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Greater San Diego
Annual Events

Greater San Diego has festivities taking place all through the year including concerts, festivals, fairs and sporting events.

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

The list below presents an overview of the major events in the San Diego area.

January: College Baseball; From the crack of the bat to the slide on into home, NCAA baseball packs a wallop of home run frenzy for what's oft called America's favorite pastime. Diamond action starts in January, continuing through most of June.; San Diego State Aztecs, San Diego Toreros; Buick Invitational; Torrey Pines Golf Course in La Jolla is the site for this annual competition held during January. To make reservations and purchase tickets for the Buick Invitational, click here.; San Diego Marathon; The Marathon starts at 7:30 AM on a mid-January morning if you are running, but you can also start walking at 5:30 AM, on San Diego's beautiful north coastline walking course. Call (888) 543-7223 for more information.; Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade and Festival; Marching bands and floats are accompanied by a multi-cultural festival of food, exhibits and entertainment. Call (619) 264-0542 for more information.; Martin Luther King Day; At the WorldBeat Cultural Center in Balboa Park, Martin Luther King Day activities include concerts and more. Call (619) 230-1190 for more information.; Chinese New Year; Dancers, martial arts shows, crafts and food are featured in mid-January throughout San Diego. Call (619) 234-4447 for more information.; San Diego Restaurant Week; Dining deals heat up at more than 100 fine restaurants during San Diego Restaurant Week, when patrons can enjoy special three-course, prix fixe dinner menus, excluding beverage, tax and gratuity. Call (888) 660-7514 for more information.; Del Mar Antique Show and Sale; Every January, April and November, explore 100,000 square feet of antiques and collectibles from California and Western U.S. dealers, including furniture, jewelry, silver, pottery, art and much more. An antique appraisal booth will be provided. Call (800) 943-7501 for more information.; Historical Society Holiday Homes Tours; During the first week of January, tour two houses listed in the National Register of Historic Places: the Villa Montezuma at 1925 K St. and Marston House at 3525 Seventh Ave. near Balboa Park. Call (619) 232-6203 for more information.; WhaleFest; This ongoing three-month event spectacle includes educational activities, special exhibits, tips about whales, daily whale-watching cruises with naturalists, and more. Call (858) 534-3474 for more information.
February: Accenture Match Play / World Golf Championship; Watch the world's top golfers compete in one of the World Golf Championship's series of matches, held each year at the La Costa Resort and Spa, in Carlsbad, mid-February. Call (877) 942-8497 for more information.; SuperBowl Blues Fest; Volkswagen presents the annual SuperBowl Blues Fest featuring assorted blues luminaries at Humphreys by the Bay. Call (619) 337-5739 for more information.; San Diego Black Film Festival; Formerly the Noir Film Festival, the Black Historical Society of San Diego sponsors the screening of dozens of independent films, panel discussions and social events with the filmmakers, during the first week of February. Venue may change from year to year. Call (619) 685-7215 for more information.; Heroes with Heart Annual Awards Dinner; Early in February, the USS Midway hosts an evening of dancing, live music, flight simulators and ship tours, with gourmet food stations and cocktails, sponsored by the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America, with proceeds to benefit Camp Oasis for children suffering from IBD. Call (858) 547-8200 for more information.; Boat Services Show & Market; Boating enthusiasts flock to the free admission Boat Services Show & Market to browse, talk with factory reps, industry experts, and other boaters, and see what's new. Call (858) 866-1525 for more information.; Brazil Carnaval; February brings San Diego Brazil Carnaval to San Diego's 4th & “B" Showcase Theater, presented by VARIG Brazilian Airlines. Enjoy one of the largest and most authentic Carnivals outside of Brazil. Call (619) 231-4343 for more information.; Mardi Gras; The annual street party and parade begin in mid-February, around 5th and Island Aves., downtown in the Gaslamp Quarter. Local restaurants will feature specials, contests and dances. Call (619) 233-5227 for more information.; Getty Center and Watts Towers; Each year, the San Diego Museum of Contemporary Art sponsors a tour of the recently renovated Getty Center, with a guide from the Watts Towers Arts Center, at the Golden Triangle, 700 Prospect St., in La Jolla. Lunch is served after the tour, around the last day in February. Call (858) 454-3541 for more information.; Flavors of San Diego Culinary Gala; The Flavors of San Diego Culinary Gala benefits San Diego's chapter of the American Liver Foundation while creating a one-of-a-kind gourmet experience for each 10-person table of guests. Call (619) 291-5483 for more information.; Borrego Springs Grapefruit Festival; February's end of grapefruit season calls for juicy tribute with music, food, arts, crafts, youth games, and a car show on Christmas circle. Free admission. Call (760) 767-5555 for more information.; Kumba Fest; Co-produced with the African-American Council of the San Diego Repertory Theatre, this black history month celebration features African-American arts and cultural heritage with drama, song and poetry at downtown's Lyceum Theatre. Call (619) 544-1000 for more information.; Annual Jewish Film Festival; American and international feature films, documentaries and short subjects explore the Jewish experience at various theaters in San Diego County. Call (858) 457-3161 for more information.
