There’s truly no place like home. | Photo via Monica Garske + SDtoday
From San Diego FC’s debut and San Diego Pride to music festivals and Comic-Con, we’ve got a lot to look forward to this year in America’s Finest City. Bust out the 2025 calendar and pencil in these 25 important local events.
Wednesday, Jan. 22-Saturday, Jan. 25 | Torrey Pines Golf Course The prestigious PGA Tour competition returns to one of the most scenic golf courses in San Diego with a range of ticket options depending on the experience you’re into. And locals know, this tourney is as much about the mingling as it is about the golf.
Inaugural home match: Saturday, March 1 | Snapdragon Stadium Our city’s new MLS team kicks off its season on Feb. 23, 2025, but the team’s hometown debut is on March 1, 2025. SDFC will go on to play 16 more regular season home matches at Snapdragon Stadium and 17 matches on the road through mid-October 2025. See how the roster is shaping up.
Saturday, April 5 | Waterfront Park The country music festival returns to the Embarcadero with headliners Old Dominion, Chris Young, Tyler Hubbard, Parmalee, Tayler Holder, Presley Tennant, and DJ Luwiss Lux. Get your tickets.
The Stylistics | 7:30 p.m. | Balboa Theatre | $47+ | The Philly-based R&B group that climbed charts in the 1970s with hits like “You Make Me Feel Brand New” and “You Are Everything” headline downtown’s historic venue.
Friday, Jan. 10
Winter Festival | Friday, Jan. 10-Saturday, Jan. 11 | Times vary | Community Park, Poway | free | It’s a winter wonderland in Poway — well, SoCal style at least — with sledding down the “snow” hill, skating on a synthetic ice rink, s’mores, twinkling lights, and live music.
San Diego Rodeo | Friday, Jan. 10-Saturday, Jan. 11 | 6 p.m. | Petco Park | $35+ | This ain’t Texas — but it is the downtown SD ballpark, and it is the stage for a wild weekend celebrating the spirit and history of California’s western culture.
Tucson Roadrunners vs. San Diego Gulls | Friday, Jan. 10-Saturday, Jan. 11 | Times vary | Pechanga Arena San Diego | $24+ | Beep, beep — our Gulls will have those Roadrunners dashing right outta here.
Rodeo After Party ft. Elle King| 9:30 p.m. | Petco Park | $56 | The “Ex’s and Oh’s” pop singer will headline Gallagher Square after the rodeo — wrangle up your tickets, y’all.
Saturday, Jan. 11
2025 San Diego Brew Fest | 12-4 p.m. | Liberty Station NTC Park | $62+ | Enjoy sudsy sips from 70+ breweries alongside food trucks, lawn games, and cover bands.
Monster Jam | Saturday, Jan. 11-Sunday, Jan. 12 | Times vary | Snapdragon Stadium | $49+ | Watch world champion drivers perform gravity-defying stunts in 12,000-pound trucks that stand on two wheels and fly through the air in thrilling competitions of speed and skill.
Jimmy O. Yang: “Big & Tall Tour” | 7 p.m. | Civic Theatre | $55+ | The comedian and “Silicon Valley” actor brings his stand-up tour to SD.
Sunday, Jan. 12
Sabrosas Latin Orchestra | 6 p.m. | The Music Box | $23+ | Start with a dance lesson before the group of women musicians bring down the house with live salsa tunes.
Tuesday, Jan. 14
“Back to the Future: The Musical” | Tuesday, Jan. 14-Sunday, Jan. 19 | 7 p.m. | Civic Theatre | $51+ | Great Scott! Catch this award-winning Broadway musical based on the classic 1980s time travel flick — the year is 2025, by the way.
🤝 Imagine the impact if we all volunteered on January 20
Presented by AmeriCorps
Join AmeriCorps in honoring the life and legacy of Dr. King by volunteering this MLK Day. | Photos provided by AmeriCorps
Did you know? Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Monday, Jan. 20) is the only federal holiday designated as a National Day of Service to encourage all Americans to volunteer.
For 30 years, the MLK Day of Service has grown as more people embrace the idea that citizenship involves taking an active role in improving the communities where we live, work, and play.
Dry, windy conditions and a Red Flag Warning prompted SDG&E to alert its ~65,000 customers of potential public safety power shutoffs (PSPS) this week. The utility said the PSPS period could last through 4 p.m. tomorrow in these designated communities with high fire risk. (CBS 8)
Civic
San Diego County Supervisor Nora Vargas officially stepped down this week and now the board is trying to determine how to fill the vacancy. The board could appoint a replacement or hold a special election that could cost taxpayers ~$5 million. A special meeting is set for Tuesday, Jan. 14. (CBS 8)
Development
The Port of San Diego has temporarily closed a portion of the Sweetwater Bicycle Path & Promenade due to ongoing construction on the Gaylord Pacific Resort and Convention Center. The closure starts at Lagoon Drive and ends at H Street, but the path should reopen in February.
