San Diego Events and Festivals
SAN DIEGO, CALIF. -- There's a reason the second largest city in California is event-driven. If you take the third or fifth largest cities (San Jose and Fresno) their events rosters pale in comparison to San Diego.
Weather is a big factor in events which means when hosting a block party outdoors there is rarely rain. Add to that the San Diego Convention Center with major shows such as Comic Con and the annual Auto Show, plus a beautiful bay and beaches, several theme parks and world class zoos and the amazing Balboa Park with 15 or so museums, and you simply can't contain the city's enthusiasm for celebrating life in a number of ways with festivals and events.
Highlights to the year of fun in San Diego:
St. Patrick's Shamrock Festival Gaslamp Quarter - Gaslamp Quarter in San Diego turns green as the Shamrock party takes to the streets with dozens of musical acts on multiple stages. Beer gardens, food vendors and fun are in store at this ticketed event.
San Diego Travel and Adventure Show - This annual travel show is one of a series held throughout the state in major travel markets - cities. It includes guest appearances by known media, special travel offers and entertainment, plus some give-aways.
San Diego Brazil Carnival has been an annual event produced by a private company with Brazilian roots. It has featured dancing, costumes, beads and fantastic rhythm bands.
Cabrillo Festival, Point Loma - Held in September, this festival at Cabrillo National Monument (part of the National Parks Service) on a hilltop on San Diego's Point Loma celebrates and pays tribute to Spanish explorer Juan Cabrillo, who sailed into the San Diego Bay on September 28, 1542. The festival includes costumed re-enactments.
San Diego Cinco de Mayo - One of Old Town's signature celebrations (and free) brings together all the cultures of Hispanic origin and thousands of visitors to dance, sing, listen to concerts, dine and shop in the State Historic Park.
San Diego Day at the Docks - The Day at the Docks is one of the best free festivals to acquaint yourself and your family with watercraft, fishing, and other water oriented activities in San Diego.
San Diego Day of the Dead Festival
San Diego California Festivals and Celebrations
San Diego Fringe Festival - If you don't understand art and what it's about, Fringe Festival may confuse you even more. However, it's quite entertaining with acrobatics, dance, song and art elements. Ticketed events.
San Diego Heritage Day Parade & Festival Weekend
San Diego California Little Italy Festival - Wow! Italians know how to party in San Diego and they have their very own section of town to do it in. This free street festival in Little Italy is pure delight.
San Diego California Festivals and Celebrations
Mardi Gras San Diego Gaslamp Quarter Annual Event - Mardi Gras in Gaslamp offers San Diego's very version of the Big Easy with "South of the Border" influence among the cocktails and spicy outfits.
San Diego Ocean Beach Kite Festival
San Diego South Park Old House Fair - Once a year, usually in the summer, this ticketed open house event showcases some interesting architecture and fascinating residences in a neighborhood called South Park.
Plumeria Flower Festival - the annual Plumeria Flower Festival is unique and brings a bit of sweetness from the Island to California. You can see beautiful flowers and buy plant cuttings to start your own oasis in your personal space.
San Diego Pride Parade and Festival - this pride event is always a big draw attracting the LGBT crowd, of course, but also mainstream families and friends.
San Diego Sand Sculpting Challenge - this event draws thousands of enthusiasts and why wouldn't it? The sand sculptures are more than creative -- they are incredible!
Old Globe Theatre Shakespeare Festival - This is truly one of San Diego's finest summer festivals showcasing the incredible talent within this amazing city. It may seem beach casual, but San Diego also has an element of theatrical, intellectual and entertainment-oriented people.
San Diego Sicilian Festival Annual Events California
San Diego South Park Annual Festivals
San Diego St. Patrick's Day Festival - always held around March 17 on a weekend close by.
Tiki Oasis San Diego Tiki Festival, California
Tiki Oasis San Diego Tiki Festival, California
As you can see, our list of San Diego festivals and events just keeps getting
longer and longer. With well over 1 million residents in California's popular
tourist destination find this slice of paradise like a vacation on daily basis,
the problem isn't finding things to do, but having to pick and choose.