Weekend Preview: Best Events 1/26-29

This week offers new movie premieres, art displays turned up with technology, elegant galas, hilarious comedy shows, and special celebrity guests at our favorite nightclubs.

A few of our top picks include the San Diego Black Film Festival, including the ‘70s inspired Shaft Superfly after party, Art After Dark: Night Odyssey at the Oceanside Museum of Art, San Diego Opera’s Opening Night Gala, Jeff Ross live at House of Blues and Nadia Ali live at Stingaree, just to name a few.

Discover this week’s best San Diego events.

San Diego Black Film Festival – Jan. 26-29

The San Diego Black Film Festival (SDBFF) celebrates its 10th anniversary as it returns to the Gaslamp Quarter Jan. 26-29. Across four days and nights, SDBFF will showcase a wide range of films spanning genres of comedy, drama, documentary, animation, GLBT, horror, shorts and feature films at Reading Cinemas Gaslamp 15. And of course, there will be plenty of parties. Get funky at the 1970s-inspired Shaft Superfly Party on Friday night and get swanky at the Awards Dinner and Gala on Saturday. Get details here

Art After Dark: Night Odyssey at Oceanside Museum of Art – Friday, Jan. 27

The Oceanside Museum of Art hosts a series of social events that open the museum up after-hours. Art After Dark is back on Friday, Jan. 27, channeling a Night Odyssey theme. Inspired by The Point of View: William Glen Crooks exhibition, this winter edition will intertwine technology, light and art through an L.E.D. art board installation and a live art showcase beneath a black light display. More perks include ‘80s electro-pop music by Starcrossed and DJ Carlo, and light appetizers provided by Harney Sushi. Get details here

Nadia Ali Live at Stingaree – Friday, Jan. 27

Nadia Ali, the gorgeous Pakistani-American singer-songwriter who was born in Libya and raised in Queens, is quickly becoming a big star, thanks to her hit song “Fantasy” with Morgan Page. But Page isn’t her only bud in the DJ industry. Ali has also recently collaborated with Armin Van Buuren, Schiller, Sultan & Ned Shepard, Chris Reece, Tocadisco, Serge Devant and Starkillers. Ali will treat local party-goers to an intimate live performance at Stingaree on Friday, Jan. 27. Get details here

Jeff Ross Roasts America at House of Blues – Saturday, Jan. 28

The undisputed Roast Master General, Jeff Ross is famous for the hilarious Comedy Central roasts of Charlie Sheen, Pamela Anderson, Flava Flav, Bob Saget, David Hasselhof, William Shatner and Joan Rivers, among others. And now, Ross is roasting America on his first cross-country comedy tour. Jeff Ross Roasts America makes a stop in San Diego at the House of Blues on Saturday, Jan. 28. What can you expect? “I’ll have all the jokes that you can’t do anywhere but in a temple of free speech like a comedy show. All the Steve Jobs jokes, all the Penn State sex scandal jokes, all the stuff we all think but we’re too afraid to say out loud.” Read our Q&A with Ross and get details here

San Diego Opera Opening Night Gala – Saturday, Jan. 28

The San Diego Opera opens the 2012 season with an elegant gala centered around Richard Strauss’ sultry masterpiece Salome. A black-tie reception begins at 5:30pm within the US Grant Hotel, featuring flowing spirits, small bites and themed entertainment. Guests will continue on to the Civic Theatre for the opening night production of Salome, and then return back to the hotel for dinner and dancing inspired by the sensual delights of Strauss’ seductive opera. Get details here

Chinese New Year Food & Cultural Fair – Jan. 28-29

Ring in the Year of the Dragon during the 30th Annual Chinese New Year Food & Cultural Fair, a free, two-day celebration taking place on 3rd Avenue and J Street in downtown San Diego from 10am to 5pm Jan. 28-29. Presented by the Chinese Cultural Center, the fair will feature a vibrant array of traditional festivities, including lion and dragon dances, Kung Fu and Tai Chi demonstrations, lantern parades and a tasty spread of Chinese and Asian cuisine, with proceeds to benefit the Center. Get details here

Glitz & Glamour Jewelry Trunk Show at Andaz Hotel – Saturday, Jan. 28

The Andaz resolves to Bling in the New Year, and is hosting a series of Salon Saturday events in collaboration with DJhere Productions. This weekend, party-goers will experience the Glitz & Glamour Jewelry Trunk Show, enhanced with “skinny drink” specials and an interactive resolution contest. You’re encouraged to share your resolutions on Ivy Nightclub’s Facebook page ahead of time for a chance to win big on Saturday. While you indulge in glitz and glamour, enjoy beats by Villains, Craig Smoove, AD and Este. Get details here

Essential Saturday: Mekka at The Onyx Room – Saturday, Jan. 28

Essential Saturday is taken to a new level this weekend at Onyx Room. Hosted in conjunction with Strictly Social, Dynamiq, Armory and StacksPro, Mekka showcases unique vibes and music styles throughout the multi-level space on Fifth Avenue. Party street level at Thin for top 40, mash-ups, and party rockers with DJs Cross1 and Armory. Or head downstairs to Onyx for The Social Club Event, with beats by Office Twins, Dynamiq, Colour Vision and Tres Dubois. Get details here

LED Presents Downlink at Voyeur – Sunday, Jan. 29

Seek refuge from the winter storm within Voyeur. Bass will vibrate through the entire Gaslamp Quarter as DJs Downlink and Smash Gordon take the stage beneath the L.E.D. haze. Downlink is celebrated for his heavy brand of dubstep, which is unique due to his deep roots in Jungle & DnB dance music. Influenced by every diverse genre, from heavy metal to astrophysics, Downlink creates a sound all his own. Grab your spot on the dance floor as Downlink invades Voyeur, with an opening set by Smash Gordon. Get details here

Insider Tip: DiscoverSD, Victory MMA and FLUXX are bringing you the first ever Industry Boxing Night on Monday, Jan. 30th. Witness many of our favorite men and women about town as they take to the ring in support of San Diego Youth Boxing. Get details here

More San Diego Parties & Events:

Industry Night ft. La Puerta at Side Bar – Jan. 25

EDM ft. Infected Mushroom at FLUXX – Jan. 26

MYNT Thursday ft. DJ Shift at Club 207 – Jan. 26

Zoe Boekbinder with Eliza Rickman at Queen Bee’s – Jan. 27

‘90s Party Hosted by Carlton Banks at McFadden’s – Jan. 28

Bring on the Bright Lights ft. Nada Surf at 4th & B – Jan. 28

Ice ft. DJ Von Kiss at EDEN – Jan. 28

DJ Felli at F6ix – Jan. 28

18+ Un-Locked ft. Showtek at FLUXX – Jan. 29

GuestHouse Day Club ft. Hawaiian Beach Club – Jan. 29

Five / Ten Winter Session at Side Bar – Jan. 29

See for Yourself: Check out the latest San Diego party pics