Rumba Fridays
From 8/1/2025 - 12/25/2027
With a cornerstone in music and art culture, the Onyx Room Nightroom experience is about diversity and exhilarating vibrancy. At Rumba Fridays, attendees can expect to kick off their weekends with a spice of Latin-infused beats all in an inviting and alluring setting.
Marianela de la Hoz and Marc Urselli / Palpitations: The Cadence of Heartbeats
From 9/6/2025 - 2/22/2026
Experience the unique collaboration between painter Marianela de la Hoz and sound artist Marc Urselli in their installation, Palpitations. Attendees will be immersed in a sensory experience where paintings, intricately detailed and depicting humanistic themes, are brought to life by the vibrations of sound emitted from painted speaker cones, creating a resonating echo of life's fragility, mystery, and resilience.
Alfredo Castañeda: Beyond Surrealism
From 9/6/2025 - 3/1/2026
Alfredo Castaeda: Beyond Surrealism is a retrospective exhibition showcasing thirty-five of the artist's paintings, spanning five decades of his international career. Attendees can expect to delve into Castaeda's unique exploration of Surrealist themes, featuring introspective and whimsical works marked by psychological investigation, magical realism, and a playful sense of humor.
San Diego Museum Month
From 2/1/2026 - 2/28/2026
Discover the best of San Diego’s cultural treasures during Museum Month, an annual event offering 50% off admission at more than 60 museums, historic sites, and cultural institutions across the region. From world-class art galleries and science centers to interactive children’s museums and historical landmarks, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Visitors can explore unique exhibitions and special programs throughout February. It’s an ideal opportunity to immerse yourself in San Diego’s vibrant arts and cultural scene.
Henrik Ibsen’s Hedda Gabler
From 2/7/2026 - 3/8/2026
Katie Holmes, a renowned film, television, and stage star, will be performing a landmark role in a world-renowned drama, showcasing the unraveling world of a newlywed woman named Hedda, who is bored, restless, and trying to control those around her. This event promises an emotionally charged performance, directed by Artistic Director Barry Edelstein and presented in a vivid new version by Erin Cressida Wilson, offering a fresh perspective on this Ibsen classic.
San Diego Lunar New Year Festival
From 2/13/2026 - 2/15/2026
The San Diego Lunar New Year Festival is a vibrant celebration of the Asian Lunar New Year, promising a cultural immersion like no other. Attendees can expect a feast of traditional Asian cuisine, live performances, and a bustling marketplace offering unique crafts and gifts.
Perspective
From 2/13/2026 - 2/15/2026
Artistic Director Javier Velasco is set to commemorate a century-long celebration with a choreographic bouquet, drawing inspiration from some of the museum's most iconic works. Among these masterpieces is the evocative Maria at La Granja, one of the museum's earliest acquisitions, which will be brought to life through the dance performance of Sierra Crocker.
San Diego Mardi Gras in the GasLamp
From 2/13/2026 - 2/17/2026
San Diego’s Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp is a vibrant and high-energy celebration that brings the spirit of New Orleans to the heart of downtown San Diego. The event features entry to over 20 Fifth Avenue bars, restaurants, and clubs, transforming the Gaslamp Quarter into a festive party zone.
San Diego Opera
On 2/13/2026
Founded in 1950, San Diego Opera is a member of the professional association OPERA America and ranks among the Top 10 opera companies nationally. It has been presenting three operas every year since 2015.
Graciela Iturbide
From 2/14/2026 - 6/7/2026
Graciela Iturbide, a renowned Latin American photographer, presents a stunning exhibition featuring her most iconic photographs from Mexico and around the globe. Attendees will experience her unique poetic vision, which is driven by a deep curiosity about diverse lifestyles and the influence of history, tradition, and ritual on modern life.
Dry Cleaning
On 2/15/2026
Dry Cleaning is a British post-punk band whose unconventional lyrics has made them a unique musical experience. They are known for their singles like "Magic of Meghan," based on Meghan Markle, and "Strong Feelings."
Cat Power
On 2/16/2026
Cat Power is an actor, model, singer-songwriter, and musician. She got her stage name from her first group, after she decided to pursue a solo career, she kept the name. Her music genre includes folk rock, indie rock, alternative rock, and electric blues.
