Nestled on the spectacular Pacific shore of Southern California, San Diego is a beautiful city blessed with scenic nature and affable climate. It’s also home to a plethora of tourist attractions that range from fascinating theme parks, beautiful lush gardens, artist studios, zoos, art galleries, outstanding museums, gorgeous shores to upscale shopping malls. San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld, Balboa Park, and Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum are some of the many landmarks that greet visitors every year. Besides these, the residents of San Diego celebrate several festivals with great glory. You can witness world-class cultural celebrations, fun-filled fairs, parades, and many more festive events when holidaying here. So, if you are planning an excursion to this Californian city any time in the future, knowing about various festivities it celebrates will make your trip more interesting and enjoyable. Read on to find the top festivals in San Diego, California to experience the festive spirit.
1. San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
Marvel at the spectacular parade at the bay by visiting the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights. The boating community celebrates this magnificent long-running holiday tradition at the bay every year. It features a parade of about 80 elegantly adorned boats sailing on the water. More than 100,000 visitors gather at the shores every December to watch the dazzling celebrations of the procession. So, visit this marvelous parade of glitzy boats and cheer the participants up.
Bay Parade of Lights
Address: San Diego Bay, California, USA
Website: Bay Parade of Lights
Takes place: December
Price: 75 - 100 USD
2. Comic-Con International
Are you or your kids a big fan of comics? If yes, do not miss visiting San Diego Comic-Con International that presents a plethora of comic books and outstanding comic art. This annual comic book event greets thousands of guests, such as comics creators, skilled writers, talented film directors, renowned book publishers, science fiction authors, and numerous fans of comics. Find new and outstanding comic books, meet your favorite comic creators and book publishers, and admire the praiseworthy comic art and culture at the event.
Comic-Con International
Address: 111 W. Harbor Dr., San Diego, CA 92101
Website: Comic-Con International
Takes place: July
Price: 45 - 63 USD per day
3. San Diego Greek Festival [Last event in 2019]
Do not miss enjoy amazing festivities at San Diego Greek Festival during your trip to this beautiful Californian city in June. Attend outstanding live musical performances at the event. Dance to the tunes of fantastic music as the Greek bands play great rhythms. Take your kids to the recreational Kids’ Fun Zone and let them enjoy fun-filled children’s activities. Go for informative church tours and learn about the history of the cathedrals. Relish scrumptious Greek delicacies and pastries. Create wonderful memories with your family and friends.
San Diego Greek Festival
Address: Saint Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church, 3655 Park Boulevard, San Diego, California 92103
Website: San Diego Greek Festival
Takes place: June
Price: Free
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. San Diego Jazz Fest
If you are a big fan of jazz music, make sure you attend the fantastic San Diego Jazz Fest at Town & Country Resort and Convention Center. The event is popular as the crown jewel of jazz festivals. Plenty of jazz music lovers throughout the world attend this musical event in November every year. It hosts a wide variety of jazz styles, such as traditional, swing, Dixieland, and rockabilly, to please the fans. At the fest, find huge concert rooms featuring jazz music. Enjoy dancing to the tunes of music on the double dance floors. Also, you can find small listening rooms to settle back and listen to music.
San Diego Jazz Fest
Address: Town & Country Hotel and Convention Center, 500 Hotel Circle North, San Diego, CA 92108, United States
Website: San Diego Jazz Fest
Takes place: November
Price: 20 - 125 USD
5. San Diego Mardi Gras in the GasLamp
If dance, party, music, and great food are all you are looking for during your trip to San Diego, do not miss attending San Diego Mardi Gras in the GasLamp. Residents here celebrate this festival in February every year. Dress up in outfits that feature Mardi Gras hues, such as gold, green, and purple, and party. Put on your dancing shoes and hit the dance floor. Feast on scrumptious delicacies such as seafood at the event.
San Diego Mardi Gras in the GasLamp
Address: Gaslamp Quarter, Downtown San Diego, CA 92101
Website: San Diego Mardi Gras in the GasLamp
Takes place: February
Price: 25 USD (early bird rate); 30 USD (regular rate)
6. Martin Luther King Day Parade and Festival
Cheer up at the celebrations of Martin Luther King Day Parade in San Diego. Calvacade is one of the largest of its kind in the country. Citizens celebrate it honoring the well-known Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The African American community in the country coordinates it. Admire the glitzy floats, performances of drill teams, youth organizations, and high school bands. Join and support the celebrations at the festival to continue the legacy of legendary Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Martin Luther King Day Parade and Festival
Address: Harbor Drive - Embarcadero, Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101
Website: Martin Luther King Day Parade and Festival
Takes place: January
Price: Free
7. Miramar Air Show
Marvel at the spectacular air show called Miramar Air Show in San Diego in September. Admire the marvelous exhibits of a variety of non-flying aircraft from the USA’s Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and Army. Among the displays, you can also view civilian historic military aircraft. Watch civilian and military performances. Plus, the fireworks display is indeed a sight to behold. The air show event continues for three days and has gained fame of being the biggest military air show in the country.
