January 2026 brings a fresh lineup of activities to Del Mar, California, with something exciting happening nearly every weekend. From dinosaur encounters to world-class street art, this coastal community offers the perfect blend of family entertainment, cultural experiences, and unique attractions to kick off the new year.
Skate on Sustainable Ice
Start your January at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar, where you can glide across an eco-friendly Glice skating rink at the Grand Social. This synthetic ice surface requires no electricity to stay frozen, making it a guilt-free winter activity under the California sun. The rink includes cozy cabanas with firepits where you can warm up with hot cocoa between skating sessions. Reservations include one hour of skating with rental skates, and you can enjoy food and beverages right at the venue.
Get Weird at the Oddities Expo
On Saturday, January 10, the Del Mar Fairgrounds hosts the San Diego Oddities & Curiosities Expo at O’Brien Hall. This one-of-a-kind marketplace features vendors selling everything from taxidermy and vintage medical equipment to unusual collectibles and macabre art. Whether you’re a collector of the strange or just curious about the unconventional, this event delivers an afternoon of surprising discoveries you won’t find anywhere else.
Meet Life-Size Dinosaurs
January 16 through 19 brings Jurassic Quest to the Del Mar Fairgrounds, turning the venue into a prehistoric playground. Walk among life-size animatronic dinosaurs, including an 80-foot-long Apatosaurus and a towering T-Rex. Kids can dig for fossils in the giant excavation area, ride dinosaur-themed attractions, enjoy inflatable play areas, and meet adorable baby dinosaurs with trained handlers. The event also features a live Raptor show and a LEGO-themed building zone where young paleontologists can create their own dinosaur designs.
Celebrate Feline Elegance
Cat lovers won’t want to miss the San Diego Cat Show on January 24 and 25. Eight independent judges from across the United States will evaluate up to 350 cats representing 42 unique breeds. Watch competitions featuring Persians, Sphynx cats, Scottish Folds, and everything in between. The show runs from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM both days, with 38 Best-in-Show finals taking place throughout the weekend. You’ll see multiple judging rings active simultaneously, with kittens, adults, and household pets all competing for top honors.
Explore Street Art Without Limits
The Art of Banksy Without Limits makes its San Diego debut on January 30 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds Activity Center. This touring exhibition has captivated more than 3 million visitors worldwide and features over 200 pieces celebrating the work of the mysterious British street artist. The collection includes certified originals, prints, photographs, sculptures, video mapping installations, an infinity room, and hologram displays. Tickets range from $28 to $34, with discounts available for seniors, students, military members, and groups.
Plan Your Visit to Del Mar
Del Mar’s central location along the San Diego coast makes it easy to combine these events with beach walks, dining at local restaurants, or exploring nearby Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. The Farmers Insurance Open golf tournament begins January 29 at Torrey Pines Golf Course, offering another reason to spend time in the area as winter turns toward spring.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or looking for activities close to home, January 2026 delivers diverse entertainment options for every interest. Mark your calendars, grab your tickets early for popular events, and discover why Del Mar remains one of Southern California’s most engaging communities year-round.
Sources: granddelmar.com, showpass.com, jurassicquest.com, delmarfairgrounds.com, kpbs.org, sandiego.com, farmersinsuranceopen.com
Header Image Source: granddelmar.com