Creative Collective: Bags
On 2/17/2026
This open-ended art-making program invites adults to explore their creativity through various art forms. Attendees can learn different techniques from lead facilitators and guest artists, engage in meditative art forms for mental and physical health, and gain insights from spotlighted artists who utilize the monthly topic's technique or principles in their work.
The Ten Tenors
On 2/17/2026
The Ten Tenors or TTT is a music ensemble from Australia that has toured nationally and internationally, reaching over 90 million people around the globe. Formed in 1995, they have performed covers of songs like "Shallow," "Somebody to Love" and "A Thousand Years" at over 2000 concerts in around 30 countries.
Vitamin String Quartet
On 2/17/2026
Vitamin String Quartet is a musical ensemble known for their innovative string arrangements of popular rock, pop, and classical songs. Their work has been featured in films, TV shows like Bridgerton, and weddings worldwide, offering a classical twist on contemporary hits. With their unique ability to reimagine modern music, they continue to bridge the gap between classical and popular genres.
Maggie Lindemann
On 2/17/2026
Maggie Lindemann mixes alt-pop and punk influences with raw, emotional lyrics. Her shows deliver dark energy, vulnerability, and a rebellious edge.
Puma Blue
On 2/18/2026
Puma Blue is a London-based artist whose sound is a unique blend of soulful electronica, jazz, and R&B. His debut album Blood Loss was released in 2019 to critical acclaim and was praised for its depth and emotion. His music is often melancholic yet hopeful, and his mellow vocals coupled with his creative production create a soundscape that is both captivating and comforting.
All Them Witches
On 2/19/2026
All Them Witches is an American rock band from Nashville, Tennessee. The band is a four-piece band that incorporates different genres of music such as hard rock, stoner rock, southern rock, and blues. The band is constantly compared with the band Black Sabbath.
Neil deGrasse Tyson
On 2/19/2026
Neil deGrasse Tyson, an American astronomer, author, science communicator, and planetary scientist, was born on October 5, 1958. Tyson attended Harvard University, the University of Texas at Austin, and Columbia University, among other schools. He worked as a postdoctoral research associate at Princeton University from 1991 to 1994.
MODI
On 2/19/2026
MODI is an acclaimed comedian, voted one of the top 10 in New York City by The Hollywood Reporter. He has been featured on multiple notable networks and has received praise for his performances in The New York Times, Time Out NY, and The New York Post.
Nat at Night
On 2/20/2026
Nat at Night offers a unique opportunity to explore the museum after hours, with access to all exhibitions and a rooftop deck that serves a variety of drinks and food from Wolf in the Woods. In addition to the exploration, attendees can enjoy signature cocktails, artisan tacos, conchas, paletas, and coffee drinks from The Craft Taco, and on select dates, they can get crafty with Sketchparty.
Charlie Berens
On 2/20/2026
Charlie Berens is a journalist, comedian, and the founder of "Manitowoc Minute" in the United States. He has been featured on FOX, CBS, Funny or Die, TBS Digital, Variety, and MTV News. Berens began his career as a reporter for MTV's Choose or Lost. He covered state politics in Wisconsin.
Colter Wall
On 2/20/2026
Canadian musician @Colter Wall is mainly known for his profound, baritone songwriting and sound narrative explanation. He is a country and folk singer-songwriter who has been active since his first EP was released in 2015.
Poetry and Sound in 2 acts: Fabiola Carranza and Wilfrido Terrazas
On 2/20/2026
This two-part program promises an evening of innovative storytelling through music, poetry, and performance. The first act features a unique collaboration between improviser Wilfrido Terrazas and poet Ronnie Yates, exploring the intersection of their disciplines, while the second act presents a bilingual reimagining of Bertolt Brecht's play, The Jewish Wife, offering a poignant reflection on immigration, separation, and resilience.
Balboa Park Chinese New Year Fair
From 2/21/2026 - 2/22/2026
Immerse yourself in the rich traditions of Chinese culture at the annual Chinese New Year Fair. Expect a vibrant showcase of performances, mouthwatering food, and engaging cultural displays that bring together families and communities.
Family Art Adventures
On 2/21/2026
Family Art Adventures offers an exciting opportunity for families with children aged 5 to 12 to explore museum collections through dynamic guided tours. Each tour, changing themes monthly, is followed by a hands-on art-making activity with all materials provided.