Miramar Air Show
Address: Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, San Diego, United States
Website: Miramar Air Show
Takes place: Usually held in September
Price: Free (general admission)
8. Fleet Week San Diego
Pay tribute to the courageous military personnel by attending the celebrations of Fleet Week San Diego. The event hosts several public displays and activities to express gratitude to the USA’s military heroes. Business professionals and community chiefs got to know how important public support to the country’s defense system is. So, they took the initiative to host Fleet Week San Diego to express the gratitude and support of the civilians to the sailors, coast guardsmen, and other personnel in the naval services.
Fleet Week San Diego
Address: 3639 Midway Dr., Suite B429, San Diego, CA 92110, United States
Website: Fleet Week San Diego
Takes place: November
Price: Free
9. San Diego Whale Festival
Photo Credit: Jim Wilson/The New York Times
Posted by 101 Things To Do San Diego on Tuesday, 11 February 2014
If whales fascinate you, do not miss attending the interesting San Diego Whale Festival in January in every winter. Witness the spectacular whale-watching experience, as about 20,000 migrating Gray whales pass the shoreline of San Diego in the cold months. In addition to viewing these majestic ocean creatures, enjoy a great family outing. Encourage your kids to enjoy interesting whale-related activities. A phenomenal walk-through whale acquaints kids how huge a whale is. Also, go see sea-life murals, eat savory delicacies, and learn about outstanding whale-watching tours.
San Diego Whale Festival
Address: 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92037
Takes place: December or January
Price: Free
10. San Diego Museum Month
Enhance your knowledge by visiting various outstanding museums in this Californian region in San Diego Museum Month every February. If you a fan of marine life, make sure you visit Birch Aquarium at Scripps. Surfing enthusiasts should go to the California Surf Museum. History buffs should not miss visiting La Jolla Historical Society, Heritage of the Americas Museum, and Coronado Museum of History and Art. A visit to the Japanese Friendship Garden will enchant nature lovers. So, be quick and take advantage of this fantastic opportunity. Collect the Museum Month discount pass and get to visit over 40 museums with 50 percent off on the admission fee.
San Diego Museum Month
Address: San Diego Museum Council, 2750 Historic Decatur Road, Studio 201, San Diego, CA 92106
Website: San Diego Museum Month
Takes place: February
Price: Free admission for kids in over 40 museums; Picking museum pass grants 50% in over 40 museums to others
11. San Diego Pride
If you are visiting this Californian city in July, cheer on the celebrations of the San Diego Pride Parade. The parade is the region’s biggest event and runs for a day. The event begins with listening to the motivational speeches of inspiring speakers, hoisting of the Pride flag, and dancing in the streets below the flag. San Diego Pride aims to foster respect, pride, and equality for bisexual, lesbian, gay, and transgender societies nationwide, locally, and worldwide. It’s the biggest Pride parade in the country and witnesses more than 200,000 audience and supporters cheering it on.
San Diego Pride
Address: Marston Point., Balboa Park (6th Ave. & Laurel St.), San Diego, CA, United States
Website: San Diego Pride
Takes place: July
Price: 30 USD for general admission of weekend pass
12. Mission Federal ArtWalk
If you are a fan of performing and visual arts, plan to visit phenomenal Mission Federal ArtWalk every April in San Diego. Attend this incredible event in Little Italy in this Californian region. The art event nurtures the belief that art has the potential to improve the quality of life and bring together various societies. Shop your favorite artwork, admire outstanding dance performances, listen to fabulous music, and take part in the interactive art activities. If you have kids, enjoy visiting KidsWalk that encourages children to develop their creativity and create their art.
Mission Federal ArtWalk
Address: Little Italy, San Diego, California, United States
Website: Mission Federal ArtWalk
Takes place: Usually held in April
Price: Free
13. Coronado Flower Show
Do you love various colorful, fresh flowers? If you nodded along, make sure you take time out of your busy travel schedule and visit Coronado Flower Show in San Diego. The biggest tented flower display in the USA is indeed a sight to behold. Marvel at the multi-hued exhibits that are present around the central gazebo. Listen to the fantastic live music and watch outstanding trophy presentations that take place on the gazebo. Shop your favorite plants and flowers that are available for sale. Do not miss visiting the food pavilion and make sure to enjoy eating great food.
