San Diego County, January 23, 2026
San Diego County is brimming with exciting community events this January, perfect for families and visitors alike. From vibrant cultural festivities at SeaWorld’s Mardi Gras to a showcase of Jewish films and culinary delights during Restaurant Week, there’s something for everyone. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy golf tournaments, while art lovers can delve into unique exhibitions. These events highlight the region’s diversity and creativity, encouraging community engagement and celebrations throughout the month.
Exciting San Diego County Community Events to Embrace This January
Discover Cultural Celebrations and Family Fun
San Diego County is alive with activity as it invites residents and visitors to immerse themselves in a diverse range of community events from January 23 to January 25, 2026. From cultural celebrations to outdoor festivities, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
SeaWorld Mardi Gras
Dates: January 24 – February 22, 2026
Location: SeaWorld San Diego
Description: Celebrate Mardi Gras with a New Orleans-style carnival featuring live music, extravagant costumes, and Mardi Gras-infused Creole and Cajun cuisine. This event runs throughout the month, promising festive fun for attendees of all ages.
San Diego Jewish Film Festival
Dates: January 24 – February 4, 2026
Location: Various venues across San Diego
Description: This annual film festival showcases a selection of contemporary Jewish-related films across multiple genres, aiming to educate and illuminate the diverse Jewish experience through evocative narratives and documentaries.
Farmers Insurance Open
Dates: January 29 – February 1, 2026
Location: Torrey Pines Golf Course, San Diego
Description: The prestigious golf tournament returns to Torrey Pines, featuring top professional golfers competing on the North and South Courses. This event attracts golf enthusiasts and showcases the beauty of San Diego’s picturesque landscape.
San Diego Restaurant Week
Dates: January 25 – February 1, 2026
Location: Various restaurants across San Diego County
Description: A week-long culinary event where dozens of restaurants from Oceanside to Chula Vista offer special menus that highlight global flavors, family-run favorites, and innovations from local chefs. A perfect opportunity to explore the region’s vibrant food scene.
San Diego Cat Show
Dates: January 24 – 25, 2026
Location: Del Mar Fairgrounds Exhibit Hall
Description: The Del Mar Fairgrounds transforms into a feline runway as pedigreed breeds and household cats compete in a captivating weekend of judging and pageantry, appealing to cat lovers across the region.
San Diego Oddities and Curiosities Expo
Dates: January 10 – 11, 2026
Location: Del Mar Fairgrounds, 1 Showground Road, Del Mar, CA
Description: For those intrigued by the unusual, this unique traveling event features a diverse range of vendors showcasing everything from taxidermy to quirky antiques. A must-see for oddity enthusiasts!
San Diego Rodeo
Dates: January 16 – 18, 2026
Location: Petco Park, 100 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101
Description: A thrilling three-day event filled with action-packed family fun, showcasing the world’s top rodeo athletes. This event, presented in partnership with local organizations, brings authentic rodeo excitement to downtown San Diego.
Martin Luther King Jr. Parade and Festival
Date: January 18, 2026
Location: Harbor Drive South, San Diego, CA
Description: One of the largest celebrations in the USA, featuring vibrant floats, high school bands, and numerous organizations, along with a 5K Walk/Fun Run and festival to honor Dr. King’s legacy.
Carlsbad Marathon and Half Marathon
Date: January 18, 2026
Location: Carlsbad Village and along the oceanfront Pacific Coast Highway
Description: Runners can look forward to beautiful coastal views as they participate in either the full marathon or half marathon, making this a popular event for athletes of all levels.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Festival
Date: January 19, 2026
Location: WorldBeat Cultural Center, Balboa Park, San Diego, CA
Description: Celebrate the life and work of Dr. King with a family festival featuring live music, dancing, and cultural arts, promoting unity and community spirit in a festive environment.
Kids Marathon Mile at LEGOLAND California
Date: January 17, 2026
Location: LEGOLAND California, Carlsbad, CA
Description: This delightful 1-mile fun run for kids offers an exciting opportunity for children of all abilities to participate in a fun event before LEGOLAND opens to the public.
SeaWorld Inside Look
Dates: January 10 – 19, 2026
Location: SeaWorld San Diego
Description: A behind-the-scenes event that reveals the hard work and dedication that goes into maintaining a premier zoological institution, offering educational insights for all ages.
Borrego Springs Film Festival
Dates: January 14 – 18, 2026
Location: Borrego Springs, CA
Description: Featuring a variety of categories, from narrative to documentary shorts, this Southern California juried film festival highlights the creative talents of independent filmmakers.
Engaging the Community
These events reflect a commitment to fostering a vibrant community through cultural exchange, civic engagement, and personal initiative. The continued support and effort from local organizers showcase resilience and creativity, encouraging residents to come together in celebration.
Conclusion
San Diego County is rich with opportunities for entertainment, education, and community engagement this January. Whether you’re attending a family-friendly festival, indulging in culinary delights, or enjoying the arts, these events are a testament to the spirit of San Diego. Support local initiatives, get involved with your community, and enjoy everything this beautiful region has to offer!
Frequently Asked Questions
What events are taking place in San Diego County from January 23 to January 25, 2026?
Events include SeaWorld Mardi Gras, the San Diego Jewish Film Festival, Farmers Insurance Open, San Diego Restaurant Week, and the San Diego Cat Show.
When does the Farmers Insurance Open occur?
The Farmers Insurance Open takes place from January 29 to February 1, 2026, at Torrey Pines Golf Course.
What is San Diego Restaurant Week?
San Diego Restaurant Week is a week-long event from January 25 to February 1, 2026, where various restaurants offer special menus featuring global flavors, family favorites, and chef-driven innovations.
Where is the San Diego Cat Show held?
The San Diego Cat Show will be taking place at the Del Mar Fairgrounds Exhibit Hall on January 24 and 25, 2026.
What kind of activities can families participate in during the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Festival?
The Martin Luther King Jr. Day Festival will feature live music, dancing, and a cultural arts and crafts vendors marketplace at the WorldBeat Cultural Center on January 19, 2026.
| Event | Date | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| SeaWorld Mardi Gras | January 24 – February 22, 2026 | SeaWorld San Diego | New Orleans-style carnival with live music and cuisine. |
| San Diego Jewish Film Festival | January 24 – February 4, 2026 | Various venues | Showcase of contemporary Jewish-related films. |
| Farmers Insurance Open | January 29 – February 1, 2026 | Torrey Pines Golf Course | Prestigious golf tournament featuring top golfers. |
| San Diego Restaurant Week | January 25 – February 1, 2026 | Various restaurants | Special menus from restaurants showcasing culinary talent. |
| San Diego Cat Show | January 24 – 25, 2026 | Del Mar Fairgrounds | Feline competition with various breeds and household cats. |
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Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
