Run away to the circus or watch monster trucks pound each other or feast on good food, it’s all here in this week’s weekend guide.
ConDor Sci-Fi Convention
Sci-fi geeks, this convention is all for you. ConDor, the premiere science fiction and fantasy convention in San Diego, is back this weekend at the Handlery Hotel in Mission Valley.
The convention features panel discussions, classes, workshops, art show and lots more. The guest of honor this weekend is Cidney Swanson, author of the “Ripple,” “Saving Mars” and “Thief in Time” series, among others.
ConDor goes from Friday to Sunday. Tickets range from $50 to $75.
Monster Jam
Add more power and excitement to your weekend with Monster Jam, where 12,000-pound monster trucks with 1,500 horsepower engines compete on an obstacle course in Petco Park.
Some of the biggest names in monster trucks will be there this Saturday, including Avenger driven by Jim Koehler, Big Kahuna driven by Shane England, Brutus driven by Brad Allen, Grave Digger driven by Adam Anderson and Great Clips Mohawk Warrior driven by Bryce Kenny. Drivers are subject to change.
Monster Jam goes from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. with tickets ranging from $24 to $80. To meet the drivers and get up close with the trucks, add a Pit Party Pass to your ticket. The Pit Party goes from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Circus Vargas
Why run away to the circus when the circus comes to you. The traveling, all-ages Circus Vargas is back at the Del Mar Fairgrounds.
The show boasts thrilling performances by acrobats, daredevils, trapeze artists, jugglers and more. The theme for this year’s show is “Dreaming of Pirates.” There’s also a free pre-show entertainment where kids can learn to create magic under the big top. The pre-show entertainment is 30 minutes before the show.
Circus Vargas at the Del Mar Fairgrounds goes through Jan. 22, after which it moves to Mission Valley. Show times vary, tickets range from $15 to $72. Children under 2 are free with a paid adult admission.
SoCal Etsy Guild Market
If you love hand-crafted products, you’ll love the one-day SoCal Etsy Guild Market this weekend.
Local artists on Etsy, the online craft marketplace, will sell their handmade wares at the Horton Plaza Park Amphitheatre. There will also be live art and music.
The event goes from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.
San Diego Restaurant Week
The 14th Annual San Diego Restaurant Week returns this Sunday for a weeklong feasting extravaganza. More than 180 restaurants are participating in this event.
This is a perfect time to take a culinary tour throughout the thriving food scene in San Diego. The participating restaurants will offer three-course prix-fixe dinner menus for $20, $30, $40 or $50 per person. Some will also offer two-course prix-fixe lunch menus for $10, $15 or $20.
Participating restaurants span the county, from South Bay to North County and from the beaches to East County.