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“Laughter is my favorite survival skill.” — Annabelle Gurwitch Adventures by the Book® is delighted to welcome beloved actress, comedian, and bestselling author Annabelle Gurwitch for a special Life & Laughter Adventure as part of our Inside the Author’s Studio series. Join us for an intimate, early-evening gathering inside a private San Diego home, where Annabelle will share the wit, warmth, and fearless honesty that have made her both a fan favorite and a cultural truth-teller. In her new book, "The End of My Life Is Killing Me," Annabelle chronicles her experience living with Stage 4 lung cancer with the same sharp humor and emotional clarity that defined her earlier award-winning work. The result is a memoir that is unexpectedly joyful, profoundly human, and—yes—laugh-out-loud funny. This conversation will explore not only her writing and her creative process, but also the ways humor, community, and storytelling illuminate even life’s most challenging chapters. Guests will enjoy a cozy, salon-style discussion, light bites and sweets, a signed copy of Annabelle’s book, and the rare opportunity to connect up close with an author whose voice is as courageous as it is hilarious. Come share an evening of resilience, truth-telling, and the kind of heartfelt laughter that reminds us why stories matter. Annabelle Gurwitch on Facebook / Instagram

Experience the roots of Colombias Pacific Coast (Cumbia, Currulao) with the legendary Nidia Góngora, La Diabla, Strange Bouquets & Mafondo Witness a landmark cultural moment as Grammy Award–nominee Nidia Góngora, the legendary voice of Colombia’s Pacific coast, makes her long-awaited San Diego debut. Revered as one of the most important carriers of Pacific ancestral music, Nidia has spent more than two decades bridging the traditional sounds of Timbiquí with global genres, collaborating with acclaimed artists such as Quantic, Onda Tropica, Feid, and poet Shirley Campbell Barr. Her artistry has been celebrated on international stages and in major outlets including The Guardian, El Espectador, and The New York Times, solidifying her status as a modern icon of roots music. Now, for the first time in San Diego, audiences will experience the power, depth, and spiritual resonance of her voice live—an artist whose work is both a preservation of cultural memory and a bold evolution of Pacific heritage. She is joined by an electrifying lineup that turns the night into a borderlands celebration: the fiery cumbia of La Diabla, and a late-night sonic dance party from DJ's Strange Bouquets, and Mafondo. This is more than a concert, it’s a historic gathering of tradition, innovation, and community. A rare opportunity to welcome one of the world’s most influential artists to San Diego for the very first time. Don’t miss it.

As the calendar turns and the California winter sharpens, join the Storytellers of San Diego for an intimate evening of captivating storytelling at Skybound Coffee + Dessert Lounge! We proudly present "Clean Slates And Unwritten Pages: Tales of New Beginnings, Journeys started or Second Chances." Prepare to be moved by a diverse range of stories—from personal narratives and historical accounts to reimagined myths and world folklore—that capture the breathtaking (and often terrifying) moment of the "Great Reset." As the saying goes, “Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.” Our storytellers will share polished, compelling narratives that live on the threshold—where the past has been shed, and the map ahead is still a blank expanse of wild territory. Indulge in Skybound's delicious coffee and dessert selections while being transported by the power of oral storytelling. Your host for the evening will be Aunt Li-Anne What to Expect Captivating Live Storytelling: Experience the ancient art form of oral storytelling, delivered by talented tellers in a variety of humorous, reflective, hopeful, and adventurous styles. "Clean Slates and Unwritten Pages" Theme: Hear narratives embodying the spirit of new beginnings and courageous change. Delicious Offerings: Enjoy Skybound's exquisite coffee and dessert selections. Community Connection: Connect with fellow story lovers in a warm and welcoming environment. Admission: FREE! We look forward to sharing this truly special evening with you! Hashtags: #CleanSlates #UnwrittenPages #NewBeginnings #SecondChances #TheGreatReset #StorytellersOfSanDiego #SkyboundCoffee #LiveStorytelling #NorthCountyEvents #CommunityEvents #VistaCA #SanDiegoEvents Storytellers of San Diego on Facebook

All puns are intended! Competitive punning is a growing, worldwide pasttime, and Pundemonium! is based on the format used by pun contests in other cities, including the O. Henry Pun-Off in Austin, TX, Punderdome in New York, Pun DMV in Washington, D.C, It's Always Punny in Philadelphia, UK Pun-Off in London, and more. Watch, laugh, groan, or join punsters competing to see who is the wizard of wordplay, the dean of dad jokes, the punniest of them all. Competitive punning is a *thing* nationwide, and Pundemonium! is San Diego's home for the war of wordplay. Pundemonium! is a two-part event based on the format used by pun contests in cities such as New York, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Austin, TX, San Francisco, and more. See: https://www.wired.com/2016/09/pun-competitions/ In Part 1, Battle of the PUNdits, participants who have signed up in advance will deliver two-minute pun-filled speeches, and the audience will determine the winner. Part 2, the PUNger Games, is a head-to-head pun-off tournament-style. Think of it as an on-the-spot rap battle with puns. You do not have to participate! You can just watch and PUNder your life choices while you do so. BUT if you want in, we ask that Battle of the PUNdits competitors let us know you're competing ahead of time by emailing sandiegopundemonium@gmail.com - or email us with questions if you're curious but don't know how it works! For PUNger games, sign up on the spot at the show!

