SAN DIEGO EVENTS CALENDAR (updated Jan 5, 2009)

*Please call to confirm times, dates-- they are subject to change without notice. 

JAN 1
Polar Bear Swim:  La Jolla Shores  10:00 am.  Info www.lajollacoveswimclub.org

JAN 1 – MAR 31
WHALE WATCHING WITH BIRCH AQUARIUM NATURALISTS:  Join naturalists from the Birch Aquarium at Scripps for a three-and-a-half hour narrated cruise that includes gray whale artifacts, specimens and a take-home information packet on the gray whale.   Departures: 9:45am & 1:30pm. Whale sightings guaranteed on all cruises or whale watchers cruise again for free.  $30 Mon-Fri, $35 Sat-Sun, children (4-12 yrs.) $15.  800-442-7847 or www.sdhe.com

JAN 1 - 4
Walking With Dinosaurs: Live at the San Diego Sports Arena. Info 619-224-4171 or www.sandiegoarena.com

JAN 8 - 11
San Diego Boat Show: 20+  years in San Diego, the Boat Show returns to San Diego Convention Center and Marriott Marina in January. It is the most complete and largest in-water and convention show in Southern California that has something for the entire family. With over 300 boats and yachts, free boating and sailing lessons, an interactive kid’s area sponsored by the Port of San Diego and live music this is the one show boating enthusiast shouldn’t miss. See that lovable water skiing squirrel, Twiggy. The Annual San Diego Boat show is a treat for both locals and visitors alike. Admission: $10/adult; $5/ages 12 to 16; Free/under 12. Info 858-274-9924 or www.sandiegoboatshow.com

JAN 9 - 11
Annie: Broadway San Diego brings you Annie, on stage at the San Diego Civic Theatre at 3rd and B Street in Downtown San Diego. Info 619-231-8995 or www.broadwaysd.com

JAN 10 – FEB 8
Doubt: San Diego Repertory Theatre brings you Doubt, a Parable on stage at The Lyceum Theatre Complex at Horton Plaza in downtown San Diego. Info 619-544-1000 or www.sandiegorep.com

JAN 10 – FEB 15
Six Degrees of Separation:  Performed on stage at the Old Globe complex in Balboa Park. Info 619-239-2255 or www.oldglobe.org

JAN 11 – 16
San Diego Restaurant Week: Tantalize your palate with six nights of incredible dining experiences at San Diego County's finest restaurants during San Diego Restaurant Week. Participating restaurants are offering a 3-course (3 options per course), prix fixe menu for only $30 per person (plus tax, beverages and gratuity). There are no passes to buy, coupons to carry or cards to punch. You simply select the restaurant of your choice during San Diego Restaurant Week and select from a special 3-course dinner menu, for $30 per person. *Price varies by restaurant.  Info www.sandiegorestaurantweek.com

JAN 11
Smothers Brothers:   With their singular blend of comedic and musical talents, the irrepressible brothers have made a sweeping impact on generations of fans. Such lasting power is a testimonial to their intuitive humor, natural warmth, superlative showmanship and the pure unadulterated joy they bring to audiences of all ages. As they mark 50 years in show business, the Smothers Brothers are being saluted as time-honored legends. Tickets: $40-$55 for adults; $37-$52 for seniors. 2pm and 7pm.  CA Center for the Arts. Purchase tickets by calling (800) 988-4253 or www.artcenter.org

JAN 11
La Jolla Motor Classic:  Enjoy a day of fine cars and great views with a display of over 140 classic cars. This FREE event will allow visitors to take in the sights and sounds of breathtaking La Jolla, while getting up close and personal with some of the worlds most spectacular vintage automobiles. Visitors will also enjoy live entertainment to complement the theme of the day.  La Jolla Cove, from 9am-3pm. For more information, please call 619-233-5008 or www.lajollabythesea.com

JAN 14 & 17
Winter Wonderland Festival: This seasonal Farmer's Market event offers special foods, decor, products and fun for the whole family, while celebrating the Winter Season. Held at the heart of Carlsbad Village on Roosevelt between Grand and Carlsbad Village Drive. For more information, call 760-434-2553 or www.shopcarlsbadvillage.org

