Vanguard Culture

A Tale of Two Cities
2026-01-07 00:00 - 2026-02-07 23:59 (America/Los_Angeles)
A Tale of Two Cities is a collaborative exhibition between Sparks Gallery in San Diego and bG Gallery in Santa Monica: two art galleries connected by the same coastline, and shaped individually by their respective cities’ rhythms, energies, and audiences. Through this collaborative partnership exhibit, Southern California artists and internationally collected artists represented by each gallery will be on view in each other’s gallery for a limited showing.

On view from January 7th– February 7th in both galleries, the works are curated toward the partner gallery’s audience, and each celebrates the spirit of dialogue, play, and shared imagination that can flourish when two art worlds meet. For this gallery swap, Sparks Gallery brings to bG Gallery a vibrant selection of works by Alexander Arshansky, Kathleen Kane-Murrell, and Ron Carlson. Meditative and expressive works by bG Gallery artists coming to Sparks Gallery include but not limited to: Jayne Walther, Michelle Kingdom, Gay Summer Rick, Gregory Horndeski, Melissa Meier, and Wrona Gall. Learn more about their special exhibit reception at bG Gallery in Santa Monica on January 10th HERE.

Preregistration is required.

January 25th, 2026 5pm -8pmSparks Gallery530 Sixth AvenueSan Diego, CA 92101

soundON Festival
2026-01-08 00:00 - 2026-01-10 23:59
The annual soundON Festival returns! Presented by San Diego New Music and the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, this year’s lineup showcases cutting-edge contemporary music by a global roster of composers, along with music by friends of the festival, such as Juan Campoverde Q.

Authors like Roberto Calasso, J.R.R. Tolkien, and Robert Graves impress upon us the vitality of a grammar of mythologies, not just as fantasy, but as a way of contemplating our own nature, identity, and destiny. Sometimes we create our own myths—stories in our consciousness that stand the test of time—that inform our beliefs, attitudes, and values. The territory spanned by the corridor of our existence may be bordered by history on one side and myth on the other. Through three nights of captivating music, the 18th edition of the soundON Festival will travel this enigmatic terrain.

JOAN & IRWIN JACOBS MUSIC ROOMAthenaeum Music & Arts Library1008 Wall StreetLa Jolla, CA 92037

Red Light Winter
2026-01-08 08:00 - 2026-01-24 17:00
Red Light Winter by Pulitzer Prize finalist Adam Rapp is an unflinching exploration of desire, intimacy, and the fragility of human connection. The story begins with two friends – Matt, a struggling writer, and Davis, a charismatic ladies’ man – who escape to Amsterdam for a night of hedonistic adventure. There they meet Christina, a young woman whose presence shifts the balance of their friendship and ignites a triangle of passion, betrayal, and longing. What begins as a fleeting encounter in a red-light district hotel spirals into a meditation on loneliness, obsession, and the lingering power of memory. Bold, provocative, and heartbreakingly human, Red Light Winter asks: what do we risk in pursuit of love?

Strong Adult and Sexual Content.

Light Box Theatre2590 Truxtun Rd #205San Diego, CA 92106

Chris Blanco exhibition
2026-01-10 08:00 - 2026-01-25 17:00
Chris Blanco’s conceptual photographs delve into the complexities of human emotion, crafting beautiful, surreal narratives that reflect our most powerful inner experiences. Visit our immersive exhibition, step into his imagination and experience his artwork from the inside out. This specially crafted installation will consist of a creative, physical scene Chris will build within the gallery that will feature the likeness used in past projects. The gallery will be transformed like never before.

Chris will host the gallery during his Opening Reception on January 17th, from 4pm – 7pm, giving guests and collectors the chance to get to know Chris, his process, and even take photos within the installation. The exhibition will go live in the gallery beginning January 10th, and end on January 25th. During this time patrons can visit the gallery and experience this unique installation during our regular business hours.

WOOD: A Furniture Show
2026-01-10 08:00 - 2026-02-27 17:00
The Escondido Arts Partnership presents the 16th annual WOOD: A Furniture Show, curated by Brian Murphy of Murphy’s Fine Woodworking. This exhibition brings together some of Southern California’s finest furniture makers, showcasing handcrafted works across contemporary, traditional, and whimsical styles. Expect expertly crafted furniture, functional objects, sculptures, and wood art highlighting the versatility and beauty of the medium.

