San Diego Special Events
January
Annual Penguin Day Ski Fest
Held in early January
Location: De Anza Cove in Mission Bay
858-270-0840
Hours: 9am - noon
Brave the cold water at De Anza Cove in Mission Bay and water-ski without a wetsuit to earn a Penguin Patch.
San Diego New Year's Day Race
Held on New Year's Day
Location: Shelter Island Yacht Club
619-221-8400
Traditional regatta with all classes and multi-hull boats.
February
Whale Watching
Season is mid December - mid March
Location: Cabrillo Nation Monument or on special whale-watching cruises
619-557-5450
Annual migration of California gray whales to the warm breeding grounds off the coast of Baja California.
Wildflowers Bloom
Takes place in February, depending on weather conditions
760-767-4684
Call for additional information
In the desert depending on rainfall in winter, the natural beauty of the Anza Borrego Desert State Park is enhanced by the almost magical appearance of desert wildflowers in the spring.
San Diego Brazil Carnival
Held in February
Location: Downtown San Diego
619-224-4684
The annual Gala Event will be held at a downtown location. The Brazilian 'Mardi Gras' Ball features a samba show, Mardi Gras Beads, Cappeira (exhibit of dance with martial arts), carnival bands, parades and a costume contest with the first prize winner receiving a trip to Brazil.
San Diego International Auto Show
Held in mid February
Location: San Diego Convention Center
619-525-5000
Features foreign and domestic cars, futuristic concept cars, never-before seen models and many others.
March
Annual America's Schooner Cup Charity Regatta
Held most of March and April
Location: San Diego Harbor
619-223-3138
Schooners compete in San Diego Harbor.
San Diego International Film Festival
Held most of March
Location: Mandeville Auditorium, UCSD, La Jolla and Hazard Center
858-459-8707
Premieres of feature films from around the world. Also includes "Celebrating Animating" and the "The Short Night" featuring short subject films.
April
Annual San Diego Adams Avenue Roots Festival
Held in late April
Location: San Diego
619-282-7329
Free vintage blues, folk, jazz, country and international music on 6 stages.
Annual Union-Tribune San Diego A La Carte Festival
Held in late April
Location: Presidents Way & Park Blvd, Balboa Park
619-338-1726
Food from San Diego's best restaurants, unique micro beers, live music, entertainment, special activities for kids and celebrity chef demonstrations.
Art Walk
Held in late April
Location: Little Italy, downtown San Diego
619-615-1090
The two day festival showcases visual and performing artists in their work environment and in stage areas.
May
Buds 'n Blooms
Held all of May
Location: Balboa Park
619-235-1100
The magnificent horticulture of Balboa Park is the centerpiece for this annual spring celebration. Features floral-themed activities, museum exhibits, tours, performances and free outdoor family activities.
June
Score Baja 500
Usually held in early May
Location: Ensenada
818-225-8402
Admission Free
Annual off-road car, motorcycle, truck loop race in Baja California, Mexico. Starts and ends in Ensenada.
Annual Fiesta Del Sol
Held in June
Location: Fletcher Cove in Solana Beach
858-755-4775
Celebrate the beginning of summer with music, entertainment, children's games, arts and crafts.
Del Mar Fair
Usually held in mid June
Location: Del Mar Fairgrounds
858-755-1161
San Diego's annual county fair.
Annual Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival
Usually held in mid - late June
Location: Lake Skinner
909-676-6713
This festival features food, entertainment, wine-tasting, exhibits, kids fair and balloon launches. The balloons are launched at 7 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday at Lake Skinner, weather permitting.
Old Town State Park Fourth of July Celebration
Held on the fourth of July
Location: Old Town State Park Plaza
619-220-5422
Free old fashioned 4th of July celebration with flag raising event, pony rides, hay rides, stage entertainment and family games.
San Diego Balloon Association Hot Air Balloon Classic
Held on the fourth of July
Location: Del Mar Racetrack Grandstand
858-481-6800
Balloon Race begins at 6 p.m. Viewing is included in Del Mar Fair admission.
Annual US Open Sandcastle Competition
Usually held in mid July
Location: Imperial Beach Pier
619-424-6663
Saturday events include parade at 10am and children's sandcastle contest at 2pm with a fireworks display at dusk. Sandcastle competition is Sunday starting at 7:30am-12:30pm, with awards following the contest.
California State Summer Games
Held in mid July
Location: Vary throughout San Diego County including Qualcomm Stadium, Balboa Stadium and University of San Diego
619-682-3436
California State Games create an Olympic style competition for amateur athletes of all age ranges and abilities to challenge themselves and excel their individual past performances. The athletes, from youth to adult will participate in twenty different sports ranging from archery to track & field.
August
Annual World Body Surfing Championships
Held the entire month of August
Location: Oceanside Pier and Beach
International and U.S. bodysurfers, equipped with swim fins, ride and perform on ocean waves. Open to all ages 12 and up.
November
San Diego Historical Society Holiday Home Tours
Held November - early January
Location: Varies
619-232-6203
View the period style decorations that adorn the ornate, historic Villa Montezuma & the historic Marston House. Tours are given Thursday through Sunday.
December
Whale Watching
Usually the entire month
Location: Cabrillo Nation Monument or on special whale-watching cruises
619-557-5450
Annual migration of California gray whales to the warm breeding grounds off the coast of Baja California. Glimpse these peaceful "giants of the sea" from Cabrillo Nation Monument or on special whale-watching cruises.