Candice Eley (619) 557-2889
celey@sandiego.org
Sarah Weinberg (619) 557 -2838
sweinberg@sandiego.org
Robert Arends (619) 557 -2834
rarends@sandiego.org
OCTOBER 2013
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SAN DIEGO’S 2014 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
San Diego is a year-round travel destination offering a plethora of annual events. No
matter what time of year, visitors can travel to San Diego and find an extraordinary range of
colorful street festivals, parades, concerts, sporting events, specialty fairs and much more. For
up-to-the-minute event listings and changes, visit www.sandiego.org/eventcalendar.
JANUARY
Jan. 19-24
San Diego Restaurant Week
More than 180 of San Diego’s finest restaurants participate in a celebration of the local dining
scene with prix fixed menus. www.sandiegorestaurantweek.com
Jan. 19
Carlsbad Marathon and Half-Marathon
The second-oldest marathon on the U.S. West Coast also features a Kids’ Marathon Mile on
the day before the big race, as well as a Health and Fitness Expo. www.carlsbadmarathon.com
Jan. 23-26
Farmers Insurance Open
The annual PGA Tour men’s golf tournament is played at the Torrey Pines Golf Course in La
Jolla, home of the 2008 U.S. Open. www.farmersinsuranceopen.com
Jan. 25
Big Bay Whale Days & Festival
This free family event offers a wide variety of interactive and hands-on displays to learn about
the annual winter migration of the California gray whale along San Diego’s coastline.
www.whaledays.com
FEBRUARY
February–April
Wildflowers Bloom in the Desert
Depending on the timing and amount of winter rainfall, the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in
San Diego’s East County turns into a wonderland of color when the spring wildflowers bloom.
www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=638
San Diego Museum Month
Throughout February, San Diego visitors can experience the region’s rich cultural offerings at
half-price during San Diego Museum Month. Guests can participate by picking up a free San
Diego Museum Month Pass at participating Macy’s locations; with the pass, they can receive
half-price admission for up to four guests per visit at 42 of San Diego’s museums, cultural
attractions and historical sites. www.sandiegomuseumcouncil.org
Feb. 8-9
32nd Annual Chinese New Year and Cultural Fair
Festivities in downtown San Diego include Asian cuisine, martial arts and cooking
demonstrations, cultural exhibits and traditional Lion and Dragon dances. www.sdcny.org
MARCH
Mar. 1 – May 11
Flower Fields Ranunculus Season
Fifty acres of beautiful Tecolote Giant Ranunculus come into bloom every spring at the Flower
Fields at Carlsbad Ranch. www.theflowerfields.com
Mar. 4
Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp Quarter
This is the biggest Fat Tuesday celebration on the U.S. West Coast. Parades, music and beads
take over downtown San Diego’s historic Gaslamp Quarter.
www.gaslamp.org/mardi-gras-info
Mar. 13-23
21st Annual San Diego Latino Film Festival
San Diego’s proximity to Mexico makes it a natural venue for this prestigious film festival,
focusing on acclaimed movies by Latinos or about the Latino experience, held at the Digiplex
Cinemas at Hazard Center in Mission Valley and at the Digital Gym CINEMA in North Park.
