Happy New Year!! 
San Diego has been ranked as the 3rd best place to celebrate New Year’s Eve in the US, behind New York City and Orlando, with Las Vegas at #4. There are a lot of ideas on how to spend New Year’s Eve below. Ice rinks are still open in Temecula, Liberty Station, Viejas and at the Hotel Del Coronado through early to mid-January. The Botanic Garden Lightscape is still open through January 5. The San Diego International Auto Show is Dec. 28-Jan. 1 at the Convention Center, and there will be a big Brewfest in Liberty Station.
Many more events listed here at these links as well as below:
https://www.san-diego-beaches-and-adventures.com/san-diego-events-january.html
https://www.sandiego.org/campaigns/winter-holiday-in-san-diego.aspx
https://www.sandiegoville.com/2024/11/san-diegos-ultimate-guide-to-more-than.html
https://www.eventbrite.com/d/ca–san-diego/new-years-eve-parties/
https://www.sandiego.org/campaigns/winter-holiday-in-san-diego/new-years-eve.aspx
Bill Magee:
Jan. 4, Biscuits and Blues, San Francisco
Jan. 18, Django Reinhardt Birthday Show featuring Pino Noir & Friends and the Garner Trio, Sunshine Brooks Theatre, Oceanside 7pm $30+
Feb. 5, Something Wonderful, Stevie Wonder songs by The Kogee Soul Reprise, Center for the Arts, Escondido, 7pm free
Feb. 7, Gunhild Carlin w/ Sir Robert Parker, Bornemann Theatre, San Marcos 7pm $35+
Feb. 28, Vanessa Collier w/ Henri Herbert, Center for the Arts, Escondido, 7pm $32+
Ron Ebel:
Gone Blonde:
Jan. 24, Surf Club, Oceanside 6pm
Custard Pie:
Jan. 11, Encinitas Elks Lodge, 5pm
Jan. 18, Aquarius Bar & Grille, San Diego 6pm
Jan. 24, Encinitas Elks Lodge, 7pm
Feb. 1, Larry’s Beach Club, Oceanside 8:30pm
Feb. 8, Encinitas Elks Lodge, 5pm
Feb. 14, Oceanside Moose Lodge 8pm
Feb. 22, Mr. Peabody’s Bar & Grill, Encinitas 8pm
Cool Rush Band:
Jan. 4, Coyote Bar & Grill, Carlsbad 6pm
Jan. 25, Galley at the Marina, Chula Vista 6pm
Feb. 8, Galley at the Marina, Chula Vista 6pm
Feb. 14, Ringers, Bonsall 8pm
Lifetime Rocker:
Dec. 5, Live Band Karaoke, Old Town Blues Club, Temecula 7:30pm
Dec. 20, Canyon Lake Country Club 6pm
Dec. 21, Lorimar Winery, Temecula 6pm
Jan. 3, Canyon Lake Country Club 6pm
Jan. 19, Bel Vino Winery, Temecula 12pm
Anthony Cullins:
Daring Greatly:
Jan. 17, Spot 805, Brawley 9pm
Jan. 19, Lighthouse Lounge, Lake Havasu City, AZ 3pm
Jan. 24, NAMM Show, Anaheim 12pm, Yamaha Grand Plaza Stage
Jan. 31, Music Box w/ Saint Cecilia, San Diego 7pm
https://www.daring-greatly.com/
Danny Gali:
Tony Suraci:
www.tonysuracimusic.com and www.thehighwaymanshow.com
Pretending Chrissie:
Jan. 3, The Landings, Carlsbad 6pm
Feb. 22, Bornemann Theatre, San Marcos 7pm
Feb. 28, The Landings, Carlsbad 6pm
http://pretendingchrissie.com/
Raynaldo Martine:
Bonsall:
Harlow’s Lounge has live music scheduled semi-regularly, check their website for the current updates. Open Thursday-Saturdays 4-10pm
Fallbrook:
Feb. 2, Killer Dueling Pianos, Pala Mesa Resort 3pm, fundraiser for A Foundation for Senior Care
https://www.fallbrookchamberofcommerce.org/
Warrior Avenues:
The donation drive for basic hygiene items for our military personnel is ongoing. More details are on the website. Other resources are available in support of active military, spouses and veterans. Items can be dropped off at the Fallbrook Chamber of Commerce or email courtney@warrioravenues.org to coordinate a drop off or pick up of donations.
