San Diego Events Not to Miss

San Diego is packed with exciting events throughout the year. Below is a brief summary of some of the biggest events of the year, but there are also many more events to discover in the San Diego Calendar of Events.

San Diego Restaurant Week

When: January

Kick off your New Year with food, fun, and memories at the San Diego Restaurant Week in January. With more than 180 participating restaurants to choose from across every neighborhood in San Diego County, diners can be assured that appetites will be appeased and cravings will be satisfied with prix-fixe two course lunches and three course dinners.

Farmers Insurance Open

When: January

The annual PGA Tour Farmers Insurance Open men's golf tournament is played at the Torrey Pines Golf Course in La Jolla, home of the 2008 & 2021 U.S. Open.

San Diego Museum Month

When: February

Arts, entertainment and culture collide for Macy’s Museum Month in San Diego. The San Diego Museum Council and Macy's have teamed up for Museum Month, giving patrons a chance to discover what's new at more than 40 area museums with savings only seen once a year. Pick up a Museum Month Pass at any area Macy's store to enjoy half-off admission to all of the participating museums through the entire month of February.

San Diego County Fair

When: June - July

San Diego's annual county fair is the largest fair in California, offering a variety of food, entertainment, exhibits, rides & games throughout the beautiful and historical Del Mar Fairgrounds in the oceanfront village of Del Mar.

4th of July - Big Bay Boom

When: July 4

Whether you're traveling with friends or family, San Diego is everyone's first choice for 4th of July celebrations. Even locals can't think of anything better than relaxing with loved ones on a long stretch of sand and watching an extraordinary show of lights in the sky such as Big Bay Boom, the largest fireworks display in the county.

Del Mar Racing Season

When: July - September

San Diego horse racing takes place where the "turf meets the surf" at the Del Mar Racetrack when fans flock to the track to wager on their favorite horses. Be part of the magic and nostalgia!

San Diego Comic-Con International

When: July

Comic-Con is the largest comics and pop culture event in the United States, attracting thousands of artists, celebrities and fans of comic books, movie memorabilia and all things related to pop culture.

San Diego Restaurant Week

When: September

San Diego Restaurant Week is back to kick off your fall with food, fun, and memories. With more than 180 participating restaurants to choose from across every neighborhood in San Diego County, diners can be assured that appetites will be appeased and cravings will be satisfied with prix-fixe two course lunches and three course dinners.

Miramar Air Show

When: September

Experience an amazing lineup of more than 100 military and civilian performers, including the world famous U.S. Navy Blue Angels for what is sure to be a thrilling performance, plus simulation rides, fun for the kids, and a variety of delicious food and beverage offerings. Held at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, this three-day event is the largest military air show in the U.S. 

KAABOO San Diego

When: September

A curated three-day sound voyage that combines rock-n-roll music and tastemaking events in a modern wonderland, KAABOO is everything a typical music festival is not.

Kids Free San Diego

When: October

During this month-long celebration your little ones will be treated like royalty with free admission to attractions, meals on the house and tons of other great perks throughout the city. With over 100 offers and warm fall weather without summer crowds, big fun is in store for kids with savings that parents will love.

Activate Holiday Mode

When: November - December

Activate holiday mode and turn up the good cheer with a winter trip to San Diego. The season is as merry and bright as it gets—just make sure to bring flip-flops instead of snow boots. Enjoy warm weather and good vibes at special San Diego-style holiday events, like beachside ice skating and an illuminated boat parade on San Diego Bay.

Del Mar Fall Racing Season

When: November - December

It's time for an encore! Four weeks of elite Thoroughbred racing, fresh events and musical performances to keep the good times rolling.

Beer Week

When: November

San Diego Beer Week is a ten-day celebration inspiring people to drink local, craft beer and promoting San Diego's thriving brewing culture with multiple events happening across the county.

San Diego Bay Wine + Food Festival

When: November

Welcome to the San Diego Bay Wine + Food Festival, where sailboats and sandy beaches serve as the backdrop to one of the country’s most talked about weeks in food. Featuring dozens of events, hundreds of domestic and international wineries, the celebration of craft beer and spirits, local culinary legends and nationally recognized celebrities, and a Grand Tasting Finale on the stunning Embarcadero.

Wonderfront Music & Arts Festival

When: November

A highly-anticipated 7+ stage, 95+ bands, 3-day music, culinary and arts festival will descend upon the stunning waterfront of downtown San Diego from Broadway Pier to the Embarcadero Parks. The festival offers diverse attractions including yacht parties, water sports, art installations, after-parties, a craft beer village and plenty of local flavors.

San Diego County Credit Union Holiday Bowl

When: December

Don't miss America's Finest Bowl Experience! This signature San Diego event annually showcases a thrilling game between some of college football's most competitive conferences, the Big Ten and the Pac-12.

New Year's Eve

When: December

From grand and glamorous to intimate and romantic to family-friendly, there is a New Year's Eve event just for you. The possibilities are endless. Make this the best year yet by starting your year off with a trip to San Diego.