Gator by the Bay – Zydeco, Blues, & Crawfish Festival May 5-8
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 four-day, family-friendly cultural celebration takes place on the picture-perfect San Diego Bay. Spanish Landing Park, Point Loma Peninsula
619-234-8612 / www.gatorbythebay.com
Julian Woman’s Club Wildflower Show May 6-7
The Julian Wildflower Show has been continuous since 1926, except for 3 years during World War II and in 2020 due to the Coronavirus pandemic. 10am-4pm / Julian Woman’s Club
760-484-0669 / www.julianwomansclub.org
Homefront Cleanup May 7
The Imperial Beach Homefront Cleanup is a partnership with the City of Imperial Beach and EDCO at South Bay Union School District, 601 Elm Ave, held annually on the first Saturday of May.
8am-1pm / 601 Elm Ave, Imperial Beach 619-424-4095 / www.imperialbeachca.gov
City Ballet of San Diego’s: Don Quixote May 7
A lavish production based on Miguel de Cervantes epic novel. Follow the adventures of the errant knight, Don Quixote, and his squire, Sancho Panza. This three-act story ballet sensation with opulent scenery and costumes, complete with moving windmills, is family orientated and filled with humor and magic.
8-10pm / California Center for the Arts, Escondido 858-272-8663 / www.cityballet.org
Walk for Animals May 7
All registered participants will enjoy a pancake breakfast, doggie activities, Vendor Village, and a Walk for Animals T-shirt at the event! Together we can create a more humane San Diego!
7-11am / NTC Park at Liberty Station www.sdhumane.org
Cinco De Mayo Festival May 8
Your favorite Mexican food, Folkloric Groups all day. Crowning of Miss Cinco De Mayo.
11am-5pm / Grape Day Park, Escondido 760-855-8115 / www.usamulticultural.org
Historic Home Tour May 8
We invite you to support the community you love, its history, and the Coronado Historical Association with someone special this Mother’s Day. 11am-4pm / Coronado Historical Association & Museum
619-435-7242 / www.coronadohistory.org
Music at the Maritime Featuring Hausmann Quartet
May 8 The Hausmann Quartet and Maritime Museum of San Diego are excited to partner to present the sixth season of Haydn Voyages: Music at the Maritime, a quarterly concert series performed aboard one of the Museum’s ten historic world-class vessels, the 1898 steam ferryboat Berkeley that operated for 60 years on San Francisco Bay. Enjoy world-class performances from San Diego’s only floating concert hall!
2:30-4:30pm / Maritime Museum of San Diego, Downtown 619-234-9153 / www.sdmaritime.org
Foodieland Night Market May 13-15
FoodieLand Night Market is a foodie inspired multi-cultural food and entertainment event featuring more than 150 vendors with a variety of amazing foods, games, and entertainment for the whole family.
Fri 3-10pm; Sat, Sun 1-10pm / Del Mar Fairgrounds 858-755-1161 / www.foodielandnm.com
Movie in the Park – Encanto May 14
Be sure to bring your blankets and low-backed chairs. Bring a picnic and drinks, but please no glass containers.
7-9pm / Glen Park, Cardiff www.encinitasca.gov
Come From Away May 17-22
This New York Times Critics’ Pick takes you into the heart of the remarkable true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them. Cultures clashed, and nerves ran high, but uneasiness turned into trust, music soared into the night, and gratitude grew into enduring friendships.
7-9pm / Broadway San Diego, San Diego 619-564-3000 / www.broadwaysd.com
20th Grip It & Rip It! Golf Tournament May 19
Enjoy golf and lunch at the tournament as we celebrate its 20th year. 11:30am-5pm / Singing Hills Golf Resort, El Cajon
619-440-6161 / www.eastcountychamber.org
A.R. Valentien Signature Wine Series May 19
Set on A.R. Valentien’s relaxing al fresco terrace, experience an exquisite multi-course meal paired with acclaimed wines from Darioush Estates. Executive Chef Kelli Crosson and Advanced Sommelier Paul Krikorian joins forces with special guest Dan de Polo, President of Darioush Estates for this curated communal meal of seasonal bounty with some of California’s most notable wines.