JAN 14
Point Loma Garden Club Monthly Meeting with Noel Tribbey, AIFD:  We are fortunate to have Noel for a return engagement.  He is an Academy Award designer and is in demand for his stunning floral décor work at large resorts from Las Vegas to Maui. 10A.M. Portuguese Hall, 2818 Avenida de Portugal, San Diego.  Info www.plgc.org

JAN 15 - 22
Love Song: Funny, enchanting and wonderfully touching, John Kolvenbach’s offbeat comedy is a rhapsody to the power of love in all its forms. $22 - $34.  On stage at the Rolando/College Theatre located at 6663 El Cajon Blvd in San Diego. Info 619-337-1525 or www.cygnettheatre.com 

JAN 15 – FEB 8
American Buffalo:  Three crooks in a junk shop plot to steal a coin collection in this award-winning drama by acclaimed American playwright David Mamet.  Compass Theatre, 3704 6th Avenue, San Diego.  Info 619-688-9210 or www.compasstheatre.com

 

JAN 15 - 29
Plays by Young Writers:  Playwrights Project's annual festival of winning scripts from the California Young Playwrights Contest. Selected from 350 contest submissions, four scripts will be presented as full productions and three as readings at the Old Town Theatre.  Opening Night (Jan. 17) includes post performance reception w/playwrights $50; General admission $20; Seniors/students/military $15.  4040 Twiggs Street, San Diego.  Info 619-239-8222 or www.playwrightsproject.org

JAN 16 - 18
Del Mar Antique Show:  Del Mar Fairgrounds - Takes place Friday and Saturday, 11am-8pm and Sunday, 11-5pm. General admission is $8; under 17 is free with paid adult. Located at the O'Brien and Bing Crosby Halls.  Info www.calendarshows.com

JAN 16 - 17
13th Annual Spotlight Series-Mainly Mozart:  David Shifrin, clarinet; Pei-Yao Wang, piano. Takes place at The Neurosciences Institute beginning at 8 pm. For more information, call 619-239-0100 or www.mainlymozart.org

JAN 16 - 31
The Shadow Box:  In this Pulitzer Prize- and Tony Award-winning play, three families face the impending loss of a loved one in a manner that spans the human condition: touching, tearful, courageous, hopeful and at times surprisingly hilarious. The Shadow Box is not about dying but about embracing life, its finality and the meaning of close friends and family. Rated PG-13 (Mature Concept).  10755-F Scripps Poway Pkwy, San Diego.  Info 858-578-7728 or www.scrippsranchtheatre.org

JAN 17
11th Annual San Diego Multicultural Festival:  The 11th annual free San Diego Multicultural Festival celebrates cultures from around the world through performances including storytelling, music and activities and a variety of food, merchant, informational and educational booths ranging from local to international organizations. In addition, students from four local schools will build Global Villages which showcase customs and ways of life from around the world. This family-friendly free event will take place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 17 along the Martin Luther King Jr, Promenade (between Fourth Ave. to Market St. on Harbor Dr.). For more information about the festival please visit www.ccdc.com

JAN 17 – FEB 8
The Dresser: North Coast Repertory Theatre presents The Dresser at the intimate 194-seat theater. 987-D Lomas Santa Fe Drive in Solana Beach. Info 858-481-1055 or www.northcoastrep.org

JAN 17
BRIDAL BAZAAR:  Thousands of wedding ideas, fashions and services all in one place, all in one day.  San Diego Convention Center, Halls G&H, 111 West Harbor Drive, San Diego.  11:00am-6:00pm.  Info 619-525-5000 or www.bridalbazaar.com

JAN 18
13th Annual Spotlight Series-Mainly Mozart:  Takes place at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe. Pre-concert reception at 5:30, concert at 6:30, optional post-concert dinner 7:30. For more information, call 619-239-0100 or www.mainlymozart.org

JAN 18 – FEB 11
A Bad Night in a Men's Room off Sunset Blvd:  Part of the Compass Theatre QPlays Series. Compass Theatre, 3704 6th Avenue, San Diego.  Info 619-688-9210 or www.compasstheatre.com