Fallbrook Community Drum Circle:
Jan. 26, at Jackie Heyneman Park on S. Mission under the gazebo, bring your own chairs, 2-5pm, held on the 4th Sunday of each month. For more information email Daniel at eminentsun@icloud.com
Fallbrook Farmers and Artisan Market:
Saturdays 9am-1:30pm, on Main between Hawthorne and Fig, more info 760-728-5845 or info@fallbrookfarmersmarket.org
This is an informative website about Fallbrook you may want to check out: www.everythingfallbrook.org
Fallbrook Art Center:
Nov. 22-Jan. 7, Int’l Holiday Show, all mediums
Jan. 11-Feb. 1, 14th Annual Artist Guild Exhibition 2025
Fallbrook Mission Theater:
Movies:
Jan. 3, Remember the Night (1940) Barbara Stanwyck, Fred MacMurray
Jan. 17, The Phantom of the Opera (2004)
Jan. 24, Shanghai Express (1932) Marlene Dietrich
Jan. 31, Toy Story, Disney (1995)
Feb. 7, The Longest Yard (1974) Burt Reynolds
Movies 7pm, doors 6pm $10
Check their website for late updates
Live Events:
Dec. 31, New Year’s Eve, ball drop 9pm $20/$25, 7-9pm, live DJ, dancing, cocktails, food
Jan. 9-10, Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy, specialty cocktails, 21 and older,
Jan. 11, Live Comedy Onstage 7pm $20, 18 and older,
Jan. 19, Acoustic Eidolon 2pm $20/$25, blend of Celtic, Americana, World and Flamenco music, Fallbrook Music Society
Jan. 25, An Evening with Marlene Dietrich Live on Stage followed by the movie “Destry Rides Again”, $15/$20
https://fallbrookmissiontheater.com/
Fallbrook VFW Post 1924:
Lots of special events and meals, brunch, Bike Night last Friday of the month, and more, open to the public.
Monserate Winery:
Vista:
Moonlight Theater 2025 Season:
Apr. 30-May 17, Grease
June 4-21, Waitress
July 9-26, Anastasia
Aug. 13-30, Fiddler on the Roof
Sep. 10-27, Prince of Egypt
Tickets for the Moonlight Concert Series go on sale January 27. Prices range from $25-$75 with free parking. The concert series starts in March and runs through October.
Mar. 27, Wanted: The Ultimate Tribute to Bon Jovi
Mar. 28, Yachtley Crew
Mar. 29, Los Lobos
Escondido:
https://visitescondido.com/full-calendar/
Escondido Wine and Craft Beer map: https://visitescondido.com/wineries/
Center for the Arts:
Dec. 31, San Diego Contra New Year’s Eve Dance 8pm
Jan. 3, Funny How Marriage Works, comedy 7:30pm
Jan. 18, Ronstadt Revival, tribute by Shannon Rae, Center Theater
Jan. 18, Flor de Toloache & Jacqie Rivera 7:30pm, Concert Hall
Jan. 19, Sound Meditation and Body Movement w/ Noriko Whitfield 11am $30
Jan. 22, Jesse Cook 8pm
Feb. 2, New Orleans Songbook, The Spirit of Mardi Gras
Feb. 5, Something Wonderful: Songs of Stevie Wonder by The Kogee Soul Reprise by Six String Society
Feb. 14, Rev Horton Heat with Black Joe Lewis and Pinata Protest, Ultimate Rock 7:30pm
Intimate Classic Series:
Jan. 19, Victor Asuncion & Paul Tseng, piano and cellist 3pm $30-$66
The Grand – Ritz Theater:
