San Diego’s top weekend events: Dec. 30 to Jan. 2
Here are top events happening in San Diego from Thursday, Dec. 30 through Sunday, Jan. 2.
Please check websites for latest health protocols and/or cancellations.
Thursday, Dec. 30
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas Show
After taking 2020 off, Mannheim Steamroller returns to San Diego with its 36th anniversary Christmas tour, presented by Broadway San Diego. Check out this nontraditional genre of rock-infused classical music, which will be a compilation of Christmas classics. 7:30 p.m. Thursday. San Diego Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave., downtown. $35.50 and up; broadwaysd.com.
Thee Sacred Souls
San Diego soul band and Daptone Records-signed Thee Sacred Souls continue its three-night New Year’s residency at The Casbah. Thursday night features opener DJ Moniloca and on New Year’s Eve, opening acts are Choosey and DJ Monster Mike. 9:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday. Casbah, 2501 Kettner Blvd., Midtown. Sold out (look for resale tickets here); casbahmusic.com.
READ MORE: The holy rise of Thee Sacred Souls
Final weekend of Botanic Wonderland
It’s your last chance to see The Botanic Wonderland, where San Diego Botanic Garden turns its lush grounds into a twinkling holiday wonderland. The family-friendly event features activities like the mile-long, lighted path that takes guests through the Garden’s waterfall, gazebo lawn, children’s garden and other areas, hands-on kids’ activities, including live carolers and various food and drink vendors. 5:30 to 9 p.m. through Dec. 30. The San Diego Botanic Garden, 300 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas. $10 to $22; free for children under age two. Advanced tickets required at sdbgarden.org/botanic-wonderland.htm.
OMFG! NYE 2022
Get ready for two back-to-back nights of DJ sets at this 18-and-up music event at Pechanga Arena presented by LED. The lineup, which is the same on both days, features Black Tiger Sex Machine, Cash Cash, Dabin, Dillon Francis, Ekali, Hex Cougar, JVNA, Madeon (DJ Set), Malaa, Midnight Kids, Noizu, Said the Sky, Seven Lions and Zeds Dead. 9 p.m. Thursday and Friday. Pechanga Arena, 3500 Sports Arena Blvd. Sold out; pechangaarenasd.com
The Havnauts
San Diego’s pink punk band The Havnauts performs a 21-and-up show, featuring openers Gone Pontos and The Fazes. 7:30 p.m. Thursday. Soda Bar, 3615 El Cajon Blvd., Normal Heights. $12.55; sodabarmusic.com
READ MORE: Meet San Diego’s ‘pink punk’ band: The Havnauts
Brad Williams at American Comedy Co.
Comedian Brad Williams is set to ring in the New Year in America’s Finest City. You know him from shows like “Legit” and “Deadbeat,” in addition to his comedy specials like “Brad Williams: Fun Size” and “Brad Williams: Daddy Issues.” Catch him during one of three nights in San Diego, including New Year’s Eve. New Year’s Eve performances will include an East Coast countdown and West Coast countdown, plus party favors and a champagne toast. 8 p.m. Thursday, 7 and 10 p.m. Friday and 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Saturday . American Comedy Co., 818 Sixth Ave., Gaslamp. $25 for Thursday and Saturday shows; $50 for Friday show. americancomedyco.com
Friday, Dec. 31
Big Night San Diego
Ring in the new year at Big Night San Diego, the larger-than-life NYE celebration. More than a dozen DJs and live bands will perform at the venue, which offers eight dance floors and 10 party areas. All drinks, including a midnight champagne toast, are included in ticket price. 9 p.m. Friday. Hilton San Diego Bayfront, 1 Park Boulevard, downtown. Tickets are $109.99 at print time, but may increase; bignightsandiego.com
The Motet
The Motet has been serving up its own brand of dance music since 1998. The group — which has produced nine albums — describes itself as having “traversed the lines between funk, soul, jazz and rock.” 9:30 p.m. (doors open at 8 p.m.) Friday. Music Box, 1337 India St., San Diego. $45 (21 and up only). musicboxsd.com
Tribal Seeds
Ready for some reggae? San Diego reggae rock band Tribal Seeds will perform three concerts at Belly Up on New Year’s Eve weekend. Opening acts for the 21-and-up shows are Eli-Mac (Friday), Kyle Smith (Saturday), and Ginger Roots and The Protectors (Sunday). 9:30 p.m. Friday; 9 p.m. Saturday; and 8 p.m. Sunday. Belly Up Tavern, 143 South Cedros Ave., Solana Beach. Tickets are $95 for Friday and $55 for Saturday or Sunday. bellyup.com
‘Lost in Paris’ at The Lafayette
Slip into 1920s Parisian fashion and assume a persona from The Lost Generation at The Lafayette Hotel’s party, fittingly titled “Lost in Paris.” Tickets include light appetizers, party favors and a midnight champagne toast, accompanied with entertainment from a live band and DJ. 9 p.m. Friday. The Lafayette Hotel, 2223 El Cajon Blvd., North Park. $100lafayettehotelsd.com.
READ MORE: Where to celebrate New Year’s Eve in San Diego
Saturday, Jan. 1
FNGRS CRSSD: Opening Day
Start 2022 off with a day full of DJs and electronic music. FNGRS CRSSD, the same production company behind CRSSD and DAYS.MVS, presents a similar event called Opening Day. The eight-hour festival will be at Petco Park and will featureKaskade Redux, ARTBAT, Cristoph, Eli & Fur, Franky Wah, Lauren Mia and Rivka M. Must be age 21 and up to attend. Masks are required in indoor spaces. 2 to 11 p.m. Saturday. Petco Park, 100 Park Blvd., East Village. Tickets are $85; crssd.com.
New Year, New Laughs
Celebrate the start of 2022 at the Laugh Factory San Diego, which will host an 18-and-up comedy show featuring performers Jerry Garcia, Rene Vaca, Chinedu Unaka, Dante Chang, Kelly Catey and Matt Barker. 9 p.m. Saturday. Laugh Factory, 432 F St., Gaslamp. $20; laughfactory.com/clubs/san-diego
Sunday, Jan. 2
Mission Trails Regional Park presents Nature’s Abundance
After almost two years, the Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation brings back group art shows to the visitor’s center, starting with Nature’s Abundance. The exhibition highlights five local award-winning artists: Ray Khalife, Wendy Kwasny, Ken Roberts, Amy Schindler and Tara Sood. There will be an opening reception with the artists from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday and the work will be on display through Feb. 11. Mission Trails Regional Park Visitor and Interpretive Center is located at One Father Junipero Serra Trail. Exhibition hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Admission is free; mtrp.org.
San Diego Sockers
The San Diego Sockers play a home game against Ontario Fury. 5:05 p.m. Sunday. Pechanga Arena, 3500 Sports Arena Blvd. Tickets are $25-$40; pechangaarenasd.com/events.
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