SAN DIEGO RESTAURANT WEEK Jan. 17-22. Sixth annual event features special three-course dinners at more than 130 participating restaurants. Various locations. 760.943.2333.

SAN DIEGO JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL Feb. 10-21. The 20th annual festival presents 40 short subject, documentary and feature films exploring Jewish experience. Various theaters in San Diego County. 858.457.3030.

SAN DIEGO BRAZIL CARNAVAL Feb. 13. Escape to Rio! This 18th annual downtown party celebrates Brazilian culture with bands, samba, parades, capoeira and a costume contest. 4th & B, 345 B St., downtown, 619.231.4343. Map Q16

MARDI GRAS IN HILLCREST Feb. 16. 21-and-up revelry with masks, costumes, beads, entertainment, food and beer. University Ave. between Third and Fourth avenues, Hillcrest. 619.299.3330. Map N16

MARDI GRAS IN THE GASLAMP Feb. 16. This festive 21-and-up event and parade occurs throughout the Gaslamp Quarter’s many bars and restaurants. 619.233.5227. Map Q16

cirque du soleil “kooza” Opens Feb. 25. In addition to its famous acrobatics, Cirque brings clowning back to its latest spectacle, described as a “light, funny” show that “doesn’t take itself too seriously.” Limited run at Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar, 858.755.1161. Map X22