March: International Film Festival; Catch the last two weeks of this annual festival, which features workshops with actors, writers and directors, and some of the world's newest and most promising films shown publicly for the first time, until mid-March. Call (619) 236-1212 for more information.; Family Wineries of California Tasting; In early to mid-March, the Exhibit Hall at Del Mar Fairgrounds hosts over 200 California wineries, some of them small and lesser known usually not found at large tastings, open to both the trade and the public. Call (415) 705-0646 for more information.; Santree Festival; In mid-March, Mast Park along the San Diego River in Santee hosts the annual tree festival, sponsored by the San Diego River Park Foundation and the Friends of Santee's River Park, where local volunteers plant native trees, remove invasive plants and beautify the river banks. Call (619) 297-7380 for more information.; St. Patrick's Day Parade and Festival; A flag-raising is followed by a parade, with food booths, entertainment, and a beer garden. Call (858) 268-9111 for more information.; ShamRock; Celebrate St. Patrick's Day in the Gaslamp Quarter, near 6th Ave. and F St. Enjoy bands playing in the street, and special events in the neighborhood cafes. Call (619) 233-5008 for more information.; Easter Bonnet Parade and Hat Contest; The Gaslamp Quarter's Petco Park in the Park hosts a hat-making workshop for kids with hats, beads, feathers and glitter under the direction of Millinery Instructor and Hat Designer, Diana Cavagnaro, followed by an egg hunt for kids 2 through 12 hunting for over 6,000 M&Ms-filled eggs. Call (619) 233-5008 for more information.; San Diego Latino Film Festival; Short and feature length films from across Latin America and the U.S are produced by Latinos or focus on the Latino experience. Call (619) 230-1938 for more information.; Annual Kiwanis Ocean Beach Kite Festival; Bring your own kite to be judged or participate in free kite-making at this event with food, entertainment and a parade to the beach for kite-flying competition. Call (619) 531-1527 for more information.
April: Major League Baseball; Nothing signals advent of spring more than baseball with a capital B, tightly meshed into American culture with historic firsts, icon performances, record-setting events, and traditions from hot dogs slathered in mustard to unexpected curveballs, and seventh-inning stretches. Books and movies about baseball are fine and dandy, but nothing beats Major League Baseball action, playing out each season from April through the World Series.; San Diego Padres - To book seats to root for your San Diego Padres, click here.; Barrett Lake Fishing; From April through September, less than an hour's drive northeast of San Diego, Barrett Lake is open for fishing and relaxing along its 12 miles of shoreline.