262 East Grand Avenue Escondido, California 92025

San Diego Short Film Festival
2026-01-10 10:00 - 18:30
Experience the power of storytelling at the San Diego Short Film Festival, a one-day celebration of creativity, innovation, and diverse cinematic voices. From thought-provoking dramas to inventive animations, the festival showcases a dynamic mix of short films by emerging and established filmmakers from around the world. Join fellow film lovers and creators for a day of discovery, connection, and inspiration on January 10, from 10 AM–6:30 PM.

Digital Gym Cinema1100 Market St,San Diego, CA 92101

“Sounds & Swells”
2026-01-11 19:00 - 21:00
Art of Elan’s popular “Sounds & Swells” series returns with newly commissioned surfing footage created by Jimmy Wilson and others that showcases the natural beauty of the California coastline and its epic “swells” that attract visitors from all around the world. Videography and live classical music are synced in this engaging series that features the Hausmann Quartet.

The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center7600 Fay AvenueLa Jolla, California 92037

Many Hands, One Passion.
2026-01-13 00:00 - 2026-04-12 23:59
The San Diego Potters’ Guild is delighted to present its newest exhibition at the Coronado Public Library: Many Hands, One Passion. This special show celebrates the artistry and imagination of our members, highlighting the remarkable range of approaches, techniques, and voices within our community. From functional ware to sculptural forms, each piece reflects the unique vision of its maker while collectively affirming our shared devotion to the ceramic arts. Visitors will encounter an inspiring spectrum of styles—earthy and refined, playful and contemplative, traditional and experimental—all united by the common thread of clay.

Show opens January 13, 2026, and runs through April 12. Join us for the opening reception on Sunday, January 25, 2-4 pm.

Coronado Public Library640 Orange AveCoronado, CA 92118

Rear Window
2026-01-15 19:00 - 21:00
Director: Alfred Hitchcock Run Time: 112 min. Release Year: 1954Starring: Grace Kelly, James Stewart, Raymond Burr, Thelma Ritter, Wendell Corey

Synopsis: In Alfred Hitchcock’s thrilling masterpiece, a newspaper photographer with a broken leg passes time recuperating by observing his neighbors through his window. He sees what he believes to be a murder, and decides to solve the crime himself. With the help of his nurse and wife, he tries to catch the murderer without being killed himself.

Digital Gym Cinema1100 Market Street, 2nd FloorSan Diego, CA 92101

COTTON
2026-01-16 19:30 - 21:30
La Jolla Music Society presents a spellbinding multimedia song-cycle bringing together the extraordinary cotton photography of John Dowell with newly commissioned poems by renowned poets, including Nikki Giovanni, Marc Bamuthi Joseph, and Alora Young. Brilliantly set to music by composer Damien Geter, for mezzo-soprano, baritone, and piano, the song cycle unfolds against the backdrop of enormous, constantly evolving images projected throughout this mesmerizing song experience. This profound journey, deep into the world of cotton, balances tragic history with resilience, hope, and high art.
COTTON was inspired by the cotton photography of John Dowell. COTTON was conceived and the poetry and music were commissioned by Lyric Fest (Philadelphia).
CO-PRODUCTION with SAN DIEGO OPERA
Friday, January 16, 2026 · 7:30 PM
The Baker-Baum Concert Hall

J’Nai Bridges, soprano
Justin Austin, baritone
Laura Ward, piano
Music by Damien Geter

Art Exhibit: Non-Objective Lessons
2026-01-17 16:00 - 2026-02-12 20:00
Non-Objective Lessons: A Survey of San Diego Abstract Art celebrates the region’s long-standing tradition of abstraction, experimentation, and boundary-pushing artistic inquiry. Drawing inspiration from influential figures such as John Baldessari, Robert Irwin, and Bob Matheny, the exhibition brings together artists who continue San Diego’s legacy of conceptual play, non-objective exploration, and material rebellion. Through assemblage, minimalism, and unexpected interventions, the featured works examine the tension between structure and improvisation, and the joyful misbehavior that defines much of the city’s avant-garde.

Saturday, January 17, 2026 4:00 PMThursday, February 12, 2026 8:00 PM

Art Produce Gallery 3139 University Ave San Diego, CA 92104

The Screwtape Letters
2026-01-18 15:00 - 17:00
A battle is being waged for your soul from an office in hell! Witness a fast-paced, tour-de-force performance in this acclaimed adaptation of C.S. Lewis’ satiric masterpiece. This international hit offers a faithful stage adaptation of Lewis’ The Screwtape Letters, following Screwtape, a senior tempter in Hell, as he schemes to capture the soul of an unsuspecting human on earth and reveals spiritual warfare in vivid, humorous and powerful ways.