Coronado Flower Show
Address: Spreckels Park, Orange Ave & 6th St, Coronado, near San Diego, CA 92118
Website: Coronado Flower Show
Takes place: April
Price: 5 USD
14. San Diego Crew Classic
Water sports enthusiasts should not miss participating in thrilling San Diego Crew Classic, a prominent annual rowing regatta. Enjoy the competitive spirit and test your rowing skills on the spectacular coast of Mission Bay in California. Athletes nationwide arrive here to take part in the regatta. Besides being a competitive event, the San Diego Crew Classic also encourages social gatherings. Relish delicious local delicacies at the food stalls. Enjoy buying various items available here.
San Diego Crew Classic
Address: Crown Point Park, Crown Point Drive, San Diego, CA 92109, United States
Website: San Diego Crew Classic
Takes place: Usually held in April
Price: 0 - 15 USD
15. San Diego Chinese New Year Food and Cultural Fair
Celebrate the San Diego Chinese New Year Food and Cultural Fair when you are holidaying in this Californian city. The fair hosts cultural and traditional festivities that are sure to please you. Watch outstanding Chinese dances, and listen to the music that traditional instruments play. Marvel at Kung Fu exhibitions, Chinese acrobatic acts, and lion dances. Welcome the Chinese New Year with great pomp. Please your taste buds with savory Chinese cuisines. The fair runs for two days and it entertains young and old alike.
San Diego Chinese New Year Food and Cultural Fair
Address: 428 3rd Ave, 92101 San Diego, California
Website: San Diego Chinese New Year Food and Cultural Fair
Takes place: February
Price: Free
16. CRSSD Festival
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
If you are a fan of electronic music and visiting San Diego in March, make sure you attend the phenomenal CRSSD Festival. The outstanding electronic music event runs for a couple of days. Spectacular 12-acre (4.85-hectare) sprawling San Diego Waterfront Park hosts this musical festival by opening up three stages for more than 36 talented musicians and singers. Admire the praiseworthy music and captivating water features. Dance to the tunes of vibrant music. Also, enjoy various other festivities, such as tasty foods and beverages.
CRSSD Festival
Address: 1600 Pacific Hwy, San Diego, CA 92101, United States
Website: CRSSD Festival
Takes place: March
Price: 135 - 155 USD
17. Taste of December nights [Previously known as Balboa Park December Nights]
Enjoy the fantastic festivities at Balboa Park December Nights, which the City of San Diego celebrates on the first Friday and Saturday of December. The entry is free - the event is even famous as the biggest free event in the region. Marvel at the magnificent display of lights, admire the pleasant music, and watch outstanding dance performances. Listen to the motivational choirs and sample delicious culinary delights. Pay a visit to Balboa Park museums.
Balboa Park December Nights
Address: San Diego, CA, United States
Website: Balboa Park December Nights
Takes place: December
Price: Free
18. Mainly Mozart Festival
If you are a passionate music lover visiting San Diego in June, plan to attend Mainly Mozart Festival, a time-honored event that musicians celebrate for more than 30 years. Witness the biggest group of talented orchestral players in the USA here. Attend outstanding musical concerts and admire the symphony of the music. Mainly Mozart not just hosts concerts but also connects the societies in Baja California and Southern California to the talented artists of Mainly Mozart, time-honored music, and tales behind the music.
Mainly Mozart Festival
Address: 404 Euclid Ave, Suite 301, San Diego, CA 92114
Website: Mainly Mozart Festival
Takes place: Usually held in June
Price: 25 - 215 USD
19. San Diego Cinco de Mayo
Experience the grandest Cinco de Mayo festivities on the West Coast at San Diego. Sway to the continuous beats of live music and get your maracas and rattle them. Have a stroll on the fascinating Lowrider Lane and be amused to watch multi-hued painting art and car displays that have become an inevitable part of the fest. The space features more than 20 artistically designed lowrider automobiles. Your kids will love the festivities, as Cinco de Mayo features face painting, mural painting, and flower-making activities for little ones. Please your taste buds with lip-smacking Cali-Baja tacos and other Mexican delicacies. Admire the praiseworthy Folklorico dance, a traditional dance form, among the celebrations.
