Really, this is a great weekend to take the RV up to the Del Mar Fairgrounds RV Surf & Turf Park for a lil’ staycation — that is, if you happen to be into outsider art gone insider, taking on your homestead’s deferred maintenance, or prepping yourself and your loved ones for the Big Day.
For the rest of us, there are four other happenings that may be worth your while: two highbrow, two…less so. That’s the beauty of this town.
The Art of Banksy: “Without Limits”
A little from column A, a little from column B (Photo courtesy of Getty Images/marktucan)
You know what they say: you haven’t really made it as an artist until your work has been turned into a massive touring interactive exhibit. Just ask Van Gogh! Now it’s Banksy’s turn, and the mysterious fellow must be pleased, because now you really can Exit Through the Gift Shop, or at least stop in.
Where: Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Boulevard, Del Mar
When: Opens Friday, January 30, 2026
Cost: $26-$34 plus parking
Fine art for a cause fundraiser
“If I like it, does that make it art?” (Photo courtesy of Getty Images/AnnaStills)
You don’t get a lot of chances to visit The University Club. (Well, maybe you do. But I don’t.) Here’s an opportunity to do just that, one that offers you a chance to not only slip upstairs and enjoy the views, but also sip a cocktail and take in some interior vistas, courtesy of artist Taylor Wilshire. And because the event is an arts fundraiser, you can tell folks that you spent Friday night among your fellow philanthropists, high above it all.
Where: University Club, 750 B Street, Suite 3400, San Diego
When: Friday, January 30, 2026, 5:30 pm, continues through April 2026
Cost: $25
San Diego Home Improvement Expo
It’s amazing how many “DIY Home Improvement” photos on Getty Images are just people painting. (Photo courtesy of Getty Images/SolStock)
When the younger generation complains that they’ll never be able to afford a home, tell ’em they don’t know how good they’ve got it. At least a person can replace a car when it starts falling apart! But if you’re one of those poor old folks who’s stuck with a mortgage, why not stop by and take a gander at all the ways your domestic life could be better.
Where: Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Boulevard, Del Mar
When: Saturday, January 31, 2026, 10 am to 5 pm, and Sunday, February 1, 2026, 10 am to 4 pm
Cost: Free, except for parking
San Diego Seals vs. Philadelphia Wings
Bark, bark, bark for the home team (Team logo)
Friday’s game is Heroes Night for the Seals, which means that for just $55, active duty or retired members of the military (and their immediate families) can get 1 Ticket to the Seals Heroes Night game, 1 Anyday Day Ticket to SeaWorld San Diego, valid for a day of awe-inspiring adventure from January 31st through April 30th, 2026, and 1 Drink Voucher at the Seals Game for your choice of a refreshing beer, soft drink, or water.
Where: Pechanga Arena, 3500 Sports Arena Boulevard, San Diego
When: Friday, January 30, 2026, at 7:30 pm
Cost: $24-$86 (for civilians)
La Jolla Symphony & Chorus: “Breaking Boundaries”
Frank Zappa: Famous former neighbor (Event poster)
You might think it surprising that Frank Zappa’s work is headlining a performance by the La Jolla Symphony and Chorus. But it’s not. Take it away, promo copy: “The iconic Frank Zappa (yes, that Frank Zappa) spent some of his youth here in San Diego, where he discovered the modernist music that inspired his own compositions and shaped his legendary style. Busoni and Sibelius, two masters of the 20th century, are featured alongside two living composers: a world premiere by emerging composer Hannah Wolkowitz, and a recent work by Adam Schoenberg, whose cello concerto Automation explores the complicated relationship between humans and technology.”
Where: Mandeville Auditorium, UCSD, 9390 Mandeville Lane, La Jolla
When: Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 7:30 pm and Sunday, February 1, 2026, at 2 pm
Cost: $22-$49
San Diego winter bridal bazaar
It’s your big day, princess (Photo courtesy of Getty Images/inarik)
Has there ever been a rom-com featuring a meet-cute at a bridal bazaar? (No Googling!) Because there should be. A bestie getting dragged along by a bride-to-be. A guy getting dragged along by a groom-to-be who is himself getting dragged along by his fiancé. Neither wants to be there. Both are overwhelmed by the muchness of it all, and try to escape to the same outdoor patio… It writes itself!
Where: Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Boulevard, Del Mar
When: Sunday, February 1, 2026, 10 am to 4 pm
Cost: $10 ($20 at the door, free admission from noon on with reservation)
Darts tournament
Barbecue sauce! (Photo courtesy of Getty Images/Philip Hoeppli)
Ted Lasso may have tailed off in season three, but the darts scene that capped season one was just great feel-good television. Great enough to make a fellow wish he was half-decent at darts.
Where: Bancroft Bar, 9143 Campo Road, Spring Valley
When: Sunday, February 1, 2026, starting at 2 pm
Cost: Free?
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