San Diego Events
The list below is only a selection of some of the many events taking place in San Diego every year.
January
Buick Invitational
Golf tournament with the best golfers and celebrities playing together at the end of January
San Diego Marathon
Chinese New Year
The celebrations feature dancers and martial arts shows, crafts and food.
Whale Festival
This ongoing three-month event features educational activities, special exhibits and daily whale-watching cruises with naturalists.
February
Borrego Springs Grapefruit Festival
Celebrations as the grapefruit season ends in February featuring music, food, arts, crafts, youth games and a car show.
SuperBowl Blues Festival
This event features assorted blues luminaries at Humphreys by the Bay
March
International Film Festival
This event taking place on the 1st two weeks in March features workshops with actors, writers and directors and some of the world’s newest and most promising films are shown publicly for the first time.
April
Adams Avenue Roots Festival of Music
Folk, Blues and ethnic music are features live at this event between 34th and 35th Streets.
Art Walk
It takes place on the 4th weekend in April in Downtown’s scenic little Italy and features the San Diego/Tijuana region’s diverse art scene. Artists, musicians and dancers fill the streets for two days attracting over 70000 people.
May
Fiesta Cinco de Mayo
Celebrations of Mexico’s holiday held on the week of the 5th of May including food stalls, dancing, mariachis and other events such as live entertainment on 7 stages, activities for the children and an equestrian show.
June-July
La Jolla Concert by the Sea
Free concerts on Sundays starting from late June through to Labor Day featuring a wide selection of music from swing to big bands, mariachis and rock. Hot dogs, popcorn and ice cream are also available.
August
San Diego Street Scene
One of San Diego’s favourite festivals taking place at the end of August and early September, the event offers a wide selection of live music, dance, exhibitions and food. There are more than 50 acts on 6 stages and a several festivals offshoots running alongside it such as Taste of San Diego and Brazil Carnival among the most popular ones.
September-October
Adams Avenue Street Fair
Annual event held in September featuring jazz, blues and rock music on six stages as well as a wide selection of family entertainments including carnival games and food.
Fleet Week
The Navy and Marine Corps come together every year to celebrate their heritage with a ship parade, the sailing of the “Star of India”, aerial shows by the Blue Angels and fireworks. The event takes place at the end of September and in October.
Harvest Festival
This event at the end of October features more than 300 artists and craftspeople showcasing their works including Halloween and Christmas decorations, garden ornaments, gifts and handmade pottery.
Poway Coors Rodeo
The event takes place in San Diego County at the end of October and includes traditional rodeo events like bull, saddle bronc and bareback riding, calf roping, barrel racing and steer racing.
November-December
Christmas in San Diego
Celebrations start from late November through the holiday period with parades, Christmas Carols and food stalls all over the city. Some of the most impressive Christmas events are the Festival of Lights at Old Town’s Bazaar del Mundo, La Jolla Christmas Parade and Holiday Festival, the December Nights in Balboa Park and the Coronado Lights Walk.
San Diego Harbor Parade of Lights
This event held in December celebrates the holiday season by dressing up the boats in the harbour with flickering lights and by parading them.
Holiday Jazz & Blues Festival
It takes place in East Village/Gaslamp Quarter on the 2nd Saturday of the December.