Also, includes parties, workshops, art exhibitions & opportunity to mingle with international
movie/television stars! www.sdlatinofilm.com
Mar. 15
Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival
’Tis the luck of the Irish for San Diego when the St. Patrick’s Day Parade sets off from Juniper
and 6th Street by Balboa Park. An Irish festival with traditional dancers, music, a beer garden
and Celtic village follows the parade. www.stpatsparade.org
Mar. 15
ShamROCK 2013
With 40,000 sq. ft. of Astroturf, downtown San Diego’s historic Gaslamp Quarter turns into
the rolling hills of Ireland from 4 p.m. to midnight. This St. Patrick’s Day party includes Irish
rock bands and pints of green beer; guests must be 21 years or older to attend this ticketed
event. www.sandiegoshamrock.com
Mar. 29-30
Spring Busker Festival
Seaport Village along San Diego Bay comes alive with a celebration of street performers in a
battle of entertainment and one-of-a-kind performances by jugglers, sword swallowers, comedic
stuntmen and more. www.seaportvillage.com
Mar. 29
Accenture California Half-Ironman Triathlon
Athletes from all over the world swim 1.2 miles in Oceanside Harbor, bike 56 miles through
neighboring Camp Pendleton and run 13.1 miles back to the finish line at Oceanside Pier in the
San Diego North County city of Oceanside. www.ironmancalifornia.com
Mar. 31– Oct
San Diego Padres Season
The San Diego Padres step up to the plate and begin another exciting, six-month season of
Major League Baseball, played in PETCO Park in downtown San Diego. www.padres.com
APRIL
Apr. 11-13
La Jolla Concours D’Elegance Motor Car Classic
Paying tribute to some of the world's finest automobiles, the Motor Car Classic highlights over
30 juried classes of automobiles; vintage auto aficionados and collectors compete against the
best vehicles in automotive history. www.lajollaconcours.com
Apr. 5-6
41st Annual San Diego Crew Classic Regatta
Rowers from across the country come to Crown Point Shores on Mission Bay to participate in
one of the most distinguished rowing competitions in the U.S. www.crewclassic.org
Apr. 17 – May 4
Annual Del Mar National Horse Show
The most prestigious horse show in Southern California offers more than $300,000 in prize
money and attracts more than 3,000 horses to the equestrian complex at the Del Mar
Fairgrounds in coastal Del Mar. www.delmarnational.com
Apr. 25-27
50th Annual Lakeside Rodeo
Bareback bronco rides, calf roping and other traditional rodeo competitions, along with food
and crafts, bring the Wild West to life in Lakeside in San Diego’s East County.
www.lakesiderodeo.com
Apr. 26-27
89th Annual Coronado Flower Show
The nation’s largest flower show under a tent takes place in Spreckels Park in Coronado.
Flower exhibits are placed around a central gazebo, which becomes the stage for live
entertainment and trophy presentations. www.coronadoflowershow.org.
Apr. 13
Fallbrook Avocado Festival
Since the 1960s, tens of thousands of avocado lovers converge in Fallbrook, located in San
Diego’s North County, to sample avocados, check-out the crazy cooking contest entries, buy
funky avocado-themed gifts and enjoy bands, live entertainment and friendly beer gardens.
www.fallbrookchamberofcommerce.org
Apr. 26-27
Mission Federal ArtWalk
The free visual and performing arts celebration takes place in downtown San Diego’s colorful
Little Italy neighborhood and is the largest art event in San Diego.
www.missionfederalartwalk.org
Apr. 26-27
41st Annual Adams Avenue Unplugged Festival
The free, two-day festival features 180 musical performances of acoustic music, held on four
outdoor stages and 22 indoor stages along a two-mile expanse along Adams Avenue, from the
neighborhoods of Kensington to North Park. www.adamsavenuebusiness.com
Apr. 27
24th Annual San Diego Earth Fair
The world's largest annual environmental fair and Earth Day Celebration takes place in Balboa
Park and features more than 300 exhibitors, special theme areas, food pavilion, children's
activity area, five entertainment venues, the Children’s Earth Parade, the eARTh Gallery art
show, and the Cleaner Car Concourse. http://www.earthdayweb.org/
MAY
May 3-4
Annual Old Town Fiesta Cinco de Mayo
A celebration of Mexican spirit and culture, the Fiesta Cinco de Mayo is held in Old Town, the
birthplace of San Diego, and features music, food and entertainment for the entire family.
www.oldtownsandiegoguide.com
May 4
Carlsbad Spring Village Faire
One of the largest one-day street fairs in California features hundreds of exhibitors,
international food and children's rides in the coastal city of Carlsbad. www.carlsbad.org
May 8-11
Gator by the Bay, Zydeco, Blues & Crawfish Festival
Knee-slapping good times abound at Spanish Landing on Harbor Island. The event features 25
bands on five stages, dance lessons, Cajun cooking demonstrations and delicious crawfish.
www.sandiegofestival.com
May 18
21st Annual Sicilian Festival
The music, dance, culture and cuisine of Sicily come to the streets of downtown San Diego’s
Little Italy neighborhood with four performance stages, a parade of costumed dancers,
musicians and more. www.sicilianfesta.com
JUNE
Jun. 6-8
Air Show San Diego
San Diego’s biggest civilian air show, formerly known as, Wings Over Gillespie,” includes reenactments of WWII and Vietnam War aerial battles with pyrotechnic and aircraft displays,
along with live entertainment, a Kidz Zone, food and more. www.ag1caf.org
Jun. – Sept.
