Events in San Diego to start the New Year include EPIC Series Obstacle Challenge, Carnaval Fantastique, Monster Jam and more.
1.6: EPIC Series Obstacle Challenge
Combining elements of cross-training, Strongman contests and traditional obstacle courses — though minus the mud and long distances — this challenge offers tiers for novice, intermediate and advanced athletes, along with a separate elite.
Elite Athlete Training Center, Chula Vista, epicseriesocr.com
1.7: San Diego Vintage Flea Market
Shop till you drop while browsing through wares from more than 100 merchants at this free, rain-or-shine market bringing together clothing, furniture and vintage gifts of all shapes and sizes.
The Observatory, North Park, sdvintagefleamarket.com
1.7: San Diego Resolution Run
Work off some of that holiday weight with a scenic 5K, 15K or half-marathon along a flat and scenic waterfront course.
Tecolote Shores, Mission Bay, sandiegoresolutionrun.com
1.7: Carnaval Fantastique
Agility, strength and insane acrobatics converge in this thrilling musical experience that includes comedy, laser effects and Vegas-style dancers.
Sycuan Casino, El Cajon, sycuan.com
1.12-13: Poway Winter Festival
Reminding everyone that the season isn’t over just because the holidays are, this weekend-long winter wonderland gives guests a chance to go sledding, build a snowman, roast marshmallows and skate around a rink.
Poway Community Park, Poway, poway.org
1.13: 7th Annual San Diego Beer Fest
Knock back samples of more than 150 beers from 70 local and international brewers, then soak up those suds with grub from S.D.’s best food trucks during this day of drinking, eating and live music.
Liberty Station, Point Loma, sandiegobeerfest.com
1.13: San Diego Multicultural Festival
Immerse yourself in San Diego’s rich cultural diversity at this free waterfront festival showcasing international art and entertainment from Asian, Afro-Cuban and Native American cultures, among many others.
Ruocco Park, Downtown, sdmulticultural.com
1.13-14: San Diego Travel & Adventure Show
Discover your next vacation destination during two days of travel-centric seminars featuring live cooking demonstrations, international song and dance performances and even camel rides right in the Convention Center.
San Diego Convention Center,downtown, travelshows.com/shows/san-diego
1.14: 38th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade
One of the country’s largest celebrations in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., this parade is filled with drill teams, dazzling floats and high school bands, among other organizations.
Embarcadero, downtown, alpha-zsl.org
1.14: Carlsbad Marathon & Half
This out-and-back coastal course marks the first race in the 2018 Half Marathon Triple Crown Series and features bands, a beer garden and a fitness expo at the finish line festival.
The Shoppes at Carlsbad, Carlsbad, carlsbadmarathon.com
1.20: Monster Jam
Grave Digger, Blue Thunder, El Toro Loco and more famous monster trucks take over a dirt-filled Petco Park in this action-packed auto event.
Petco Park, East Village, monsterjam.com
1.21-1.28: San Diego Restaurant Week
More than 180 restaurants throughout the county showcase special prix fixe menus during this semi-annual celebration of San Diego’s culinary scene.
Countywide, sandiegorestaurantweek.com
1.25-28: Farmers Insurance Open
The world’s best golfers (along with oodles of ogling admirers) return to Torrey Pines as the PGA Tour makes its annual stop in San Diego.
Torrey Pines Golf Course, La Jolla, farmersinsuranceopen.com
1.25-28: San Diego Sunroad Marina Boat Show
Meet marine vendors, soak up knowledge in boating seminars and scope out the latest nautical products and services at this annual event that brings together the biggest brands on the water.
Sunroad Resort Marina, Harbor Island, bigbayboatshow.com
1.26: Taste of Eastlake
Sample Eastlake’s best eats all in one place as South Bay’s signature banquet hall fills with fantastic food, local sips, live entertainment and a silent auction.
The Venue at Eastlake, Chula Vista, eefkids.org
1.27: 22nd Annual Hanohano Huki Ocean Challenge
One of California’s longest-running paddlesport races returns, inviting athletes of all ages and experience levels to paddle their way across Mission Bay.
North Jetty, Mission Bay, hanohano.com
1.27: San Diego 5K Happy Hour Run
It’s less about time and more about tolerance at this unique fun run where every runner scores a free beer, wine or margarita at the finish line.
NTC Park at Liberty Station, Point Loma, 5khappyhourrun.com
1.27-28: San Diego Cat Show
Four hundred and fifty felines of more than 40 breeds compete in beauty and agility categories at the West Coast’s largest cat expo, highlighting pedigree and household kitties from across the U.S.
Del Mar Fairgrounds, Del Mar, sandiegocat.org
1.28-2.3: Dine Out Escondido
Featuring fare from France, Italy, El Salvador and Mexico, 30 of Escondido’s most excellent eateries offer specials such as craft beer burger pairings, farm-to-fork delights and chef-owned culinary experiences.
Throughout Escondido, visitescondido.com
Gulls Home Games
1.5-6 vs San Jose Barracuda
1.10 vs Chicago Wolves
1.13 vs Tucson Roadrunners
1.19-20 vs San Jose Barracuda
Sockers Home Games
1.7 vs Turlock Express
1.12 vs Tacoma Stars
1.21 vs Ontario Fury
Movie releases
1.5: Insidious: The Last Key
1.12: The Commuter, The Post, Paddington 2, Proud Mary
1.19: 12 Strong
1.26: Extinction, White Boy Rick
The Post
Biography | Drama
Directed by Steven Spielberg
Starring Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks and Alison Brie
In theatres Jan. 12
The first woman publisher of a major U.S. newspaper works with her editor to expose a massive government cover-up that leads all the way to the White House.