Valentine’s Jazz, Lunar New Year Festivals, and Katie Holmes on Stage Today

Celebrate Romance and Culture in San Diego Today
Happy Saturday, San Diego! Today is February 14, 2026, and the city is bustling with a diverse array of events ranging from romantic Valentine's Day jazz to vibrant Lunar New Year celebrations. Whether you are looking for fresh local produce, a night at the theater, or a family-friendly festival, there is something for everyone happening across the county today.
Morning Markets and Community Gatherings
Start your Saturday by visiting one of the city's premier outdoor markets. The Little Italy Mercato is open today from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Piazza della Famiglia. As the region’s largest weekly market, it features over six blocks of fresh produce, artisan foods, and handcrafted gifts. For those in the North Park area, the North Park Sustainable Market at the North Park Mini Park runs from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM, featuring a special Valentine’s Day Skate Party with local vendors and community skating.
In North County, the Hearts of Carlsbad Village celebration concludes today with a village-wide scavenger hunt. Participants can search for hidden handcrafted glass hearts while exploring local businesses and solving riddles throughout the downtown area.
Cultural Festivals and Art Exhibitions
Celebrate the Year of the Horse at the 2026 San Diego Lunar New Year Festival. This vibrant community event takes place at 4455 Wightman Street from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Attendees can enjoy lion dances, traditional firecrackers, and an extensive selection of Asian cuisine. The festival is free to the public and offers a Cultural Village experience for all ages.
Art enthusiasts should head to the San Diego Museum of Art in Balboa Park. Today marks the opening of a landmark solo exhibition by photographer Graciela Iturbide, featuring nearly 150 iconic works. Additionally, the museum is hosting "Romantic ArtStops" between 1:00 PM and 3:30 PM, where visitors can engage with Shakespeare-inspired discussions centered around the museum's permanent collection.
Evening Theater and Live Music
The performing arts take center stage tonight with several high-profile productions. At The Old Globe, the 2026 season opens with a performance of Hedda Gabler at 8:00 PM, starring Katie Holmes in the title role. For a more musical evening, the San Diego Symphony presents "Songs for Lovers" at the Jacobs Music Center starting at 7:30 PM. This jazz-heavy program features master saxophonist Charles McPherson and trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos performing the timeless music of Chet Baker and Sarah Vaughan.
If you are looking for something more active, Cupid’s Skate Party at Gallagher Square at Petco Park offers an evening of skating and music from 2:00 PM until 10:00 PM, providing a perfect outdoor date spot or community hangout.