The spirit, sounds and flavors of southwest Louisiana 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.

Come for the music, stay for the food. Gator By The Bay’s mouthwatering French Quarter Food Court is what foodie dreams are made of. Check off every box on your bayou-inspired culinary bucket list and chow down on authentic Cajun, Creole and Southern culinary delights, including gumbo, jambalaya, beignets and 10,000 pounds of crawfish brought directly from Louisiana. Gator By The Bay is Mardi Gras in May

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. 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 eight to ten weeks each year - from early March through early May - literally bringing the famous fields back to life. This annual burst of color, which has become part of the area’s local heritage, also is one of nature’s official ways of announcing the arrival of spring here in Southern California.

Hot Diggity Dog (and cat and fish and bird)! Whether you've got a furry friend, a scaly sidekick or a feathered flock, we all agree that pets rock! They bring joy, laughter, and a whole lot of love into our lives. They're our snuggle buddies, our adventure partners, and our loyal companions. This summer we'll celebrate the special bonds between humans and their pets. Join us as we turn the dog days of summer into the cat's meow with thrilling rides, challenging games, mouth-watering food, incredible exhibits, and top-notch entertainment at our Summer Pet-tacular!

Chaired by Anna Haudenschild Meier, Jennifer Nelson, and Alex High, The Avant Garde Ball invites you to celebrate the fusion of art, music, and fashion in a way that San Diego has never experienced before. Save the date—Saturday, May 3, 2025—for a night of self-expression, where art extends beyond the gallery walls and MCASD transforms into a living runway. Guests are encouraged to let the works of contemporary art inspire their Avant Garde attire—fashion as bold, captivating, and expressive as the pieces on display.

Please note: The Avant Garde Ball is a 21+ event.