Celebrate Cheese, Dolly Parton, and More This Weekend in San Diego
Plus, Stephen King reunion screening with special guests.
Even during the colder months, San Diego’s scores of sparkling beaches, award-winning brewery scene, and practically endless amount of picturesque hikes remind us why we love living here. With tons of fun pursuits ranging from scouring vintage shops to a top notch culinary scene, there are plenty of ways to fill your days. To save you some time, we’ve narrowed down the best festivals, events, and openings, from Oceanside to Julian and everywhere in between. Here’s what you should do in San Diego this weekend.
Where to Eat and Drink in San Diego
Friday, January 19, 4:30–9 pm
Gaslamp Quarter, $19
It’s Dolly Parton’s birthday, so tease up that blond wig, put on your shiniest outfit, and head to the Gaslamp Quarter for the All Dolly-ied Up Pub Crawl. Welcome shots, free covers, and deep discounts on drinks, plus a costume contest with prizes, gifts, and giveaways await you at the Gaslamp Quarter’s hottest bars and clubs. Express check-in begins at 4 pm at Star Bar, followed by stops at Patrick’s Gaslamp Pub, Taste & Thirst,The Field Irish Pub,WestBrew, and Juan Tequila Bar & Restaurant. 21+.
Saturday, January 20
North Park, Prices vary
The iconic LaFayette Hotel & Club continues its transformation with the opening of Lou Lou’s Jungle Room, bringing a New York jazz nightclub atmosphere and live music to the historic clam shell stage, as well as CH Projects’ signature over-the-top decor and elevated craft cocktails. Chef Ted Smith’s menu is inspired by classic supper club cuisine and a classic cocktail program showcasing an Espresso Martini, Caiparita, Negroni, Pain Killer, and more, plus a choice selection of beer and wine. Straddling the line between a restaurant and a live music venue, Lou Lou’s regularly scheduled live entertainment will be open to the public Thursday through Saturday, as well as added dates for acts coming through San Diego and stand-alone shows at The Lafayette.
Saturday, January 20
Various locations, Prices vary
Who doesn’t love biting into a melted grilled cheese sandwich, twirling a Parmesan-covered fork of linguine, or chomping a slice of gooey pizza? RustiCucina, Hillcrest’s distinguished farm-to-neighborhood eatery, invites you to celebrate National Cheese Lovers Day with their signature Cheese Wheel Pasta, a daily pasta special delicately tossed in a 36-month-aged Parmesan cheese wheel. Cheese Wheel specials change daily—think pillowy stuffed asiago gnocchi, buttery broccoli Cacio E Pepe, and innovative blends such as truffle and sausage with bucatini, depending on the chef’s whim.
Sunday, January 21, 10 am–2 pm
Bankers Hill, Prices vary
Books & Records, the Bankers Hill hotspot that opened six months ago in the space formerly occupied by Bankers Hill Bar and Grill, is adding a weekend brunch to their menu, available Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm. Like the dinner offerings, brunch features classic American sips, shareables, and larger plates with the B&R twist; made-to-order drop biscuits, duck chilaquiles, breakfast gnocchi, and Turkish eggs are just a few standout dishes.
Other Fun Things to Do in San Diego
Through April 1
Various locations, Prices vary
We’re in prime gray whale watching months in San Diego as the 40-foot-long gentle giants make the 10,000-mile round-trip journey from their winter feeding grounds in the Bering Sea to their breeding grounds along Baja California and back. They can often be spotted from shore, especially from hiking trails overlooking the Pacific at the Birch Aquarium at Scripps, the Cabrillo National Monument, and Torrey Pines State Reserve. For a closer look, both City Experiences and Flagship Cruises offer tours that guarantee you’ll see whales or you get a free return trip.
Saturday, January 20, 5:30 pm
Oceanside, $30
As a prelude to the Oceanside International Film Festival in February, OIFF and Visit Oceanside are hosting an exclusive reunion screening of Stephen King’s Thinner at The Star Theatre in downtown Oceanside. After the viewing, a live discussion panel with members of the film’s original cast and crew will take place, featuring legendary horror director Tom Holland, stars Robert Burke and Joe Mantegna, and monster makeup artist Vincent J. Guastini. Doors open at 4 pm, and tickets can be purchased online.
Saturday, January 20, 8 pm
Normal Heights, $5
Al Gavi, founder of Comedy Heights, and co-producer Maria Herman host San Diego’s premier free comedy showcase every Saturday night at Lestat’s in Normal Heights. The program features a diverse mix of headliners and new talent in a clean show that’s always standing-room only. This weekend’s headliner is Jay Light, with opening acts from Lisa Rosenberg, Alex Clark, Elie Rickler, and Al Gavi. Your ticket price is reasonable for same-day cafe credit.