Experience America’s Finest City and Discover San Diego’s Liveliest Events.
What’s Happening in San Diego
5/2 – Race Legal | Qualcomm Staduim, 9449 Friars Road, San Diego | 6:00 p.m. – midnight | Race Legal, the safer and sanctioned track alternative to illegal street racing, was developed with one goal in mind. Saving the needless loss of young lives to an illegal street race gone bad is RaceLegal.com’s mantra.
5/3 – ValBeMar & Candelas by Martin San Roman Pairing Event | Downtown San Diego | 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. | $70 | Experience the best of both worlds at this one of a kind food & drink tastemaker event featuring 3 custom Mexican-French dishes paired with ValBeMar Indonesian Specialty Coffee.
5/4 – 5/6 – Scrapbook Expo | Del Mar Fairgrounds, O’Brien Hall, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar | Friday 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. | $8 admission; workshop fees not included | Door prizes, workshops, make & takes, crops, exhibits and more
5/4 – 5/6 – Fiesta Old Town Cinco de Mayo | Old Town San Diego | Saturday 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m., Sunday 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. | FREE | Live entertainment, kids area & stage, delicious food, beer garden and more
5/11 – 5/12 – Annual Allied Gardens SpringFest | Allied Gardens Community Park, 5155 Greenbrier Avenue | Friday 5:00 – 11:00 p.m. , Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. | Carnival, pony rides, inflatables, rock climbing wall, dunk tank, food, beer garden (5-11 pm), three stages featuring local musical talent
5/11 – 5/13 – Gator by the Bay Festival | Spanish Landing Park at Harbor Island, San Diego Bay | Refer to website for schedule | The event features 25 bands on five stages, dance lessons, Cajun cooking demonstrations and delicious crawfish
5/12 – Chocolate Festival San Diego Botanic Garden | San Diego Botanic Garden, 230 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas |10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Delectable chocolate tastings, demonstrations, chocolate fountain, children’s activities (ages 2-12), and a variety of Mother’s Day gifts
5/20 – 19th Annual Sicilian Festival | Little Italy, Downtown | 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. | FREE | Sicilian Cultural Pavilion, Sicilian Cuisine, Ethnic Entertainment on Four Stages, Free Children’s Rides & Entertainment, Peroni Beer & Wine Tent, Art, History, & Heritage of the Sicilian-American Families of Little Italy, Car Show and Grape Stomp
3/31 – 4/1 – Annual San Diego Crew Classic | Mission Bay-Crown Point Shores |Saturday & Sunday 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. | Admission $12; Age 12 & under FREE | Premier rowing event where collegiate, junior and masters athletes will participate in over 90 races over 2 days. Various divisions of rowers will compete in eight-person shells hoping to win a prestigious trophy cup. The event includes a Trade Show with food, drink, rides, music, and merchandise.
4/1 – La Jolla Concours D’Elegance Motor Car Classic | La Jolla Cove | $35 in advance, $40 at the event; children under 14 free | Paying tribute to some of the world’s finest automobiles, the Motor Car Classic highlights over 30 juried classes of automobiles; vintage auto aficionados and collectors compete against the best vehicles in automotive history.
4/5 – Padres Opening Day Block Party | Downtown San Diego, J Street between 7th & 10th | 11:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. | FREE Admission | An East Village block party in celebration of the Padres’ 1st home game of the season including music, beer garden, food court, live entertainment, tradeshow merchandise & more.
4/6 – Race Legal | Qualcomm Staduim, 9449 Friars Road, San Diego | 6:00 p.m. – midnight | Race Legal, the safer and sanctioned track alternative to illegal street racing, was developed with one goal in mind. Saving the needless loss of young lives to an illegal street race gone bad is RaceLegal.com’s mantra.
4/7– ACT Today 5K & 10K Run/Walk | Mission Bay Park, San Diego, CA 1300 East Mission Bay Drive, San Diego, CA 92109 | Registration starts at 7:00 a.m. | Prices Vary | This event offers a 5K run, 10K run, and kids runs. It’s accompanied by a post event festival of music, beer, food, and inflatable jumpers. Event proceeds benefit military families that cannot afford treatments and other special needs for their autistic children.
4/7 – Annual CityBeat Festival of Beers | 2223 El Cajon Blvd – between Texas St & Mississippi St (in front of the Lafayette Hotel) | 1:00 – 5:30 p.m. | FREE | 21+ event | Over 30 local craft brewers will offer samplings, entertainment & food.