Hotel California: A Salute to The Eagles
On 2/22/2026
Hotel California is one of the earliest tribute bands to the Grammy-winning legendary group The Eagles. Since its formation in 1986, Hotel California has continued to be a treat for both eyes and ears with its dedication, unique musical gifts, and commitment to the originals.
PlayStation: The Concert
On 2/22/2026
PlayStation: The Concert celebrates the music of some of the most beloved video games in PlayStation history. Featuring live orchestral renditions of iconic scores, it offers an immersive experience for both gamers and music fans alike.
Beetlejuice
On 2/24/2026
Beetlejuice is an outrageous, irreverent, and completely fun show. Follow the ghost-with-the-most and his human counterpart, Lydia, as they take you on an adventurous journey between the land of the living and the land of the dead.
Joseph
On 2/25/2026
Consisting of the three Closner sisters, Joseph is an indie-folk group from Oregon formed in 2014. Their most popular singles are "Side Effects," "White Flag," and "SOS."
Lunar New Year and Wild Weekend
From 2/21/2026 - 2/22/2026
Celebrate the Lunar New Year and partake in the Wild Weekend: Asia, a vibrant tradition that also highlights the conservation work for giant pandas, tigers, orangutans, and other iconic Asian wildlife. Fun activities for the whole family await, along with good wishes for the year ahead, especially for those born in the Year of the Horse, known for their spirited energy, independence, and adventurous nature.
San Diego Chinese New Year Fair
From 2/28/2026 - 3/1/2026
Celebrate the Lunar New Year at the San Diego Chinese New Year Food and Cultural Fair, a vibrant event in the heart of the city’s historic Chinatown. This annual festival features traditional lion dances, martial arts performances, cultural exhibits, and authentic Chinese cuisine. Visitors can enjoy live entertainment, artisan vendors, and family-friendly activities in a festive atmosphere. It’s a perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the traditions and flavors of Chinese culture while welcoming the new year.
San Diego Chinese New Year Food and Cultural Fair
From 2/28/2026 - 3/1/2026
Celebrate the Lunar New Year at the San Diego Chinese New Year Food and Cultural Fair, a vibrant event in the heart of the city’s historic Chinatown district. Featuring traditional lion dances, martial arts demonstrations, and cultural performances, the festival offers a rich showcase of Chinese heritage. Visitors can enjoy authentic cuisine, browse unique crafts, and participate in family-friendly activities. It’s a festive and flavorful way to welcome the new year and experience San Diego’s multicultural charm.
Birthday Fest
On 2/28/2026
Attendees will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a once-in-a-century celebration filled with unforgettable moments, hands-on art activities, family-friendly performances, and gallery activations. The event also includes a unique cake tasting experience and special activations that transform the venue into hubs of inspiration, featuring a themed photo booth and activities throughout the day.
Calienté Spirits and Latin Music Fest
On 2/28/2026
Calienté A Latin Music and Spirits Fest Celebration promises an unforgettable experience of vibrant Latin music genres, including Banda, Mariachi, Bachata, Merengue, and Salsa, performed by local artists. Attendees can also look forward to tantalizing their taste buds with food samples from a popular new hotspot and quenching their thirst with a diverse selection of premium spirits such as Tequila, Mezcal, Beer, Vodka, Whiskey, and Wine, all included in the ticket price.
On the Steps at SDMA: Centennial Edition
On 2/28/2026
Attendees can revel in a special edition of a beloved community program hosted by the Museum, featuring live music and dance performances. The event also offers family-friendly art activities, artist and community booths, and a celebration of San Diego's vibrant local talent, all free of charge.
Bored Teachers
On 3/1/2026
The Bored Teachers comedy tour is an electrifying journey through the comedic minds of the most hilarious educators in the field. From the uproarious anecdotes of the classroom to the sharp wit of the staff room, this tour offers an unparalleled onslaught of jokes, skits and stories that will have you rolling in the aisles.
Summer Salt
On 3/1/2026
The American pop-trop duo Summer Salt are known for their breezy synesthetic soundscapes in the indie genre. With singles like "Candy Wrappers," "Driving to Hawaii," and "Sweet to Me," they have gained over a million monthly listeners on Spotify.