JAN 24
Venice Baroque Orchestra:  Led by Baroque scholar and harpsichordist Andrea Marcon.  Venice Baroque Orchestra is recognized as one of Europe's premier ensembles devoted to period instrument performance.  $75, $55, $25.  Qualcomm Hall, 5775 Morehouse Drive, San Diego.  Info 858-459-3728 or www.la-jolla-music-society.com

JAN 24, 27, 30, FEB 1, 4
Tosca:  San Diego Opera brings you Tosca.  This stunning operatic thriller entangles a passionate diva, a revolutionary artist and a corrupt police chief in a love triangle of passion and politics, playing out through exquisite music in the seductive, dangerous “Eternal City” of Rome. Cost: $29 - $170 ($200 top price opening night)  On stage at the Civic Theatre in downtown San Diego. 619-533-7000 or www.sdopera.com

JAN 24 – MAR 8
Since Africa: The Old Globe presents Since Africa, on stage at the Old Globe complex in Balboa Park. Info 619-239-2255 or www.oldglobe.org

JAN 24
Winter Showcase Concert:  Featuring popular classical works performed by the Concert Winds, Concert Orchestra, Wind Symphony, and Sinfonia.  $5-$35.  California Center for the Arts, 340 North Escondido Boulevard, Escondido.  Info 619-233-3232 x1 or  www.sdys.org

JAN 24
Chinese New Year Fair:  January 26 marks the start of the year 4707 in the lunar calendar, the Year of the Ox in the Chinese zodiac. San Diego will celebrate this most important Chinese holiday outside the San Diego Chinese Historical Museum, in the heart of historic Chinatown. The festivities will include traditional lion and dragon dancing, firecrackers, award-winning Chinese acrobats, Asian cuisine, storytelling, martial arts performances, live music, and a parade of fabulous lanterns built by children. Come enjoy enriching cultural fun for the whole family!  Free.  404 Third Avenue, San Diego.   Info 619-338-9888 or www.sdchm.org

JAN 25
CLASSICS 4 KIDS: Picture Perfect Family Concert:  A picture can tell a thousand words...but did you know that a picture can also tell a thousand musical notes? The CLASSICS PHILHARMONIC is joined by members of the San Diego Pantomime Theatre to perform an original portrayal of the story & pictures of Mussorgsky's famous "Pictures at an Exhibition". Focusing on arts & music, this concert is sure to stir young artists' imaginations.  Immediately following the concert, young audience members can meet musicians from the Orchestra during KID'S CHAT!  EVENT TIME: 2:00pm. $12.00 - $21.50 RUN TIME: 1 hour (no intermission Balboa Theatre - 868 Fourth Ave @ E St.  Info www.sandiegotheatres.org

JAN 25
Winter Pops Special Concert:  National Acrobats of China. Acrobatics are simply synonymous with China, and you'll be dazzled by the nation's best. The grace, the glamour, the spectacle, the music- they're all here at the Symphony Hall for one afternoon only.  *The San Diego Symphony does not perform at this special performance. $20 - $85. 2pm. 750 B Street, San Diego.   Info 619-235-0804 or  www.sandiegosymphony.org

JAN 25
Cabaret Dances: Sexy, Smart Sundays at 5. Jean Isaacs and her company of ten dancers continue to make the viewing of dance a new adventure by programming their annual Cabaret Dances 2009 in this exciting new venue.  $15-$35.  Anthology, 1337 India Street, San Diego.  Info 619-225-1803 or  www.sandiegodancetheater.org  

JAN 30 – MAR 8
The Wizard of Oz:  Coronado Playhouse presents The Wizard of Oz, on stage at 1335 First Street at the Coronado Ferry Landing. Info 619-435-4856 or www.coronadoplayhouse.com

JAN 31

Pilobolus: Named after a sun-loving fungus that grows in barnyards and pastures, though beginning with humble roots Pilobolus is now its 38th Season, with over 100 choreographed works in its repertoire. Whimsical and innovative, Pilobolus brings its intricate choreography and astounding explorations of body mechanics to the North Park Theatre.  $65, $50, $25.  Birch North Park Theatre, 2891 University Ave, San Diego.  Info 858-459-3728 or www.la-jolla-music-society.com

FIN