To make reservations and buy tickets for your next visit to Barrett Lake, click here.; Crew Classic; The annual Regatta starts at Crown Point Shores Park on Crown Point Drive, in Mission Bay. Watch over 3,000 collegiate, masters and high school rowers compete in this historic event, the first week of April. Races start at 7 AM; bring your picnic. Call (619) 225-0300 for more information.; Adams Avenue Roots Festival of Music; Folk, blues and ethnic music are featured at this live event, happening from 35th to Felton Streets, during the last weekend in April. Call (619) 233-5008 for more information.; Festival of Animation; For 10 days in April (call ahead for this year's schedule), the Museum of Contemporary Art, 700 Prospect St., La Jolla, hosts award-winning animated films from around the world. Call (858) 459-8707 for more information.; Del Mar Antique Show and Sale; Every January, April and November, explore 100,000 square feet of antiques and collectibles from California and Western U.S. dealers, including furniture, jewelry, silver, pottery, art and much more. An antique appraisal booth will be provided. Call (800) 943-7501 for more information.; ArtWalk; Always staged during April's fourth weekend, ArtWalk is set in downtown's scenic Little Italy, showcasing the San Diego / Tijuana region's diverse fine art scene. Hundreds of artists, musicians, and dancers fill the streets for two days of fun attracting more than 70,000. Event guests ride free on Old Town Trolley shuttles to key points. Call (619) 615-1090 for more information.; Vintage Weekend; As a fundraiser for the Museum of Photographic Arts, Vintage Weekend includes a Winemaker's Dinner pairing rare and exceptional vintages with a chef-prepared meal, a Grand Tasting Wine Auction at the museum and a tour of private wine cellars in Del Mar. Call (619) 238-7559, ext. 203 for more information.; Del Mar National Horse Show; One of the nation's premier equestrian events, the Grand Prix Del Mar includes championship riders in dressage and hunter-jumper competitions at the Del Mar Arena. Call (858) 792-4288 for more information.; Linda Vista Multi-Cultural Fair and Parade; Celebrating community cultural diversity, the Linda Vista Multi-Cultural Fair and Parade showcases performers from around the world on three stages. The World Arts Village spotlights traditional craft demonstrations, and there's also a Kids Zone and ethnic food court. Call (858) 560-0871 for more information.; Fallbrook Avocado Festival; Sample food featuring avocados, plus arts, crafts, fun, and games on Fallbrook's Main Street. Call (760) 728-5845 for more information.; NAMI San Diego County 5k Run / Walk; The National Alliance on Mental Illness sponsors NAMIWalks for the Mind of America every April in San Diego where participants learn about mental illness, and proceeds benefit programs that improve mental health recovery and reduce the stigma of mental illness. Call (619) 584-5564 for more information.; Barona's $1,000,000 Quacker Dash; Sponsored by the San Diego Blood Bank, Barona's $1,000,000 Quacker Dash provides opportunity to win a cool million when yellow rubber duckies are up for adoption for $5 each before being set free in a lake at Barona Casino. Besides the cash, racing for prizes includes a Saks Fifth Avenue shopping spree, Saturn Ion and more. Call (619) 400-8176 for more information.; San Diego's Taste of the Nation 2007; Live music, a silent auction of dining certificates, gourmet cooking classes and chef competitions, and more are featured each April when dozens of San Diego's best chefs present their finest creations. May be held at a different venue each year. Call (877) 268-2783 for more information.; Spring Bamboo Sale; Quail Botanical Gardens in Encinitas hosts the Spring Bamboo Sale featuring more than 100 varieties of bamboo grown by collectors and growers throughout southern California. Call (951) 359-1706 for more information.; Flower by the Sea Show; At Quail Botanical Gardens in Encinitas, the "Flower by the Sea" show is open to non-professional horticulture and floral design exhibitors. Judging is by an accredited panel from the National Garden Club, Inc., with entry forms at Quail and other area nurseries. Call (951) 359-1706 for more information.; Mardi Gras Masquerade; The Mardi Gras Masquerade benefits Point Loma's Silver Gate Elementary, featuring dinner, dancing, silent auction and more. Call (619) 309-5147 for more information.; San Diego Celebrity Classic; Towards the end of April, Morgan Run Club & Resort in Rancho Santa Fe hosts famous celebrity golfers in a tournament to benefit Rady Children's Hospital - San Diego and other charities, featuring kids' golf clinics and a military appreciation ceremony. Call (858) 836 0133 for more information.; Servapalooza; Over the last weekend in April, volunteer stations will dot Balboa Park where volunteers can sign up for projects that benefit the community, enjoy live entertainment, food and vendor booths, and the Palooza Parade. Call (616) 599-8205 for more information.
