building exterior, but the little EcoVivarium nonprofit museum has one of the largest reptile and amphibian sanctuaries in the country, giving you and the kids a hands-on experience with rescued big lizards, snakes, tortoises and other cold-blooded critters.

641 East Pennsylvania Avenue

Children’s Discovery Museum

Across the street from Grape Day Park and the California Center for the Arts, the Children’s Discovery Museum offers an interactive, hands-on learning experience both indoors and outdoors for toddler and preschool-aged kids.

320 North Broadway

Hiking Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve

If you want to enjoy the great outdoors, take on a hike on the 11 miles of trails in the 784-acre Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve. The views from the Lake Hodges Overlook and the Way Up Trail are well worth it but are a bit challenging. 

8833 Harmony Grove Road

 Queen Califia’s Magical Circle

Niki de Saint Phalle’s mosaic sculpture garden is composed of nine colorful large-scale sculptures, a circular snake wall and a maze entryway. The garden was inspired by California’s mythic, historic and cultural roots. It’s located within Kit Carson Park and is only open very limited hours, so check the schedule before you make the trek.

3333 Bear Valley Parkway

Kit Carson Park

The largest park in Escondido, Kit Carson is a community hub for family barbecues, exercise (tennis courts, softball fields, hiking trails, skate park, etc.) and dog walking. It also houses the only disc golf course in North County.

3333 Bear Valley Parkway

California Center for the Arts, Escondido

From Broadway musicals to classical ballets, the California Center for the Arts features a full lineup of world-class entertainment in its concert hall and 400-seat theater. Located on a 12-acre campus, the Center for the Arts is a community hub for a number of free events through the year, like on Independence Day and Dia De Los Muertos.

340 North Escondido Blvd.

CuppaPug

The England-based café concept just opened its first location in the U.S., which happens to be in Escondido. For a fee, you can visit and play with CuppaPug’s resident grumble (the word for a group of pugs). While there, indulge in a menu of pug-themed drinks and snacks.

607 West 9^th Avenue

Deer Park Winery & Auto Museum

As the name implies, the Deer Park Winery & Auto Museum gives you a chance to both enjoy a glass of award-winning local estate wines and explore a massive collection of autos, from 19^th-century carriages to one of the largest American convertible collections in the world.

29013 Champagne Blvd.

Escondido Shops & Boutiques

Daydream Here Boutique

An Asian, WOC-owned boutique in the heart of downtown, Daydream Here is a one-stop shop selling clothing, accessories and gifts from multiple vendors.

227 East Grand Avenue

Urban Barn

At the east end of Grand Avenue, you’ll find the seemingly endless labyrinth that is Urban Barn. It’s a unique retail experience that offers a mix of vintage treasures, antiques, home décor, clothing and locally made goods from multiple vendors.

404 East Grand Avenue

The Hidden

Founded by a floral and event designer as a tribute to her mom, the small business The Hidden offers a one-stop shop for gifts, plants and florals in northern Escondido.  

1872 West El Norte Parkway

Escondido Antique Mall

Browse the vintage, antique and collectible goods from a wide variety of vendors in the 10,000-square-foot Escondido Antique Mall on Grand Avenue.

135 West Grand Avenue

The post San Diego Neighborhood Guide: Escondido appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

Building the ideal San Diego itinerary? We’ve got you covered. These five iconic institutions offer ways to wander through the city’s rich history on sea and land, spend time with the work of iconic and up-and-coming artists and musicians, and soak in beautiful nature and our area’s spectacular weather. Don’t leave the city without checking out these unmissable attractions.

Maritime Museum of San Diego

History doesn’t just sit behind glass at the Maritime Museum—it floats. Docked along the waterfront, this fleet of historic vessels lets you climb aboard and time travel. The Star of India, an iron-hulled beauty built in 1863, is still seaworthy and occasionally sets sail, making her the oldest active ship on the planet. Then there’s the Berkeley, an 1898 steam ferry with stained-glass windows, and HMS Surprise, a movie star in its own right (you might recognize it from Master and Commander). If you’re feeling adventurous, squeeze into the USS Dolphin, the deepest-diving submarine in history. More into Cold War history? The Soviet B-39 attack sub offers a tight, claustrophobic lesson in naval warfare.

And it’s not just a static museum—the Maritime Museum keeps things moving with bay cruises on the San Salvador, a replica of the first European ship to sail the California coast. Whether you’re a history buff or a boat lover or just looking for a unique way to experience the bay, this place delivers. Plus, there’s nothing like the scent of salt air mixed with old wood and diesel to make you feel like you’ve stepped into a different era—preferably one where you’re the captain.