CA Center for the Arts, Escondido340 N. Escondido Blvd.Escondido, CA 92025

Wonder Women: Hail to our Heroines
2026-01-19 19:00 - 21:00
Write Out Loud’s signature Story Concerts return with Wonder Women, a live literary experience celebrating powerful voices and stories centered on women. Featuring a curated selection of short stories and poetry read by professional San Diego actors, this communal performance brings literature to life through the joy of being read to. Join us January 19 at the Dottie Studio Theater in the Joan and Irwin Jacobs Performing Arts Center for an evening of words, performance, and shared wonder.

Dottie Studio Theater,The Joan and Irwin Jacobs Performing Arts Center2880 Roosevelt RoadSan Diego, CA 92106

The workshop sessions: Flamenco!
2026-01-24 18:30 - 20:30
The workshop sessions: curated evenings of music in a unique San Diego industrial space. Flamenco! San Diego’s own Flamenco Arana will be performing in the Santa Fe St. workshop. If you have ever wanted to expand your cultural horizons, or appear to have expanded your cultural horizons, this is the show for you. Featuring artists Lara Bajo, Kristina Cobarrubia, Juan De Dios & Edward Fishwick.

doors 6:30show 7:30

come early to enjoy food, drinks and some old-fashioned human interaction

desposito designs5111 Santa Fe Street, Suite JSan Diego CA, 92109

San Diego Restaurant Week
2026-01-25 00:00 - 2026-02-01 23:59
Savor San Diego Restaurant Week, an 8-day culinary celebration where 100+ restaurants from Oceanside to Chula Vista offer special multi-course menus starting at just $30. Whether you’re exploring trending local favorites, planning a foodie date night, or discovering new flavors with friends, this is the perfect chance to taste your way through the region’s vibrant dining scene. With diverse menus and great deals, it’s all about connecting over delicious food and memorable moments.

Spamilton: An American Parody
2026-01-25 19:00 - 21:00
Created by Gerard Alessandrini, the comic mastermind behind the long-running hit Forbidden Broadway and performed by a versatile cast of eight, Spamilton: An American Parody is a side-splitting new musical parody. A crash course of everyone’s favorite Broadway blockbusters, including celebrity satires, pop culture zings accompanied with hip-hop on the piano! After tearing it up in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and London, Spamilton: An American Parody will stage a singing, dancing, comedy revolution in San Diego!Created, written, and directed by Gerard AlessandriniHILARIOUS MUSICAL SPOOF

Balboa Theatre868 Fourth AveSan Diego, CA 92101

Oceans at Night: Aquanauts
2026-01-29 18:30 - 20:30
Live out your childhood ocean dreams at Oceans at Night: Aquanauts, a 21+ after-hours adventure at the aquarium. Enjoy a kid-free night of immersive exhibits including Meditation Ocean: Aquarius Reef Base, meet artist Hope Ginsburg, and connect with real-life aquanauts. Watch scuba divers feed sharks, eels, and Giant Sea Bass in the Giant Kelp Forest, then dive into hands-on activities exploring saturation diving and underwater research. Food, drinks, and music available for purchase.

Thursday, January 29, 2026 | 6:30 – 9:30 PM

Birch Aquarium2300 Expedition WayLa Jolla, CA 92037

D.K. Harrell
2026-01-29 19:00 - 21:00
Guitarist, vocalist and songwriter D.K. Harrell, one of the most formidable young stars of the current blues resurgence, sounds like no one else on the scene today. With his stinging, single-note string bending, deep soul vocals, and attention-grabbing original songs, the 27-year-old Harrell—a major draw at blues festivals around the world—is already in a league of his own. D.K. Harrell is a fast-rising blues dynamo…One of the most talented and exciting young blues artists to emerge in decades. –San Diego Union Tribune

D.K. Harrell along with Taryn Donath duo Thursday, January 297PM | Concert Hall

The Art of Banksy Without Limits
2026-01-30 08:00 - 2026-04-19 17:00
The Art of Banksy Without Limits Exhibition In San Diego For The First Time. When the topic is street art, there is no way around him: Banksy is probably the most famous and also the most mysterious graffiti artist in the world. The Art of Banksy Without Limits is in San Diego for the first time after its incredible worldwide success with over 2,800,000 visitors! Explore 200 of the artist’s works, such as his original art, prints, photos, sculptures, and much more.