Jan. 10, Rod Stewart and Frampton Comes Alive! Featuring Jeff Ellis 8pm
Jan. 13, Tom’s Elton Tribute to Elton John
Jan. 17, Motown in your Town
Jan. 24-25, A Musical Theatre Revue, variety of events/times, family-friendly
Feb. 1, Rhythm Delivered, 4:30 and 7:30pm
Both indoor seating and an outdoor rooftop venue
https://www.thegrandescondido.org/projects-8
Welk Theatre:
Wednesdays 7pm:
Jan. 8-29, Never Die Young–James Taylor tribute
Feb. 5, 12, 19, Gypsy Dreams—Fleetwood Mac tribute
Mar. 5-26, A Rockin’ Tribute to the King—Elvis
Apr. 2-30, Fortunate Son—Credence Clearwater tribute
May 7-June 25, Fabba Show—Abba tribute
July 2-30, Next to Real Neil—Neil Diamond tribute
Sep. 3-24, The Long Run—Eagles tribute
Oct. 1-29, The Heart of Rock & Roll—Huey Lewis & The News tribute
Nov. 5-26, Britain’s Finest: Relive Beatlemania!
Dec. 3,10, 17, Anthony the Magic!
https://tickets.thewelksandiego.com/
Ramona:
The Barn, weekend bands start 8:30 or 9pm, varies
Thursdays: DJ Keahi 6:30pm, line dancing
First Saturdays: Fiesta Night 9pm
Friday and Saturday live music varies
Ramona Mainstage on Main Street, formerly the Ramona Theatre, has been refurbished and updated. The original grand opening was in 1947. Now a performing arts facility, there is live music scheduled regularly. Doors open 7pm.
San Marcos:
Bornemann Theatre:
Jan. 4, Sammy Listoe Live
Jan. 25, Café Classics
Feb. 7, Gunhild Carling, Six String Society
Feb. 8, Myron McKinley
Feb. 15, Mutts of the Planet
Feb. 22, Pretending Chrissie
https://www.campusoflife.org/live-shows/the-bornemann
My Yard Live:
Live music Fridays-Sundays, Karaoke Thursdays, Trivia Night Wednesdays, Dueling Pianos first Friday of each month.
Carlsbad:
The Landings at Palomar Airport, 6-9pm unless otherwise noted:
Sundays 11am-2pm
Tuesdays-Thursdays Happy Hour 3-6pm
Wed-Sun live music (most)
Jan. 3, Pretending Chrissie
Jan. 4, Cadillac Fringe
Jan. 10, 80’s Jukebox
Jan. 11, closed for private event
Jan. 17, Rick Trotter Band
Jan. 18, Harmony Grove
Jan. 24, Jukebox Junkies
Jan. 31, Sticky Sweets
Friday and Saturday evenings: reservations are required for parties over 8, $30/person minimum.
Coyote Bar and Grill:
Live Music:
Saturdays 1-4:30pm and 6-10pm
Sundays 1-4:30pm and 5-9pm
Tuesdays-Friday 6-10pm
Mondays, Karaoke 6-10pm
Dec. 31, Bumpsonic 6-10pm
Dec. 31, DJs Gary B and Treflip on the patio 9pm-1:30am
Jan. 4, Jimmy and Enrique 1pm
Jan. 4, Cool Rush Band 6pm
Jan. 8, Half Shot 6pm
Jan. 14, Jimmy and Enrique 6pm
Jan. 19, Croome Brothers 1pm
Jan. 26, Jimmy and Enrique 1pm
Jan. 28, Jimmy and Enrique 6pm
Oceanside:
https://visitoceanside.org/events/
Coomber Craft Wines, tasting room, food, live music most nights
January Mondays with Jimmy and Enrique 6pm
Jan. 3 and 24, Raynaldo Martine 6pm
https://www.coomberwines.com/calendar
Oceanside Sunset Market every Thursday 5-9pm
This link also has information on the various artisan and gift markets in Oceanside.