May: International Gem and Jewelry Show; For three days in May (call ahead for this year's schedule), the San Diego Gem and Jewelry Association hosts an exposition at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., in Del Mar, where you can shop for the best stones at the best price, or buy pieces of stones in bulk for making your own jewelry. Call (858) 294-1640 for more information.; Cinco de Mayo; Several venues in San Diego, including Grape Day Park and the Embarcadero, host a celebration of Mexican food, dancing and crafts on the weekend closest to May 5. Try to catch the live mariachi bands at Old Town State Historical Park. Call (760) 767-5355 for more information.; California Restaurant Association Gold Medallion Awards; Each May, the California Restaurant Association sponsors a banquet with California sparkling wine, awards and an auction. Venue may vary from year to year. Call (619) 297-8200 for more information.; Carlsbad Spring Fair; Culinary treats, clothes, artifacts and souvenirs of historic southern California are featured at this annual crafts fairs, held the first Sunday in May, Grand and State Sts., Carlsbad. Call (760) 945-9288 for more information.; San Diego Sicilian Festival; Free to the public amid a backdrop of neighborhood restaurants and shops, San Diego's Little Italy transforms into a Sicilian village on India Street between Cedar and Date streets. Sicilian-themed weekend fun includes nationally-acclaimed entertainment, Sicilian and Italian food, a wine and beer tent, children's rides, games, arts / crafts booths, and more.; North Park Festival of the Arts; In mid-May, the neighborhood of North Park celebrates the arts, culture and entertainment with a variety of activities, live entertainment, food and an Artists' Village where local artists and craftsmen display their work. Call (619) 233-5008 for more information.; Annual Ramona Air Fair; Aerial fire fighting, aircraft demonstration flights, airplane rides, carnival rides, hot air balloons, music, fireworks, and more take place at the Ramona Airport. Free admission. Call (760) 788-6174 for more information.; A Taste of the Nation; Area chefs and restaurants donate talents and resources to raise money for local anti-hunger efforts. Unlimited sampling awaits with an array of food and beverage. Call (800) 969-4767 for more information.; Cajon Classic Cruise; On Wednesday nights from May through September with a special October Halloween show, the free Cajon Classic Cruise is southern California's largest weekly car show. Anyone can enter to vie for more than a dozen trophies up for grabs. Call (619) 401-8858 for more information.; Gator by the Bay; This Mardi Gras Zydeco and Blues Festival at Spanish Landing Park showcases more than a dozen bands, free dance workshops, a "Taste of Louisiana" food court, kiddie tent, and a Mardi Gras Parade. Call (619) 234-8612 for more information.; Concerts on the Green; In El Cajon near San Diego, Concerts on the Green, featuring jazz, country and Latin beats, are presented each May through September. Call (619) 401-8858 for more information.; Annual Valley Center Western Days; Western Days has it all, starring sheriffs, outlaws, cowboys, cowgirls, country music, a mayor's shoot-out and a rodeo. Call (760) 749-8472 for more information.; Naked Juice 5/K Walk/Run; Benefitting the San Diego Blood Bank and starting at Balboa Park, the Naked Juice 5K route runs along a course with scenic views, wrapping up with a post-event festival with prizes, free refreshments, and more. Call (619) 400-8176 for more information.
June: Chili Cook-Off; Walnut Grove Community Park, 2200 Sycamore Dr., San Marcos, hosts the annual chili contest, featuring square dancing and cooking demonstrations, from 10 AM to 6 PM (call for exact date). Call (760) 744-1270 for more information.; Imperial Beach Chili & Jazz Festival; Jazz concerts spiced further with chili-making contests for amateurs and restaurant chefs take place each year at Veterans Park along Imperial Beach Boulevard. Call (619) 575-7997 for more information.; Americans for the Arts Convention After Party; In mid-June, San Diego Fine Art Society (SDFAS), the lead sponsor of Americans for the Arts, hosts an 'AFTA Party' following the Convention, featuring live performances, and an address by the CEO of AFTA. Call (619) 702-6742 for more information.; Purina Incredible Dog Challenge; Towards the middle of June, West Coast dogs compete in agility and Olympic-style events including diving, flying disc, weave poles, and Jack Russell hurdle racing. Call (704) 644-6550 for more information.; Portuguese Festa; Portuguese cuisine and a parade are featured at this outdoor festival, in mid-June (call for exact dates), around the United Portuguese Hall at 2818 Addison St. Call (619) 223-5880 for more information.; Mainly Mozart Festival; An all-star orchestra performs works of Mozart and other Baroque, classical, and romantic composers. Call (619) 239-0100 for more information.; Annual Greek Festival; This annual Greek Festival features ethnic food, music and dance. Park free at Roosevelt Jr. High School for shuttle to site. Call (619) 297-4165 for more information.
