Here are some of the best things to do this weekend in San Diego from Friday, Jan. 9 to Sunday, Jan. 11.
Friday
“Swing State”: OnStage Playhouse opens its 2026 season with Rebecca Gilman’s drama about Peg, a grieving widow who lives alone on her 40-acre Wisconsin property. Her life is disrupted by the appearance of an old family friend with a checkered past. Opens Jan. 9 and runs through Feb. 1. 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. 5 p.m. Sundays. 291 Third Ave., Chula Vista. $15-$25. 619-422-7787, onstageplayhouse.org
Coffee and Conversations: Learn about the regions of the Philippines and their cultures through textiles, music an dance at this conversation led by Anamaria Labao Cabato, executive director of the Philippine Performing Arts Company (PASACAT).10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Friday. Frances Hamilton White Art Library, Mingei, Balboa Park, 1439 El Prado. San Diego. $12 members, $20 nonmembers. mingei.org/events/lecture/coffee-and-conversations-37
“Monty Python’s Edukational Show”: Trinity Theatre Company presents this staged series of sketches from England’s Monty Python’s Flying Circus TV show, including “Dead Parrot,” “The Ministry of Silly Walks,” “The Lumberjack Song” and more. Opens Jan. 9 and runs through Jan. 25. 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. Mission Valley Mall, 1640 Camino Del Rio North Suite 129, San Diego. $30. 619-500-4985, trinityttc.org
The soundON Festival: San Diego New Music continues through Saturday its 18th festival of new works, this year titled “Liebestod — myths of love and death.” 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, 1008 Wall Street, La Jolla. $12-$32. 858-454-5872, ljathenaeum.org
“Of Mice and Men”: Lamplighters Community Theatre preents the stage adaptation of John Steinbeck’s novel about two laborers in Central California struggling to survive and make a life for themselves during the Great Depression. Opens Jan. 9 and runs through Feb. 1. 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays (shows on Jan. 17 and 31 will only be 2 p.m. matinees). 5915 Severin Drive, La Mesa. $25-$30. 619-303-5092, lamplighterslamesa.com
Poway Winter Festival: The public can take part in various winter activities at the Poway Winter Festival, taking place at the Poway Community Park. Visitors can experience sledding down the snow hill, roasting marshmallows by a campfire and gliding around in a synthetic skate rink. There will also be bounce houses, face painting, a photobooth and food vendors. 5 to 9 p.m. Friday. 3:30 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday. 13094 Civic Center Drive, Poway. Free to attend. 858-668-4671, poway.org/893/Winter-Festival
Filipino karaoke night: The Council of Philippine American Organizations and San Diego History Center will host a night of music, food and drinks. The event is inspired by the current exhibit, “Taste San Diego: Filipino Culinary Journeys.” 5:30 to 9 p.m. Friday. San Diego History Center, 1649 El Prado, Suite 3, San Diego. Free. $5 suggested donation. sandiegohistory.org/event/filipino-karaoke-night-2/
Randy Sklar, left, and Jason Sklar speak during the Film Independent Spirit Awards on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025, in Santa Monica, Calif. They will perform this weekend at The Comedy Store in La Jolla. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Sklar Brothers: Comedy duo and twin siblings the Sklar Brothers, are landing in San Diego to perform five shows in three nights. Randy and Jason Sklar are known for their sports comedy. They have had shows on ESPN and UFC. They have also had comedy specials on Netflix and appeared in television shows such as “Night Court” and “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” 7 and 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. 7 p.m. Sunday. 916 Pearl St., La Jolla. $25. 858-454-9176. https://thecomedystore.com/la-jolla/
Visual Artists in Residence: Artist Talk Arts District Liberty Station’s emerging artists in residency will talk about their first 6 months in the position representing visual arts. The artists are Eden DeLaVara and Marcela Alarcón López, who will lead an informal dialogue for the creative community, as well as answer questions from attendees. Register online to attend. 6 to 7:15 p.m. Friday. Marcela Alarcón López (M.A.L.), 2690 Historic Decatur Road, San Diego. Free. libertystation.com/do/visual-artists-in-residence-artist-talk
Saturday
San Diego Short Film Festival: Dozens of short films will be screened throughout the day at this festival. In addition, there will be a filmmaker forum, a local filmmaker Q&A and filmmaker networking. Winners will be announced in October. 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday. Digital Gym Cinema, 1100 Market St., San Diego. $20 per block of short films. digitalgym.org/movies/san-diego-short-film-festival
Armando Castro driving El Toro Loco drives on two wheels over a jump during Monster Jam at Snapdragon Stadium on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025 in San Diego, CA. (Meg McLaughlin / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
Monster Jam: The annual monster truck tour returns to San Diego Saturday for two weekends of competition, high-flying stunts and family-friendly interactions and autograph sessions at the daytime pit parties. This year’s tour will feature three new trucks, Sparkle Smash, Tech Deck Wreck Deck and Bailey Circuit. Event dates are Saturday (pit party from 12:30-3:30 p.m. and show starts at 5 p.m.) and Sunday (pit party at 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and show at 3 p.m.) with the same schedule on Jan. 24 and 25. Snapdragon Stadium, 2101 Stadium Way, San Diego. $43.25 and up. ticketmaster.com
