An audial mashup of Beethoven and Beyoncé, the historical handcraft exhibition Staying Power and the annual Kook Run are just a few of the highlights in this weekend’s event roundup. Experience the filmography of Georges Méliès through a larger-than-life retrospective or take in the soothing vibraphone of Joel Ross during one of his Good Vibes concerts. See classic theater productions revolving around newly married couples, with Barefoot in the Park showcasing the humorous side of marital relations and Henrik Ibsen’s Hedda Gabler representing a tale of manipulation. Plus, sports fans will have chances to cheer for the Mojo, the Sockers and San Diego FC, who will host Pumas UNAM for their first 2026 match.
Food & Drink | Concerts & Festivals | Theater & Art Exhibits | More Fun Things to Do
Food & Drink Events in San Diego This Weekend
Valentine’s Tea at Fairmont Grand Del Mar
Weekends in February
Enjoy a sophisticated tea time with your loved ones inside the Lobby Lounge at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar, with Valentine’s-themed afternoon tea happening every weekend in February. Feel the sweetness of Saint Valentine with a curated menu of teas, pastries, petit fours and finger sandwiches. Reservations can be made from noon to 3:30 p.m. this Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $110 per person for adults, $65 for children and include a 20 percent gratuity.
5300 Grand Del Mar Court, Del Mar
Le Salon de Musiques Concert #5 at La Jolla Woman’s Club
February 8
La Jolla Woman’s Club will host the fifth concert of Le Salon de Musiques’ 2025-26 season this Sunday from 4-7 p.m. Following an introduction from musicologist Adam Gilbert, the Azura Trio—consisting of Duncan McDougall on violin, Yejin Hong on cello and Tony Bai on piano—will perform chamber music pieces by Rachmaninoff, Bortkiewicz, and Arensky. After the show, guests will get to converse about the music while dining on a high tea buffet and Champagne from De La Vin Catering. Tickets are $120 for the general public and $69 for students.
7791 Draper Avenue, La Jolla
Concerts & Festivals in San Diego This Weekend
Joel Ross: Good Vibes at The JAI
February 5
Though it’s been decades since the likes of Thelonius Monk, Wayne Shorter and Grant Green were the ones making waves on Blue Note Records, the label remains a hotbed for jazz virtuosos. This Thursday, local jazz fans can catch one of Blue Note’s most ascendant acts, vibrationist Joel Ross, who will lead a six-piece band for two shows (5:30 & 8 p.m.) at The JAI. Ross’ fifth album as a bandleader, the biblically-inspired Gospel Music dropped Jan. 30, rich with luscious tracks like “Wisdom is Eternal (For Barry Harris),” an ode to bebop pioneer Barry Harris. Tickets range from $55-$62 for Good Vibes.
7600 Fay Avenue, La Jolla
Steve Hackman’s Beethoven x Beyoncé at Jacobs Music Center
February 6
On paper, a 19th century composer and a 21st century popstar may not share many similarities, but Steve Hackman sees Ludwig van Beethoven and Beyoncé as a match made in musical heaven. During Beethoven x Beyoncé this Friday (7:30 p.m.) at Jacobs Music Center, Hackman will conduct a fusion of two era-defining musicians, combining 15 Beyoncé tracks with the orchestral movements of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7. The musical ensemble will include the San Diego Symphony Orchestra, a live band and vocalists Kaylah Sharve, Malia Civetz and Brayla. Tickets range from $61 to $78 for this concert.
1245 Seventh Avenue, Downtown
Benise: 25 Years Of Passion! at Balboa Theatre
February 7
Spanish guitar aficionado Benise will celebrate a quarter century of romantic strumming this Saturday (7 p.m.) at Balboa Theatre during his 25 Years Of Passion! tour. Known for his widespread Nights of Fire! collaboration with PBS, Benise’s stage show is a beacon of world music, with drummers, dancers and the fiery rhythms of samba, flamenco, salsa and much more. Tickets start at $41, and VIP soundcheck packages, which include premier seats, a meet and greet with Benise and a private soundcheck experience, are also available.
868 Fourth Avenue, Gaslamp
Right in the Eye at Balboa Theatre
February 8
See a vivid homage to French filmmaker and cinematographer Georges Méliès this Sunday (2 p.m.) at Balboa Theatre. Created by Jean-François Alcoléa, Right in the Eye is a passionate tribute to one of cinema’s earliest pioneers expressed through live performance and glorious film footage. This concert pairs a dozen films from Méliès’ oeuvre—showcasing his mastery of special effects—with an expansive score that features instruments ranging from piano and percussion to the aquaphone and theremin. Tickets range from $26 to $69 for Right in the Eye.
868 Fourth Avenue, Gaslamp
Alfredo Rodriguez & Pedrito Martinez at The JAI
February 1
Pianist Alfredo Rodriguez and percussionist Pedrito Martinez each bring something unique to the stage, and concertgoers can see the two musicians work in harmony during a pair of collaborative concerts this Sunday at 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at The JAI. While Rodriguez’s musical background includes classical training and the mentorship of the late great Quincy Jones, Martinez’s rhythm repertoire was honed by playing in his Old Havana neighborhood. Together, their influences form a melting pot of exciting musical fusion. Tickets range from $86-$90.
7600 Fay Avenue, La Jolla
Theater & Art Exhibits in San Diego This Weekend
Shizuko Greenblatt: Uplift the Human Spirit at the Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum
Through April 26
Observe Japanese calligraphy, flower arranging sculptures and images rooted in the female spirit through Shizuko Greenblatt: Uplift the Human Spirit at the Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum. In her work, Greenblatt takes inspiration from her samurai ancestry and artful upbringing to bridge the past and present in a showcase of life’s beauty. This multi-faceted exhibition features traditional handwriting, as well as mixed-media and photography elements, creating an emotionally resonant display of skill and wonder.
