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

November 27-28: ComicCon Themed Bar Crawl 

American Junkie hosts this annual bar crawl that begins at Popular Bar and pays tribute to heroes, villains, magicians, and more. With your ticket, you experience free cover and drinks at some of the best venues that the Gaslamp District has to offer: a unique and fun experience. 

December 31: Hard Rock New Years Eve

The Hard Rock Hotel in San Diego hosts the party of the year as we say goodbye to 2021 with live music and plenty of drinks to go around. The hotel itself also offers room discounts so there’s no worry about finding a designated driver for the evening. It’s a great way to take in the nightlife of the Gaslamp Quarter.

Jan 6-30: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time at Lyceum Theater

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, performed at the Lyceum Theater, is an award-winning murder mystery play based on the novel by Mark Haddon. The play follows a fifteen-year-old boy who is suspected of killing his neighbor’s dog. Determined to find the dog killer and clear his name, the boy discovers more than who did it. The play will run all through January.

January 16, 2022: Opening Reception for Alexander Arshansky/ Silent Witness Art Exhibit at Sparks Gallery

Want a new artistic “Perspective?” Then you won’t want to miss Russian-born artist Alexander Arshansky’s Silent Witness art exhibit. To personify his art, Alexander Arshansky created pieces of people and things that silently witness our lives. In an effort to change our perspective, Arshansky’s art explores people and objects that are often a passive observer. The art exhibit runs through March 13, 2022.

Seeking a custom art piece for your home or office? Contact Sparks Gallery to learn more about their custom art commissions.

January 27, 2022: House of Blues Presents The Struts: Strange Days are Over Tour

If you’re looking for something a little more rock n’ roll, then you don’t want to miss the British rock band The Struts as they take the stage at San Diego’s House of Blues. Having opened for Foo Fighters, The Rolling Stones, Guns N’ Roses, and The Who, The Struts have risen through the ranks, playing massive festivals. Now headlining, The Struts concert promises to be an evening you’ll remember. 

You can make it a dinner and a show by eating at the House of Blues before the performance. There are also VIP Services if you want to elevate your evening.

Feb 12- 20, 2022 Cosi Fan Tutte Opera at the Civic Theatre

Opera fans need to mark their calendars for the Cosi Fan Tutte Opera at the Civic Theatre. This humorous opera tests the fidelity of love set to the playful music of Mozart. The opera runs around Valentine’s Day, making this a perfect date night full of love, humor, and exquisite music. 

Want to know more about the artists on exhibit at Sparks Gallery? Peruse our list of featured artists.

March 19, 2022: David Spade’s Catch Me Inside Tour at the Balboa Theatre

If comedy is more your vibe, then you’ll want to catch David Spade’s Catch Me Inside Tour at the Balboa Theatre. Once a cast member of Saturday Night Live, David Spade is a jack of all trades: comedian, TV star, movie star, writer, and talk show host. David is known for his sarcastic wit and punchy one-liners. 

April 22-24: Rent The Musical at the Civic Theatre

It’s the 20th-anniversary tour of Rent at the Civic Theatre in April. A rock musical that won a Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award is a modern reimagining of La Boheme. It follows the lives of seven struggling artists in their attempt to reach their dreams in the 1990s.

May 5, 2022: An Evening with Neil Gaiman at Balboa Theatre

An Evening with Neil Gaiman at the Balboa Theatre is an evening you don’t want to miss. A popular writer who has written books for all audiences, he has delighted children with Coraline and The Graveyard Book and entertained teens and adults with his graphic novel The Sandman. 

He’s also had works adapted to the small screen, such as American Gods, Good Omens, and Lucifer. Spend an evening with him as he entertains with stories and answers fan questions.

May 21-22, 2022: Giselle Ballet at Balboa Theatre

If you love the ballet, then you won’t want to miss Giselle at the Balboa Theatre. This new interpretation shifts from 19th century Europe to Spanish Colonial California. It is a tale of a peasant girl who falls in love with a nobleman during San Diego’s early history. It will be a fresh take on a classical dance that is sure to entertain.

Want to go to an Art Exhibit? See what’s currently showing at Sparks Gallery.

May 31 – June 5: Broadway musical Hadestown at San Diego Civic Theatre

Hadestown is a love story and the winner of eight Tony Awards. It weaves two tales together: Orpheus and Eurydice and Hades and Persephone. The musical will take you to the underworld in a haunting and beautiful performance. You’ll want to book tickets in advance to ensure good seats.

July 27, 2022: Red Hot Chili Peppers World Tour at Petco Park

Want a big concert in the park? Then you don’t want to miss the rock icons, Red Hot Chili Peppers. They are playing only one night in San Diego, and it promises to be an amazing show. The Chili Peppers have been together since 1983 but blew up in the ’90s and continue to make a fusion of alternative, punk, funk, and psychedelic rock. With twelve studio albums, the Chili Peppers will put on a great show.

August 24 – September 11, 2022: Disney’s The Lion King the Musical at the San Diego Civic Theatre

If you want a Broadway musical where you can take the whole family, then you’ll want to book your tickets for The Lion King. The musical is in its 45th season and has won six Tony Awards. Full of stunning visuals and beloved music, The Lion King has something for everyone. 

November 29 – December 4, 2022: To Kill a Mockingbird at the San Diego Civic Theatre

Aaron Sorkin’s Academy Award-winning adaptation To Kill a Mockingbird is an emotionally shattering production of a timeless American novel. This play has sold out every production, so you’ll want to book your tickets well in advance. The play is at the San Diego Civic Theatre.

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.