San Diego Cinco de Mayo
Address: Balboa Park, San Diego, CA, United States
Website: San Diego Cinco de Mayo
Takes place: May
Price: Free
20. St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Irish Festival
View the spectacular St. Patrick’s Day Parade with your family when vacationing in San Diego. The Irish Congress of Southern California takes the initiative to host the parade and festival with great pomp. The cavalcade is the biggest and grand parade West of the Mississippi. It greets families and festival-goers free of cost. After the procession, enjoy various festivities with your family at the Irish Festival in fascinating Balboa Park. The festival begins with the praiseworthy performance of the Irish Step Dancers in the morning. Talented Irish Folk singers and musicians play music throughout the afternoon. Visit Celtic Food Village and various food booths and eat festive treats. Experience amazing creativity at the craft booths. Watch your kids have fun at the Kids Zone.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Irish Festival
Address: Parade: Begins at Fifth Avenue at Laurel Street & Irish Festival: Balboa Park, San Diego, CA, United States
Website: St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Irish Festival
Takes place: March
Price: Free
21. Kaaboo Del Mar Festival [Last event in 2019]
Immerse in the festive spirit by the shore by attending the celebrations of the Kaaboo Del Mar Festival in San Diego. Be pleased by listening to pleasing music as you enjoy various festivities. Art lovers are sure to appreciate the impressive modern art display. If you are a foodie, do not miss relishing gourmet culinary preparations at the event. In addition to this, laugh your head off watching the hilarious comedy performances.
Kaaboo Del Mar Festival
Address: Kaaboo At Petco Park, San Diego, California, United States
Website: Kaaboo Del Mar Festival
Takes place: September
Price: 199 - 17,500 USD
22. San Diego Soul Festival [Last event in 2019]
If the magical tunes of soul music please your ears, San Diego Soul Festival awaits you. Even though you can find soul music throughout America’s Finest City, experience its finest version at this iconic fest. Live singing performances of talented musicians and singers, such as Stephanie Mills, Keith Sweat, and other performers are sure to enthrall you. Enjoy outstanding musical concerts of award-winning artists and have unforgettable melodious experience.
San Diego Soul Festival
Address: Pechanga Arena at 3500 Sports Arena Blvd, San Diego, California, United States
Website: San Diego Soul Festival
Takes place: April
Price: 13 - 101 USD
23. Adams Avenue Street Fair
Another musical event worth-visiting event in San Diego is Avenue Street Fair. The fair runs for a couple of days in the last weekend of September and does not charge the audience to attend it. The musical fair hosts 90 outstanding musical performances for music lovers. Also, you can find several festivities to enjoy. Have a great time at a giant carnival ride with your loved ones. Admire the creative art and shop your favorite craft at craft booths. Feast on tasty festive treats and enjoy a great gastronomic experience.
Adams Avenue Street Fair
Address: Adams Avenue Business Association, 4649 Hawley Blvd, San Diego, CA, United States
Website: Adams Avenue Street Fair
Takes place: September
Price: Free
24. Tequila and Taco Music Festival
If you love the blend of tacos, music, and tequila, Tacos & Tequila Music Festival in San Diego awaits you. Enjoy recreational interactive festive celebrations here. The event is famous for featuring the best beers, delicious tacos, and entertaining live music. The festival hosts 12 popular restaurants that provide their signature tacos complimentarily. Snack on the mouth-watering signature tacos leisurely while you enjoy the celebrations. Learn about 15 local breweries that participate in the event to offer their beverages for sampling. Tequila lovers can go for complimentary drinks from the featured Tequila brands.
Tequila and Taco Music Festival
Address: Downtown San Diego, California, United States
Website: Tequila and Taco Music Festival
Takes place: July
Price: 10 USD (general admission)
25. Brazil Carnival [Event has passed]
Enjoy the festivities at San Diego Brazil Carnival when holidaying in this beautiful Southern Californian city. It is famous as one of the biggest authentic carnival festivals in the state. Though the carnival has its origin in Brazil, its fame and celebrations have spread far and wide. The Brazilian community in San Diego and the rest of the residents of the city come together to celebrate it with great pomp every year. People enjoy the carnival with multi-hued feathers, playing great music, and dancing to the tunes of music. Watch people performing a variety of traditional, graceful dance forms, such as samba, capoeira, and marcha. Do not miss sampling delicious treats.
Brazil Carnival
Address: San Diego, California 92131, United States
Website: Brazil Carnival
Takes place: February
Price: 30 - 80 USD for visitors of age 21 and above
Delve into the festive spirit in San Diego
San Diego is an enchanting city with abundant tourist attractions and festival celebrations. So, if you are planning an excursion to America’s Finest City, make sure you enjoy all these top festivals in San Diego, California. Create great memories with your beloved ones to cherish for the lifetime. San Diego awaits you.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
10 Popular Festivals In El SalvadorPriyanjali -
-
Top 16 Festivals In GhanaCeleste
Create an account to