San Diego Events, Festivals, and Parades

January Events in San Diego

The San Diego Boat Show

January 3 – January 6
This free admission Boat Show, located at the San Diego Convention Center, allows enthusiasts to browse antique and modern boat collections, learn from industry experts, and speak with local boaters to discover what’s new in the boating world.
San Diego Boat Show Website

San Diego College Baseball

The NCAA college baseball season features the San Diego State Aztecs and the San Diego Toreros. The season begins in January and continues through most of June.

Carlsbad Marathon

January 18 – 19
The Carlsbad Marathon is a winter marathon and half marathon of running paradise on the beautiful coastal course overlooking the ocean. Call 888.543.7223 for more information.
Calrsbad Marathon Website

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade and Festival

January 15
The parade and festival commemorating Martin Luther King Jr. consists of marching bands, floats as well as a multi-cultural festival with food, exhibits and entertainment. Call 619.264.0542 for more information.

Martin Luther King Day

The third Monday every January
On Martin Luther King Day, there are activities and concerts at the WorldBeat Cultural Center in Balboa Park. Call 619.230.1190 for more information.

Del Mar Antique Show and Sale

January 18 – January 20
Every January, April and November, you can find antiques and collectibles ranging from furniture to jewelry to silver to pottery and art from California and the Western United States. Call 800.943.7501 for more information.

Flavors of San Diego Culinary Gala

January 21
The Flavors of San Diego Culinary Gala, benefiting San Diego's chapter of the American Liver Foundation, creates a unique gourmet experience for each guest. This event is located at Paradise Point Resort and Spa. For more information call 619.291.5483.

Buick Invitational Golf Tournament

January 21 – January 27
This annual PGA Tour event is one of the top golf tournaments in the country. Hosted in Torrey Pines La Jolla with beautiful ocean views, this event has been known to feature professional golfers such as Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Jon Daly, Fred Couples and Mark O'Meara.
Buick Invitational Golf Tournament Website

San Diego Restaurant Week

January 27 – February 1
June 22 – June 27
Each year, the city’s finest chefs from over 100 restaurants prepare special menus so that food lovers can discover the San Diego dining scene for only $30 and $40. This event also occurs in June.
San Diego Restaurant Week Website

Historical Society Holiday Homes Tours

During the first week of January, tour two historic houses located in San Diego: the Villa Montezuma at 1925 K St. and Marston House at 3525 Seventh Ave. near Balboa Park. Call 619.232.6203 for more information.

San Diego WhaleFest

WhaleFest in San Diego, which occurs over a three month period, embraces marine life through educational activities, special exhibits, daily whale-watching cruises and much more. Call 858.534.3474 for more information.
San Diego WhaleFest Website

Mainly Mozart Festival

January 25 – April 27
This musical festival showcases orchestra that performs the famous works of Mozart and other Baroque, romantic, and classical composers located in a few different locations: The Neuroscience Institute in La Jolla, The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe, St. Elizabeth Seton in Carlsbad and the California Center for the Arts in Escondido.
Mainly Mozart Festival Website

ASR San Diego

Typically the last weekend in January
San Diego ASR is a leading action sports trade event that brings the top action sports industry manufacturers, buyers, and fans together under one roof at the San Diego Convention Center.
ASR San Diego Website

February Events in San Diego

Accenture Match Play - World Golf Championship

A series of World Golf Championship matches are held each year in mid-February at the La Costa Resort and Spa in La Costa. Call 877.942.8497 for more information.

San Diego Black Film Festival

The Black Historical Society of San Diego sponsors this event the first week in February, including the screening of dozens of independent films, panel discussions and social events with the filmmakers. Venue may change from year to year.
San Diego Black Film Festival Website

Heroes with Heart Annual Awards Dinner

February 3
Sponsored by the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America, the USS Midway hosts an evening of dancing, live music, flight simulators and ship tours coupled with gourmet food stations and cocktails. All proceeds benefit Camp Oasis for children suffering from Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Call 858.547.8200

Brazil Carnaval

February 2
Known as the best Carnaval locale on the west coast, San Diego boasts one of the largest and most authentic Carnaval celebrations outside of Brazil, featuring Carnaval Bands, Capoeira, Parades, and of course, Mardi Gras beads at the San Diego 4th and B. Call 619.231.4343 for more information.
Brazil Carnaval Website

Mardi Gras in San Diego

February 5
Mardi Gras, the annual street party and parade in the Gaslamp Quarter, features cultural celebrations and masquerades, drink and food specials, contests and dancing at participating downtown bars. For more information call 619.233.5227.

