San Diego events and festivals draw visitors to our city from around the globe for music, the fair, horseracing, seasonal discounts, and outdoor fun. Knowing when upcoming events are happening can enhance your stay or explain why hotel rates might be unusually elevated.
Summer San Diego Events
Summer is San Diego’s busiest season for events and tourism. Hotel rates peak, especially downtown during Comic-Con, and popular attractions draw large crowds. If you’re visiting during the summer, booking well in advance is essential.
San Diego County Fair
At the end of May, our county fair kicks off for about a six-week run at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, with a full calendar of events ending around the Fourth of July. It’s one of the largest fairs in the country and adopts a different theme each year.
Go to enjoy the rides, attend a big-name concert (usually included with admission), and eat some of our famous fair food, much of it deep-fried. The fair also hosts gem and mineral shows, art exhibits, livestock competitions, and plenty of activities for kids. Fireworks typically happen on select evenings throughout the run, including a big show on the Fourth of July.
The fairgrounds sit right along the coast, so you get ocean breezes with your funnel cake. I recommend going on a weekday if possible, as weekends draw significant crowds and parking becomes a challenge. Residents may want to look into the season pass option. If you’re visiting from out of town, check out my guide to Del Mar hotels.
Del Mar Horse Racing
Shortly after the fair wraps up, the Del Mar Racetrack opens for its summer thoroughbred racing season, which typically runs from mid-July through early September. “Where the Turf Meets the Surf” has been a Southern California tradition since 1937, when Bing Crosby personally greeted attendees at the gate, and Hollywood’s biggest stars frequented the races. The track’s oceanside setting still makes it unlike any other racing venue in the country.
Go to bet on your favorite horse and jockey, or simply soak in the atmosphere. Opening Day is a major social event with elaborate hats and fashionable attire. Throughout the season, the track hosts themed days, concerts after the last race on Friday evenings, and family-friendly activities on weekends. Even if you’re not a horse racing enthusiast, the setting alone is worth experiencing. See my Del Mar travel guide for more on where to stay and what to do in the area.
Comic-Con International
Comic-Con
An average of 170,000 people show up in costumed glory for the four-day event that is Comic-Con. It’s held at the San Diego Convention Center in downtown San Diego during the summer (usually July). Hotels in and near downtown sell out well in advance, and even San Diego beach hotels fill up quickly.
Even if you could secure a downtown San Diego hotel, you might want to think twice about it if you’re not attending Comic-Con because of the crowds. That said, the people-watching is quite entertaining, and many of the offsite events and activations around the Gaslamp Quarter are open to everyone, no badge required. Read my tips for taking the kids to Comic-Con if you’re planning to attend.
San Diego Pride
San Diego Pride is one of the largest Pride celebrations in the country and the biggest single-day civic event in San Diego. Held annually in July, the weekend includes a parade through Hillcrest and a festival in Balboa Park with live music, food, and community events.
The celebration has expanded well beyond a single weekend. You’ll find Pride-related events, brunches, and parties throughout the month of July across the city. The energy is wonderful, and the event draws visitors from around the world.
Summer Concerts & Outdoor Movies
San Diego takes full advantage of its summer weather with free outdoor entertainment throughout the season.
Twilight in the Park is a beloved summer concert series held at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park. From June through August, the pavilion hosts evening concerts on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, with genres ranging from salsa to country to swing. The concerts are free, the setting is gorgeous, and it’s an ideal way to spend a summer evening. Bring a blanket or low chair and arrive early for a good spot.
Summer Movies in the Park is a free outdoor movie series that rotates through various neighborhood parks across the county, starting at dusk. Balboa Park’s Morley Field typically hosts screenings, and even the USS Midway Museum participates. Movies are usually family-friendly, and locals treat it as a picnic event.
Fall San Diego Events
Fall is what locals call the “secret season.” The summer crowds thin out, but the weather is arguably at its best, with warm days, comfortable evenings, and water temperatures that are still perfect for swimming. It’s also when some of San Diego’s best food and drink events happen.
