January 9-14
WSL Junior Championships
The world’s best youth surfers will compete in Oceanside this week during the WSL World Junior Championships, stoked for the chance to earn a wildcard spot in the Challenger Series. This is the first time Oceanside will host the competition. Of the 24 men surfing, keep an eye out for Brazilian surf prodigy Ryan Kainalo, Encinitas native Levi Slawson, and reigning WSL World Junior Champion Jarvis Earle. On the women’s side, Australian Sierra Kerr, Canadian phenom Erin Brooks, and Malibu’s own Talia Swindal are among the frontrunners for the title.
1 Oceanside Pier, Oceanside
The Wiz
Before The Wiz officially returns to Broadway in April, the show is embarking on a cross-country theater tour for the first time in four decades, with a series of eight shows planned at the San Diego Civic Theatre. Adapted from L. Frank Baum’s The Wizard of Oz, The Wiz is acclaimed for its funk and R&B-filled score that produced timeless songs like “Ease on Down the Road,” and “A Brand New Day.” With a crew of Tony-, Emmy- and Academy Award–winning artists, this modern-day production of The Wiz incorporates ballet, jazz and pop music to take the Emerald City to the 21st century.
1100 Third Avenue, Downtown
January 11-15
Borrego Springs Film Festival
Local film fanatics are being summoned for five days in the desert to enjoy narrative, documentary, animation and short films during the 11th annual Borrego Springs Film Festival. In addition to the screenings, the festival includes a gala, filmmakers panel discussions, an awards ceremony, afterparties and more. Come for the stunning setting of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, which has inspired much art of its own, and stay for the deluxe festival experience. Attendees can purchase a pass for $175 and tickets can be purchased by block (groups of 1-7 films) for $10 each.
590 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs
January 12-14
San Diego Rodeo
The San Diego Padres with C5 Rodeo Company Inc. and Outriders Present will host Petco Park’s first-ever rodeo, kicking off a three-day competition with cowboys competing for a prize of more than half a million dollars. See these athletes put their bravery to the test as they try taming their bucking broncos during a weekend full of family-friendly fun, all leading up to the announcement of the winner on Sunday. Saturday’s show has sold out but tickets for individual seats and ballpark suites to the San Diego Rodeo can still be purchased for Friday and Sunday.
100 Park Boulevard, Downtown
Powers New Voices Festival 2024
The 11th annual Powers New Voices Festival begins this Friday with readings of 10 new plays from American playwrights, including works from a handful San Diegan artists. Held in the Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre, the festival will begin Friday night at 7:30 p.m. with six 10-minute play readings from San Diego playwrights during “Celebrating Community Voices” as the Old Globe spends the weekend highlighting the local theater community. Tickets to all festival readings require a free reservation.
1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park
January 12-13
Poway Winter Festival
Even though Christmas has passed, it’s not too late to experience a winter wonderland, with the Poway Winter Festival commencing this Friday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 3:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Poway Community Park. Attendees can enjoy sledding down a mound of snow, eating s’mores by the fire, skating around the ice rink, playing carnival games, and running around in the snow.
13094 Civic Center Drive, Poway
January 13
San Diego Resolution Run
If your list of New Year’s resolutions included getting in running shape or breaking a personal record, then Saturday’s San Diego Resolution Run is your time to shine. Runners can sign up for 5K, 10K and half marathon options as they race through Mission Bay. All race participants will receive a t-shirt, finisher’s medal and chip-time results. Following the race, they will be greeted by a wellness village with health-conscious food, discounts and products.
1292 East Mission Bay Drive, Mission Bay
San Diego Underground Film Festival
Local artists and creatives will display their eclectic talents at UCSD Park & Market’s Media Arts Center Theater this Saturday with a day’s worth of screenings and live performances from 2 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at the 9th annual San Diego Underground Film Festival. The festival lineup will feature a wide selection of experimental films, live music, Q&A sessions, projector performances and more. Anyone interested in attending the festival can reserve their free general admission here.
1100 Market Street, Downtown
Tiffany Bociek: “Enduring Exuberance”
“Enduring Exuberance” is artist Tiffany Bociek’s exploration of her past, present and future and will be on display Sparks Gallery through March 3. The exhibition consists of three wax paintings that embody various states of well-being, with layers reflecting the passing of memories through generations to create a detailed family line. Attendees can RSVP for the exhibition’s free opening reception here.
530 6th Avenue, Gaslamp
San Diego Monster Jam
Brace yourself for a rockin’ motorsports experience as 12,000-pound monster trucks conquer the dirt in tests of speed, skill and pure awesomeness during the first of two weekends at Snapdragon Stadium. Audiences can expect to see crazy stunts, high-flying backflips and competitive racing from the most daring monster truck drivers. Attendees who are interested in a VIP experience can pay extra for the Monster Jam Pit Party to see their favorite supercharged trucks and meet their favorite drivers prior to the event, and enjoy inflatable slides, a remote control truck course and trophy photo ops.
2101 Stadium Way, Mission Valley
January 14
42nd Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade
Harbor Drive will host the 42nd annual Martin Luther King Jr. Parade, coordinated by the Zeta Sigma Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. and the San Diego Alpha Foundation. This year’s parade theme is A Healthy Community Thrives Together! and will feature floats, high school bands, drill teams, plus universities, fraternities, sororities, churches and youth organizations. The festivities will also include a 5K walk/fun run and a health and wellness festival at Ruocco Park from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Harbor Drive, Embarcadero
Carlsbad Marathon & Half Marathon
Starting and finishing at The Shoppes at Carlsbad, the Carlsbad Marathon and Half Marathon takes place along Buena Vista Lagoon, offering prime views of the Pacific on Highway 101. Participating runners will receive a long-sleeve race shirt, a quarter-zip pullover, a souvenir cinch bag and post-race refreshments at the Finish Line Festival and beer garden.
2525 El Camino Real, Carlsbad
