SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — High flying monster truck antics and chances to check out fine art across San Diego headline the weekend.
Monster Jam returns to Petco Park with 14 drivers set to perform and compete across dirt mounds built. Fans can get close-up to trucks and their favorite drivers during "pit party" access, before seeing them race around the park.
The San Diego Black Film Festival will screen more than 100 films at Theater Box, covering everything from comedy to drama to documentaries. Panel discussions will continue the dialogue filmmakers have created with audiences and actors.
MORE: Don't see anything you like? Check out our event calendar for even more local events
Museum Month kicks off on Saturday, offering a special discount on local museum exhibits and fun. Art After Hours on Friday at the San Diego Museum of Art also gives visitors special late-night access to its exhibitions of fine art.
And four days of salsa dancing and workshops come to San Diego with BIG Salsa Festival, built for all ages and skill levels to enjoy Latin dancing.
THURSDAY
San Diego Black Film Festival
Where: Theater Box; Cost: Screenings start at $5
(Thursday - Sunday) Over 100 films will be screened during the festival, with genres including comedy, drama, and documentaries. Several panel discussions featuring filmmakers, writers and actors will also be held during the festival. The opening films of the festival, showcased on Jan. 30, are Derrick Perry’s drama “Pink Opaque” and the short “Our Little Secret” by Cameron Record.
SeaWorld Lunar New Year
Where: SeaWorld San Diego; Cost: Starting at $74 online
(Thursday - Sunday) SeaWorld is hosting a month's worth of Lunar New Year celebrations featuring amazing acrobatics, dancing and cultural performances around the park, as well as interactive activities for families and, of course, some delicious Asian-inspired cuisine for Lunar New Year.
FRIDAY
BIG Salsa Festival
Where: San Diego Marriott Mission Valley; Cost: $40 - $360
(Thursday - Sunday) Four days packed with salsa dance classes, performances, live concerts, and Latin dance parties as BIG Salsa Festival comes to San Diego. The festival is perfect for those who want to learn salsa dancing, advance skills, and enjoy the best in Latin dancing.
Art After Hours
Where: San Diego Museum of Art; Cost: $5
Visit the San Diego Museum of Art for $5 after 8 p.m. on Fridays and visit the museum's 20 galleries, along with live music in the Panama 66 sculpture court. Visitors will get to see the museum's current exhibitions including American Art, Art of East Asia, Abstract Revolution, Arts of Iran, Modern and Contemporary Art, and more.
SATURDAY
Monster Jam
Where: Petco Park; Cost: Start at $15
Monster Jam will tear up dirt and mud at Petco Park, bringing monster truck drivers to town to jump, flip, and fly across the park in head-to-head competitions and to wow fans. Pit party tickets get fans up-close access to their favorite drivers and cars, the chance to get autographs, take photos, and more fun activities.
Project Wildlife Baby Shower
Where: San Diego Humane Society; Cost: Supplies and donations accepted
Help San Diego Humane Society prepare for a busy season caring for newborns and tour their new wildlife facility during the Project Wildlife Baby Shower. Kids can check out a kid's zone with games and activities for the family and animal ambassadors will be on hand to educate visitors on their mission. Donations and supplies for animals will be accepted.
Fresh Pots Music Festival
Where: The Che Cafe; Cost: $15 - $25
The first annual Fresh Pots Music Festival is brewing up sounds from San Diego and Tijuana while serving up some delicious caffeinated-brews. All ages are welcomed to check out more than a dozen local bands perform with coffee and donuts to pair.
SUNDAY
Big Game 5K & 10K
Where: Tecolote Shores; Cost: $45 - $55
Before Super Bowl 54, lace up your running shoes for a 5K or 10K in Mission Bay. After the race, hang out at a post-race beer garden with tailgate games like cornhole, ladder ball, and football.
Super Bowl parties
Where: Various locations; Cost: Varies
There's no shortage of local bars for fans to crowd and cheer on their favorite team or player as they do battle in Miami. San Diego is even home to one of Sports Illustrated's best places in the country to watch the Super Bowl. We have a few suggestions of where to head on Sunday.
Museum Month
Where: Various locations; Cost: Prices vary
(Saturday - Sunday) Throughout the month of February, San Diegans and visitors can pick up a special, free pass to save 50 percent at more than 40 museums throughout the city. Museums like the Fleet Science Center, Maritime Museum, San Diego Air & Space Museum, Natural History Museum, and many more are participating in the special month.
