Gaslamp District, by Artist Lee Sie

The Gaslamp Quarter is the heart of downtown San Diego. Dining, shops, and local favorites showcase what San Diego has to offer. This area of town is also one of the safest. The crime rate is fourteen percent lower than the national average, making for a great nightlife.

Its namesake comes from the gas-fueled lamps that lit the district, and how they upgraded the old Victorian feel into a “New Town”.

There are also a number of different things to do while visiting the city. The Gaslamp Quarter is rich in cultural offerings such as theaters, art galleries, museums, and concert venues.

Here is Sparks Gallery’s San Diego events calendar for events coming to the Gaslamp Quarter this year. 

Related: Virtual Opening Reception

JUNE 9-11: NO EXIT CHAMBER OPERA AT THE BREAD & SALT GALLERY

Based on a play Jean-Paul Sartre wrote in 1944, No Exit shares the story of three strangers thrown together under unusual circumstances. Commiserate as they enter a room together, only to find out that this is where they will be spending the rest of eternity. The dark humor is balanced beautifully by the operatic vocals from Mariana Flores-Bucio (soprano), Leslie Ann Leytham (mezzo-soprano), Miguel Zazueta (tenor), and Jonathan Nussman (baritone).

JUNE 24-25: SMOOTH JAZZ FESTIVAL AT THE EMBARCADERO MARINA PARK NORTH, SAN DIEGO MARINA

Indulge in your love of jazz by taking in the Smooth Jazz Festival along the waterfront marina. Nationally acclaimed performers, including Karen Briggs, Gerald Veasley, Rob Zinn, and Willie Bradley, are all featured this year. Check out whether your favorite will be open to the general public or if you must buy a ticket beforehand. Local vendors will provide a variety of food and drink for purchase, so pick up a snack before you settle on the lawn with a blanket to enjoy the show.

JUNE 27 – JULY 9: SIX THE MUSICAL AT THE CIVIC THEATRE 

Do you think you know about the six wives of Henry VII? How they lived, survived, or even how they died? Head to this British musical comedy to find out which of his wives had it the worst as they take turns telling their tale in the form of a fiercely feminist pop concert. You will want to sing along to this Tony Award® Winner for Best Original Score (Music & Lyrics). Grab your tickets early, as there are limited show dates and times.

JULY 20: JEFF GOLDBLUM AND THE MILDRED SNITZER ORCHESTRA AT THE BALBOA THEATRE

The one and only Jeff Goldblum is booked at the Balboa Theatre for an evening you won’t forget. While better known for his acting career, Goldblum is also an accomplished pianist. He and his orchestra regularly perform jazz in nearby Los Angeles and head out on tour occasionally too. So bring your questions, as the band often pauses between sets to banter with the crowd and respond to queries.

Are you interested in strolling through an art exhibit? Head to Sparks Gallery to check out the latest shows on display.

AUGUST 6: JINKX MONSOON EVERYTHING AT STAKE SHOW AT THE BALBOA THEATRE

Don’t miss this one-night-only event when “Monsoon Season” arrives in San Diego this summer. Jinkx Monsoon is a two-time RuPaul Drag Race winner who starred as Mama Morton in the legendary Broadway musical Chicago. Laugh and sing along with Monsoon and her longtime collaborator, Major Scales. Also, watch out for her incredible impression of Judy Garland.

AUGUST 15 – 20: BEETLEJUICE THE MUSICAL AT THE CIVIC THEATRE

If you liked the movie, you would surely love the theater adaptation of Beetlejuice The Musical. Empathize with the main character, Lydia, who finds herself in a new home with her father after her mother’s death. Its former inhabitants are haunting the house, however, and the namesake Beetlejuice is a spirit desperate to gain some attention of his own. Sing along with Lydia as she tries to adapt to her new life and find meaning every day (but don’t say the spirit’s name three times).