July: San Diego Open; This annual tennis tournament is held over Independence Day weekend, at Morley Field Complex, Golden Hills Point Loma. Call (619) 232-3101 for more information.; San Diego LGBT Pride; Always the last weekend in July, LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) Pride ranks as San Diego's largest civic event, supporting “equal rights, no more, no less." A political rally on Friday night is followed by a Saturday parade in Hillcrest, and a two-day festival in Balboa Park. Call (619) 297-7683 for more information.; Acura Classic; La Costa Resort and Spa in Carlsbad hosts the week-long Women's Tennis Association each summer, beginning the last week of July. Call (760) 438-5683 for more information.; Chula Vista Music in the Park; From mid-June through September, free concerts are presented at Memorial Bowl Park by the Chula Vista Office of Cultural Arts. Call (619) 585-5627 for more information.; Harlem West Fest; At the Harlem West Fest & San Diego Jazz Parade, the city's rich jazz and blues history comes alive with artists in live performances accompanied by exhibits and food downtown. Call (619) 685-7215 for more information.; Annual Humphrey's Concerts by the Bay; Spend evenings under the stars with top name entertainers at Humphrey's half Moon Inn, Shelter Island. Concerts run through October. Call (619) 523-1010 for more information.; Stepping Out To Cure Scleroderma; To raise money for a schleroderma cure, walk-a-thon participants gather on Shelter Island Drive, across from Humphrey's by the Bay. Call (619) 448-6301 for more information.; Christmas in July Festival; Hand-made crafts, art, homemade food, local musicians and entertainers will be present at this annual local festival in Oceanside, at the Old Mission Montessori School, on the historic grounds of the Mission San Luis Rey Parish. Call (760) 757-3232 for more information.
August: U.S. Lifeguard Championships; Beginning August 8, the beaches of San Diego will be full of lifeguards and contests in body surfing, rescuing, running and strength. Spend a day at the beach, anywhere, and you will see a number of competitive events. Call (305) 673-7714 for more information.; Encanto Street Fair and Cultural Arts Festival; Jazz, gospel and hip-hop bands are featured on 5 outdoor stages, in mid-August, in southeast San Diego along Imperial Ave., between 61st and 65th Sts. Call (619) 266-0936 for more information.; Comic-Con; During the first week in August, visit the nation's largest comic book and popular culture exposition, in the San Diego Convention Center. Call (619) 491-2475 for more information.; Broadway San Diego; Favorites from Broadway come to life at San Diego's downtown Civic Theater. Call (619) 415-4178 for more information.; San Diego Blues Festival; Local and national blues musicians headline this festival at the Embarcadero Marine Park South. Call (619) 283-9576 for more information.; Welk Resort Theatre; Popular musical comedies and revues unfold at this theater in Escondido, with matinee and dinner shows as well as evening performances including on-going favorites such as The Desert Song. Call (760) 739-3000 for more information.; Summergrass San Diego Bluegrass Festival; Staged at Vista's Antique Gas and Steam Engine Museum, this three-day live band bluegrass extravaganza features kid's activities, engine exhibits and more, held mid to late August. Call (619) 440-5548 for more information.; San Diego Ukulele Festival; Non-stop world class performances and workshops are staged for all levels, with promoters urging prospective participants to dust off old ukuleles or buy from vendors. Call (619) 318-9399 for more information.; A Toast to Music; Staged in El Cajon near San Diego at the East County Performing Arts Center Plaza, A Toast to Music provides an afternoon of culinary adventure and wine tasting featuring vintages from more than 40 wineries, restaurants and breweries. Call (619) 401-8858 for more information.; Summer Salsa; McMillin Event Center at NTC Promenade hosts Summer Salsa, providing dance instruction for the first hour to live Latin music, with hors d'oeuvres and a no-host bar. Proceeds benefit Young Audiences and children it serves. Call (619) 282-7599 for more information.