“The world is full of obvious things which nobody by any chance ever observes.” — Arthur Conan Doyle Adventures by the Book® invites you to join us for a thrilling Monday Night Mystery Adventure featuring two powerhouse authors of suspense and intrigue, Wendy Walker and Ellery Adams. From psychological twists to cozy-clever clues, this special evening promises an irresistible blend of tension, secrets, and storytelling magic. As part of our ABTB signature event series, this Mystery Adventure brings readers face-to-face with the authors behind two captivating new novels, offering an inside look at the craft, creativity, and inspiration that keep readers turning pages late into the night. Whether you’re a lifelong mystery lover, a devoted Wendy Walker fan, an Ellery Adams enthusiast, or simply a reader who enjoys unraveling secrets alongside unforgettable characters, this evening is designed for you. Come with your book club, invite a friend, or join solo — all are welcome in our community of curious, story-loving adventurers. Your Adventure includes a lively author conversation, audience Q&A, book signing, and the chance to connect with fellow mystery readers who appreciate a good twist as much as you do. Adventures by the Book on Facebook / Instagram

All puns are intended! Competitive punning is a growing, worldwide pasttime, and Pundemonium! is based on the format used by pun contests in other cities, including the O. Henry Pun-Off in Austin, TX, Punderdome in New York, Pun DMV in Washington, D.C, It's Always Punny in Philadelphia, UK Pun-Off in London, and more. Watch, laugh, groan, or join punsters competing to see who is the wizard of wordplay, the dean of dad jokes, the punniest of them all. Competitive punning is a *thing* nationwide, and Pundemonium! is San Diego's home for the war of wordplay. Pundemonium! is a two-part event based on the format used by pun contests in cities such as New York, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Austin, TX, San Francisco, and more. See: https://www.wired.com/2016/09/pun-competitions/ In Part 1, Battle of the PUNdits, participants who have signed up in advance will deliver two-minute pun-filled speeches, and the audience will determine the winner. Part 2, the PUNger Games, is a head-to-head pun-off tournament-style. Think of it as an on-the-spot rap battle with puns. You do not have to participate! You can just watch and PUNder your life choices while you do so. BUT if you want in, we ask that Battle of the PUNdits competitors let us know you're competing ahead of time by emailing sandiegopundemonium@gmail.com - or email us with questions if you're curious but don't know how it works! For PUNger games, sign up on the spot at the show! Because this is an outside event, there will be hot drinks available. Well-behaved kids and dogs are welcome!

Enchantment for the family awaits you at the theatre in many sizes and shapes of marionettes—almost life-size bears—cavorting and skating. The San Diego Guild of Puppetry presents Kathy Felker in this one-woman show populated by puppet versions of favorite characters—Clara, The Nutcracker, the formidable Mouse King, and Clara's benevolent Uncle Drosselmeyer, a large hand-and-rod puppet who watches over all the dreams and drama to Tchaikovsky's renown score. Sweet to swashbuckling. Suitable for kids from 3 to 103. Made possible in part, with thanks to Moxie Theatre, and the Conrad Prebys Foundation. Donations accepted; pay what you can.

The Center for World Music presents Mbira Bhururu: Songs of the Shona People of Zimbabwe at La Jolla Community Center. Experience the rich cultural and musical heritage of Zimbabwe through the traditional sounds of the mbira (Zimbabwean “thumb piano”), accompanied by the rhythmic pulse of hosho shakers. Played for over a thousand years, the mbira has been central to Shona spiritual ceremonies, storytelling, and community gatherings. The ensemble Mbira Bhururu offers audiences an exploration of the instrument’s intricate layered melodies, the interplay between rhythm and tune, and the ways music fosters cultural continuity and connection to ancestry. During the audience Q&A following the concert, attendees will have the opportunity to engage with the musicians, learning about Zimbabwean musical traditions and the ways these artists carry forward a centuries-old cultural legacy. Center for World Music on Facebook / Instagram

The partial government shutdown that began nearly a month ago is leading TSA officers across the country to call in sick, and hundreds have quit.

Free Self-Defense Workshop Sunday, January 25, 2026 | 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. No Experience Necessary! Everyone Welcome (Ages 13+) Bring a friend & wear comfortable athletic clothing In this safe, supportive, and fun 2-hour workshop, you’ll learn practical techniques from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) that rely on leverage, timing, and technique — not strength or speed — so anyone can defend against larger opponents. Highlights include: Defenses against the 20 most common attacks on women (hair grabs, chokes, bearhugs, ground pins, and more) Core standing and ground self-defense moves from the famous 36 Essential Gracie Techniques Simple, step-by-step drills in a cooperative, non-competitive environment A welcoming introduction to why Gracie Jiu-Jitsu is widely regarded as the most effective self-defense system. No prior experience is needed! Spots are limited — reserve your free spot today! Gracie Jiu-Jitsu La Jolla on Facebook / Instagram