Del Mar:
Del Mar Fairgrounds:
Jan. 10-12, Gem Faire, Bing Crosby Hall $7 admission good for all 3 days
Jan. 17-20, Jurassic Quest, Bing Crosby Hall
Jan. 25-26, Koi Show, Bing Crosby Hall
Jan. 25-26, San Diego Cat Show, Exhibit Hall
https://www.delmarfairgrounds.com/events
The Sound:
Jan. 25, Greensky Bluegrass
Encinitas:
Botanic Garden Lightscape:
Nov. 15- Jan. 5, San Diego Botanic Garden, one mile evening walk with 1 million lights, laser garden, lantern trees, more. Special ticketed event, reservations required
Solterra Winery:
Live music Fridays and Saturdays 6-9pm, Sundays 4-7pm
Solana Beach:
Belly Up:
Fridays, Atomic Groove: Get Your Groove Back Happy Hour 5:30pm, $12
Full schedule, some shows sold out
San Diego:
San Diego Int’l Auto Show:
Dec. 28-Jan. 1, San Diego Convention Center
San Diego Brew Festival:
Jan. 11, NTC Park, Liberty Station, 12-4pm, 70 breweries, 200 beers, 10 food trucks, live music, lawn games, $50-$65
https://www.sandiegobeerfest.com/
Big Night San Diego:
Dec. 31, Hilton San Diego Bayfront Hotel, 12 themed party areas, 6 dance floors, fireworks, more, 21+ only
https://www.bignightsandiego.com/
Ice Skating at Hotel del Coronado:
Mid-Nov to January, $35
Smokehouse Rockin’ New Year’s Eve at The Del
The Shell:
James Taylor & His All-Star Band kick off the 2025 season on May 10-11
Snapdragon Stadium (at SDSU) opened for sports, monster jams, concerts
https://snapdragonstadium.com/
Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre:
Diverse series of concerts/events
https://as.sdsu.edu/calcoast/events
The Magnolia:
The Magnolia, formerly the East County Performing Arts Center, has been fully renovated and is now open and hosting a variety of events year-round, including concerts, movie nights, beer festivals, street fairs, etc. 210 E. Main, El Cajon
https://www.magnoliasandiego.com/venue-info
Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay:
Concerts back in April 2025
https://www.humphreysconcerts.com/
Humphrey’s Backstage Live:
A Gourmet Blues concert series is on the schedule, sponsored by AimLoan and produced by Wicked Harem Productions. Vince Kasperick of AimLoan is the driving force behind this series. AimLoan was the main sponsor of the San Diego Blues Festival put on by the Jacobs & Cushman Food Bank. This is the lineup:
Jan. 11, Shemekia Copeland w/ Mercedes Moore
Feb. 8, Marquise Knox
Mar. 1, Danielle Nicole Band
Dec. 31, Detroit Underground, New Year’s Rockin’ Eve Party
www.humphreysbackstagelive.com/events
Tio Leo’s: live music Tuesday-Saturday at the Napa Street, San Diego, location. All three restaurants are open. www.tioleos.com
Aquarius Bar & Grill, Mission Bay:
Live music every day but the website only shows a few days at a time. Check there for current info. New Year’s Eve events start at 11am-2am
San Diego Zoo and Safari Park
Dec. 12-Jan. 4, Jingle Bells at the San Diego Zoo, Wild Holidays at Safari Park
SeaWorld: Christmas Celebration, select dates Nov. 15-Jan. 5. Fireworks most weekends. www.seaworld.com
Balboa Park www.balboapark.org free organ concerts every Sunday 2-3pm
Birch Aquarium https://aquarium.ucsd.edu/
USS Midway Museum www.midway.org
The Old Globe Theatre www.theoldglobe.org tickets on sale now for How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Liberty Station:
Nov. 21-Jan. 5, Rady Children’s Ice Rink
Jan. 11, San Diego Brew Festival, NTC Park
https://libertystation.com/events/calendar
Petco Park sports and concerts:
https://www.petcoparkinsider.com/petco-park-events
https://www.petcoparkinsider.com/category/concerts-at-petco-park/
San Diego Brewers Guild has a link for the current status of local breweries that is constantly being updated here, including live music www.sdbeer.com
Pechanga Arena sports, concerts, monster trucks:
Feb. 14, Valentine’s Super Love Jam
https://pechangaarenasd.com/events/category/concerts/
San Diego Food Bank:
The Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank feeds about 400,000 military and civilian people per month, year-round. Please help them feed the hungry in our local communities. They are doing an enormous job!
