Gather your crew and head to San Diego to kick off the summer season this May with everything from beautiful beaches, plenty of sunshine, and an amazing line up of events.
Due to ongoing event cancellations and postponements regarding Covid-19, events listed on this page have not been updated for the current year. Please check with event organizers for the most up-to-date information.
Don't miss these exciting events happening in San Diego this May.
When: May 4 - June 2, 2019
Highlighted by a fantastic live concert series, SeaWorld's Viva la Música is a celebration of Hispanic culture through great music, food and festive decor.
When: May 4, 2019
One unforgettable day, complete with jams from local musicians and tastes of more than 50 of the most renowned breweries from San Diego County and other vibrant craft beer regions around the country.
When: Thru May 5, 2019
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.
When: May 9-12, 2019
Largest, authentic Louisiana-themed festival this side of the bayou. Features 4 days of live music - more than 100 performances on 7 stages, dancing, delicious Southern food - including beignets, gumbo, jambalaya & 10,000 lbs of crawfish. Family Friendly & Fun!
When: Thru May 12, 2019
Walk through the Butterfly Jungle - filled with butterflies of all colors and sizes.There's a special thrill in being surrounded by these fluttering beauties - and guests wearing bright colors, may find the winged wonders perching on them!
When: Thru May 12, 2019
For more than sixty years, Mother Nature has transformed the rolling hills of North San Diego County into one of the most spectacular and coordinated displays of natural color and beauty anywhere in the world.
When: May 24-27, 2019
Memorial Day is the quintessential signal for the start of summer. Make your travel plans now and spend the long weekend in the home of sun, sand and surf. 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.
When: May 25 - September 1, 2019
Go wild at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park this summer! Summer Safari presented by Groupon brings later hours and more fun. Walk among kangaroos and wallabies at the newest habitat, Walkbout Australia, and hear a didgeridoo played. Enjoy guitar music, roaming jugglers and magicians, and summer food and drink specials throughout the Park.
When: May 25 - September 1, 2019
The Sesame Street Party Parade is marching Sesame Street excitement throughout SeaWorld San Diego. This colorful, musical, show-stopping parade is fun enough to get the whole family dancing.
When: May 25-27, 2019
One of the keynote events that will take place during 2019
commemorating the 250th Anniversary of the beginning of modern-day San Diego. The festival features live music, craft beer, Movies beneath the mast, food trucks, gun battles, and more.
When: May 31 - July 4, 2019
The San Diego County Fair offers all of the deep fried-food-on-a-stick, rides, animals, and games you've experienced at other state and county fairs, but is also known for world-class exhibits in fine art, photography, woodworking, jewelry/gems & minerals, and home & hobby, and the Paul Ecke Jr. Flower & Garden Show...not to mention an unsurpassed view of the Pacific Ocean from the Ferris Wheel! The Toyota Summer Concert Series at the San Diego County Fair features nationally recognized entertainment every night; the entertainment lineup is usually announced in late March. With an additional eight stages located throughout the grounds, you're sure to find a band, dance troupe, DJ or comedian to suit your fancy!
When: Thru September The Padres will celebrate 50 years as Major League franchise in America’s Finest City throughout 2019.
When: May 2-6, 2019
World class talent will participate in daytime panel discussions, and play parties that will run from afternoon to early morning.
When: May 2, 2019
Experience imaginative dishes created by the most popular chefs from every corner of San Diego County, with each bite inspired by the chefs' favorite books.
When: May 3-5, 2019
A wonderful spring event, the Julian Woman's Club hosts their annual Wildflower Show in the historical Town Hall in Julian in San Diego's East County.
When: May 3-5, 2019
The largest Beach Soccer Festival on the West Coast, this annual beach soccer festival is a competitive tournament for regional and worldwide teams that is also a fun family event on Harbor Beach in Oceanside.
When: May 4, 2019
Featuring cultural, traditional, and contemporary acts. There will be plenty for everyone at this family-friendly, fun, and FREE event.
When: May 4-5, 2019
With a calm bay swim and a flat bike and run course, the Spring Sprint is the perfect race to kick off your season.
When: May 5, 2019
More than 850 vendors will sell everything fathomable, including clothes, accessories, plants, household products, art, antiques and home decor. The international food court will feature more than 50 booths serving everything from Thai to Hawaiian cuisine. The children's area will entertain youngsters with games, a super slide, a bounce house, a rock climbing wall, face painting and arts and crafts.
When: May 3 - September 27, 2019
See and listen to many local bands and musicians. Bring a chair/blanket, food and drinks. A fun, family-friendly way to start each weekend.
When: May 8-11, 2019
Celebrate the passion that we all share for simply being in and around the ocean.
When: May 11-12. 2019
Sponsored by Western Surfing Association, this is a surfing competition to qualify competitors to the West Coast Championships, U.S. Championships, Prime Event and any World Team Event.
When: May 11, 2019
This unique and vibrant neighborhood festival brings out over 40,000 people to celebrate and enjoy live music, art, crafts, delicious food and some of San Diego’s top Craft Beers.