Kids Free San Diego (October)
October is the perfect time to visit San Diego with children. During the annual Kids Free San Diego promotion, over 100 museums, attractions, tours, hotels, and restaurants participate with special offers throughout the month.
Offers vary, but typically kids receive free admission or meals when accompanied by a paying adult. Participating attractions usually include the San Diego Zoo, Safari Park, SeaWorld, LEGOLAND California, and the museums in Balboa Park, among many others. It’s a wonderful way to experience the long list of things to do in San Diego with kids, and many of our travel advisory clients specifically plan their trips around this promotion because the savings are substantial. Read my full Kids Free San Diego guide for details.
TIP
During the rest of the year you can save money on sightseeing with a Go San Diego pass.
MCAS Miramar Air Show
Held at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, the Miramar Air Show is a three-day event and one of the largest military air shows in the country. Go to see historic military aircraft from all branches, static displays, and spectacular aerial performances. Not to be missed are the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels, who typically perform daily at the show.
The air show is free to attend, though premium seating is available. Expect large crowds, especially on weekend days, and plan for traffic. It’s the kind of event where you can feel the jets before you see them.
San Diego Beer Week
San Diego is one of the top craft beer cities in the country, and Beer Week is when the local brewing community goes all out. The multi-day celebration typically takes place in November and includes hundreds of events across the county, from tap takeovers and food pairings to brewery tours and special releases.
Attend the massive Guild Fest kickoff party, which brings together dozens of local breweries under one roof, and explore tastings throughout the event. Even if you visit outside of Beer Week, San Diego’s craft beer scene is worth exploring year-round.
San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival
Hundreds of award-winning chefs, wineries, and brewers participate in this multi-day culinary event, which typically takes place in mid-November. Attend special dinners, cooking demonstrations, speaking panels, and the headlining Grand Tasting experience at the Embarcadero. The Grand Tasting is the signature food festival of the year in San Diego, and the waterfront setting is beautiful.
Tickets for individual events sell at various price points, so there’s flexibility in how you experience it.
Fleet Week San Diego
San Diego is a proud military city, and Fleet Week (typically held in the fall) celebrates that connection with ship tours, military demonstrations, and community events along the waterfront. The highlight for many visitors is the opportunity to tour active Navy ships docked at the Broadway Pier downtown.
San Diego Restaurant Week
San Diego Restaurant Week happens twice a year, typically in January and September, offering prix-fixe menus at restaurants across the county. It’s an excellent opportunity to try higher-end restaurants at a more accessible price point. Dozens of restaurants participate, ranging from casual neighborhood spots to fine dining.
Winter San Diego Events
San Diego winters are mild compared to most of the country, with average highs in the mid-60s, making it a popular escape for visitors from colder climates. The holiday season brings a distinctive lineup of events, and January features one of San Diego’s most iconic sporting events.
December Nights at Balboa Park
At the beginning of December for two nights only, Balboa Park transforms into a winter wonderland full of rides, games, music, food, and more. December Nights is San Diego’s biggest and most beloved holiday event, and it draws enormous crowds.
Most of the Balboa Park museums offer free admission during December Nights, and food vendors set up throughout the park. Parking is notoriously difficult, but you can easily take one of the free shuttles that pick up in the downtown area, or opt for a rideshare. December Nights is a top-rated San Diego holiday event.
Holiday Celebrations at Hotels & Theme Parks
San Diego’s major hotels and theme parks put on impressive holiday celebrations that run through much of December and into early January.
The Hotel del Coronado is particularly well known for its holiday programming, including beachfront ice skating (“Skating by the Sea”), elaborate holiday decor, and seasonal dining events. It’s become one of the most iconic holiday experiences in Southern California.
Our theme parks also go all out. The San Diego Zoo hosts its annual holiday event with light displays, live entertainment, and visits with Santa. SeaWorld’s Christmas celebration features a parade, light tunnel, and seasonal shows. LEGOLAND builds holiday-themed displays and hosts a tree lighting ceremony. Each park offers a unique take on the season, and most holiday activities are included with regular admission.