Getty Center and Watts Towers

Each year, the San Diego Museum of Contemporary Art sponsors a tour of the recently renovated Getty Center. Lunch is served after the tour, around the last day in February. Call 858.454.3541 for more information.

Kuumba Fest

This black history month celebration spotlights African-American arts and cultural heritage and features dance, music and theater performances at the Lyceum Theatre in downtown San Diego. The "Taste of Soul" will offer delicious ethnic foods from San Diego's top restaurants. February dates change annually. Call 619.544.1000 for more information.

Carnevale Little Italy

February 2
Little Italy’s Carnevale is a celebration of Italian music, dancing, arts and costume design, featuring stilt walkers, mimes, jugglers and more.
Carnevale Little Italy Website

San Diego Jewish Film Festival

February 7-17, 2008
The San Diego Jewish Film Festival has become one of the largest and most prestigious festivals of its kind in the country and presents approximately 40 short-subject documentary and feature films, an international roster of guest artists, special underwriter events and theme programs for all ages. This festival is held at five venues around San Diego County, including AMC La Jolla 12 Theaters, the UltraStar Mission Valley Cinemas at Hazard Center and UltraStar Poway Creekside Plaza 10.
San Diego Jewish Film Festival Website

Chinese New Year

February 18
Over fifty food and craft vendors as well as cultural exhibits can be found at San Diego’s Chinese New Year celebration. The San Diego Chinese Center hosts a food and cultural fair to celebrate the Chinese New Year.
Chinese New Year Website

March Events in San Diego

International Film Festival

This small San Diego film festival features the best in foreign and foreign independent theatrical releases in the following categories: feature and short length, live action, animated, fiction and documentary work. This festival begins early February and continues through to the end of May. Call 619.236.1212 for more information.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival

March 15
This Irish-themed parade in Balboa Park, features food booths, entertainment, and a beer garden.
St. Patrick's Day Parade and Festival Website

San Diego ShamRock

March 17
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in the Gaslamp Quarter with ShamRock, featuring live bands, an Astroturf-covered downtown district, and food and drink specials in participating Gaslamp bars. Call 619.233.5008 for more information.
San Diego ShamRock Website

Easter Bonnet Parade and Hat Contest

March 22
This workshop teaches kids how to make hats with beads, feathers and glitter at the Gaslamp Quarter’s PETCO Park in the Park. The contest is followed by an egg hunt for over 6,000 eggs. For more information call 619.233.5008

San Diego Latino Film Festival

March 6 – March 16
The films include short and feature length films from all over Latin America and the U.S. and produced by Latinos or focus on the Latino experience. This event is located at the Media Arts Center San Diego.
San Diego Latino Film Festival Website

Annual Kiwanis Ocean Beach Kite Festival

This annual kite flying festival, located at the Ocean Beach Recreation Center, allows you to bring your own kite to be judged or participate in free kite-making accompanied with food, entertainment and even a parade. Call 619.531.1527 for more information.

Condor XV San Diego’s Longest-Running Science Fiction and Fantasy Convention

February 29 – March 2
This event, at the Handlery Hotel and Resort, strives to promote an interest in fiction media and provide opportunities to educate and broaden public awareness of this genre.
Condor XV San Diego’s Longest-Running Science Fiction and Fantasy Convention Website

Flower Fields Ranunculus Season

March 1 – May 11
Beginning every March and running through April, the Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch blossom into a sea of brightly colored ranuculus flowers. Tours are offered and photographers can set up for beautiful pictures of the treasured North County flowers.
Flower Fields Ranunculus Season Website

Major League Baseball – Padres Games in San Diego

March - September
The crack of the baseball bat not only signals that spring has arrived in San Diego, it marks the beginning of days and nights spent at San Diego’s PETCO Park filled with the infamous hot dogs and seventh-inning stretches, followed by a winning celebration in the Gaslamp Quarter.
Major League Baseball Website

