San Diego’s going full Seattle this week, and honestly, we aren’t emotionally prepared. If the rain has you spiraling, focus on something better: NYE. Punch Bowl Social is throwing a big, weird, cosmic bash with music bingo, DJs, tarot, and free games — and we’re giving away tickets to it. Enter to win!*

JUST ANNOUNCED

• Country rebel Cody Jinks rolls into Petco Park on 1/18. This dude went from metalhead to indie country icon, and you can feel that raw energy in every verse. Be there!

• You can’t call yourself a music lover and miss Duran Duran at Viejas Arena on 1/4. These synthpop gods basically invented MTV bangers, and they still rip live. Bonus: we’ve got tickets to give away. Enter to win!*

• You might not know all their names, but trust: these are the musicians your favorite musicians look up to. The Third Mind returns 3/24 at Belly Up with no setlists, all vibes, and guitar solos for days.

• Three genre-pushers, one venue, zero rules. Aesthetic Perfection, Priest, and Julien-K bring the Suckers for Punishment Tour to Brick by Brick 4/3 – think sexy darkness with serious BPMs.

• Plus other just announced shows from Marshall Crenshaw, James Mastro, Schoolgirl Byebye, Brad Stank, and more!

SAN DIEGO GIFT GUIDE

Still gifting Amazon crap? Not on our watch. San Diego’s got better — our gift guide pulls together killer picks from local shops that aren’t in a strip mall. Support small, shop weird.

THIS WEEK

The Last Minute Gift That Still Wins

Running out of time? Rosetta Stone’s Holiday Sale has your back. Get lifetime access to all 25 languages for $149, normally $399, with instant delivery. One tap and you have a gift that feels thoughtful and cool, not rushed. Perfect for anyone who loves going places and trying new things. The lessons are fun, the method works, and they will actually use it.*

LOCALS ONLY

• Santa might be bringing new wheels, but Carlsbad just slammed the brakes. Kids under 12 are officially banned from e-bikes after a spike in hospital visits. Maybe rethink the gift – or at least read the new rules.

• Balboa Park is finally installing paid parking… and San Diego is not amused. The city’s rolling out meter kiosks now, with charges starting 1/5, 2026.

WIN STUFF

FEATURED