Events & Festivals

Experience the rich traditions and creative spirit of Día de los Muertos at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido, where the community gathers each year to honor loved ones through art, music, and cultural displays. This free festival welcomes families and individuals of all ages to explore colorful altars...

A Halloween-themed festival for the 21+ crowd, this fundraiser pairs craft brews with spooky bites while Jimmy Buffett headlines the evening. Costumes are encouraged, and there's a contest if you want to compete for prizes in your creepiest or kookiest getup. Proceeds support the Santee Teen Center, park improvements, and...

Carpinteria draws more than 80,000 avocado enthusiasts each October for this celebration of California's favorite fruit, featuring guacamole contests, giant avocado weigh-offs, and creative dishes that go far beyond the expected. With over 75 musical acts across four stages, it ranks among the largest free music festivals in the state...

The Haunted Trail of Balboa Park in San Diego is a renowned outdoor Halloween experience, guiding brave visitors along a mile-long path through eerie, fog-filled woods. Known for its chilling atmosphere and creative horror scenes, the trail features spine-tingling attractions like a haunted school bus, a zombie-infested barn, and the...

Ales N' Rails at the San Diego Model Railroad Museum invites guests to kick off the holiday season with an evening of craft beer tastings, interactive games, and festive fun surrounded by impressive model train displays. This popular event brings together beer lovers, railroad enthusiasts, and families for a unique...

Dia De Los Deftones is a dynamic one-day music festival curated by the Deftones, held annually at San Diego’s iconic Petco Park. Since its launch in 2018, the event brings together an eclectic mix of artists across multiple stages, blending live music with art installations and a celebration of Mexican...

Nightmare on Normal Street transforms Hillcrest, San Diego, into a Halloween hotspot with electrifying dance parties, live entertainment, and a legendary costume competition. Revelers can enjoy outdoor bars, local vendors, and some of the city’s most creative costumes, making it a must-attend celebration for Halloween enthusiasts. Known for its lively...

The Encinitas Día de los Muertos Celebration at MiraCosta College San Elijo Campus in Cardiff, California, honors the rich traditions of the Day of the Dead through a lively showcase of visual and performing arts. This free, family-friendly event features art workshops, artist demonstrations, student art exhibitions, and live Mariachi...

Taste of North Park in San Diego, California, invites food and drink enthusiasts to explore the neighborhood’s dynamic culinary scene. Attendees can sample from over 50 local eateries and enjoy sips from 15 craft beverage purveyors, all while taking in live music and local art installations. The event offers a...

Ethiopia is the birthplace of coffee, and this ceremony at Addis Ethiopian Restaurant honors the daily ritual of gathering over freshly roasted beans. For $12-15, you get up to three cups of traditional coffee served with snacks like popcorn and Ethiopian bread, with an optional sambusa upgrade. The ceremonies happen...