The Old Globe Theatre’s Summer Shakespeare Festival
Three dynamic Shakespeare productions are performed in nightly rotation in the outdoor
Lowell Davies Festival Theatre of the Tony Award ®-winning Old Globe theatre in Balboa
Park. www.oldglobe.org
Jun. 1
Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon
It’s a 26.2-mile race and block party all in one! The marathon begins at Balboa Park and finishes
at SeaWorld San Diego on Mission Bay. Live music and cheer squads line the route, while a
killer post-race party and headliner concert celebrates everyone’s victory.
runrocknroll.competitor.com/san-diego
Jun. 7 – Jul. 6
San Diego County Fair
The annual county fair features outlandish foods, garden shows, livestock tents and a midway
complete with carnival rides and concerts, held at the beautiful Del Mar Fairgrounds in
oceanfront Del Mar. www.sdfair.com
Jun. 21-22
Annual La Jolla Festival of the Arts
Held on the University of California, San Diego campus in La Jolla, the event includes awardwinning artists, gourmet cuisine, contemporary music and entertainment.
www.lajollaartfestival.org
June 28 – September 1
San Diego Symphony Summer Pops Season
Summer performances are held under the stars in downtown San Diego along San Diego Bay;
fireworks occur on some nights. www.sandiegosymphony.com
JULY
Jul. 4
Fourth of July Celebrations
Fireworks, festivals and patriotic parades are held in numerous communities throughout San
Diego County. Coronado's popular Independence Day celebration features a two-hour parade
followed by a family concert in Spreckels Park. The Port of San Diego celebrates with its Big
Bay Boom fireworks extravaganza over San Diego Bay, the largest fireworks display in the
county. www.sandiego.org
July 13
9th Annual Unleashed by Petco Surf Dog Competition in Imperial Beach
Dozens of dogs take to the waves at Imperial Beach to compete in small dog, large dog and
tandem surfing heats. www.unleashedbypetco.com/surfdog
Jul. 18-20
Festival of the Bells
The festival celebrates the anniversary of the founding of Mission San Diego de Alcala, the first
mission in California. www.festivalofbells.com
Jul. 19-20
San Diego LGBT Pride Parade, Rally and Festival
One of the city’s largest grassroots organizations, San Diego LGBT Pride sponsors a weekend
of festivities including a headlining parade through Hillcrest and two-day festival in Balboa
Park. www.sdpride.org
Jul. 12-13 & 19-20
60th Annual World Championship Over-the-Line Tournament
A San Diego original, this boisterous, fast-paced beach softball event is played at Fiesta Island
on Mission Bay. www.ombac.org/over-the-line
Jul. 18 – Sept. 3
Del Mar Racing
Horses and fans alike meet for live thoroughbred racing, held five days a week at the Del Mar
Thoroughbred Club in oceanfront Del Mar. www.dmtc.com
Jul. 24-27
Comic-Con International
The largest comics and pop culture event in the United States attracts thousands of artists,
celebrities and fans of comic books, movie memorabilia and all things related to pop culture to
the San Diego Convention Center in downtown San Diego. www.comic-con.org/cci/
July–August
SummerFest 2013
The La Jolla Music Society presents classical and new compositions with renowned artists and
ensembles from around the world, held at various locations in La Jolla and San Diego.
www.ljms.org
AUGUST
Aug. 10
Hillcrest Cityfest 2014
Arts, crafts, food and entertainment are featured at this popular annual street festival, held
along Fifth Avenue in the eclectic neighborhood of Hillcrest.