Open
We’ve got a secret — Spill the Beans has opened its fourth coffee shop, this time on Garnet Avenue in Pacific Beach. Patrons can expect those signature bagels, handmade cream cheeses, bagel “sandos,” and specialty lattes, plus “Blaze” energy drinks exclusive to the PB location. It’s open daily, 7 a.m.-3 p.m.
Closed
After 10 years on University Avenue, Lucha Libre Taco Shop has closed its North Park location. Don’t worry, champ — you can still visit the local eatery’s flagship location in Mission Hills and book the iconic big booth, or drop into the PB shop.
State
California has lots of new laws for 2025 — we’re still catching up. This includes the “daylighting” law that impacts parking within 20 ft of any marked or unmarked crosswalk, and the legalization of “cannabis cafes,” which allows cannabis businesses to sell food + non-alcoholic drinks, and host live performances. (CBS News)
Legacy
Rest in peace, Lucky. Lucky Wong — owner of the longtime Lucky’s Golden Phenix restaurant in North Park — has died. The restaurant was beloved for its hearty, affordable breakfast dishes and went viral in 2022 thanks to this sweet TikTok reel. (ABC 10 + Eater San Diego)
Listen
The City of San Diego has partnered with StoryCorps Studios to release a community voices project dubbed “I Am San Diego.” The project features conversations with San Diegans meant to capture the diverse experiences of those living + working in our city. Join the conversation by recording your own story.
Community
After a long closure, Chula Vista reopened its renovated Harborside Park, now featuring a soccer mini pitch, resodded field, and improved lighting. The upgrades were a community effort — Chula Vista native and pro soccer player Paul Arriola pitched in, as well as Target and the US Soccer Foundation.
Sports
Ezekiel Elliot is far from the players who dominated for the Cowboys, but that doesn’t mean he can’t help with the Bolts. Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the Chargers with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Biz
Kickstart your 2025 goals by putting your business in front of our thousands of local subscribers. Your message can be here in as little as two days — no long-term contract required. Learn more.
Health
Weight Loss by Hims & Hers offers a personalized, science-backed approach to weight management. Combining medication, expert support, and digital tools, the program helps individuals reach their weight loss goals. With personalized weight loss treatment plans, simple online access, and no hidden fees, it’s a flexible, affordable solution for lasting results. Learn more.*
Wellness
Simplify wellness with fast, convenient deliveries that fit your schedule: Thrive Market delivers organic groceries and family essentials straight to your door. (Members save an average of 30% on top brands.) Join today for 30% off your first purchase and a free gift valued at up to $60.*
Finance
High interest rates are daunting, so paying off credit card debt is a top New Year’s resolution for many Americans. If we told you there was a trending card that now has 0% intro APR on balance transfers well into 2026, would you believe us? You should.*
City Guide
City Guide
📚 Do it for the plot
San Diego Central Library has a whole section dedicated to local authors. | Photo by Michael Beausoleil + SDtoday
Trying to read more in 2025? Brew up a batch of your favorite tea or coffee and get ready to meet your next read, because we’re talking about locally written books in San Diego.
Fiction
“Mister Magic: A Novel” by Kiersten White | Release date: Aug. 8, 2023 | Two former child stars reunite to discover secrets about their show’s host in this thriller with a dose of 1990s nostalgia.
For the family
“Flash Facts” by Mayim Bialik | Release date: Feb. 2, 2021 | The San Diego-born “Blossom” actress, “Jeopardy” host, and neuroscientist curates stories to answer some of your burning questions — with some help from the Scarlet Speedster.
Learn something new
“San Diego: Murder & Mayhem” by Steve Willard | Release date: Nov. 12, 2018 | As San Diego grew rapidly in the early 20th century, local law enforcement dealt with its share of wily lawbreakers. Discover the stories from SDPD’s earliest case files.
The best two-piece sweatsuit for running errands, work-from-home days, or cozy weekends. We love the knit fabric and the roomy turtleneck design for extra comfort.
Hi, friends — I hope 2025 is off to a great start. As usual, getting outside remains at the top of my priority list this year, so I’ll be exploring hiking opportunities with my family. We recently hiked the new Oceanside Trail at Cabrillo National Monument and loved every second of it, especially those gorgeous ocean views.
}})
}})