April Events in San Diego

Borrego Springs Grapefruit Festival

Third week of April
The end of the grapefruit season means a juicy tribute to Borrego Springs with music, food, arts, crafts, youth games, and a car show on Christmas circle - free admission.
Borrego Springs Grapefruit Festival Website

Major League Baseball – San Diego Padres

March - September
The crack of the first baseball bat not only signals that spring has arrived in San Diego, it marks the beginning of days and nights spent at San Diego’s PETCO Park filled with the infamous hot dogs and seventh-inning stretches, followed by winning Padres celebrations in the Gaslamp Quarter.
Major League Baseball Website

San Diego Crew Classic

April 5 - April 6
Watch over 3,000 collegiate, master and high school rowers in this historic annual sporting event, starting at Crown Point Shores in Mission Bay.
San Diego Crew Classic Website

Linda Vista Multi-Cultural Fair and Parade

April 28
This fair and parade strives to promote cultural awareness and understanding with its numerous cultural exhibits, varied ethnic food offerings, and delightful artistic. The parade route begins on Genesee Avenue to the Fairgrounds, between Ulric and Comstock Streets.
Linda Vista Multi Cultural Fair and Parade Website

Fallbrook Avocado Festival

April 20
With avocadoes as the main event, sample avocado recipes, join in on cooking competitions, plus arts, crafts, fun, and games on Fallbrook’s Main Street.
Fallbrook Avocado Festival Website

NAMI San Diego County 5k Run / Walk

April 19
The National Alliance on Mental Illness, better known as NAMI, sponsors NAMI Walks for the Mind of America where participants learn about mental illness. All proceeds will benefit programs that improve mental health recovery and reduce the stigma of brain disorders. This event is located at Balboa Park.
NAMI San Diego County 5k Run/Walk Website

San Diego Taste of the Nation

Help support anti-hunger and anti-poverty efforts by coming to this culinary benefit held all across the nation in the month of April, where you can enjoy food and wine tastings, seated dinners, brunches and barbeques, all prepared by leading chefs.
San Diego Taste of the Nation Website

ArtWalk San Diego

April 26 - 27 12 – 6pm
The ArtWalk in Little Italy enables visitors to meet and greet hundreds of artists, enjoy their masterpieces, watch San Diego’s top musical performers, and join in on a variety of children’s activities.
Fun fact: The region’s largest outdoor festival showcases the art of more then 350 artists.
ArtWalk San Diego Website

Del Mar National Horse Show

April 17-May 4
For more than 60 years, the Del Mar Horse Show has been one of the most respected, distinguished and popular equestrian events in Southern California. The show consists of three disciplines: western, dressage and hunter/jumper.
Del Mar National Horse Show Website

Taste of Uptown Hillcrest

April 19
Bring your appetite to the Taste of Hillcrest and indulge in a walking tour of samples from more than forty of the area’s finest restaurants. Call 619.233.5008 for more information.

Encinitas Street Fair

April 26 – April 27
Located on Highway 101 between D and J street in Encinitas, this annual fair features approximately 400 booths with a little bit of everything including arts and crafts, antiques, clothing, as well as items from around the world. Also featured are children’s rides, four live stages and the Karl Strauss Beer Garden. For more information, call 760.945.9288.

May Events in San Diego

Carlsbad Village Fair

May 4
This annual crafts fair, held on Grand Avenue in Carlsbad, features food, artifacts and historic southern California souvenirs. Call 760.945.9288 for more information.