September: National Football League; If it's fall and you're ready for some football, count on the National Football League to deliver non-stop grid action, leading to playoffs, and the incomparable Super Bowl. The NFL has come a long way since its 1920 founding in Canton, Ohio at Ralph Hay's Hupmobile dealership. NFL action was first televised in 1939 when NBC broadcast within New York City. The NFL's Longest Day was on Christmas, 1971, in a playoff between the Kansas City Chiefs and Miami Dolphins, and Miami's 17-0 Perfect Season unfolded the following year. But that's history, and prospects for new milestones start in September.; San Diego Chargers - To book seats for cheering on your San Diego Chargers, click here.; College Football; NCAA Football, created in 1997 to promote college football ideals, makes no bones about the importance of each game. Losing at any time during the season can thwart a team's chances for postseason action or an NCAA Championship. No wonder NCAA Football marketers have adopted a tagline of "NCAA Football: Every Game Counts."; San Diego State Aztecs, San Diego Toreros; Del Mar Summer Concert Series; At the beginning of September, the Del Mar Racetrack hosts a beer fest accompanied by well-known live musicians, beginning after the last race on the Seaside Stage, west end of the Grandstand. 2260 Jimmy Durante Boulevard, Del Mar. Call (858) 755-1141 for more information.; Cinema en tu Idioma - San Diego Latino Film Festival; Early in September, UltraStar Mission Valley Cinemas screens the latest in Latino cinema. 7510 Hazard Center Drive. Call (619) 230-1938 for more information.; Street Scene; During the first or second week in September, this annual downtown music festival is scheduled to include a variety of famous musicians of all styles, jamming outdoors and in public, between 3rd and 9th Sts. Call (619) 232-3101 for more information.; YachtFest; In mid-September, Shelter Island will host its annual festival for yacht owners, and those shopping for yachts, in the Port of San Diego, which is reputed to attract more yachts than any other harbor along the Pacific Rim. Call (858) 373-8700 for more information.; San Diego Asian Film Festival; The San Diego Asian Film Festival showcases top Asian American and International cinema from features, shorts, and documentaries to music videos, and experimental film, while featuring celebrity and film maker panels and hip after parties in the Gaslamp district. Call (619) 232-0400 for more information.; Adams Avenue Street Fair; The annual festival of live music on six stages, ethnic food, carnival rides and vendor booths will be held on the last weekend in September. Call (619) 282-7329 for more information.; La Jolla Motor Car Classic; In mid-September, La Jolla Cove at Scripps Park hosts a festival of classic and antique cars along the oceanfront, with live entertainment and refreshments. Call (619) 233-5008 for more information.; San Diego Zoo Activities; In September or any other month, visitors to the famed San Diego Zoo find something new with informative guided tours aboard a double-decked bus offering bird's eye views of the zoo, Balboa Park and more. Call (619) 234-3153 for more information.; Julian Bluegrass Festival & Banjo Fiddle Contest; Unfolding in the historic gold-mining town east of San Diego, the three-decade old Julian Bluegrass Festival -- California's oldest -- features banjo, fiddle, mandolin, and guitar contests, workshops, food, and fun. Call (760) 765-3937 for more information.; BOOT's Fiestas Patrias; Boosters of Old Town (BOOT), dedicated to interpretive programs within Old Town San Diego State Historical Park, stages events throughout the year, including September's Fiestas Patrias celebrating Mexican Heritage. Call (619) 293-0117 for more information.; Que Viva! Cine Latino Film Series; Free screenings of contemporary independent Latin films are featured in the theaters of Otay Ranch Town Center. Call (619) 293-0117 for more information.; Gala in the Garden; Staged at Quail Botanical Gardens near Encinitas to benefit the exquisite grounds and the historic Larabee House, the Gala in the Garden features cuisine from area restaurateurs and live entertainment. Call (760) 943-2333 for more information.; Ocean Beach Jazz Festival; KSDA Jazz 88 and the Ocean Beach Mainstreet Association partner to present the Ocean Beach Jazz Festival on the OB pier parking lot. Call (619) 224-4906 for more information.; Get Moving Encinitas Walk / Run; In mid to late September, the Magdalena Ecke Family YMCA sponsors a one to fifty lap walk / run around the Paul Ecke Sports Park track for all ages and levels of fitness. Participants receive goody bags, t-shirts and a complimentary breakfast, as part of YMCA's Activate America Campaign. Call (760) 635-3050 for more information.; Kidsfaire, America's Family Expo; Kidsfaire, America's Family Expo ranks as California's largest family event, featuring more than 250 exhibits and entertainment, including Kidsfaire Speedway, Pirates Cove, and Princess Pavilion. Call (866) 823-8600 for more information.; El Cajon Oktoberfest; On the last weekend in September, and first weekend in October, the German American Societies of San Diego sponsor a two, three-day weekend festival featuring an opening parade, keg tapping ceremony, authentic German food, pastries, soft drinks, beer and liquor, live music and folk dancing, children's activities, crafts vendors and assorted entertainers, around 1017 South Mollison Avenue, El Cajon. Call (619) 442-6637 for more information.