4/13 – 4/15 – Annual Del Mar Antique Show & Sale | Del Mar Fairgrounds, O’Brien Hall, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar | Friday & Saturday 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. / Sunday 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. | More than 250 premier antique dealers, appraisal service available $5/item.
4/15 – Annual Port of San Diego Day at the Docks | San Diego Sportfishing Landings | 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m | The West Coast’s largest public celebration of sportfishing, this FREE annual event provides marine attractions for the whole family, and especially the sportfishing enthusiast. Features boat rides on San Diego Bay, displays by marine artists and fishing tackle experts, great food, entertainment, fishing seminars, open house aboard sportfishing boats, kid’s fishing, contests, prizes and more!
4/19 – 5/6 – Annual Del Mar National Horse Show | Del Mar Fairgrounds, O’Brien Hall, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar | The most prestigious horse show in Southern California offers more than $300,000 in prize money and attracts more than 3,000 horses to the equestrian complex at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in coastal Del Mar.
4/20 – 4/22 – Del Mar Home Improvement Show| Del Mar Fairgrounds, O’Brien Hall, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar | Friday 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. / Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. / Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. | FREE | The show features home improvement product and services by local businesses.
4/21 – Fighting Parkinson’s Step by Step 2011 5K Walk & Fun Run| NTC Park at Liberty Station, Point Loma | Registration 7:00 a.m. – Run 8:00 a.m. – Walk 9:00 a.m. | Adults $30, Kids 12 & Under $15 | April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month and the proceeds from this walk/fun run fund vital programs & services to local Parkinson’s families.
4/21 – Annual Chicano Park Day| Chicano Park – Cesar Chavez Parkway exit, under the Coronado Bay Bridge | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Annual Chicano Park Day celebration features a children’s art workshop, traditional and contemporary music & dance, live bands, food, arts /crafts vendors & a classic low rider car display.
4/21 – Annual Linda Vista Multi-Cultural Fair & Parade| Linda Vista Rd – between Comstock & Ulric, Linda Vista | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Parade 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Cultural celebration with food, merchandise, performances, climbing wall & carnival rides.
4/21 – Annual All American Soap Box Derby | Skyline Avenue (Between 61st & Omeara Streets) | 9:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. | FREE entry for San Diego residents | Youths age 8 to 17 will assist with the creation of soap box derby cars (fiberglass/wood) and race them down a 500-foot hill. The event teaches basic skills of workmanship, competition, and perseverance. Approximately 100 derby cars usually compete and cars will be transported to the top of the hill every few minutes.
4/21 – 4/22 – Annual Coronado Flower Show | Coronado Village-Spreckels Park, Orange Ave (between 6th & 7th St), Coronado | Saturday 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. / Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Adults $5, FREE for children 12 and under and CFA members | The largest flower show held under tents in the nation. Exhibits are placed inside tents surrounding a central gazebo, which becomes the stage for continuous entertainment, announcements and trophy presentations. There will be a Beer Garden, serving beer and wine.
4/22 – Annual San Diego EarthFair 2012 | Balboa Park – Central Mesa area | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. | FREE | Annual event showcasing a wide variety of causes, goods, and services pertaining to the environment and quality of life.
4/28 – March for Babies | Balboa Park-at Laurel St & Balboa Dr. | 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. | This is a nationwide fundraising walk organized by the March of Dimes. Proceeds from this 5K (3.5 mile) walk will help improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality. Admission: Suggested participant pledge/donation.
4/28 – Walk for Wishes | Embarcadero, Marina Park | Registration 8:00 a.m., Walk 9:00 a.m. | The Make A Wish Foundation provides an avenue for people to help local children receive wishes through donatins and even such as this one. This family-friendly event is open to all and will feature a 1.5 mile course along San Diego’s beautiful Embarcadero Park. Presented by San Diego County Credit Union.
4/28 – Wells Fargo Outrigger Challenge & Luau | West Mission Bay – Crown Point Shores | Registration 7:30 a.m., Race begins 9:00 a.m. | $200-$225 per team of 5 and $20 luau ticket | A day of paddling, food and fun at the Outrigger Challenge & Luau. Teams consist of five people, with at least two members being women. The event is for all skill levels and no paddling experience is necessary. The proper equipment and instructions will be provided the morning of the event. All participants must be able to swim and must be at least 18 years in order to race.