http://www.sandiegofoodbank.org/
Coach House, San Juan Capistrano, open and with a fully booked schedule, reservations.
Temecula:
Dec. 12-Jan. 5, Temecula on Ice, Town Square Park
Dec. 31, New Year’s Eve Grape Drop, Civic Center
http://www.temeculaevents.org/
Old Town Temecula Community Theater
Season tickets available for purchase, regular ongoing events
https://tickets.temeculatheater.org/
Vail Headquarters:
Different events scheduled throughout the year
Old Town Blues Club, live music Thursday-Sunday
Old Town Temecula Community Theater
https://tickets.temeculatheater.org/
More Temecula activities and information:
Wineries:
This website has a comprehensive and detailed list of the status of the wineries and what they are currently offering.
Pala Casino, all times 8pm unless noted otherwise:
Dec. 31, lots of entertainment throughout starting in the afternoon
Indoor concerts:
Jan. 10, Queen Nation – Tribute to Queen
Jan. 17, Twisted Gypsy – Tribute to Fleetwood Mac
Jan. 26, Grupo Laberinto
Feb. 7, Yesterday – Tribute to the Beatles
Feb. 16, Luis Angel “El Flaco”
Feb. 21, Evil Woman – The American ELO
Feb. 28, Tyler Henry – The Hollywood Medium
Mar. 14, Jo Dee Messina
Harrah’s Rincon Casino:
Jan. 4, Masters of Illusion
Jan. 9, Anjelah Johnson-Reyes, comedy
Jan. 17, Theresa Caputo Live!
Jan. 18, Gladys Knight
Feb. 2, Aaron Lewis and The Stateliners: American as It Gets Tour
Feb. 15, David Gray
Feb. 16, Air Supply
Mar. 1, Little Joe y La Familia with Ruben Ramos
Mar. 7, Ron White, comedy
Pechanga Resort & Casino:
Dec. 31, New Year’s Eve events throughout
Jan. 3-5, Pechanga Pow Wow, free
Jan. 10, Engelbert Humperdinck, The Last Waltz Farewell Tour
Jan. 11, The Fab Four USA Meets the Beatles
Jan. 16, Keith Sweat
Jan. 18, Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship
Jan. 19, Victor Trevino – Elvis tribute
Jan. 26, Three Dog Night
Mar. 5, Bonnie Raitt
Mar. 21, Smokey Robinson
Valley View Casino in Valley Center, 8pm:
Schedule not posted yet, assume NYE events
Quotes for the moment:
And now we welcome the new year. Full of things that have never been. Rainer Maria Rilke, 19th century Czech poet
Year’s end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us. Hal Borland, 20th century American writer and naturalist
The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new. Socrates, Greek philosopher 400 BCE
Kindness, kindness, kindness. I want to make a New Year’s prayer, not a resolution. I’m praying for courage. Susan Sontag, American 20th century writer
As always, feel free to forward this to anyone who may appreciate it. Today, and always, I send blessings of love and laughter to all!! May you all stay safe, healthy and well!
Mahalo,
Annette 
Share Smiles, Show Kindness, Spread the Love
For in-depth coverage of many of the local musicians and concerts (and more):
Click here for BackStage360: http://www.backstage360.com/
Disclaimer: times and events may change after publication.
OUT AND ABOUT BY: ANNETTE HIGBY
January 2025