Top May Events

Spend time this May in San Diego celebrating Moms, Mexico and Memorial Day while also enjoying a multitude of museums, movies under the stars, outdoor offerings and more.

Don't miss these exciting events happening in San Diego this May.

The Flower Fields

When: Now - May 11, 2025
The nearly fifty acres of Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers that make up the Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch in Carlsbad, California, are in bloom for approximately six to eight weeks each year. This annual burst of color is one of nature’s official ways of announcing the arrival of spring here in Southern California.

James Beard Winners Dinner at Rancho Bernardo Inn

When: May 3, 2025
Rancho Bernardo Inn invites you to an extraordinary James Beard Winners Dinner — a six-course celebration of flavor and artistry. This exclusive event brings together an impressive roster of James Beard Award-winning chefs, Food Network stars, and a celebrity mixologist for one unforgettable night.

San Diego Zoo Food, Wine and Brew Celebration

When: May 3, 2025
The party is wild, the bites and sips are delicious! At this one-of-a-kind tasting event, Southern California's best food, wine, and beer are mixed with live entertainment and dancing, all served at the World-Famous San Diego Zoo.

Cinco de Mayo

When: May 5, 2025
From Old Town to the waterfront, celebrate Cinco de Mayo with rich, cultural festivals, live mariachi music, traditional folklorico dancing, margaritas, authentic Cali-Baja tacos, lucha libre and more.

Gator by the Bay

When: May 8-11, 2025
The spirit, sounds and flavor of Mardi Gras come alive at the largest and most-authentic Louisiana-themed music and food festival this side of the bayou. With everything from A to Zydeco, this 4-day, family-friendly cultural celebration takes place on picture-perfect San Diego Bay, featuring 100+ live musical acts & performances on 7 stages, wooden dance floors, shade, green grass and plenty of fun for the kids.

Wonderfront Festival

When: May 16-18, 2025
A 3-day music, culinary and arts festival all along the Embarcadero. The festival offers diverse attractions including yacht parties, water sports, art installations, after-parties, a craft beer village and plenty of local flavors.

Viva La Música

When: May 2 - 18, 2025
Highlighted by a fantastic live concert series, SeaWorld’s Viva La Música celebrates Latin culture through great music, food, and festive decor.

Mother's Day

When: May 11, 2025
With great weather, a host of fun-filled family activities and ample ways to pamper mom, you're sure to give her what she needs most - a refreshing getaway in San Diego!

Sesame Summer Splash at Sesame Place

When: May 23 - September 1, 2025
Don’t miss out on all of the sun-sational events at Sesame Place during our Sesame Summer Splash!

Memorial Day

When: May 26, 2025
While you enjoy everything California's Beach City has to offer, please take some time to remember all of those that gave their lives in the service of the United States Armed Forces at one of the many Memorial Day Weekend observances and memorial sites.

San Diego Padres Baseball Season

When: Now - September 28, 2025
Kickoff the 2025 baseball season at Petco Park with the San Diego Padres!

San Diego Wave FC Soccer Season

When: Now - October 18, 2025
Experience San Diego Wave Fútbol Club, a member of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), during their third season at Snapdragon Stadium!

San Diego FC Soccer Season

When: Now - October 18, 2025
San Diego’s newest professional sports team, San Diego Football Club (SDFC), is ready to take the pitch in its highly anticipated inaugural Major League Soccer (MLS) season. Competing in the Western Conference, SDFC will bring top-tier soccer action to Snapdragon Stadium, uniting the city’s passionate soccer community.

More Awesome May Events

Julian Woman's Club Wildflower Show

When: May 2-3, 2025
If you enjoyed looking at pictures in our Virtual Wildflower Show, then you will love seeing these wildflowers, in person, at our Wildflower Show 2024! Smell the aroma and appreciate the beauty of our Jewels of the Backcountry.

El Cajon Music on Main

When: May 1 - 29, 2025
Dinner & A Concert is a weekly Friday concert and dance hosted by Downtown El Cajon Business Partners, performed on the Prescott Promenade, which is surrounded by a variety of restaurants.