I cover these in more detail in my holiday events guide, which I update annually with specific dates and tips.
PGA Tour Golf at Torrey Pines
Watch your favorite golfers play the Torrey Pines Golf Course at the PGA Tour’s annual January tournament, the Farmers Insurance Open. It’s one of the most scenic stops on the tour, played on oceanfront cliffs with panoramic Pacific views. Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, and other popular golfers have played here, so why not watch in person rather than on television?
The center of the action is at The Lodge at Torrey Pines, which overlooks the course. It’s tough to secure reservations at the Lodge during tournament week, but it doesn’t hurt to try. My favorite rooms there are the Palisade Rooms because they have ocean views and overlook the 18th hole.
San Diego Museum Month
During the month of February, San Diego Museum Month offers half-price admission to more than 40 museums across the county. You pick up a free Museum Month pass at participating San Diego libraries (or many hotels have them at the front desk) and present it at the museum for the discount.
It’s a wonderful incentive to explore museums beyond the well-known ones in Balboa Park. The program typically includes art galleries, science centers, historical museums, and more throughout San Diego County. Read my full Museum Month guide for details.
Chinese New Year & Lunar New Year Events
San Diego hosts several Lunar New Year celebrations, typically in late January or February, depending on the lunar calendar. The largest is the San Diego Chinese New Year Fair (hosted by the San Diego Chinese Center), which spans two days in downtown San Diego’s historic Chinatown neighborhood.
Attendees can enjoy traditional food, shop for Chinese handicrafts, watch live entertainment, and let kids make lanterns before the dragon parade. The San Diego Lunar New Year Festival and Tết Festival are also popular annual celebrations held at various locations around the city. These events are family-friendly and a wonderful way to experience the cultural diversity of San Diego. See my Chinese New Year events guide for more.
Spring San Diego Events
Spring is beautiful in San Diego. The weather is warming up, spring break brings energy to the beaches and attractions, and the city starts building momentum toward summer. It’s a slightly quieter time for major events compared to summer and fall, which actually makes it an appealing time to visit.
San Diego Padres Baseball
Baseball season begins in late March or early April and continues through the fall. Petco Park, where the Padres play their home games in downtown San Diego, is consistently rated as one of the best ballparks in the country, and it genuinely lives up to the reputation.
The park is incredibly family-friendly and offers a variety of seating options, VIP experiences, and fantastic dining beyond the standard stadium fare. It’s also beautifully designed, with views of the downtown skyline. Even if you’re not a die-hard baseball fan, attending a Padres game is one of the most enjoyable things to do in San Diego.
It’s also possible to take a guided tour of Petco Park year-round on days when the Padres aren’t playing a home game.
Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series San Diego
San Diego hosts a major stop on the Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series, typically in the spring. The event includes a marathon, half marathon, and shorter distances, with live music along the course. The route winds through several San Diego neighborhoods, and the finish line festival has a great atmosphere.
If you’re a runner, it’s a bucket-list race with fantastic weather and scenic views. If you’re not running, just be aware that race day involves significant road closures in parts of the city.
Planning Around San Diego Events
A few things worth keeping in mind:
Hotel rates spike around major events. Comic-Con week is the most dramatic example, but events like the county fair’s opening weekend, December Nights, and the PGA Tour tournament all affect availability and pricing. If you’re traveling during one of these periods, book accommodations as early as possible.
Many events are free or included with attraction admission. Kids Free October, December Nights, Museum Month, Fleet Week ship tours, and summer concerts are all free or deeply discounted. San Diego is generous with these kinds of offerings.
San Diego’s theme parks run seasonal events year-round. Beyond the holidays, the Zoo, SeaWorld, LEGOLAND, and Safari Park host Halloween festivals in the fall, spring celebrations, and summer events. I have detailed guides for each park with tips on timing your visit.
I update my monthly San Diego guides regularly with current details, specific dates, and timely tips. If you’re planning a trip and want to know exactly what’s happening during your visit, check the guide for your travel month.
Katie Dillon
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