Fiesta Cinco de Mayo

On the weekend closest to the fifth of May, there are several venues in San Diego that celebrate Cinco de Mayo with delicious Mexican food, dancing and mariachi bands, such as Old Town. The Fiesta Cindo de Mayo in Old Town is the most traditional and historic celebration in San Diego.
Fiesta Cinco de Mayo Website

Five on Five Cinco de Mayo Block Party in the Gaslamp Quarter

Mariachi bands, DJs, margarita drink specials, and spicy Go-Go dancers all blend together for the hottest celebration in downtown San Diego. Party-goers hit up the block party and then continue on to receive drink and door specials at top participating Gaslamp venues.
5 on 5 Cinco de Mayo Block Party in the Gaslamp Quarter Website

San Diego Sicilian Festival

May 18
San Diego’s Little Italy transforms into a Sicilian village for this annual festival which includes a weekend full of Sicilian and Italian food, a wine and beer tent, rides, games and arts and crafts booths - free to the public.
San Diego Sicilian Festival Website

North Park Festival of the Arts

May 18
The friendly neighborhood of North Park holds an annual festival to provide San Diegans a true North Park style cultural experience with live entertainment, food and a one of a kind Arts Village where local artists showcase their work. Proceeds from this festival go to benefit and revitalize North Park’s Main Street.

Ramona Air Show

May 31 - June 1
Be prepared to take flight at the Ramona Airport with a thrilling show featuring aerial fire fighting, aircraft demonstration flights, airplane rides, carnival rides and hot air balloons- free admission to the public.
Ramona Air Show Website

Cajon Classic Cruise

Located in El Cajon, every Wednesday night through September, is the largest weekly car show in southern California. Even better, anyone can enter. For more information call 619.401.8858.

Gator By the Bay

May 9, 10 & 11
This Zydeco (accordian-based musical genre), Blues and Crawfish Festival features live blues and Cajun music, dancing (and dancing lessons) as well as hot and spicy Cajun food. This event is located on Harbor Island at Spanish Landing Park.
Gator by the Bay Website

Concerts on the Green

May 23 – September 5
Concerts on the Green, at the Prescott Promenade in El Cajon, features jazz, country and Latin music from May through to September - free on Friday evenings. Call 619.401.8858 for more information.

Annual Valley Center Western Days

Memorial Day weekend
This annual Western event includes country music, sheriffs, outlaws, cowboys, cowgirls and a traditional rodeo. Call 760.761.4404 for more information.

Portuguese Festa

May 11
This fun outdoor festival includes delicious Portuguese cuisine and a parade. For more information call 619.222.1305

June Events in San Diego

Imperial Beach Chili & Jazz Festival

Join Imperial Beach for a day of Jazz concerts and chili-making contests designed for both amateurs and restaurant chefs.

Annual Greek Festival

June 8 – June 10
This annual Greek Festival, located at the Greek Orthodox Church on 3655 Park Boulevard, features legendary, ethnic Greek food, music and dance. Call 619.297.4165 for more information.

San Diego County Fair

June 14 – July 6
This annual country fair, at the Del Mar Fair Grounds, features fun carnival rides, games, concerts, commercial and food vendors, contests and competitive exhibits including photography, art, student showcases, livestock and small animals. There is also a popular beer and wine garden.
San Diego County Fair Website

San Diego Open Air Book Fair

This annual book fair in Hillcrest features over fifty exhibitor booths, an Author Stage with readings and book signings, an appraisal booth as well as new, used and Antiquarian books.
San Diego Open Air Book Fair Website

Rock and Roll Marathon

June 1
People enjoy themselves running this marathon through Balboa Park, the Gaslamp Quarter, Hillcrest and the San Diego Zoo. And who wouldn’t with a different rock band positioned every mile or so to help you keep up the pace? You will have fun even standing on the side lines cheering people on. Rock and Roll Marathon Website

San Diego Restaurant Week

June 22 – June 27
Each year, the city’s finest chefs from over 100 restaurants prepare special menus so that food lovers can discover the San Diego dining scene for only $30 and $40. This event also occurs in January.
San Diego Restaurant Week Website

Ocean Beach Street Fair and Chili Cook-off

June 28
This fun annual street fair consists of five stages of music, the Artists Ally with unique creations by local artists, the Beachside beer garden and liquor land, fun games and of course the infamous Chili Cook-Off.
Ocean Beach Street Fair and Chili Cook-off Website

A Toast to Music

June 30
Located at the East County Performing Arts Center Plaza in El Cajon, A Toast to Music features great wine and beer tastings, delicious food, contests and prizes. For more information, call 619.401.8858.

