Out with the old, in with the new (year). While you tinker with a new set of resolutions, there are many ways to savor the remainder of 2025 and welcome in 2026. Partygoers can spend New Year’s Eve exploring the Hard Rock Hotel’s annual end-of-year bash or enjoying bass drops around Petco Park during Proper NYE/NYD. Sports fans can catch the San Diego Sockers or keep up with the many features of the Holiday Bowl, including the Band Bash, the downtown parade, the Game Day 5K and of course, the big game. In addition, the Salute to Vienna New Year’s Concert, the musical SIX and Thumbprint Gallery’s Creative Blocks: Sublimity exhibition are great ways to start the new year feeling inspired.
Food & Drink | Concerts & Festivals | Theater & Art Exhibits | More Fun Things to Do
Food & Drink Events in San Diego This Weekend
New Year’s Eve Dinner at Valle
December 31
For those wanting to splurge on their last meal of 2025, look no further than Valle, the Michelin star Mexican eatery located on the ground floor of Mission Pacific Beach Resort. This Wednesday, chef/owner Roberto Alcocer will guide patrons on a multi-course eating expedition with seasonal components, optional curated wine pairings, and a scenic (hopefully rain-free) view of the Oceanside coast. Tickets are $305 per person, including tax and gratuity, with seatings every half hour from 5-8:30 p.m.
222 North Pacific Street, Oceanside
Timeless NYE at Hard Rock Hotel San Diego
December 31
Dance into 2026 at Timeless NYE this Wednesday from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m., with over a dozen local DJs, plus tunes from Sam Blacky, Alibi and DJ Five across three floors and seven distinct party spots at Hard Rock Hotel San Diego. Vanderpump Rules and The Valley star Brittany Cartwright will host the proceedings, which will include pop-up bars, arcades, a rooftop photo booth and a red carpet entrance. This year’s event will also feature the Bubbly Fast Pass, which grants attendees front-of-line access, entry to two exclusive lounges and four complimentary glasses of champagne. General admission starts at $91, plus there are several VIP options ($800+).
207 5th Avenue, Gaslamp
Winter Wonderland Tea at The Westgate Hotel
December 31 – January 4
The final installment of The Westgate Hotel’s seasonal Winter Wonderland Tea will run daily this Wednesday-Sunday inside the hotel’s Grand Lobby. Guests will select their preferred tea and be treated to an individual teapot, a wintery selection of sweets, scones and snacks and harmonious live music from a harpist. Reservations are available via OpenTable, with seatings every 15 minutes between 1 and 2 p.m. Tickets are $65 (plus tax and gratuity) and come with a take-home gift as well as a glass of champagne for 21+ guests.
1055 Second Avenue, Gaslamp
Concerts & Festivals in San Diego This Weekend
Proper NYE/NYD
December 31 & January 1
FNGRS CRSSD will conclude its 10th year and enter year 11 on a high during its 21+ Proper NYE/NYD festival at Petco Park. This Wednesday from 3 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. and Thursday from 2-10 p.m., see a range of EDM performers across five stages, including Purple Disco Machine, Justice, Disclosure, and a back-to-back set by Four Tet and Chris Lake. Plus, the return of CRSSD also means intimate After Dark shows are back for the ball drop and new year nightlife action. Tickets for Thursday ($205) and two-day passes ($335) can be purchased here.
100 Park Boulevard, Downtown
Salute to Vienna New Year’s Concert at Jacobs Music Center
January 1
Inspired by the annual Neujahrskonzert performed by the Vienna Philharmonic, the Salute to Vienna New Year’s Concert embraces the renewing spirit of Austrian classical music. This Thursday at 2:30 p.m., enjoy the exuberant music of Johann Strauss Jr., including the luscious and ultra-recognizable Blue Danube waltz, along with other composers of his era. This concert will feature an ensemble of international singers and costumed dancers, the Strauss Symphony Orchestra and members of the San Diego Ballet and San Diego Symphony. Tickets range from $80 to $132 for this concert at Jacobs Music Center.
1245 Seventh Avenue, Downtown
Dolphins on Acid + Guests at SOMA
January 2
It’s hard not to take the (typically) sunny San Diego weather for granted. But even on the occasional rainy day, the music of local indie rockers Dolphins on Acid helps recall the warmth and oceanic splendor that comes with the SoCal lifestyle. This Friday, concertgoers of all ages can see a plethora of local talent with Dolphins on Acid, plus San Diego musicians Tommy Ragen, Faux Fur, Roadtrip and Kook performing on the SOMA sidestage. Tickets are $13 for this concert, with doors opening at 6:30 p.m.
3350 Sports Arena Boulevard, Midway
Duran Duran at Viejas Arena
January 4
Dance to new wave throwbacks from Duran Duran this Sunday (8 p.m.) at Viejas Arena. One of the MTV Generation’s most beloved acts, Duran Duran were a stylish force in the Second British Invasion, with legendary singles like “Girls on Film” and “Hungry Like the Wolf” that not only ruled the airwaves but conquered the TV screens. Though the ‘80s have come and gone, Duran Duran are staying appropriately weird and wonderful, with their most recent album, the spooky Danse Macabre, dropping in 2023. Tickets start at $103 for this concert.