When: May 11, 2019
Unlimited taco tasting, beer tastings from 20 local breweries, full-sized pours and margaritas available at the bar, live music, lucha libre wrestling, lawn games and San Diego sun.
When: May 17-19, 2019
A Top Notch PRCA rodeo with some of the greatest cowboys around, boasting a professional attitude with the best hometown hospitality you will find at a rodeo.
When: May 18-19, 2019
Kick off to Summer in Solana Beach!
When: May 18-19, 2019
Kick off summer with the Over the Line tournament, a baseball tournament complete with San Diego’s finest craft breweries and food trucks at Mariners Point.
When: May 18, 2019
Spend the day at the Ocean Beach Kite Festival enjoying live music, street fair, carnival rides and, of course, kites.
When: May 18. 2019
Space Day will feature demonstrations, giveaways, and hands-on activities with local and national space experts.
When: May 18, 2019
A silly soap box race; fine arts exhibition, live music as well as visual & performing arts entertainment and a beer & wine garden.
When: May 18, 2019
Taste of Julian gives you the opportunity to sample many of the culinary delights Julian has to offer all at once, including apple pie.
When: May 18, 2019
Over 25 favorite restaurants at Waterfront Park for San Diego’s biggest taco festival! Plus, Lucha Libre wrestling, Chihuahua races & beauty pageant, and the Milagro Cantina Margarita Tent.
When: May 18, 2019
San Diego County’s finest wines will be featured – many of them award winning. Spend the day discovering the array of varietals produced county wide.
When: May 18, 2019
Take on one of 3 beautiful courses for a challenging and rewarding cycling experience on San Diego’s most scenic routes. Experience the beautiful hills and coastline along 33, 67 or 105 mile routes.
When: May 18, 2019
Night markets, which are a popular tradition throughout Asia and other parts of the world, are an open-air casual social gathering and fill a need for civic community. They are a chance to leisurely stroll, shop, and eat while enjoying the excitement and pleasure that comes from being part of a festive crowd.
When: May 19, 2019
Over 400 vendors, live entertainment, and food from around the world have combined to make the Escondido Grand Avenue Festival a family tradition since 1989.
When: May 19, 2019
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.
When: May 25, 2019
Festival, Parade, Carnival, Chili Cook-off and so much more!
When: May 25, 2019
The American Heritage Car Show celebrates the rich history of the American automobile and features outstanding domestic and import vehicles from all over the western United States!
When: May 25, 2019
Join more than 30,000 visitors for the annual Santee Street Fair and Craft Beer Festival featuring live music and entertainment, more than 300 food and craft vendor booths, carnival rides and more!
When: May 26, 2019
Enjoy our celebration of the 'berry as we bring over 300 vendors, athletic competition, pie eating, costumes, beauty, carnival rides, music, food, and much more together in Historic Downtown Vista.
When: May 26, 2019
Annual celebration of food from around the world! Sample the culinary treats of 34 different cultures and witness performances in native costumes. Features musical and dance performances on the HPR stage.
When: May 31 - June 23, 2019
For over 30 years, the Mainly Mozart Festival has been gathering the greatest collection of orchestral players in North America.
Stay longer , save bigger!
As the only Four Diamond Hotel on the beach in San Diego (we've earned the distinction every year since 2007) we'd love to welcome you! AAA Members are able to take advantage of discounts up to 15%...
Stay Cool in the heart of the city, surrounded by restaurants, nightlife & shopping. We’re 90 steps from PETCO Park, home of the San Diego Padres. And don’t miss ALTITUDE Sky Lounge...
A 10-day celebration, promoting more than 150 independent craft breweries in San Diego County. San Diego Beer Week is brought to you by the San Diego Brewers Guild, with participation from the...
Fleet Week San Diego honors and celebrates the men and women of the military through events that entertain and alliances that thank and support these heroes.
The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights is a time-honored holiday tradition with more than 80 boats lavishly decorated sailing by the shores for all to see.
Sign up to receive the latest news, events, and updates about San Diego. Our monthly and weekly newsletters will keep you informed about the latest and greatest happenings in the destination.
For the ultimate guide to planning your San Diego vacation, view and download the San Diego Visitor Planning Guide, packed with useful information that will help you plan the perfect San Diego getaway.
China
Germany
Great Britain
Japan
Mexico
Korea
Switzerland
Brazil
France
Australia
Canada
USA
Afrikaans
Albanian
Arabic
Belarusian
Bulgarian
Catalan
Croatian
Czech
Danish
Deutsch
Español
Estonian
Filipino
Finnish
Francais
Galician
Greek
Haitian-Creole
Hebrew
Hindi
Hungarian
Icelandic
Indonesian
Irish
Italian
Japanese
Korean
Latvian
Lithuanian
Macedonian
Malay
Maltese
Nederlands
Norwegian
Persian
Polish
Portuguese
Romanian
Russian
Serbian
Slovak
Slovenian
Swahili
Swedish
Telugu
Thai
Turkish
Ukranian
Vietnamese
Welsh
Yiddish