Naked Juice 5/K Walk/Run

Beginning in Balboa Park, the Naked Juice 5K route goes along a course with scenic views and ends with a festival including pries, refreshments and more. The proceeds from the race go to benefit the San Diego Blood Bank. Call 619.400.8166 for more information.

Taste of Adams Avenue

June 22
The neighborhoods of Kensington and Normal Heights bring guests culinary creations from over twenty restaurants, pubs and eateries along Adams Avenue. For more information, call 619.233.5008.

July Events in San Diego

San Diego Gay Pride Festival

July 19 - 20
The annual Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LBGT) festival includes a political rally on Friday night, followed by a parade in Hillcrest on Saturday and a weekend-long festival in Balboa Park including the Lesbian Health Fair, Queer Lounge, Laughter Yoga and much more. Come celebrate equality, freedom and diversity in the LGBT community.
San Diego Gay Pride Festival Website

Acura Classic

July 28 – August 5
The week-long Professional Women’s Tennis tournament is hosted by La Costa Resort and Spa in Carlsbad.
Acura Classic Website

Annual Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay

Beginning in July through October, Humphrey’s by the Bay hosts a variety of musical artists in an intimate venue located right on the San Diego Bay. For more information call 619.220.8497.
Annual Humphrey's Concerts by the Bay Website

Stepping Out to Cure Scleroderma

To raise money for a Schleroderma cure and help support the hundreds of thousands of people who cope with this disease, join in the annual walk beginning on Shelter Island Drive.
Stepping out to cure scleroderma Website

Comic-Con International

July 24 – July 28
This four-day event is all about comic books and has expanded into science fiction/fantasy, film/television as well as a range of pop culture elements such as horror, anime, animation, toys, collectible card games, video games and webcomics.
Fun Fact: Comic-Con is the largest event of its kind in the world, filling to capacity the San Diego Convention Center with over 125,000 attendees in 2007.
Comic-Con International Website

Over The Line Tournament

Two consecutive weekends in mid July, typically July 12 - 13 and 19 - 20 The Over The Line Tournament, an annual event filled with fun and sports, is a native San Diego game related to baseball and softball played on the beaches of Fiesta Island in Mission Bay.
Over The Line Tournament Website

Del Mar Races

July 16 – September 3, 2008
The Del Mar Races begin in July, last through September and feature thoroughbred horse races, an infamous hat contest on Opening Day as well as Four O’clock Fridays with concerts and beer specials.
Del Mar Races Website

4th of July Spectator Cruise

This holiday cruise features panoramic views of the fireworks from Coronado Island, San Diego Bay, Mission Bay and SeaWorld from the deck of the New Inspiration Hornblower. For more information, call 619.686.8715

Kayaking Event at Night

Pay $65 for a single kayak and $110 for a double, and you can paddle out to the sea caves in La Jolla for the annual 4th of July fireworks show over La Jolla Cove. For more information, call 858.454.1010.
Kayaking Event at Night Website

Del Mar Invitational Professional Bull Riding

July 26 - 27
Every summer, one of the stops on the Professional Bull Riding (PBR) Enterprise Tour is the Del Mar Fairgrounds in San Diego. This event features both current and upcoming PBR stars.
Del Mar Invitational Professional Bull Riding Website

August Events in San Diego

U.S. Lifeguard Championships

Typically beginning August 8 of every year, the U.S. Lifeguard Championship contests include body surfing, rescuing, running and strength, and take place on the beaches of San Diego.

World Bodysurfing Championships

August 10
The World Bodysurfing Championships, located next to the Oceanside Pier, features approximately 400 bodysurfers from around the world competing to win the title. For more information call 760.802.7452.

Longboard Surf Contest

August 16 – August 19
The Oceanside Longboard Surfing Club hosts an annual Oceanside Longboard Surfing Contest and Beach Festival at the Oceanside Pier. Both amateur and professional contestants will hit the surf for a long weekend of waves, trophies, and crowds.
Longboard Surf Contest Website

Encanto Street Fair and Cultural Arts Festival

August 18
This San Diego street fair offers five outdoor stages with jazz, gospel and hip-hop bands on Imperial Avenue in southeast San Diego.
Encanto Street Fair and Cultural Arts Festival Website

