This weekend, San Diegans can do it all: volunteer, catch a Broadway show, purchase handmade miniature dollhouses, you name it. Plus, historic women in the fields of chemistry and photography will get their due with the theatrical drama The Half-Life of Marie Curie at New Village Arts and the opening of the new Women in Focus exhibition at the Museum of Photographic Arts. And, don’t forget that this Saturday marks the beginning of San Diego Museum Month, so consider checking out one of dozens of local cultural institutions offering 50 percent off admission.
The first of this year’s Tres Amigos Chef Series events at Valle will take place Thursday evening, with seatings from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Chef Roberto Alcocer will partner with two culinary artists of Michelin acclaim: Tony Esnault of Knife Pleat (Costa Mesa) and Chris Barnum-Dann of Localis (Sacramento). Dinner is priced at $200 per person, plus a 20 percent service charge and fees. No substitutions or dietary restrictions can be accommodated for this meal.
Le Salon de Musiques Concert 5: Nostalgia from St. Petersburg
February 2
Treat yourself to high tea and a chamber music concert at Le Salon de Musiques. The organization is hosting its fifth concert of the 2024–2025 season this Sunday at 4 p.m. at the La Jolla Woman’s Club. The program for Nostalgia from St. Petersburg includes four Russian compositions played on strings and piano. Afterward, audience members can enjoy French Champagne, a high tea buffet from Desserts by Clement, and a Q&A with the musicians. Tickets are $120 for general admission and $69 for students with ID.
Get familiar with the artists of San Diego indie label Egg Records at its showcase performance this Friday from 5 to 10 p.m. at SixtyTwo. Egg Records’ lineup features standouts Oliver Slime, The Fazes, The Egg Factory, Headworm, and five other artists representing a diverse range of genres, such as DIY, hi-fi, and pop rock. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased here.
4962 El Cajon Boulevard, City Heights
San Diego TếtFestival
January 31–February 2
The San Diego Tết Festival honors the arrival of the Vietnamese New Year with a three-day cultural celebration this Friday through Sunday at Liberty Station’s NTC Park. Throughout the weekend, see a variety of live music and dance performances, try bites from local food vendors, and revel in a classic carnival experience (Sunday only). Other festival features include a cultural village, a petting zoo, the Golden Voice and Step Up Dance contests, and the popular Miss Vietnam of San Diego pageant. Admission is free; carnival ride tickets can be purchased online.
2640 Cushing Road, Point Loma
Restoring Hope: A Benefit Concert for LA Special Needs Families
February 1
TERI Campus of Life hosts the musical fundraiser Restoring Hope this Saturday from 3:30 to 7 p.m. at The Bornemann Theatre. The event will feature performances from the Sara Jade Band, singer Adin Boyer, and tribute groups Never Die Young and Jimmy’s Buffet. All proceeds will benefit LA regional centers that are working directly with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who have been affected by the Palisades and Altadena wildfires. Tickets range from $50 to $75 for this benefit concert.
555 Deer Springs Road, San Marcos
Courtesy of Museum of Photographic Arts
Theater & Art Exhibits in San Diego This Weekend
The Half-Life of Marie Curie at New Village Arts
Through February 23
This Saturday marks the opening night for New Village Arts’ production of the play The Half-Life of Marie Curie. The play focuses on the close friendship between renowned scientific pioneer Marie Curie and physicist Hertha Ayrton. Tickets start at $35 for The Half-Life Of Marie Curie at The Dea Hurston New Village Arts Center.
Kerry Meads directs Once, a love story powered by the romantic songs of Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglov, including the heartrending hit “Falling Slowly.” Most of the original cast of the production’s 2018 regional premiere run at Lamb’s Players Theatre have returned for this revival. Tickets to Once start at $48 for adults.
1142 Orange Avenue, Coronado
Some Like it Hot at Civic Theatre
January 28–February 2
Some Like it Hot arrives for a week with Broadway San Diego. The musical follows two jazz musicians on a cross-country romp after they flee Prohibition-era Chicago by masquerading as women in an all-female band. Tickets start at $51, with eight performances of Some Like it Hot at the Civic Theatre Tuesday through Sunday.
1100 Third Avenue, Gaslamp
Collage 2025: Tapestry at Casa del Prado Theatre
January 31 – February 16
A company of 72 dancers well-versed in tap, ballet, jazz, hip hop, and more will dazzle in Collage 2025: Tapestry at the Casa del Prado Theatre. This dance concert from San Diego Civic Dance Arts will incorporate new works by several contemporary choreographers and Civic Dance Arts staff. Tickets are $20 for each performance, with four shows this weekend (one Friday, two Saturday, and one Sunday).
1600 Village Place, Balboa Park
50th San Diego Miniatures Show & Sale
February 1–2
San Diego Miniature Crafters’ 50th annual San Diego Miniatures Show & Sale takes place this weekend at University of San Diego. This Saturday (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and Sunday (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.), attendees can admire dollhouse and figurine exhibits and participate in make-and-take workshops to create their own miniature items. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children (ages 8-12), with Saturday’s paid attendees receiving free admission for Sunday.
5998 Alcala Park Way, Morena
Women in Focus at Museum of Photographic Arts at San Diego Museum of Art
February 1–July 13
Explore striking images by Margaret Bourke-White, Dorothea Lange, Imogen Cunningham, and other famous women photographers at Women in Focus, a new exhibition at the Museum of Photographic Arts at the San Diego Museum of Art.
1649 El Prado, Balboa Park
Courtesy of Burch Aquarium
More Fun Things to Do in San Diego This Weekend
Oceans at Night: January at Birch Aquarium
January 30
The Birch Aquarium’s monthly after-dark experience for 21-plus attendees returns this Thursday from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Oceans at Night: January will include live music; cocktails; shark and ray feeding; and games like foosball, bubble hockey, and air hockey. General admission tickets ($37 for aquarium members and $40 for the general public) are still available, though tickets for the VIP Glow Up experience have already sold out.
This Saturday, community members can give back at Love Esco Day. Beginning with a kick-off party from 8 to 10 a.m. at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido, the event will include free food, entertainment from A Step Beyond and Tierra Caliente Academy, giveaways, and family-friendly activities. Throughout the day, attendees can contribute to the all-day volunteer effort in Escondido by donating blood to the San Diego Blood Bank, participating in one of various beautification and donation projects, or showing their artistic appreciation for teachers and first responders.
Escondido
San Diego Museum Month
February 1–28
Enjoy half-priced admission to the many gardens, museums, and landmarks of San Diego Country during San Diego Museum Month. Over 70 locations will offer the 50 percent discount. Stop by any San Diego Public/ County Library branch, along with a smattering of other local library locations, to pick up your very own Museum Month pass.
Ryan Hardison is a freelance arts and entertainment writer and recent graduate of San Diego State. When he's not staring at his laptop, he's likely eating an adobada burrito or getting sunburnt at the beach.
