Outline:
Weekend Events in San Diego: A Guide to the Best Activities from January 16–18
San Diego is brimming with exciting events this weekend, offering something for everyone, whether you’re into theater, music, sports, or community activities. From comedy shows to cultural performances and family-friendly events, there’s no shortage of things to do.
Friday Highlights
Powers New Voices Festival at The Old Globe
The Old Globe is hosting its 13th annual Powers New Voices Festival, featuring play readings by local and national playwrights. The festival includes a variety of short plays, such as “On the Far End” by Mary Kathryn Nagle and “The Valentine Vendetta: A Famous Girl Detective’s Least Famous Case” by Laura Winters. These performances take place at different times throughout the weekend.
Bobby Lee Comedy Show
Comedian Bobby Lee is making a return to San Diego for four hometown shows. Known for his appearances in “Happy Gilmore 2” and “And Just Like That,” Lee will perform at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday.
Romance Trivia Night
Library Shop SD and the San Diego Public Library are teaming up with LoveLitCon for a night of romance trivia. Participants can join as individuals or teams, and enjoy free drinks and treats. The event starts at 6:30 p.m. at the Library Shop Mission Hills.
“Monty Python’s Edukational Show”
Trinity Theatre Company presents a staged version of classic Monty Python sketches, including “Dead Parrot” and “The Ministry of Silly Walks.” Shows run every Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. through January 25.
San Diego Rodeo
The San Diego Rodeo returns to Petco Park for three days of action, featuring bull riding, team roping, and more. The event also includes food vendors, concerts, and family-friendly activities.
“Of Mice and Men”
Lamplighters Community Theatre presents a stage adaptation of John Steinbeck’s novel. Performances run from 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, with matinees on Sundays.
J’Nai Bridges in “Cotton”
La Jolla Music Society and San Diego Opera co-produce “Cotton,” a multimedia song cycle exploring African American history and the cotton industry. The performance features mezzo-soprano J’Nai Bridges and takes place at the Baker-Baum Concert Hall.
Saturday Highlights
Wyatt Earp Walking Tour
Learn about the history of outlaw Wyatt Earp during a walking tour in the Gaslamp District. Tours start at noon and 2 p.m. and cost $25 for adults.
Monster Energy AMA Supercross
This high-energy motorcycle racing event features top riders from around the world. The event starts at 3:30 p.m. at Snapdragon Stadium.
Vision Board Mixer
Mi Gente CA hosts a vision board mixer at Cafeina Cafe, where attendees can create their own vision boards. Tickets range from $30 to $50.
Burgeon’s Ninth Anniversary Celebration
Carlsbad-based Burgeon Beer Company celebrates its ninth anniversary with unlimited beer tastings, live music, and exclusive merchandise.
Children’s Opera Premiere
Bodhi Tree Concerts presents the world premiere of “Pancho Rabbit and the Coyote,” a bilingual opera inspired by a children’s book. Free tickets are available for students.
San Diego Symphony
The San Diego Symphony performs Brahms’ Piano Concerto No. 1 and Dvořák’s Symphony No. 7. The concert runs from 7:30 p.m. on Saturday to 2 p.m. on Sunday.
“Non-Objective Lessons” Art Exhibit
Space 4 Art opens its 2026 season with an abstract art exhibit curated by Katie Ruiz. The reception starts at 4 p.m. on Saturday.
“Songs for the Anthropocene”
Cygnet Theatre presents a staged reading of Christopher Lysik’s play about climate change and emotional grief. The event is free and starts at 7 p.m.
“Louisa Gillis” Play
North Coast Repertory Theatre presents the world premiere of Joanna McClelland Glass’ psychological thriller. The show runs through February 8.
Sunday Highlights
MLK Harmony Health Festival
This event promotes mental and physical wellness with workshops, resources, and vendor booths. It takes place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Waterfront Park.
Shaun Cassidy Performance
Singer and actor Shaun Cassidy brings his “The Road To Us” tour to San Diego. The show starts at 7 p.m. at The Magnolia.
Sunset Jazz Cruise
Elan Trotman and his friends perform jazz, blues, and rhyme on a sunset dinner cruise. VIP tickets include open bars and priority seating.
Opera Stars of Tomorrow Winners Concert
Past winners of the Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition perform at Shiley Hall. The concert is free and starts at 2:30 p.m.
The Yale Whiffenpoofs
America’s oldest collegiate a cappella group performs at All Souls’ Episcopal Church. The event starts at 4 p.m.
San Diego Early Music Society
Swiss harpsichordist Corina Marti and lutenist Michal Gondko perform 16th-century Polish music at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.
Sunny Jain’s Wild Wild East
La Jolla Music Society presents an Asian folk quintet performing a mix of Punjabi, jazz, Bollywood, and Western sounds. The performance starts at 5 and 7:30 p.m.
“Swing State” Play
OnStage Playhouse opens its 2026 season with Rebecca Gilman’s drama about a grieving widow. The play runs from 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, with matinees on Sundays.