Ramona Tacos and Beer Fest

When: May 10, 2025
Ramona Chamber of Commerce will present the Annual Tacos & Beer Fest. The Chamber plans to hold this family event annually to celebrate Cinco de Mayo and add more activities each year.

Motorcars on Main Street

When: May 4, 2025
Coronado MainStreet hosts an annual car show, MotorCars on MainStreet, featuring over 400 pre-73 restored classic, rod and custom cars & trucks. The event is held in downtown Coronado, one block from the beach, at Isabella & Orange Avenues.

Spring Sprint Triathalon & Duathon

When: May 4, 2025
The Spring Sprint Triathlon, Duathlon & Aquabike is a fantastic event to start the Triathlon season in San Diego. With a calm bay swim, a flat bike, and run course, the Spring Sprint is the perfect race to kick off your Year.

Carlsbad Spring Village Faire

When: May 4, 2025
The Carlsbad Village Street Faire features over 750 unique vendors with a little of everything: arts & crafts, antiques, unique clothing, items from around the world, and more.

San Diego International Fringe Festival

When: May 15-25, 2025
The San Diego International Fringe Festival brings the beautiful, the bizarre and the unexpected to America’s Finest City.

Annual Kiwanis Ocean Beach Kite Festival

When: May 17, 2025
It's the Annual Ocean Beach Kite Festival! It's the oldest running children's kite festival in the United States. Generations have come to know and love the Kite Festival.

Asian Pacific Cultural Festival of San Diego

When: May 24, 2025
The Asian Cultural Festival of San Diego is the LARGEST celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in San Diego with traditional performances from a dozen countries and cultures, including Japan, China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Korea, Myanmar, Indonesia, Hawaii, Cambodia, Thailand, Taiwan, Polynesia, and more!

La Jolla Half Marathon & Shores 5K

When: May 17, 2025
The La Jolla Half Marathon is one of America's most picturesque and beautiful point-to-point races. Starting at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, the course follows a scenic coastal route before reaching the challenging climb to the summit of Torrey Pines State Park.

Over The Line Craft BeerFest & OTL Tournament

When: May 17, 2025
This 7th annual event is a kick off to summer Over the Line tournament which will also be hosting some of San Diego’s finest Craft Breweries and Food Trucks at Mariners Point. So come on out, dust off those bats and enjoy your favorite local beers.

Fiesta del Sol in Solana Beach

When: May 31 - June 1, 2025
Fiesta del Sol in Solana Beach features live music, an arts & crafts fair, children's activities, an international food court, and a beer & wine garden.

The Navy's Bay Bridge Run/Walk

When: May 18, 2025
This unique 4-mile run/walk has a one of a kind spectacular panoramic view as participants make their way to Coronado's beautiful Tidelands Park from downtown San Diego over the Coronado Bay Bridge.

Kuumba Festival

When: May 30 - 31, 2025
A safe return to the 4th districts community of Encanto, Kuumba Festival San Diego’s longest running celebration of black youth, family, community development, health, art, culture and heritage.

Santee Street Fair

When: May 24, 2025
Join us for the free Annual Santee Street Fair and Craft Beer Festival featuring live music and entertainment, food and craft vendor booths, carnival rides and more!

Vista Strawberry Festival

When: May 25, 2025
Join us for a family fun day and enjoy our ‘Celebration of the Berry’ as we bring hundreds of vendors, great food, fun activities and more to Historic Downtown Vista. The Vista Strawberry Festival is the only festival in San Diego County that celebrates all the joys and pleasure of the Strawberry.

Coronado Promenade Summer Concert Series

When: May 25 - August 31, 2025
A beloved local tradition, the Coronado Promenade Summer Concert Series takes place every Sunday evening in Spreckels Park near the center of town. Visitors can enjoy cool live music while picnicking.

Fort Rosecrans Memorial Day

When: May 26, 2025
The Fort Rosecrans Memorial Day celebration is one of San Diego's largest and most celebrated memorials dedicated to our fighting men and women. On this day we honor all of our fallen soldiers and remember them for their ultimate sacrifice to our country.

Mt. Soledad's Memorial Day Ceremony

When: May 26, 2025
The Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial will honor Marine Corps Major Megan McClung, and our nation's heroes through a live tribute event on 29 May 2023 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. (PDT)