1492 North Harbor Drive
San Diego CA 92101
sdmaritime.org

San Diego Museum of Art

The San Diego Museum of Art sits like a grand dame in Balboa Park, its Spanish Renaissance facade adorned with carved figures that seem to whisper, “Come inside; we have masterpieces.” And they do—Goya, El Greco, O’Keeffe, Rubens, Rivera. The collection spans centuries, continents, and mediums, from gilded altarpieces to modern sculpture. But the rotating exhibitions are where SDMA really shines, bringing in everything from Japanese ukiyo-e prints to contemporary Latin American works that challenge, provoke, and sometimes dazzle.

Its Art After Hours series transforms the galleries into a cultured cocktail party, where you can sip wine and pretend you deeply understand Picasso’s Blue Period. The Sculpture Garden is a serene spot to contemplate art or just eavesdrop on deep conversations if you need fresh air. The museum also plays well with others, partnering with the San Diego Symphony for Art of Elan, a chamber music series where each performance riffs off the works hanging on the walls. Come here for the classics, the cutting-edge, or simply a refined date night. And if all else fails? The gift shop is stacked with artsy treasures you never knew you needed.

1450 El Prado, Balboa Park,
San Diego, CA 92101
sdmart.org

Japanese Friendship Garden

If Balboa Park is San Diego’s backyard, the Japanese Friendship Garden is its hidden sanctuary. Tucked behind the Organ Pavilion, the garden unfolds in tranquil, meticulously designed landscapes, blending traditional Japanese aesthetics with Southern California’s natural beauty. Meandering paths lead you past koi ponds, waterfalls, wisteria-covered bridges, and cherry blossom trees that burst into pink clouds every spring. It’s a living, breathing Kyoto postcard—minus the jet lag. 

Beyond its beauty, the garden centers Japanese culture and history, hosting tea ceremonies, ikebana (flower-arranging) workshops, and rotating exhibits in its museum space. Whether you’re here to admire a 200-year-old bonsai, meditate by the cascading stream, or just take a breather from modern life, the garden offers instant zen. If you time it right, the moon-viewing festival or Tanabata (Star Festival) adds an extra layer of magic.

And for those who like their tranquility with a kick of caffeine, the Tea Pavilion serves up matcha and mochi, best enjoyed with a view of the koi gliding lazily through the water. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best way to experience a city is to slow down and listen to the rustling bamboo.

2215 Pan American Road. E.
San Diego, CA 92101
niwa.org

La Jolla Music Society

At The Conrad, classical music gets a glow-up. This state-of-the-art venue, home to the La Jolla Music Society, delivers world-class performances in an intimate, acoustically perfect setting that makes every seat feel like the best in the house. 

If you think chamber music is stuffy, think again—the society’s lineup spans orchestras, jazz legends, flamenco dancers, and avant-garde experimentalists who use pianos in ways Bach never imagined. The SummerFest series is a highlight, drawing top-tier musicians for weeks of concerts that feel like an upscale Coachella for classical lovers. But the LJMS isn’t just about big names; it’s deeply committed to music education, offering programs that bring the arts to students and aspiring musicians across San Diego. 

And the venue itself? A sleek, modern masterpiece with a lobby that’s basically a gallery of contemporary art, setting the tone before the first note even plays. For lifelong classical fans, jazz aficionados, and newbies looking to get cultured up, the La Jolla Music Society offers an experience that lingers long after the final bow. Bonus: You’re in La Jolla, so pre-show cocktails or a post-concert oceanfront nightcap are practically mandatory.

The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center
7600 Fay Avenue
La Jolla, California 92037
theconrad.org

Forever Balboa Park: Balboa Park Botanical Building

After a 32-month, $28 million restoration, the Botanical Building in Balboa Park is back—and looking better than ever. Originally built for the 1915 Panama-California Exposition, this historic landmark has undergone a serious glow-up, blending old-world charm with modern enhancements. The iconic lath structure has been meticulously restored, its wooden ribs now gleaming in the sun, while newly rebuilt arcades reclaim the grandeur of the original design. It’s the same beloved landmark, just sharper, stronger, and ready for its next century. 

Inside, the plant collection is thriving thanks to a cutting-edge reverse-osmosis irrigation system, ensuring every orchid, fern, and bromeliad gets its VIP treatment. State-of-the-art lighting now extends the magic into the evening, letting visitors soak in the lush beauty long after sunset. And the renovations didn’t stop at the building—the surrounding gardens are also getting a revival, bringing back the splendor that once made this place a horticultural wonderland. 

For plant lovers, history buffs, and anyone who needs a breather, the new-and-improved Botanical Building is a green oasis in the city, now with even more reasons to stop and smell the flowers.

foreverbalboapark.org

The post 5 Attractions You Have to Explore on Your Visit to San Diego appeared first on San Diego Magazine.