Summergrass San Diego Bluegrass Festival

August 24 – August 26
Located at the Antique Gas and Steam Engine Museum in Del Mar, this three-day live bluegrass festival includes activities for kids, food and on-site camping. Summergrass San Diego Bluegrass Festival Website

Annual Grape Stomp

August 25
The Orfila Vineyards and Winery presents the annual Grape Stomp every August. The grape stomp event celebrates the advent of harvest with hay rides, grape stomping in huge five-foot barrels, dancing, a live band, wine tasting, and a grand buffet dinner.
Annual Grape Stomp Website

Chargers Football

With preseason football games beginning in August, come watch the San Diego Chargers work their way up to winning a Super Bowl championship at Qualcomm Stadium.
Chargers Football Website

September Events in San Diego

ASR San Diego

September 7 – September 9
San Diego ASR is a leading action sports trade event that brings the top action sports industry manufacturers, buyers, and fans together under one roof at the San Diego Convention Center.
ASR San Diego Website

ArtWalk on the Bay

September 8 - September 9
The ArtWalk operates with a mission to introduce Southern Californians to original art and provide attendees with the opportunity to meet local and renowned artists and purchase their designs in the beautiful setting of Seaport Village.
ArtWalk on the Bay Website

Ocean Beach Jazz Festival

September 9th
The Ocean Beach Main Street Association and KSDA Jazz 88 partner to present the Ocean Beach Jazz Festival on the OB pier parking lot.
Ocean Beach Jazz Festival Website

YachtFest

September 11 - September14
The annual festival in the Shelter Island Marina includes over thirty land and marina exhibits, beautiful yachts, an “All Decked Out” fashion show as well as an exclusive party and the yacht awards.
YachtFest Website

Taste of Downtown

September 13
The delicious Taste of Downtown returns to San Diego every September. Enjoy this self guided tour that brings you the best delicacies San Diego has to offer as you travel the streets of Little Italy, the Financial District, East Village, and the Gaslamp Quarter. For more information call 619.233.5008.

Julian Bluegrass Festival

September 15 - September 16
California’s oldest festival, the Julian Bluegrass Festival at Frank Lane Park, features the banjo, fiddle, mandolin, guitar contests and musical and cultural workshops.
Julian Bluegrass Festival Website

BOOT’s Fiestas Patrias

September 14
Boosters of Old Town (BOOT) holds various events throughout the year, including the Fiestas Patrias which celebrate Mexican heritage as well as Mexican Independence Day.

Gala in the Garden

September 13
This annual fundraising event to benefit Quail Botanical Gardens in Encinitas features local cuisine and live entertainment.
Gala in the Garden Website

San Diego Music Awards

September 17
Typically hosted in Viejas Concerts in The Park, the San Diego Music Awards showcase the top emerging artists in San Diego. Past artists to win and appear are Blink 182, Jewel, and Switchfoot. A part of the proceeds will benefit Taylor Guitars for Schools, an organization that helps fund music programs for local schools.
San Diego Music Awards Website

Fleet Week

September 17 – October 27
In a salute to the American military, as well as San Diego's strong military history, there is a week-long tribute series of events, including the MCAS Miramar Air every September and October. The flagship event of San Diego's military salute is the September 29 Fleet Week Sea & Air Parade.
Fleet Week Website

San Diego Festival of Beer

September 21
The annual San Diego Festival of Beer hits the downtown streets to bring locals an evening filled with live music and 120 microbrew samplings from over 60 different breweries.
San Diego Festival of Beer Website

Old Town Art Festival

September 22 – September 23
The Old Town San Diego Chamber of Commerce sponsors the second annual Old Town Art Festival, featuring over 150 arts and crafts booths from around the globe. For more information call 619.291.4903.

San Diego Street Scene

September 22 - September 23
This annual two-day music festival showcases a variety of local and famous musicians of all genres, jamming outdoors all weekend long.
San Diego Street Scene Website

El Cajon Oktoberfest

September 24th
On the last weekend in September and first weekend in October, there are weekend festivals in honor of Oktoberfest featuring an opening parade, authentic German food, beer gardens, live music and folk dancing, children's activities and entertainers.