www.fabuloushillcrest.com/events/hillcrest-cityfest/
Aug. 9-10
Julian Star Fest
Guests can explore the world of astronomy during this four-day festival, the second biggest in
California, with exhibition areas, guest speakers, an astronomy equipment swap meet and more,
held at Menghini Winery in the San Diego East County town of Julian. www.julianstarfest.com
Aug. 16
38th Annual World Body Surfing Championships
International and U.S. body surfers compete at the Oceanside Pier and Beach in San Diego’s
North County. www.worldbodysurfing.org
Aug. 29 – Sept. 1
Festival of Sail
The Maritime Museum hosts more than 20 tall ships and other marine vessels from around the
world that sail into San Diego Bay for the event. Guest tour the tall ships, enjoy live
entertainment, sample food and drink, enjoy a family activity area and petting zoo, and shop for
one-of-a-kind items among more than 150 festival vendors. www.sdmaritime.org/festival-ofsail/
Aug. 29 – Sept. 1
U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge and 3D Art Exposition
Guests can watch over 300 tons of sand be carved and molded into beautiful sculptures. Held
at the B Street Cruise Ship Terminal alongside San Diego Bay, the summer event will feature
live entertainment, food trucks and unique rides for kids including a zipline that flies over the
show. www.ussandsculpting.com
SEPTEMBER
September–October
Annual Julian Fall Apple Harvest
Local residents and guests celebrate autumn with music, art shows, cider and delicious apple
pies in the charming San Diego East County mountain town of Julian. www.julianca.com
September–December
San Diego Chargers Season
The San Diego Chargers “bolt” into action during home games at Qualcomm Stadium in
Mission Valley, while fans gather in the parking lot for tailgate parties before catching the
excitement inside the stadium. www.chargers.com
Sept. 7
La Jolla Rough Water Swim
The largest rough-water swimming competition in the U.S. takes place at picturesque La Jolla
Cove in La Jolla. www.ljrws.com
Sept. TBD
San Diego Bayfair
This thrilling event features thunderboat racing, tunnel hulls, drag boats, hydroplanes, fireworks
and concerts, as well as specialty vendors and food, along and on the waters of Mission Bay.
www.sandiegobayfair.org
Sept. 12-14
25thAnnual Sycuan Pow-Wow
The Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation presents a traditional celebration featuring Indian
song, dance, arts and crafts, games and food, held at the Sycuan Reservation in San Diego’s
East County. http://sycuantribe.org/pow-wow/
Sept. 21-26 Tentative
San Diego Restaurant Week
More than 180 of San Diego’s finest restaurants participate in a celebration of the local dining
scene with prix fixed menus. www.sandiegorestaurantweek.com
Sept. TBD
19th Annual San Diego Festival of Beer
More than 75 San Diego brewers provide samples and tastings alongside live musical
performances, vendors and food booths in downtown San Diego. www.sdbeerfest.org
Sept. 27-28
20th Annual Pacific Islander Festival
The cultures, foods, crafts and customs of Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia are showcased
at Ski Beach on Mission Bay. www.pifasandiego.com
Sept. 28
Cabrillo Festival
The exploration of the U.S. West Coast by Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo in 1542 is commemorated
at Cabrillo National Monument on Point Loma. www.cabrillofestival.org
Sept. 27-28
33nd Annual Adams Avenue Street Fair
One of the largest free music street fairs in California, the event features over 70 live musical
acts, held on six stages, along with three beer gardens, giant carnival rides and 300 craft and
food vendors. www.adamsavenuebusiness.com
OCTOBER
Oct. TBD
San Diego Film Festival
This annual festival offers a fresh take on film premieres, featuring American and international
features, thought-provoking documentaries, short films and music videos. www.sdff.org
Oct. 3-5
Oktoberfest in La Mesa
This traditional German celebration features dancing, food, Bavarian bands, arts and crafts and
commercial booths in the San Diego East County city of La Mesa. www.lmvma.com
Oct. TBD
MCAS Miramar Air Show
This award-winning, world-class air show features the best military and civilian pilots in the
world, including the U.S. Navy’s famous Blue Angels. www.miramarairshow.com
Oct. 4-5
Julian Apple Days Festival
This two-day festival at Menghini Winery in Julian features music and dancing, an antique
tractor display, children’s games, gold panning demonstrations, apple-related contests and
more. www.julianappledays.com
Oct. TBD
15th Annual San Diego Asian Film Festival
The largest exhibition of Asian-American and Asian cinema in North America showcases over
140 premiers from around the world at the UltraStar Mission Valley Cinema in Hazard Center
in Mission Valley. www.sdaff.org
Oct. 11
20th Annual Little Italy FESTA!