5500 Canyon Crest Drive, Rolando
Theater & Art Exhibits in San Diego This Weekend
Manny Farber: An Up Beat Title at Quint Gallery
Through February 7
Explore the later works of painter/film critic Manny Farber through An Up Beat Title at Quint Gallery, which has been extended for an additional five weeks to Feb. 7. This exhibition, which provides vivid insight into Farber’s Leucadia home and outdoor garden, features a collection of flora-laden paintings and drawings he created from 1984 to 2008. Local art enthusiasts can also check out Double Bill: The Art of Manny Farber and Patricia Patterson, which explores the shared creativity of Farber and his wife, through Feb. 1 at the La Jolla Historical Society.
7722 Girard Avenue, La Jolla
SIX at Civic Theatre
December 30 – January 4
As an added bonus for Broadway San Diego’s 48th season, theater audiences can enjoy a musical piece of historical fiction with SIX. In this musical comedy, the six wives of King Henry VIII are reimagined as popstars, each recounting their tales of woe through song and vying for the spot of the bride who’s suffered the most. But by sharing their painful experiences, the women work to regain their agency and forever part from one of England’s most despotic rulers. Tickets start at $56, with eight performances of SIX happening Tuesday-Sunday at the Civic Theatre.
1100 Third Avenue, Gaslamp
NCT New Year’s Eve Spectacular
December 31
End the year with the improv experts of the National Comedy Theatre during their New Year’s Eve Spectacular. Audiences will first be treated to an unpredictable comedy show at 9:30 p.m. featuring plenty of laughs, surprises and audience interaction. Then when midnight comes, attendees are invited to a post-show party with the NCT cast. General admission is $60 and comes with pre-show treats courtesy of Extraordinary Desserts, a champagne toast and entry to the afterparty.
3717 India Street, Mission Hills
Creative Blocks: Sublimity at Thumbprint Gallery
January 2 – February 1
Thumprint Gallery will kick off their 2026 calendar with the pop culture-infused exhibition Creative Blocks: Sublimity. Eight local artists will share intricate pieces that incorporate elements of popular media, including characters from classic films and books. Creative Blocks: Sublimity will have a free opening reception this Friday from 4-9 p.m. coinciding with La Jolla’s monthly First Friday Art Walk (4-7 p.m.), which will include light refreshment, live entertainment and opportunities to converse with participating artists. This exhibition will remain on display Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. and by appointment through Feb. 1.
920 Kline Street, La Jolla
More Fun Things To Do in San Diego This Weekend
San Diego Sockers at Frontwave Arena
December 30 & January 3
Earlier this month against the Empire Strykers, the electric duo of Leonardo De Oliveira and Charlie Gonzalez led the Sockers to their first win of the season. Now after an 18-day break, San Diego will take on the Tacoma Stars and the Strykers in quick succession at Frontwave Arena. Tickets start at $21 for Tuesday’s match against the Stars (7 p.m.) and $25 for Saturday’s faceoff with the Strykers (7 p.m.). Fans at Tuesday’s game will receive a complimentary Sockers hat while supplies last, and during Saturday’s Military Night, there will be a car flag giveaway.
3475 Hero Drive, Oceanside
Holiday Bowl Festivities
January 1 & 2
Fans can enjoy more than just football as the annual Holiday Bowl returns for year 46. Thursday night (4 p.m.), SeaWorld San Diego will host Band Bash, featuring performances from the Arizona and Southern Methodist University marching bands and cheer squads; admission is $35. On Friday morning, the Game Day 5K Run/Walk and the festive Holiday Bowl Parade will roll through the streets of downtown; 5K registration is $52, while street-side parade viewing is free and grandstand seating is $30. Then Friday evening (5 p.m.), the Wildcats and Mustangs clash on the gridiron at Snapdragon Stadium in one of the bowl season’s most anticipated games; tickets start at $59.
Citywide
San Diego International Auto Show
January 1-4
Get geared up for test drives, new electric vehicles and a motorhead marketplace at the San Diego International Auto Show this Thursday-Saturday (10 a.m. – 9 p.m.) and Sunday (10 a.m. – 6 p.m.) at the San Diego Convention Center. On display will be a collection of recently released cars, trucks, SUVs, crossovers and an Electric Avenue with new EVS, plus opportunities for test drives and a wide range of automotive products on sale. Tickets are $18 for adults (ages 13+) and $12 for children (ages 7-12); on Sunday, kids 12 and under are free with a paying adult.
111 West Harbor Drive, Downtown
King Tide Challenge
January 3
The King Tide Challenge is not your average walk on the beach. This Saturday at 12:30 p.m., challengers will be tasked with walking 11 miles on the sand (during a low King Tide) from La Jolla Shores to Cardiff-by-the-Sea to fundraise for skin cancer research. Cardiff Beach Bar at Tower 13 will host a post-walk celebration with food, drinks, live music and a silent auction for those who donate to the King Tide Challenge Foundation. Registration is free and all donations will go towards the Moores Cancer Center at UC San Diego Health.
8324 Vereda, La Jolla
