A brand-new year means brand-new adventures, and San Diego is kicking off 2026 with an incredible lineup of concerts, celebrations, outdoor races, dazzling shows, and family-friendly fun. Whether you're diving into New Year festivities, exploring art and culture, or embracing the outdoors, January is packed with unforgettable ways to start the year strong.

🎶 Music Events in January 2026

Who’s Bad – Michael Jackson Tribute Band
📅 January 2, 2026
📍 The Magnolia
Kick off the year with the world’s longest-running Michael Jackson tribute show! With dazzling lighting, dynamic dancers, and a full live band, Who’s Bad brings the King of Pop’s legendary hits to life. Expect fan favorites like Billie Jean, Smooth Criminal, Black or White, Man in the Mirror, and many more in this high-energy celebration of MJ’s unforgettable music.

The FABBA Show: A Tribute to ABBA
📅 Jan 9, 2026
📍 143 S Cedros, Suite T, Solana Beach
Dance the night away as this beloved tribute brings ABBA’s biggest hits—“Dancing Queen,” “Mamma Mia,” and more—to life with dazzling vocals and nostalgic energy.

Dean Lewis
📅 Jan 10, 2026
📍 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar
Experience the soulful sound of Dean Lewis, the voice behind hit singles like “Waves” and “Be Alright,” in an unforgettable, emotionally charged performance.

Candlelight: Rings & Dragons
📅 January 11, 2026
📍 San Diego Natural History Museum
 Step into a magical evening where Middle-earth meets Westeros. This candlelit performance features the powerful scores of The Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones, showcasing iconic compositions by Howard Shore and Ramin Djawadi. It’s an enchanting, cinematic journey set in a stunning venue—perfect for fantasy lovers.

Cotton
📅 Jan 16, 2026
📍 The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center
A powerful multimedia experience blending photography, poetry, and music, exploring the complex history and artistry surrounding cotton in America.

Top of the World: A Tribute to the Carpenters
📅 Jan 17, 2026
📍 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar
Enjoy a heartfelt tribute to Karen and Richard Carpenter with beautifully arranged renditions of timeless classics like “Close to You” and “We’ve Only Just Begun.”

The Runarounds
📅 January 22, 2026
📍 The Observatory North Park
 See the breakout band from the hit Amazon Prime series live on stage! The Runarounds—portrayed by William Lipton, Axel Ellis, Jesse Golliher, Zende Murdock, and Jeremy Yun—bring the show’s rock anthems to life with an electrifying performance that fans of the series won’t want to miss.

Spamilton
📅 January 25, 2026
📍 Balboa Theater
 A hilarious love letter to Broadway, Spamilton is a clever, high-energy parody of the mega-hit Hamilton. Created by the mastermind behind Forbidden Broadway, this show features witty references to Lin-Manuel Miranda, Stephen Sondheim, and many beloved musicals. A must-see for theater fans looking for a fun night out!

Stayin’ Alive – Bee Gees Tribute
📅 January 30, 2026
📍 The Magnolia
 Get ready for a disco-filled night celebrating the timeless hits of the Bee Gees! This tribute show brings you the iconic sounds of Stayin’ Alive, Night Fever, How Deep Is Your Love, and more. It’s a groovy, nostalgic trip back to the golden era of ’70s dance music.

🏆 Sporting Events in January 2026

Holiday Bowl
📅 Jan 2, 2026
📍 Snapdragon Stadium
Kick off the new year with one of college football’s most exciting postseason games, packed with energy, tradition, and roaring crowds.

San Diego Gulls vs. Coachella Valley Firebirds
📅 Jan 2, 2026
📍 Pechanga Arena
Get ready for heart-pounding hockey action as the Gulls face a fierce division rival on home ice.

Polar Plunge and 6 Mile Beach Ruck
📅 Jan 3, 2026
📍 South Mission Beach
Start the year bold with a chilly ocean plunge followed by a scenic beach ruck, run, or walk—perfect for thrill-seekers and fitness lovers.

San Diego International Auto Show
📅 Jan 1–4, 2026
📍 San Diego Convention Center
Discover the latest models, exotic cars, electric vehicles, and hands-on test drives at this massive annual automotive showcase.

Del Dios Trail Race (The Race of the Gods)
📅 Jan 4, 2026
📍 Lake Hodges Boat Ramp
Challenge yourself with a rugged 10K, 15K, or Half Marathon through the beautiful hills and trails surrounding Lake Hodges.

San Diego 50 and Trail Runs
📅 Jan 10, 2026
📍 San Pasqual Valley
Choose your distance and enjoy sweeping valley views in this scenic run perfect for seasoned trail enthusiasts and casual runners alike.

San Diego Resolution Run 5K, 10K, Half Marathon
📅 Jan 10, 2026
📍 Tecolote Shores
Start the year strong with a motivating waterfront run through Mission Bay, designed for all fitness levels.

Monster Energy Supercross
📅 Jan 17, 2026
📍 Snapdragon Stadium
Watch the world’s top riders battle it out on a thrilling dirt track filled with jumps, sharp turns, and extreme indoor racing action.

San Diego Rodeo
📅 Jan 16–18, 2026
📍 Petco Park
Enjoy three action-packed days of bull riding, barrel racing, roping competitions, and family-friendly Western entertainment.

🍽️ Food & Family Events in January 2026

New Year’s Eve Cruises on San Diego Bay
📅 Dec 31, 2025 – Jan 1, 2026
📍 Flagship Cruises & Events
Ring in 2026 aboard a luxury yacht! Choose between a high-energy DJ party cruise or an elegant moonlit celebration with premium cocktails and stunning skyline views.

San Diego New Year’s Eve Bar Crawl
📅 Dec 31, 2025 – Jan 1, 2026
📍 1845 India Street, San Diego
Celebrate the countdown in style with access to four top nightlife venues, electrifying music, themed cocktails, and a vibrant party atmosphere that lasts well into 2026.

Holiday Bowl Parade
📅 Jan 2, 2026
📍 Bayside Area
Marvel at giant balloons, marching bands, and vibrant floats in America’s largest balloon parade—a favorite for locals and visitors alike.

San Diego Oddities & Curiosities Expo
📅 Jan 10–11, 2026
📍 Del Mar Fairgrounds
Explore taxidermy, rare collectibles, unusual art, sideshow performances, and more at this one-of-a-kind event for lovers of the strange and extraordinary.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade
📅 Jan 18, 2026
📍 Harbor Drive
Celebrate the legacy of Dr. King with an inspiring parade featuring bands, floats, community organizations, and cultural performances.

Disney On Ice: Let’s Dance!
📅 Jan 22–25, 2026
📍 Pechanga Arena
Bring the family for an unforgettable performance where beloved Disney characters skate, dance, and sing in a magical ice show.

San Diego Restaurant Week
📅 Jan 25 – Feb 1, 2026
📍 Various Locations
Taste your way through San Diego with exclusive prix-fixe menus from hundreds of the city's top restaurants.

San Diego International Jewish Film Festival
📅 Jan 24 – Feb 4, 2026
📍 David & Dorothea Garfield Theatre
Experience powerful, moving, and thought-provoking films celebrating Jewish culture, identity, and storytelling.

January in San Diego is bursting with energy, from thrilling sports matchups and world-class performances to delicious foodie adventures and family-friendly celebrations. Whether you're stepping into the year with new goals or simply enjoying the city’s vibrant winter season, San Diego offers unforgettable experiences to start 2026 on a high note.