4/28 – 4/29 – Annual Art Walk | Little Italy – Various locations | 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. | FREE | Little Italy presents an adventurous art walk showcasing visual and performing art such as paintings, sculpture, photography, digital art, mixed media, music, and dance. Art collectors and visitors interact with artists, view and purchase their artwork and enjoy an outdoor casual atmosphere. The fine art festival encompasses 18 blocks of downtown “Little Italy” San Diego where works are displayed in tents along the streets. A Kids Walk in Amici Park accompanies this event.
4/29 – Bridal Bazaar | Del Mar Fairgrounds, O’Brien Hall, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar | Admission: $12.00 ($2 discount coupon on website), Parking $9.00 | Annual consumer bridal show featuring wedding professionals such as photographers, videographers, DJs, musicians, cake and catering options, the latest trends in florals and decor, and much more!
3/1 – 3/5 – Circus Vargas | Westfield Parkway, Johnson Ave exit from I-8 fwy, El Cajon | Refer to website for show times | Admission Fee varies | Circus that unites amazingly skilled serious performers with the innocence and silliness of truly comedic circus clowns — the kind that actually make you laugh! All the excitement of a circus with human and animal stars rendering artistic triumphs and thrilling exploits.
3/2 – 3/4 – Spring Home/Garden Show | Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar | Friday 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. / Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. / Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Hundreds of exhibits featuring home improvement and remodeling ideas
3/4 – 3/6 – Gem Faire | Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar | Friday 12:00 – 6:00 p.m. / Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. / Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. | World renowned marketplace for the finest gemstones, jewelry, minerals, fossils, equipment, workshops, classes and more
3/3 – 64th Annual Ocean Beach Kite Festival | Ocean Beach Recreation Center, 4726 Santa Monica Blvd, Ocean Beach | | Festival 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. / Kite making 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. |FREE | More information 619-225-8705 | Crafts fair, carnival rides, music, food, kite making and kite flying contest
3/3 – Finish Chelsea’s Run 5K Run/Walk | Balboa Park at 6th Ave & Palm St., San Diego | 5K Run/Walk in memory of Chelsea King. Additionally, there will be activities including a yoga booth, group photo spot, organic produce booth and other family-friendly activities such as a sunflower pot painting station.
3/4 – US Grant 2012 Wedding & Event Showcase | US Grant Hotel, 326 Broadway, San Diego |12-4pm | | $20 | A Wedding & Event Showcase presented by the US Grant Hotel. Discover the hotel’s stunning wedding venues, engage with more than 60 wedding vendors and craft your wedding desires into a reality. Opportunity to win a wedding for 100 guests at The US Grant as well as luxurious honeymoon vacations to top destinations
3/4 – Free Family Art Day: Ship Building | Oceanside Museum of Art, 704 Pier View Way, Oceanside | 1pm-4pm | |FREE | Inspired by the works of John Taylor, kids will use a variety of materials to create, decorate, name and float their own boats. The ship building is geared toward children of all ages and no art experience is required. All art materials are provided by the museum
3/8 – 3/18 – 19th Annual San Diego Latino Film Festival | UltraStar Mission Valley Cinemas, 7510 Hazard Center Drive, Mission Valley | Refer to website for schedule | Short and feature length films from Latin America and the U.S. by Latinos and/or about the Latino experience
3/10– 3/11 – 85th Annual Thursday Club Rummage Sale | Balboa Park Activity Center, 2145 Park Blvd., San Diego | 8am-5pm | Thousands of new and gently used items such as furniture, clothing, sporting equipment, appliances, electronics and more will be sold to benefit local charities.
3/11 – Robert Egger South Bay Recreation Center Carnival | Robert Egger South Bay Recreation Center, 1885 Coronado Ave, San Diego | Thursday & Friday 5pm-11pm / Saturday & Sunday 5pm-11pm |$2 Admission fee, FREE for age 6 & under. | A 4-day community festival-fun for the whole family. There will be traditional carnival rides, challenging games, snacks, and a portrait novelty booth | For more information call 760-735-8542 |
3/11 – The San Diego Half Marathon | Petco Park, 100 Park Blvd., San Diego | 7am-1pm | The San Diego Half Marathon at Petco Park is a new race that celebrates the beauty and uniqueness of the city of San Diego while raising money to help its communities. A sports health and fitness expo entitled “Celebrate San Diego” takes place the day before the half marathon and continues through the day of the event.
3/11 – 17th Annual Del Mar Kiwanis’ Ugly Dog Contest | Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar | 11am-3pm | Big dogs, little dogs, long dogs, short dogs, shaggy dogs, curly dogs…and not a pretty one in the bunch! Well, there’s more to it than just “ugly” with 14 categories of winners.