6-8pm / The Lodge at Torrey Pines, La Jolla 858-777-6635 / www.lodgetorreypines.com
SANDAG Bike to Work Day! May 19
Register for SANDAG Bike to Work Day! Join thousands of commuters throughout the San Diego region as we GO by BIKE on the morning of Thursday, May 19. When you register for Bike to Work Day, you can roll by one of our many pit stop locations throughout the San Diego from 6 – 9 a.m. to pick up a FREE t-shirt, snacks, and encouragement. www.icommutesd.com
East Region Career Expo May 19
Career training students, recent graduates, and regional candidates with industry experience will be searching for opportunities.
3-7pm / Cuyamaca College & East Region Adult Education www.eventbrite.com
Concert in the Park May 20
The San Diego County Library Imperial Beach and the City of Imperial Beach are teaming up to bring you a series of concerts in our beloved Veterans Park. Bring a chair and grab some dinner to enjoy a free night of entertainment!
5:30-7:30pm / Veterans Park, Imperial Beach 619-213-1627 / www.imperialbeachca.gov
Spring-in to Camping! May 20
Sleep under the spring stars! Set up your tent and explore the park at your own pace. Hike the numerous trails; drop a line to catch a fish; cruise the lake on a motorboat; or simply relax by your campsite and enjoy all the natural beauty that Lake Poway offers.
1pm-10am / Lake Poway
858-668-4772 / www.poway.org
San Diego International ShortsFest May 20-22
Celebrating the art of cinematic storytelling with films less than 30 minutes in length.
See website for schedule. www.sdfilmfest.com
Teen Music Fest May 21
Get ready to party like a rock star! Spend the evening ravin’ with us as you sing your heart out to your fave karaoke song, find your groove while a DJ spins mad tunes, get amped with music-inspired activities, munch on delish snacks, sway your way to sweet prizes, and more! With catchy earworms and certified bops, you and your friends will be jammin’ all night long!
5-9pm / Community Park, Poway 858-668-4671 / www.poway.com
North Park Music Fest May 21-22
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.
11am-7pm / North Park Mini-Park, San Diego 619-294-2501 / www.northparkmainstreet.com
Community Band Festival May 22
Come visit Old Poway Park where Old Poway Park Action Committee members, the Pomerado Community Band and the Poway Arts and Crafts Guild, will host the annual California Band Festival and Arts and Crafts Market. Listen to bands from near and far that will offer a wide variety musical genres from blue grass ensembles to full concert bands.
10am-7pm / Old Poway Park, Poway 858-668-4576 / www.poway.org
Pure Project Label Art Contest May 22
Pure Project is excited to organize and host our first-ever label art contest! The contest will culminate in an exhibit held at the Pure Project Balboa Park Biergarten.
12-5pm / Pure Project Balboa Park, San Diego 619-323-2000 / www.purebrewing.org
Carlsbad 5000 May 22
The annual event weekend kicks off with the Carlsbad 5000 Health & Fitness expo and packet pickup in the heart of Carlsbad Village. The World’s Fastest 5k welcomes runners of all ages and paces to a fast oceanfront course with unforgettable views and an energetic atmosphere. 400 Carlsbad Village Drive, Carlsbad
Santee Street Fair & Craft Beer Festival May 28
This is a free, public event featuring a craft beer garden, vendor booths, food and entertainment.
10am-6pm / Riverview Parkway and Town Center 619-449-1515 / www.santeechamber.com
Solana Beach Memorial Day Ceremony May 30
The Veteran’s Memorial Wall, which honors the service of all Solana Beach Veterans of Foreign Wars, is available for viewing. Docents from the Civic and Historical Society are on hand to conduct tours of the historical museum.
11am / La Colonia Park
858-720-2400 / www.ci.solana-beach.ca.us