This colorful Italian celebration features music, fine food and “Gesso Italiano,” a traditional
Italian street-painting festival, held in downtown San Diego’s Little Italy neighborhood.
www.littleitalysd.com/events/little-italy-festa
Oct. 24-26
49th Annual Borrego Days Desert Festival
Weekend activities include arts and crafts, a parade and the Miss Borrego Springs Pageant in the
East County desert town of Borrego Springs. www.borregospringschamber.com/BorregoDays
NOVEMBER
Nov. 19 – Dec. 31
Dr. Seuss' "How the Grinch Stole Christmas!"
This annual holiday musical jumps right off the pages of the classic Dr. Seuss book and onto
the stage of The Old Globe theatre in Balboa Park. www.oldglobe.org
Nov. 7-16
San Diego Beer Week
Hundreds of beer-centric events take place throughout the county during this 10-day festival
that highlights San Diego’s award-winning craft beer, breweries and pubs. http://sdbw.org
Nov. 17-23
11th San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival
Wine and food enthusiasts gather for this five-day event, the region’s largest wine and culinary
extravaganza, held at several venues throughout downtown San Diego.
www.worldofwineevents.com
Nov. 23
Annual Mother Goose Parade
San Diego East County's annual holiday kick-off celebration features celebrity appearances,
whimsical floats, clowns, bands, equestrians and more. www.mothergooseparade.org
Nov. 26 – Nov. 30
San Diego Thanksgiving Jazz Festival
A jazz celebration that lasts throughout the Thanksgiving weekend, the festival features worldclass bands at the Town & Country Hotel in Mission Valley. www.sdjazzfest.org
November 5–December 7, 2014 Tentative Dates
Del Mar Racing Extended Season
Horses and fans alike meet for live thoroughbred racing, held five days a week at the Del Mar
Thoroughbred Club in oceanfront Del Mar. www.dmtc.com
January TBD
Holiday of Lights at Del Mar
This event was canceled in 2013 due to a new racetrack installation. Tentatively for 2014, the
public is invited to drive their cars around the infield racetrack of the Del Mar Fairgrounds in
Del Mar to view more than 350 dazzling holiday light displays. www.holidayoflights.com
DECEMBER
December–April
Whale Watching
The majestic California gray whales make their annual migration from the Arctic waters to the
warm lagoons in the Gulf of California for breeding. These “peaceful giants of the sea” come
within miles of San Diego’s coastline and can be viewed on daily whale watching excursions
and from Cabrillo National Monument on Point Loma. www.sandiego.org/what-to-do/tourssightseeing/whale-watching.aspx
Dec. 7 TBD
La Jolla Christmas Parade and Holiday Festival
Marching bands, floats, equestrians, vintage automobiles and more parade down the streets of
La Jolla. The parade ends with a holiday festival featuring craft booths, carnival rides, food,
entertainment and a tree lighting ceremony. www.ljparade.com
Dec. 5-6
Balboa Park December Nights
This celebration of the holiday season is the largest free community festival in San Diego and
features foods and crafts from around the world, music and events in Balboa Park’s diverse
museums. www.balboapark.org
Dec. 14 & 21
43rd Annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
This colorfully unique San Diego holiday tradition features more than 100 private boats
decorated with holiday lights, sailing along the waters of San Diego Bay.
www.sdparadeoflights.org
Dec. TBD
San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl
San Diego’s annual pre-Christmas bowl game is played at Qualcomm Stadium in Mission Valley
and matches teams from the Mountain West and Western Athletic Conferences. The nationally
recognized event features all the pomp and circumstance of a major college post-season
football game. www.poinsettiabowl.com
Dec. TBD
Big Bay Balloon Parade and National University Education Holiday Bowl
A popular parade along downtown San Diego’s waterfront is followed by a major college bowl
game at Qualcomm Stadium in Mission Valley, featuring teams from the Pac-10 and Big 12
Conferences. The exciting gridiron action is augmented by spectacular pregame and halftime
pageantry. www.holidaybowl.com
Happiness is calling in San Diego. For more information on San Diego’s offerings,
including exciting vacation packages and valuable coupons for attractions, restaurants and
more, visit the San Diego Tourism Authority’s website at www.sandiego.org or call 619-2361212.
10/13
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“Funded in part by the San Diego Tourism Marketing District with City of San Diego
Tourism Marketing District Assessment Funds.”