3/17 – 17th Annual Miller Lite ShamROCK 2012 | Gaslamp Quarter (6th Ave between G & E Streets, F Street between 5th & 7th, G Street between 5th & 6th) | 2:00 p.m. – midnight | $35 until March 10th / $40 until March 16th / $45 day of | 21 years & up | St Patrick’s Day musical block party with 60,000 sq ft of green Astroturf, 3 stages with live entertainment and more
3/17 – 32nd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Festival & Parade | Balboa Park, West side of park along 6th Ave, between Laurel & Quince | 9:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m., Parade 10:30 a.m. | FREE | Parade with Emerald Societies, Scout Troops, clowns, equestrian entries, bagpipe contingents, antique cars and more; and festivities in a Celtic Village filled with Irish culture, music, dancing, food and beer; plus a children’s play area with rides
3/24 – Annual Mud Run in La Mesa | On the grounds of Skyline Church, 11330 Campo Rd., La Mesa | 10am | San Diego Mud Run is a challenging course for 2000 runners of all ages and experience levels. Participants run through water spray, down steep grades, through dozens of mud pits, over slippery hills and obstacles, and crawl through tunnels. A portion of the proceeds from the race benefit the USO San Diego and the children of Sonshine Haven.
3/24 – 2012 Race for Autism | Balboa Park, corner of 6th Ave. and Laurel St., San Diego | 7am-12pm | 100% of race donations support San Diego programs and classrooms that benefit thousands of local children. Featuring 5K timed run or walk, 1-mile Family Fun Walk, educational resource fair, children’s activities, prizes, refreshments and more!
3/24 – 3/25 – Seaport Village Spring Busker Festival | Seaport Village – Embarcadero, San Diego | 12pm-5pm | FREE | The only Busker Festival in Southern California. Professionals from across the country will perform their bizarre talents from sword swallowing to knife throwing to pogo stick tricks and juggling on unicycles. Even escape artists and comedic stuntmen.
3/31 – Ironman 70.3 California | Oceanside Harbor – starts at the boat ramp in the southwest quadrant, Oceanside | 6:30am | Cheer on these incredible Ironman athletes as they endure a 1.2-mile swim course in Oceanside Harbor, a 56-mile bike course that includes the challenging inland hills of Camp Pendleton and a 13.1-mile run through the coastal neighborhoods of Oceanside.
2/4 – El Cajon Ford Free Youth Fishing Derby | Lake Poway, 14644 Poway Road, Poway | 6:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Ages 15 and under | Fishing Derby with prizes in each age division and barbecue lunch, award’s ceremony & raffle| More information 858-668-4770
2/5 – Fiesta Island Time Trial Series | East Mission Bay – Fiesta Island Roadway | 7:00 – 9:00 a.m. | Cycling competition for professional, recreational & young riders | More information 858-583-1190
2/9 – 2/19 – 22nd Annual San Diego Jewish Film Festival | Various Theaters in San Diego County | Refer to website for times | Annual presentation of American and international feature films, documentaries and short subjects exploring the Jewish experience
2/11 – For the Love of Chocolate | Escondido, Grand Avenue (downtown) | 1:00- 5:00 p.m. | Admission to Sweet Street and Champagne garden is FREE, $20/person for 10 beer or wine and chocolate pairing tastes | More information 760-745-8877
2/12 – Coronado Valentine’s Day 10k | Tidelands Park, Coronado | 7:15 a.m. Start | Must register in advance, no race-day registration
2/11 – Mermaid San Diego 5k, 10k & Half Marathon | South Tecolote Shores | 7:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | All women’s run along shoreline of East Mission Bay and roadway around Fiesta Island
2/18 – Law Enforcement Torch Run & Polar Plunge | Oceanside Amphitheater, Oceanside | 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. , Plunge is at 10:00 a.m.| Raising money for Special Olympics | More information 619-283-6100
2/18 – Little Italy Carnevale | Little Italy, Downtown San Diego | 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. | Venetian masquerade event in Little Italy with traditional Venetian Carnevale attire and entertainment including music, stilt-walkers, jugglers, and more
2/21 – Mardi Gras 2012 Gaslamp Quarter | Gaslamp Quarter, Downtown San Diego | 5:30 p.m. – midnight | 21 and up | Entertainment on multiple stages, masquerade parade at 9:30 pm, International DJ talent, themed areas, and beads
2/21 – Hillcrest Mardi Gras| University Ave (between 1st & 4th Aves), Hillcrest | 6:00 – 11:00 p.m. | 21 and up | Dress up, dance in the streets, mingle, enjoy games, rides and laser show, and more