October: AIDS Walk San Diego; Starting in Balboa Park, the AIDS Walk San Diego is the city's largest one-day HIV / AIDS fundraiser, attracting more than 10,000 participants for the 5K Walk and 10K Run. Proceeds fund prevention and care programs for men, women, and children. Call (619) 448-6301 for more information.; CONJECTURE; The San Diego Speculative Fiction Society will host an annual science fiction and fantasy convention at the Double Tree Mission Valley, around the third week in October. Listen to writers reading from their works, and attend workshops on science fiction writing. Call (619) 297-5466 for more information.; Kidsfaire -- America's Family Expo; At the Del Mar Fairgrounds, Kidsfaire features more than 350 interactive exhibits and 14 Family Adventure Zones, a Craft City, and Acres of Rides. Characters include SpongeBob, Dora the Explorer, Bob the Builder, The Rugrats, Winnie-the-Pooh, Strawberry Shortcake, Clifford the Big Red Dog, Curious George, The Berenstein Bears, Scooby-Doo, Madeline, and The Wild Things. Call (866) 283-8600 for more information.; Coronado Classic Speed Festival; This is a racing event for classic and restored cars, rather than hot rods. Have a close look at some of the better preserved examples, at the North Island Naval Air Station, 9 AM – 4 PM, dates to be determined. Call (619) 283-5808 for more information.; Mum Festival at the Wild Animal Park; Take a tram ride through the park to see the brilliant colors of autumn chrysanthemums, and enjoy a special botanical program. Call (760) 738-4100 for more information.; Autumn in Gaslamp Quarter; Past, present and future meld at eclectic Gaslamp Quarter, home to more than 60 restaurants, 20 nightclubs and 50 retails stores, plus entertainment. Walking tours available year around. Call (619) 233-4692 for more information.; Borrego Days - Desert Days Festival; Over a weekend in mid to late October, the Secret Desert hosts a 3-day family festival commencing with a parade through downtown, featuring marching bands, floats and equestrian groups, food and crafts vendor booths, live entertainment and a beer garden, and a kids area featuring pony rides, face painting, and a mini carnival. 700 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs. Call (619) 233-5008 for more information.; Tequila Festival and Expo; In mid-October, along Avenida Revolucion in Tijuana, Mexico, tequila experts and distillers will be on hand to offer samples and discuss over 200 brands of tequila. Call (619) 232-5040 for more information.; Cajon Classic Halloween Show; The Cajon Classic Cruise Halloween Show and Downtown Trick-or-Treat has Main Street decked out with costumed classic cars. Children 12 years and under can grab their Downtown El Cajon Trick-or-Treat bag and a list of participating merchants at the El Cajon CDC office. Call (619) 401-8858 for more information.; Ghosts & Gravestones; San Diego's grave moments are mixed with doses of humor to leave participants dying for more. Old Town Trolley Tours and the San Diego Historical Society present spine tingling trolley/walking tours of select haunted sites. Call (619) 298-8687 for more information.; Halloween Family Day; San Diego Model Railroad Museum hosts families who make their own trick-or-treat bags and pursue other ghoulish delights while hunting down museum spooks, skeletons, and witches. Each one found earns a treat for the bag. Costumed participants get rewards. Call (619) 696-0199 for more information.; Fall Back Festival; Benefiting the Gaslamp Quarter Historical Foundation, Fall Back Festival features a fun-filled educational jamboree as clocks turn back to the days of San Diego's stage coaches and penny candy. Blacksmithing, dance, story-telling and puppet shows are part of the action. Call (619) 233-5008 for more information.; Port of San Diego's Sculpture Show; At Embarcadero Marina and juried by an illustrious group of curators, the San Diego Sculpture Show presents works from assorted artisans in conjunction with a Speakers Forum. VIP packages available. Call (619) 233-5008 for more information.; Bass Monster Bash; Benefiting the Gaslamp Quarter Historical Foundation, Bass Monster Bash incorporates scary doings with sinful favorites including icy-cold Bass and Southern Comfort cocktails, plus cool DJs and a hot costume contest for Halloween party fun. Call (619) 233-5008 for more information.; Dia de los Muertos; The deceased are honored on Day of the Dead weekend with mariachi bands, local ballet groups, Aztec entertainment and celebrations. Old Mission San Luis Rey, 4050 Mission Avenue, Oceanside. Call (760) 757 3651 for more information.