Del Mar Fairgrounds2260 Jimmy Durante BlvdDel Mar, CA 92014

Sol Invictus
2026-01-30 19:30 - 21:30
Witness Sol Invictus,a high-energy dance performance that celebrates light and movement created by award-winning choreographer Hervé Koubi. This thrilling production combines urban dance, capoeira, and martial arts with powerful imagery for a theatrical performance not to be missed! This electrifying evening is a declaration of love to dance, to its past, its present, its future.

Balboa Theater868 Fourth AvenueSan Diego, CA 92101

M(other) Tounge
2026-01-31 00:00 - 2026-04-18 23:59
Kirstyn Hom – Image Credit: Leah Nichols, Ava Sayaka Rosen

M(other) Tongue brings together artists who use textile to examine the interconnected experiences of migration, displacement, and cultural inheritance. Drawing on textile traditions rooted in women’s domestic and communal practices, the works approach stitching, weaving, and dyeing as forms of mark making; methods of carrying ancestral stories across borders and generations. In M(other) Tongue, cloth becomes both archive and language, expressing the tensions of uprooting and the desire to remain connected to one’s past. Each piece invites viewers to reflect on how identity is continually woven from personal narratives, shared histories, and the ongoing work of becoming.

Featuring work by Leila Khalizadeh Aghdami, Chitra Gopalakrishnan, Kirstyn Hom, Yasmine Kasem, Shirin Towfiq.

Opening Reception: Saturday, January 31, 2026 | 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Featuring LIVE DJ vinyl set by @Maeormaenot and small bites sponsored by the Friends of the Central Library.Central Library’s Judith Harris Art Gallery330 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101

Staying Power
2026-02-03 08:00 - 2026-04-11 17:00
Helen Shirk, Brooch, 1967 silver. 1.75 x 1.5 x .75 inches Courtesy of the artist

The San Diego State University School of Art and Design presents Staying Power, a major exhibition celebrating the university’s long-standing legacy in craft. Staying Power is SDSU’s contribution to Handwork: Celebrating American Craft 2026, a nationwide Semiquincentennial initiative, led by Craft in America, the Los Angeles–based nonprofit known for its Peabody Award-winning PBS documentary series spotlighting the importance of the handmade in American history and culture.

Staying Power will showcase the past, present, and future of the School of Art and Design’s craft legacy spanning more than five decades, with a special focus on work from the Southern California region. The exhibition is curated by Barbara Paris Gifford, Senior Curator at the Museum of Art and Design, New York, and features exceptional work in metal, ceramics, wood, and other craft media made by emeritus faculty, current faculty, and selected distinguished alumni from our Applied Design areas.

The exhibition will run Feb. 3–April 11, 2026, in the University Art Gallery, located in the School of Art and Design’s 4th-Floor Courtyard. Gallery hours are Tuesday–Thursday from 12–4 p.m. and by appointment. The gallery will be closed March 31–April 2.

Hi-Res - live storytelling series
2026-02-05 18:00 - 20:00
Join the San Diego Made Factory for the launch of the Hi-Res live storytelling series, a platform for creative exchange, bringing creativity and community into focus by creating space for connection and conversation. This event will be curated monthly as part of San Diego Made on First Thursdays.

The innaugural Hi-Res event on February 5, 2026, will feature:

Stories by hamsa fae, Jazzmine Moore, and Angie Huang

Drinks and live DJ set by Cuts & Cocktails

“The Wall of Questions & Colors” by Justin Huelbig of Compagnia Creativa

Doors at 6 p.m. with stories between 6:45 and 7:15 p.m.Our events are free and open to all.Cash bar supports our creative collective.

San Diego Made Factory2031 Commercial St.SD CA 92113.

Steve Hackman’s Beethoven X Beyoncé
2026-02-06 19:30 - 21:30
Steve Hackman’s newest production celebrates and elevates the power of women by combining pop’s Queen with classical music’s King: Beethoven and Beyoncé. Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7, the symphonic repertoire’s most joyful and pulsing celebration of dance, is the canvas onto which Hackman seamlessly interweaves 15 of Beyoncé’s most popular songs spanning her entire catalog, including, “Girls,” “Crazy in Love,” “Sorry,” “Cuff It,” “Single Ladies,” and “Texas Hold ‘Em.” The production’s emotional peak features the soulful union of two of the most recognizable melodies from each composer: Beyoncé’s “Halo” and the hauntingly beautiful second movement from Beethoven’s seventh symphony.
Hackman brings with him three powerhouse female soloists and a band featuring drums, guitar/keys and bass.
Steve Hackman’s Beethoven X Beyoncé is a SoundFuse Production.
February 6, 2025
7:30 p.m.
Jacobs Music Center

Chinese Love Stories
2026-02-07 14:00 - 16:00
Experience an enchanting afternoon of storytelling at San Diego Chinese Historical Museum, featuring Butterfly Lovers and other timeless tales of devotion, destiny, and transformation brought to life by professional storytellers. These rich narratives—rooted in cultural heritage and human emotion—invite audiences of all ages to connect with classic stories in a live, theatrical setting. Join us for an immersive journey through love, loss, courage, and renewal told through the art of spoken word.

