The Best Things to Do in San Diego: January 2026

It’s a new year! And the city is celebrating with plenty of activities all month-long including a winter fest in Poway, the return of San Diego Restaurant Week, Spamilton: An American Parody at the Balboa Theatre, and Braxton Cook at Lou Lou’s Jungle Room. Check out the full list of things to do in San Diego this January below.

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

Concerts & Festivals in San Diego This Month

Winter Festival at Poway Community Park 

January 9 –10 

Gallivant in the snow, skate on a synthetic rink, and roast gooey marshmallows at Poway’s free Winter Festival, offering two evenings of seasonal wonder at Poway Community Park.

Braxton Cook at Lou Lou’s Jungle Room 

January 16

The R&B of Braxton Cook sparkles with romantic vocals and smooth alto saxophone. Hear selections from his new album, Not Everyone Can Go, at Lou Lou’s Jungle Room in North Park.

Bodhi Tree Concerts’ Bilingual Chamber Opera at Southwestern College Performing Arts Center 

January 17–18

See Bodhi Tree Concerts’ bilingual chamber opera Pancho Rabbit and the Coyote debut at the Southwestern College Performing Arts Center. Based on Duncan Tonatiuh’s picture book, it centers on a bunny’s courageous, border-crossing journey to find his father.

The Casbah’s 37th Anniversary 

January  20–22 

To celebrate its 37th anniversary, The Casbah hosts local rock luminaries Pinback for an intimate three-night stint featuring Hasco Enjoyments, Disheveled Cuss, and Systems Officer.

Theater & Art Exhibits in San Diego This Month

Louisa Gillis at North Coast Repertory Theater 

January 14 – February 8

Four decades after a life-altering act of revenge, a family continues to wrestle with the aftermath in Louisa Gillis, Joanna McClelland Glass’ world-premiere thriller at North Coast Repertory Theatre. 

100 Years of San Diego Museum of Art 

January 24 – July 26 

Founded as the Fine Arts Gallery in 1926, the San Diego Museum of Art documents its century-long evolution in SDMA 100 Years, an exhibition full of fascinating historical photos, film footage, and ephemera. 

Spamilton: An American Parody, Arrives at the Balboa Theatre

January 25 

Gerard Alessandrini’s send-up of theater’s biggest personalities, productions, and pop culture moments, Spamilton: An American Parody, arrives at the Balboa Theatre for a side-splitting showcase.

Sol Invictus at the Balboa Theatre 

January 30

Compagnie Hervé Koubi’s Sol Invictus will combine capoeira, martial arts, and modern movements in a spectacular dance performance at the Balboa Theatre.

The Simon & Garfunkel at the Balboa Theatre

January 31– February 1 

Follow the rise, demise, and reunion of folk-rock’s foremost duo in The Simon & Garfunkel Story. A live band will play their biggest hits in this multimedia show at the Balboa Theatre.

More Fun Things to Do in San Diego This Month

San Diego Restaurant Week 

January 25 – February 1

During San Diego Restaurant Week, the world is your oyster—or your paella, your burger, or whatever else you’d like to try. Here are the deets: 8 days, 100-plus participating eateries, and multi-course menus starting at $30.

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