Wonderment abounds as San Diego County eases into 2026. From snowy play havens to high-flying monster trucks to the Oddities and Curiosities Expo, there’s plenty of “wow” this weekend.
Feel real snow between your fingers at Poway Community Park’s Winter Festival Friday 5-9 p.m. and Saturday 3:30-8:30 p.m. Build snowmen, sled down a snow hill, roast marshmallows, skate on a synthetic rink, snap pics in a free photo booth and explore a magical light walk. Admission and most activities are free, including skating, sledding, crafts and snow play, while food vendors, face painting and pony rides cost extra. A beloved sensory-friendly hour for the special needs community is Saturday from 2:30-3:30 p.m., with wristbands provided at check-in for early access.
Theater-goers can catch Of Mice and Men at Lamplighters in La Mesa opening Friday and running through Feb. 1. The stage adaptation brings John Steinbeck’s classic to life, exploring the enduring friendship of George and Lennie during the hardships of the Great Depression. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m., with select Saturday matinees. Tickets range from $25-$30; students, seniors and military receive a discounted rate. Advisory: adult situations and language.
If your taste runs a little eclectic, the Oddities and Curiosities Expo is back at the Del Mar Fairgrounds Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event brings together artists and vendors from across the country selling everything from taxidermy and preserved specimens to horror-inspired art, jewelry, bones, antiques and funeral collectibles. Organizers say all items are legal to own and sustainably sourced. For those who want to get hands-on, the expo offers paid classes ranging from raccoon taxidermy to scorpion habitat entomology. Admission is $15 in advance or $20 at the door.
Get the heart pumping and set the tone for the year at the San Diego Resolution Run Saturday at 7 a.m. The race starts at Tecolote Shores in Mission Bay Park and offers 5K, 10K and half marathon courses with scenic water views, plus a wellness village featuring healthy food and partner products. All finishers get a t-shirt, custom medal and chip-timed results. Registration ranges from $59.99 – $115.99.
Start 2026 sustainably with the first of three free workshops from the Solana Center for Environmental Innovation. This weekend’s event takes place at the Water Conservation Garden in El Cajon Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon. Learn how to protect your property – and local waterways – from stormwater runoff through smart compost strategies, plus landscaping practices that improve soil health. Attendees also receive a free copy of the San Diego Sustainable Landscape Guidelines. Other January workshops include “Backyard Composting Basics” Jan. 17 in Borrego Springs and “In-Ground Composting with Worms” Jan. 31 in Ramona.
The 15th annual San Diego Brew Festival brings a four-hour toast to all things craft at NTC Park in Liberty Station Saturday. More than 70 breweries will pour 200 beers, joined by 10 regional food trucks, cover bands, lawn games and plenty of room to roam. The fest runs from noon to 4 p.m. General admission is $50 and gets you unlimited tastings from 1-4 p.m., plus live music and food. Want a head start? Early admission is $65 and opens at noon, with an extra hour to sample specialty beers before the crowds roll in.
High-octane Monster Jam takes over Snapdragon Stadium in Mission Valley with oversized trucks, big air and family-friendly mayhem Saturday at 5 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. World-class drivers will race, jump and flip 12,000-pound machines in a fast-paced showdown. The San Diego stop includes first-time SoCal appearances by three new trucks: Sparkle Smash, a glittery unicorn fan favorite; Tech Deck Wreck Deck, inspired by skateboarding tricks and rails; and Bailey Circuit, a playful, pup-inspired ride. Miss it this weekend? The action returns Jan. 24-25. Tickets start around $40.
San Diego art lovers can catch a little LA energy without leaving downtown as Sparks Gallery hosts A Tale of Two Cities, a gallery swap with Santa Monica’s bG Gallery. The two spaces share the same coastline, but reflect the distinct rhythms, energy and audiences of their cities. On view through Feb. 7, the exhibition brings works by bG artists into Sparks Gaslamp space, celebrating the dialogue, play and shared imagination that emerge when two art worlds meet. A free opening reception is set for Jan. 25 from 5-8 p.m. at Sparks Gallery. RSVP here.
Sports fans have games to cheer for this weekend across San Diego County:
- The San Diego Seals are looking to flip the script after a 0-2 start at home and get their season rolling Friday night at Pechanga Arena in the Midway District. San Diego hosts the Toronto Rock at 7:30 p.m. for “Retro Night” with a handful of limited-edition retro jerseys available. Tickets start at $22.
- You can also make it a hoops weekend as the San Diego Clippers host the Iowa Wolves for back-to-back G League games at Frontwave Arena in Oceanside. Tipoff is 7:30 p.m. Friday and 7:00 p.m. Saturday, offering two chances to catch fast-paced pro basketball and rising talent up close. Tickets start around $40-$50.
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