2/25 – 2/26 – Silver Bay Kennel Club Dog Show | Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar | Friday 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Saturday 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., Sunday 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. | FREE admission | No pets (only dogs participating in the show are allowed) | More information 951-734-4307
2/25 – Annual Heritage Day Festival & Parade | Festival – Market Creek Plaza, parking lot at 342 Euclid Ave 92114, Parade starts at John F. Kennedy Park, 4801 Ocean View Blvd, San Diego | Festival 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Parade 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Vendor Mall with crafts, food, music, Kid’s Zone, Health Zone, live entertainment & more
2/25 – 9th Annual Guacamole Bowl Cook-Off Contest | 2150 Pan American Rd West, Balboa Park | 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. | Admission $5.00 – includes a bag of chips and a vote of your choice | Benefits “Sports for Exceptional Athletes”
2/26 | San Diego 2012 Muscle Walk | Crown Point, Mission Bay, 3600 Corona Oriente Rd | 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Route: Crown Point Shores > boardwalk > Ingraham Street Bridge >Riveria Dr. > Crown Point Shores | 5K walk - donations and pledges to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association
12/29 – 1/1 – San Diego International Auto Show | San Diego Convention Center, 111 West Harbor Drive, Downtown San Diego | Thursday & Friday 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m., Saturday & Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. | Sunday is family day and children under 12 are free with a paying adult
1/1 – Annual Polar Bear Plunge | La Jolla Shores | 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. | Free event | Annual plunge into the icy cold ocean
1/8 – Annual San Diego Resolution 5k & 15k | De Anza Cove, Mission Bay | 7:00 a.m. | A scenic Mission Bay Park run benefitting charities to keep the environment healthy
1/14 – 31st Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Parade | East Village, Downtown San Diego | 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. | Parade Route: Tailgate Park (13th St. & Imperial Ave) – Imperial Ave.g Park Blvd. -Tony Gwynn Way – 7th Ave. – J St. – 11th Ave. – Park Blvd. – 13th St. – Tailgate Park. | More Information 619.264.0542
1/15 – 1/20 – San Diego Restaurant Week | Various participating restaurants throughout San Diego | Enjoy a 3-course meal for $20, $30 or $40 for dinner or $10, $15 or $20 for lunch, depending on the restaurant
1/20 – 1/22 – Del Mar Antique Show | Del Mar Fairgrounds – O’Brien Hall | Friday & Saturday 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., Sunday 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Adults $8, 50% off with coupon from website, under 17 free with paying adult | $5 per item for appraisal of antique items
1/21 – Auto Products Recycling Event | Public Utilities Operation Center Parking Lot, 5571 Kearny Villa Road, Kearny Mesa | For San Diego residents only | Items such as used oil, antifreeze, oil filters, and auto batteries will be collected for recycling | More information 858.694.7000
1/22 – Carlsbad Marathon & ½ Marathon | Westfield Plaza Camino Real, 2525 El Camino Real, Carlsbad | 6:00 a.m. Marathon, 7:30 a.m. half-marathon
1/23 – 1/29 – PGA Tour Golf Tournament – Farmer’s Insurance Open | Torrey Pines Golf Course, 11480 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla | Refer to website for schedule | “Farmers Insurance Open”
1/26 – 1/29 – San Diego Sunroad Boatshow | East end of Harbor Island, San Diego Bay | Thursday & Friday noon – 6:00 p.m., Saturday & Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. | Adults $10, Kids Free with adult admission, Military and Law enforcement Free Thursday & Friday
1/20 – 1/22 – San Diego Lunar New Year Tet Festival | Balboa Park – lawn area & parking lot at Park Blvd & President’s Way | Friday 5:00 – 10:00 p.m., Saturday 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m., Sunday 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Admission $5 adults, $4 kids | Vietnamese celebration of the Lunar New Year
1/28 – Lake Hodges Trail Run 5k | Lake Hodges – meet at boat dock | 9:00 a.m. | Proceeds from this event will help build a biogas conversion tank for cooking at the Tumaini Childrens Village in Arusha, Tanzania
1/29 – Bridal Bazaar | San Diego Convention Center, 111 West Harbor Drive, Downtown San Diego | 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Ideas for ceremony and reception locations, photographers, videographers, DJs, musicians, cake and catering options, the latest trends in florals and décor from San Diego’s leading designers