November: College Basketball; First devised by James Naismith in 1891, with the first recorded collegiate game in 1893, legions testify there's no sound so soothing as a basketball whooshing through the net after a flick of the wrist. NCAA basketball brings grass roots hoop dreams to an entirely new level each fall, building toward March Madness, the NCAA Division Basketball Championships.; San Diego State Aztecs, San Diego Toreros; Mater Dei Golf Tournament; In early November, Mater Dei Catholic Church in Chula Vista hosts a golf tournament, featuring a four-person scramble, trophies and prizes, and Bingo for non-golfers, at Eastlake Country Club to raise funds for their church. Call (619) 656-3735 for more information.; Fall Village Fair; Score Baja 1000; During November, thousands of spectators and racers come to Ensenada, and drive over rough, unpaved terrain on the Baja Peninsula to La Paz where a fiesta and notorious party conclude the event. Call (818) 583-8068 for more information.; Fall Village Fair; Christmas handicrafts, and an organic farmers market are featured at this holiday seasonal fair in Carlsbad, near Grand Ave. and Carlsbad Blvd. Call (760) 945-9288 for more information.; Balboa Park Food & Wine Classes; It's fun, not technical, with the main goal to get people involved in an outstanding culinary experience, to meet great chefs and have great times! Class seating is limited to 16 for the cooking school and 25-35 students for the wine school. Students enjoy fruits of their education on the balcony that overlooks Balboa Park. Call (619) 557-9441 for more information.; Annual Welk Resort Theatre Musical Christmas; Welk Resort Theatre offers matinees and dinner shows along with evening performances including holiday presentations from mid-November through year's end. Call (760) 749-3000 for more information.; Del Mar Antique Show and Sale; Every January, April and November, explore 100,000 square feet of antiques and collectibles from California and Western U.S. dealers, including furniture, jewelry, silver, pottery, art and much more. An antique appraisal booth will be provided. Call (800) 943-7501 for more information.; San Diego Thanksgiving Dixieland Jazz Festival; The Dixieland Festival at the Town & Country Resort and Convention Center, featuring more than 25 bands, is among the world's premier traditional jazz events and annually attracts more than 6,000 fans. Call (619) 297-5277 for more information.; Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas!; Jumping off pages of the classic Dr. Seuss book, this musical unfolds annually on stage at the Old Globe Theatre, transformed into a snow-covered Who-ville down to the last can of Who-hash. Call (619) 23-GLOBE for more information.; Make-A-Wish Gala; San Diego's Make-A-Wish Gala, with varying themes at different locales depending on the year, helps grant wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions. Call (858) 707-9470, ext. 106 for more information.; Downtown by Design Tour; The Downtown by Design Home Tour features dynamic, spectacular residences. Participants get a look at urban living, including a complimentary tasting tour of selected premier restaurants and boutiques, with prizes. Call (619) 233-5008 for more information.
December: Woodcraft Show and Sale; During the first week in December, over 50 woodcrafters exhibit their art which includes furniture, bowls and vases, jewelry, toys, carvings and holiday ornaments, at Cut & Dried Hardwood's Cedros Design District Showroom in Solana Beach. Call (858) 481-0442 for more information.; North Park Craft Mafia Holiday Hit List; In early December, stop by Liberty Station LTC for a great selection of holiday gifts and music. 2875 Dewey Road. Call (858) 229-9842 for more information.; Old Town Holiday; Take a candlelight walking tour through the historic districts, while listening to stories about early San Diego, from 6 PM to 9 PM during the holidays, starting from Old Town State Historical Park. The local shopkeepers sponsor caroling and other entertainment. Call (619) 220-5422 for more information.; Whale Watching; The California gray whales continue their seasonal migration through San Diego to the Baja coast throughout December, and there are many boat trips available for whale watching. Call (619) 557-5450 for more information.; Parades of Lights; Enjoy a variety of boat parades, usually starting around 7 PM, such as the Mission Bay Christmas Boat Parade, Oceanside's Boat Parade, and the San Diego Boat Parade, during the holidays. Call (619) 236-1212 for more information.; Arthritis Jingle Bell 5K Run / Walk; The Arthritis Foundation's Jingle Bell 5K Run / Walk provides family oriented holiday inspiration for competitive runners, occasional joggers, and kindred spirits wanting to share in a joyous day at Balboa Park. Call (858) 492-1090 for more information.; Quail Botanical Gardens – Garden of Lights; Quail Botanical Gardens marks the holidays with horse drawn wagon rides, food and shopping amid a magical display of lights. Call (760) 436-3036 for more information.; San Diego Bay Parade of Lights; A spectacular boat parade, featuring decorated craft, starts at the southwest end of Shelter Island and travels past Harbor Island, Embarcadero, Seaport Village, Coronado Ferry Landing Marketplace, and ends at the navy carrier turning basin. Free viewing. Call (619) 224-2240 for more information.; Holiday Jazz & Blues Fest; San Diego's East Village / Gaslamp Quarter takes on a festive glow on the second Saturday with the Holiday Jazz & Blues Festival. Folding chairs, blankets and friendly dogs are allowed, and donations to benefit the Black Historical Society of San Diego are welcomed. Call (619) 685-7215 for more information.

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Greater San Diego Annual Events

Greater San Diego
Annual Events