San Diego Chinese Historical Museum404 Third AvenueSan Diego, CA 92101

Politics of Portrayal
2026-02-09 00:00 - 2026-03-05 23:59
Politics of PortrayalThree Generations of Chicana Portraiture in Los AngelesIn Conversation with San Diego artists

A powerful intergenerational exhibition at the San Diego Mesa College Art Gallery brings together Chicana artists from Los Angeles and San Diego to explore identity, activism, memory, and healing through portraiture. Spanning Baby Boomers to Millennials, the show connects ancestral traditions, magical realism, and contemporary social justice themes through richly symbolic figurative work. Featured artists include Barbara Carrasco, Yreina D. Cervantez, Marianela de la Hoz, Karla Diaz, Katie Ruiz, Ale Ruiz Tostado, and more. Don’t miss the Feb. 11 reception and Feb. 28 artist panel for deeper insight into this vital lineage of Chicana art.

We invite you to view this exhibition and join us for a reception on Wednesday, February 11, 4 – 7 pm. Meet the artists and enjoy refreshments. There will be a panel discussion with some of the featured Los Angeles and San Diego artists on Saturday, February 28 at 4:30 pm. A free catalog is available.

The Poetry Brothel: Devotion
2026-02-12 19:00 - 23:30
Step into The Poetry Brothel: Devotion, an immersive, cabaret-style experience where poetry, burlesque, live jazz, and theatrical variety intertwine in a sultry world of enchantment and allure. Set in an evocative, bordello-inspired atmosphere, this performance invites you to explore desire, intimacy, and connection through provocative spoken word, stunning dance, and spellbinding music. Attendees are encouraged to dress in mystical, theatrical attire and become part of the night’s seductive story. A bewitching evening for adventurous spirits craving art, performance, and connection.

Park & Rec4612 Park BoulevardSan Diego, CA 92116

7:00 p.m. – Midnight

Perspective
2026-02-13 00:00 - 2026-02-15 23:59
San Diego Ballet presents Perspective, a dynamic program that showcases bold, contemporary choreography alongside striking classical influences. Featuring world premieres and expressive works by acclaimed choreographers, this performance highlights the depth and versatility of the company’s dancers. From athletic movement to emotionally resonant storytelling, Perspective offers an inspiring glimpse into the evolving landscape of ballet. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience San Diego’s rich dance scene live on stage.

February 13 @ 7pmFebruary 14 @ 8pmFebruary 15 @ 2pm

San Diego Museum of Art in Balboa ParkJames S. Copley Auditorium1450 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101

The Secret Society of Adultologists: Love Bites
2026-02-13 19:00 - 23:00
Love hurts. Love heals. Love bites. Join the Secret Society of Adultologists for a wickedly fun night as we sink our teeth into the wild side of romance, attraction, and survival. This after-hours, 21+ event will take you through the seductive science of mating rituals, venomous lovers, and heartbreak in the animal kingdom. Whether you’re lovestruck, love-shy, or love-scorned, this cheeky pre-Valentine’s bash has something for you. Dress to impress—or to distress—and toast (or roast) the season of affection with your fellow curious creatures.

Food and drink will be available for additional purchase.

San Diego Natural History Museum1788 El Prado, Balboa ParkSan Diego, CA 92101

Cyanotype
2026-02-14 00:00 - 2026-06-20 23:59
Explore the luminous world of cyanotype at the Visions Museum of Textile Art, where four artists—bailey macabre, Shane Booth, Morgan Ford Willingham, and Patricia Gaddis—demonstrate diverse approaches to this historic photographic printing technique. The exhibition highlights how artists transform the deep-blue process into contemporary textile and mixed-media works that blend craft, photography, and storytelling. On view February 14–June 20 in the Arts District Liberty Station, the show offers a striking look at how traditional methods continue to inspire innovative artistic expression.

Visions Museum of Textile Art2825 Dewey Road, Suite 100San Diego, CA 92106