2215 Pan American Road East, Balboa Park
Staying Power at University Art Gallery (SDSU)
February 3 – April 11
To commemorate the country’s 250th birthday and the handmade creations that have come along the way, Craft in America has launched Handwork: Celebrating American Craft 2026. As part of this nationwide initiative, the SDSU School of Art and Design has recruited faculty and alumni artists to contribute to Staying Power, a detailed look at the school’s craft history and prospective future. Special events happening as part of the exhibition include a gallery walkthrough with guest curator Barbara Paris Gifford—Senior Curator of the Museum of Arts and Design, New York—and a free opening reception (both on Feb. 12).
5500 Campanile Drive, College Area
Barefoot in the Park at Coronado Playhouse
February 6 – March 1
In two of Neil Simon’s most acclaimed plays, he found loads of comedic potential in the pairing of opposites, creating situations ripe for humorous conflict. This type of storyline can be found in both The Odd Couple and Simon’s Barefoot in the Park, which will kick off the Coronado Playhouse’s 2026 season this Friday. In this production, directed by Kara Tuckfield, Corie and Paul have just tied the knot and moved into a New York City walk-up, but their differing personalities begin to clash with the married life they hoped for. Tickets are $30 for Barefoot in the Park, with performances this Friday (7 p.m.), Saturday (2 & 7 p.m.) and Sunday (2 p.m.).
1600 Village Place, Balboa Park
Henrik Ibsen’s Hedda Gabler at The Old Globe
February 7 – March 15
Actress Katie Holmes will play the lead role in a new reimagining of Henrik Ibsen’s Hedda Gabler from writer Erin Cressida Wilson directed by Barry Edelstein at The Old Globe. This classic drama sees the newlywed Hedda scheme and plot in an effort to exert her influence on those in her orbit, with her mind games leaving a trail of death and deceit that spirals out of control. Tickets start at $66 for this production, with performances this Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 7 p.m. on the Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage.
1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park
More Fun Things To Do in San Diego This Weekend
San Diego FC vs. Pumas UNAM at Snapdragon Stadium
February 3
San Diego FC is back in action Tuesday night (8 p.m.) at Snapdragon Stadium, with their first match of the calendar year coming against Liga MX side Pumas UNAM. This tie is the first leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup’s first round, with SDFC set to travel to Mexico City for the second leg a week from Tuesday. This marks the inaugural appearance for SDFC in the tournament and the two clashes against Pumas (who are three-time Championship Cup winners) should provide a good look at the team ahead of their second MLS campaign, especially with the impending exit of designated player Chucky Lozano. Tickets start at $42 for this match.
2101 Stadium Way, Mission Valley
Hi-Res: For Creative Exchange at San Diego Made Factory
February 5
Stop by San Diego Made Factory for the premiere of Hi-Res magazine’s monthly live storytelling series this Thursday from 6-8 p.m. For Creative Exchange will feature stories from local artists hamsa fae, Jazzmine Moore and Angie Huang, as well as drinks and a live DJ set from Cuts & Cocktails, onigiri boxes for purchase from Chef Ayana and The Wall of Questions & Colors by Justin Huelbig of Compagnia Creativa. There will also be a cash bar to help support the San Diego-Tijuana creative team of High-Res. RSVP for free here.
2031 Commercial Street, Logan Heights
San Diego Mojo vs. Columbus Fury at Viejas Arena
February 6
The San Diego Mojo will look to bounce back from a dismal first quarter of the season this Friday (7 p.m.) at Viejas Arena when the Columbus Fury come to town. Though it’s been a tough stretch for the Mojo, the team has received strong play from Kayla Caffey, who has the league’s fourth-highest kill percentage, as well as Marlie Monserez (third in assists) and Grace Loberg (sixth in kills). With a win on Friday, the Mojo would leapfrog the Fury in the standings and get one step closer to playoff contention. Tickets start at $29 for this match and include an aloha shirt giveaway.
5500 Canyon Crest Drive, College Area
San Diego Sockers vs. Utica City FC at Frontwave Arena
February 7
In December, San Diego Sockers captain Kraig Chiles announced that the 2025-26 season would be his last, marking his 17th and final season playing with the team. Over the years, Chiles became the Sockers’ all-time leading goalscorer, developed a knack for game-winning strikes and racked up six championships, all while playing for his hometown side. The former SDSU standout will be given his due this Saturday (7 p.m.) during Throwback/Alumni Night at Frontwave Arena when the Sockers take on Utica City FC. Tickets range from $32 to $106 for this game, with the first 1,000 fans in attendance set to receive a Kraig Chiles bobblehead.
3475 Hero Drive, Oceanside
PARTNER CONTENT
The Kook Run
February 8
Clear room for the deluge of beer, chicken wings and seven-layer bean dips on Super Bowl Sunday by partaking in The Kook Run. Race Day begins bright and early at 6:30 a.m., and includes 5K and 10K out-and-back course options along Coast Highway 101, a finish line festival and a free costume contest, where participants can compete for the best group and ‘kook’ themed outfits. Plus, kids ages 3-12 are invited to join the Junior Kook Run on Saturday morning at the Ecke Family YMCA. Registration for the 10K ($83), 5K ($60), Jr. Kook ($15) and Virtual Kook ($49) can be purchased online.
101 East D Street, Encinitas
