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Top May Events

Celebrate Moms, Memorial Day and More

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.

Featured May Events

The Flower Fields

When: Now - May 14, 2023
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.

Spring Safari Featuring Butterfly Jungle

When: Now - May 14, 2023
Spring brings the perfect chance to get outdoors, spend time with family, and experience the sights, sounds, and tastes of the season! From special entertainment and culinary creations to amazing wildlife encounters like Butterfly Jungle, come make spring memories to last a lifetime!

Cinco de Mayo

When: May 5, 2023
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 11-14, 2023
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.

Viva La Música

When: May 5-14, 2023
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 14, 2023
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!

Summer Fun Fest at Sesame Place

When: May 26 - September 4, 2023
Don’t miss out on all of the sun-sational events at Sesame Place during our Sesame Summer Splash!

Memorial Day

When: May 29, 2023
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 24, 2023
Kickoff the 2023 baseball season at Petco Park with the San Diego Padres!

San Diego Wave FC Soccer Season

When: Now - October 15, 2023
Experience San Diego Wave Fútbol Club, the 12th and newest member of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), during their second season at Snapdragon Stadium!

San Diego Loyal SC Soccer Season

When: Now - October 14, 2023
Watch as San Diego's premier outdoor professional men’s soccer club, competing in The USL Championship, plays their fourth season at Torero Stadium (University of San Diego).

More Awesome May Events

Julian Woman's Club Wildflower Show

When: May 5-6, 2023
If you enjoyed looking at pictures in our Virtual Wildflower Show, then you will love seeing these wildflowers, in person, at our Wildflower Show 2023! Smell the aroma and appreciate the beauty of our Jewels of the Backcountry.

El Cajon Dinner & A Concert

When: May 5 - September 29, 2023
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.

Reader Tacotopia

When: May 6, 2023
The San Diego Reader is pleased to invite you to the biggest unlimited taco festival in San Diego, known as ‘Reader Tacotopia: The Land of unlimited Tacos! This event will take place in beautiful Golden Hill Park. At Reader Tacotopia, we take advantage of our SoCal surroundings by gathering the very best taco vendors all in one place for your gastronomic pleasure.

Ramona Tacos and Beer Fest

When: May 6, 2023
Ramona Chamber of Commerce will present the First Annual Tacos & Beer Fest. The Chamber plans to hold this family event annually to celebrate Cinco de Mayo and add more activities each year.

Spring Sprint Triathalon & Duathon

When: May 7, 2023
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 7, 2023
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.

Over The Line Craft BeerFest & OTL Tournament

When: May 13, 2023
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.

San Diego International Fringe Festival

When: May 18-28, 2023
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 20, 2023
It's the 72nd 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.

La Jolla Half Marathon & Shores 5K

When: May 20, 2023
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.

Fiesta del Sol in Solana Beach

When: May 20-21, 2023
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.

SDCVA Wine & Food Festival

When: May 21, 2023
Spend the day discovering and sipping the array of varietals produced in San Diego County. Unlimited wine tasting, charcuterie, music, and plenty of sunshine at the charming Bernardo Winery.

The Navy's 33rd Bay Bridge Run/Walk

When: May 21, 2023
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 25-28, 2023
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.

Summer Movies in the Park

When: May 26 - October 27, 2023
Summer Movies in the Park is a perfect chance to relax and enjoy a safe and special night under the stars. Come early and get a good seat!

Santee Street Fair

When: May 27, 2023
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!

North Park Music Fest

When: May 27-28, 2023
This two day San Diego Music Festival will highlight San Diego’s best in local music, unique food vendors, live art, craft beer, and spirits. 

Vista Strawberry Festival

When: May 28, 2023
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 28 - September 3, 2023
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 29, 2023
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 29, 2023
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)

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