Adams Avenue Street Fair

September 27- September 28
Southern California’s largest free two-day music festival located on Adams Avenue, in Normal Heights, features over seventy live music performances on six stages, three beer gardens and over 300 art, craft and food vendors.
Adams Avenue Street Fair Website

San Diego Film Festival

September 27 – September 30
This competitive four-day film fest offers a complete entertainment experience. The annual San Diego Film Festival features local and international features, documentaries, music videos, industry panels, and the American Screenwriters Association's annual conference.
San Diego Film Festival Website

AIDS Walk San Diego

September 30
The AIDS Walk San Diego, located in beautiful Balboa Park, is the city’s largest one-day HIV/AIDS fundraiser and consists of a 5K Walk and 10K Run. Proceeds fund prevention and care programs for men, women, and children with either HIV or AIDS.
AIDS Walk San Diego

CONJECTURE

September 28th – September 30th
Conjecture is an annual Speculative Fiction Convention at Crowne Plaza in San Diego that allows visitors to hear writers reading from their own works, and attend workshops on science fiction writing.
CONJECTURE Website

October Events in San Diego

San Diego Women’s Film Festival

October 4 – October 7
This film festival celebrates leading women on the big screen. The San Diego Women’s Film Festival is southern California's most notable and longest running women's film festival that features about 100 different films competing for judge and audience awards.
San Diego Women's Film Festival Website

San Diego Asian Film Festival

October 9 – October 16
The San Diego Asian Film Festival is one of North America’s premier Asian American film festivals and features hundreds of international films and videos with an emphasis on Asian American culture.
San Diego Asian Film Festival Website

Precious Festa Little Italy

October 12
Located in San Diego’s own Little Italy, Precious Festa is the largest Italian festival outside of New York City. Precious Festa features over 150 Italian food and craft booths, three stages of entertainment, the Corso degli Artisti Street Painting Festival, a stickball tournament, and various beer and wine gardens peppering India Street.
Precious Festa Little Italy Website

San Diego Scream Zone

October 10 - October 31
San Diego’s largest and scariest haunted attraction, the Scream Zone at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, is a haunted hay ride where local riders are stalked by ghosts and zombies.
San Diego Scream Zone Website

Blues Cruise

October 5 – October 12
Board the San Diego Blues Cruise and for an entire week of dancing, sunbathing, and partying to multiple musical blues performances surrounding the Mexican Riviera.
Blues Cruise Website

Cajon Classic Trunk or Treat Halloween Show

October 24
The Cajon Classic Cruise Halloween Show and Downtown Trunk or Treat features costumed classic cars paraded throughout El Cajon, and children twelve years and under can trick-or-treat at participating stores.

Coronado Classic Speed Festival

October 27 - October 28
This San Diego auto event features classic and restored cars racing around a spectator-friendly 1.7 mile course in picturesque Coronado.
Coronado Classic Speed Festival Website

Ghosts & Gravestones

May 28 – September 3
Old Town Trolley Tours and the San Diego Historical Society present trolley/walking tours of select haunted sites. Call 800.213.2474 for more information.

Halloween Family Day

October 29
The San Diego Model Railroad Museum hosts Halloween Family Day every October with activities such as make your own trick-or-treat bags, animated ghost stories and a creep scavenger hunt.

Monster Bash

Usually the weekend before Halloween
Monster Bash is “the” Halloween party in the Gaslamp Quarter for twenty and thirty something party goers. Gaslamp Monster Bash offers live bands, a competitive costume contest, and drink specials and no-cover at participating downtown bars.
Monster Bash Website

Make-A-Wish Gala

October 20th
San Diego's Make-A-Wish Gala is typically located at the all-new NTC Promenade in Point Loma. Proceeds from this magical gala benefit the wishes of children with life threatening medical conditions, includes a cocktail reception, auctions, dinner and live entertainment.
Make A Wish Gala Website

November Events in San Diego

Fall Back Festival

The San Diego Fall Back Festival in the Gaslamp Quarter features free activities for children such as face painting, free pumpkins, gold panning and pony rides as well as dance performances. Call 619.233.5008 for more information.