Solana Beach Clothing Swap: To promote sustainability in fashion, Solana Beach is hosting a swap at City Hall. Participants are asked to bring up to 15 pieces of new or gently used clothing. They will be given a ticket for each piece, and will be able to use it to pay for an item they choose from the swap. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. La Colonia Park, 715 Valley Ave., Solana Beach. oceansidechamber.com/oceanside-events.html
Savor Every Note: Mainly Mozart opens its 2026 series of concerts where music is paired with wine, chocolate and coffee tastings. Headlining this weekend’s concerts is violinist Nurit Bar-Josef, concertmaster of Washington, D.C.’s prestigious National Symphony. 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Fairbanks Ranch Country Club, 15150 San Dieguito Road, Rancho Santa Fe. $125 single bistro seating. 619-239-0100, mainlymozart.org
Bilingual Hike at Coast to Crest Trail (Del Mar): The Living Coast Discovery Center will host a free hike with guidance in English and Spanish. Participants will also learn about local wildlife at the Free Flight Bird Sanctuary. 9 a.m. Saturday. Free Flight Bird Sanctuary, 2132 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar. Free. thelivingcoast.org/programs-events-upcoming-events/trilingual-hike-at-free-flight-bird-sanctuary/
“Wood – A Furniture Show XVI”: Brian and Nancy Murphy of Murphy’s Fine Woodworking present the 16th edition of this show of furniture, veneering, wood carving, marquetry and wood art by California woodworkers. Opens Saturday and runs through Feb. 27. Escondido Art Gallery, 262 E. Grand Ave., Escondido. 760-480-4101, escondidoarts.org
Family Vision Board Workshop: Participants will create their own multi-layered vision board to inspire them throughout 2026. Registration for each member of the family required. 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.; 1 to 3 p.m. ArtReach Studio in Hillcrest, 1065 University Ave., San Diego. Free. artreachsandiego.org/studio
“All Shall Be Well”: The Athenaeum Art Center hosts San Diego artist Jonathan Paul Parker’s first solo exhibition. Opens with a reception from 5-8 p.m. Saturday and runs through March 7. Palmer Gallery, AAC, 1955 Julian Ave., Logan Heights. ljathenaeum.org/upcoming-exhibitions
Guided nature walk: The City of Santee will host a free guided nature walk for the community along the Walker Preserve Trail. Participants will learn about the flora and fauna that make up the San Diego River ecosystem during the stroll along the river. Meet at the Santee Historical Society, 9200 Magnolia Ave. 10 a.m. to noon. Saturday. Free. cityofsanteeca.gov.
Sunday
San Diego Mojo: The local women’s professional volleyball team, the San Diego Mojo, is hosting its 2026 home opener against the Orlando Valkyries. The Mojo are going into the third season as a franchise. The team hired U.S. Olympian Alisha Glass Childress as the new head coach in August and re-signed multiple players, including Major League Volleyball all-star Shara Venegas and brought back Carlsbad native Morgan Lewis. 4 p.m. Sunday. Viejas Arena, 5500 Canyon Crest Drive, San Diego. provolleyball.com/teams/san-diego-mojo
Le Salon de Musiques: The program led by violinist Martin Chalifour, soprano Anna Schubert and four other musicians will include works by Liszt, Fanny Mandelssohn and Hiller. Concert followed by a buffet reception featuring French cuisine and champagne. 4 p.m. Sunday. La Jolla Woman’s Club, 7791 Draper Ave., La Jolla. $69-$120. 310-498-0257, lesalondemusiques.com
Jane Austen 250th Birthday Celebration: As the celebrations of Jane Austen’s 250th birthday continue, the Poway Library will host an opportunity to learn English Country Dancing. The San Diego English Country Dancers will lead the lesson which will also feature stories from Austen’s life. 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday. 13137 Poway Road, Poway. Free. sdcl.bibliocommons.com/events/69583938f21d1d99bcd9bb26
Free Second Sunday: On the second Sunday of every month, the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego offers free admission. This includes a family-friendly Play Day at 11 a.m. and an educator-led tour at 2 p.m. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. MCASD, 700 Prospect St., La Jolla. Free. mcasd.org/events/free-second-sunday
1-Day Wheel Throwing Workshop: Learn to use a pottery wheel at the Institute of Contemporary Art North. This class is for ages 16 and older and includes skills such as how to throw, alter shapes and trim. 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday. ICA North, 1550 S. El Camino Real, Encinitas. $30. Additional $20 for glazing and firing. icasandiego.org/event/give-it-a-spin-1-day-workshop-1-11-2026
Myriam Gurba with Elizabeth Earley: Hear readings from authors Myriam Gurba (from “California Poppy”) and Elizabeth Earley (from “Little Deaths All in a Row: Essays on Sex and Death”) at the Library Shop Mission Hills before moving across the street to The Feminist Bookstore for a creative writing workshop. 5 p.m. Sunday. Library Shop Mission Hills, 925 W. Washington St., San Diego. Free. Register online. libraryfoundationsd.org/events/gurba
San Diego Excursion: The 2nd Annual San Diego Excursion is a celebration of the 1915 Exposition Road Race. The event, hosted by the La Jolla Horseless Carriage Club, brings together vintage automobile enthusiasts and the broader community for a tribute to one of San Diego’s significant early motorsport events, featuring unmodified pre-1942 vehicles, including vintage speedsters, driving the original race route through Point Loma. Public viewing of vehicles and a chance to meet drivers is from 7 to 9 p.m. when they depart to Point Loma. Participants will complete two laps of the historic 1915 race route beginning at 10:15 a.m., followed by a car show at Liberty Station from noon to 2 p.m. More than 130 unmodified vehicles from 1942 or earlier are expected to participate, with drivers dressed in period attire. Starts at 7 a.m. Sunday. San Diego Automotive Museum, 2080 Pan American Plaza. hcfi.org/sdexcursion.