Yellow Days
On 3/1/2026
British indie soul-pop musician, George van den Broek, aka, Yellow Days, is known for his throaty yearning vocals. Playing guitar since the age of 11, he has reached wider audiences with each project and songs like, "A Little While," "Gap in the Clouds," and "The Way Things Change."
A Wilhelm Scream
On 3/1/2026
Formed in 2003, A Wilhelm Scream or AWS is a melodic hardcore band from Massachusetts. Also known as Smackin' Isaiah and Koen, the band has created popular singles like "Boat Builders," "The King Is Dead" and "The Last Laugh," each of which has millions of streams online.
Indigo De Souza
On 3/4/2026
Indigo De Souza is an Asheville, North Carolina-based singer-songwriter. In August 2021, she released her second album, Any Shape You Take. Her sensitive and honest lyrics have been described as “intimate, anxious indie rock songs [that] struggle with disappointment and interpersonal challenges.”
Red Not Chili Peppers
On 3/6/2026
Hailing from Virginia, Red Not Chili Peppers is a tribute band to Red Hot Chili Peppers. Touring around the world, they deliver high-energy performances of chart-topping songs created by the original funk-rock quartet.
Camila
On 3/6/2026
Camila is a Mexican pop rock group founded in 2015. They have gained three Latin Grammy Awards, three Billboard Awards, and more, with diamond and platinum albums selling over two million units worldwide. Their most popular tracks include "Todo Cambio," "Mientes," and "Alejate de Mi."
Galentines Bouquet and Bubbles Bottomless Brunch
On 2/15/2026
At the Bubbles and Bouquets event, attendees can sip on bottomless mimosas while creating their own bouquets in a space adorned with extravagant floral displays. In addition to the bouquet-making experience, a full brunch menu is available for purchase, making this event a picturesque and bubbly Sunday retreat.
Comedy Show in Bankers Hill
On 2/19/2026
Prepare for a night filled with laughter as a group of talented comedians takes the stage, promising high energy and unforgettable jokes. It's an ideal event for friends, dates, or anyone seeking a fun night out, with the bonus of great drinks and the opportunity to meet new people.
San Diego Festival of Science and Engineering
On 3/7/2026
Prepare to submerge in a dynamic, hands-on learning adventure at the 2026 San Diego Festival of Science and Engineering. Bountiful workshops, panels, and hands-on displays dismantle the complexities of science, engineering, and technology for learners of all ages.
Run for Mental Health 5K, 10K, and 13.1
On 3/7/2026
The Keep Going Run for Mental Health is a compelling event aimed at raising awareness, reducing stigma, and initiating conversations about mental well-being. It offers an opportunity to support those in need while enhancing one's own mental health through the therapeutic joy of movement.
Fortune Feimster
On 3/7/2026
Emily Fortune Feimster is an American writer, comedian, and actress. She made her debut in 2010 on NBC's Last Comic Standing. In 2003, she moved to Los Angeles to pursue comedy. She is well known for starring as Colette on The Mindy Project from 2015 to 2017.
City Ballet of San Diego
On 3/7/2026
City Ballet of San Diego was founded in 1993 by renowned choreographer and dancer Steven Wistrich. The institution has award-winning choreographers to train the aspiring dancers in a wide variety of ballet styles including classical and contemporary.
San Holo
On 3/7/2026
Sander Van Djick, best known by his professional name, San Holo, is a Dutch DJ from Zoetermeer. His first album debuted at No.7 on Billboard's Dance/Electronic Album chart. He gained fame for his remix of Dr. Dre's, "The Next Episode."
Hot Chocolate Run 5K,10K, and 15K
On 3/8/2026
Embrace the challenge at the Hot Chocolate Run, where enjoyment and delicious flavors blend seamlessly. Select a distance- 5K, 10K, or 15K and celebrate your accomplishment in a paradise designed for chocolate aficionados.
Swing Dance Under the Dome
On 3/9/2026
Get ready to swing dance for free under a stunning downtown library dome and show off your moves on the rooftop! Enjoy live music from Chickenbone Slim and take part in a dance lesson provided by Swing Dancing San Diego.
Band of Skulls
On 3/11/2026
Band of Skulls is a British rock band known for their blend of bluesy riffs, gritty vocals, and sharp songwriting. Their music captures both heavy rock intensity and moody, atmospheric sounds. They have earned a strong international fan base with their dynamic performances and distinctive style.