Score Baja 1000

During November, spectators and racers flock to Ensenada and drive over the rough, unpaved terrain of the Baja Peninsula to La Paz where a traditional fiesta concludes the authentic event. For more information, call 818.583.8068

Fall Village Fair

First Sunday in November
The largest one-day street fair in California, the Fall Village Fair in Carlsbad, is known for holiday crafts and an organic farmers market. Call 760.945.9288 for more information.

San Diego Dixieland Jazz Festival

November 21 – 25
The Dixieland Jazz Festival, presented at the Town & Country Hotel and the Convention Center, is a five-day festival held Thanksgiving weekend that includes live concerts, dance floors and intimate “listening” rooms. Call 619.297.5277 for more information.
Sam Diego Dixieland Jazz Festival Website

Veterans Day Parade

November 10
This parade pays tribute to and honors the local veterans in San Diego. The Veterans Day Parade features all branches of the military, veterans, civic groups and high school ROTC groups and bands.
Veterans Day Parade Website

Mother Goose Parade

November 23
The Mother Goose Parade is El Cajon’s annual holiday celebration that includes floats, clowns, bands and equestrians.
Mother Goose Parade Website

San Diego Bay Wine and Food Festival

November 12 – November 15
Known as Southern California’s largest wine and culinary event, this San Diego festival includes 160 world-class wineries, 60 fine dining restaurants, an olive oil competition, live and silent auctions, and celebrity chef appearances. San Diego Bay Wine and Food Festival Website

Ice Skating at Horton Plaza

Come experience a winter wonderland in San Diego at Horton Plaza’s outdoor ice skating rink. The Horton rink opens in late November and is open through January

December Events in San Diego

Arthritis Jingle Bell 5K Run / Walk

December 1
The Arthritis Jingle Bell 5K Run/Walk fights for arthritis - the number one cause of disability. All Jingle Bell participants receive jingle bells for their shoelaces.
Arthritis Jingle Bell 5K Run / Walk Website

Fiesta Navidad

December 12 – December 15
Fiesta Navidad in historic Old Town San Diego is a four-day holiday festival of music and family tradition that includes authentic shopping and dining and free entertainment such as piñatas, décor and visits from Santa Claus.

Parade of Lights

December 9 and December 16
The San Diego Parade of Lights series features a variety of boat parades ablaze on the open water including the Mission Bay Christmas Boat Parade, Oceanside’s Parade of Lights and the San Diego Parade of Lights.
Parade of Lights Website

Quail Botanical Gardens – Garden of Lights

December 7-9, 13-23, 26-30 from 5pm to 9pm
The Quail Botanical Gardens are transformed into a winter wonderland each December as sparkling lights illuminate the plants and trees, and numerous activities fill the garden grounds such as horse drawn wagon rides, marshmallow roasting and holiday refreshments such as hot cider, mulled wine and food.
Quail Botanical Gardens - Garden of Lights Website

Holiday Jazz & Blues Fest

The Holiday Jazz and Blues Fest in San Diego’s East Village/ Gaslamp Quarter, includes live concerts and a comfortable seating area with folding chairs and blankets. Call 619.685.7215.

December Nights

December 5 – December 6
December Nights in Balboa Park features sparkling lights, festive decorations, international food and music performances, and free admission to all of the museums in Balboa Park.
December Nights Website

Holiday of Lights

November 22 – January 1
The largest drive-through light show on the west coast, the Holiday of Lights at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, features over 350 sparkling displays, all organized into themes including Candy Cane Lane, Toyland, Treasures by the Lake and the Twelve Days of Christmas.
Holiday of Lights Website

Wild Animal Park’s Festival of Lights

Throughout December – closed Christmas Day
Take a walk on the “wild side" and head over to the San Diego Wild Animal Park's Festival of Lights. In addition to the normal fun available at the Wild Animal Park at night, they light the place with tons of animal themed Christmas lights. They also feature a kiddie snow area and a snow hill with separate sides for kids big and little.
Wild Animal Park's Festival of Lights Website

San Diego SeaWorld Holiday Celebration

Throughout December
SeaWorld in San Diego gets into the holiday spirit each December by decking the halls, lighting the Skytower Tree of Lights, providing strolling carolers with musicians, and putting together special holiday themed shows.
San Diego SeaWorld Holiday Celebration Website

Holiday Bowl