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SEPTEMBER 14: IN WONDERLAND AT SPARKS GALLERY

Sparks Gallery will transform into an immersive “Wonderland” for one night only, with artist activations by the gallery’s exhibited artists. An “Alice in Wonderland” themed art exhibition will be featured, along with food and beverages by San Diego Wine and Culinary Center, also themed to Alice’s adventures in the Lewis Carroll novel. Tickets are available to the public to purchase. 

SEPTEMBER 17: KANSAS 50TH ANNIVERSARY AT THE BALBOA THEATRE

Get ready to rock with Kansas when they play San Diego’s iconic Balboa Theatre this fall. This iconic American rock band formed in 1973 in, not surprisingly, the state of Kansas. Two of the original band members are still performing, and they released their latest album, “The Absence of Presence,” in 2020. So sing along to new hits or favorite classics as they celebrate the last fifty years of touring, recording, and performing.

OCTOBER 14: JR de GUZMAN AT THE BALBOA THEATRE

Catch JR de Guzman’s stand-up comedy show at the Balboa later this year. De Guzman has performed to international acclaim in North America, Europe, and Asia. You can watch his special on Netflix’s Comedy Lineup if you can’t wait to see him in person. This is your chance to enjoy the entertainer Variety named one of the Top Ten Comics to Watch in 2022.

OCTOBER 28: HALLOWEEN BAR CRAWL

Dress in your favorite silly, spooky, or themed costume and head to the Tin Roof to kick off the 6th Annual Halloween Bar Crawl. Your ticket includes a waived cover charge at each venue, 1-2 drink shots, and exclusive food and drink specials. Arrive early to pick up a Crawl With Us stadium cup and stay for the after-party. There’s even a $1,000 prize for the evening’s best costume.

Are you seeking a unique location for your next event? Contact the Sparks Gallery for more information.

NOVEMBER 6: FALL BACK FESTIVAL AT THE GASLAMP MUSEUM

Let go of Daylight Savings Time in style at the Fall Back Festival hosted by the Gaslamp Museum at the Davis-Horton House. You’ll feel like you’re going back in time with the chance to watch historical re-enactments, take the kids on a pony ride, or enter a pie-eating contest. The event is free, although you might want to donate $3 to tour one of the oldest homes in San Diego.

NOVEMBER 16: STEVE HACKETT – GENESIS REVISITED: FOXTROT AT FIFTY & HACKETT HIGHLIGHTS AT THE BALBOA THEATRE

Steve Hackett returns to the scene following his wildly successful solo tour in 2022. Hackett brought his lead guitar and vocal skills to the English rock band Genesis in 1971 and helped to develop them as one of the era’s most influential bands. When the group split in 1987, Hackett continued his career as a successful solo artist. The Genesis Revisited tour marks the fiftieth anniversary of their legendary album Foxtrot. 

DECEMBER 6: JIMMY CARR AT THE BALBOA THEATRE

Jimmy Carr arrives at the Balboa on his new world tour with brand new material in his signature style. Carr is an award-winning comedian, writer, and television host in Great Britain. If you love your stand-up comedy delivered deadpan, or if you’re just ready to laugh about some “terrible things,” don’t miss this one-night-only performance from one of the funniest comedians in the business.

Conclusion:

There’s no shortage of things to do in the historic and artsy Gaslamp Quarter of San Diego. This list is just the tip of what this sprawling city has to offer. While you explore the city be sure to take your time when visiting these locations. Many of these venues also offer multiple events throughout the year or weekly events. 

While 2021 has opened up many opportunities to mingle in person, there are still some restrictions due to COVID-19. Some events are subject to change. 

Sparks Gallery offers year-round exhibitions that highlight local artists. We also offer jewelry by local artists. You can also rent the gallery venue for events or private filming.

Looking for a keepsake that highlights your visit to the Gaslamp Quarter? Shop Sparks Gallery for a one-of-a-kind piece.