Top May Events
Celebrate Moms, Memorial Day and More
Spend time this May in San Diego celebrating Moms, Mexico and Memorial Day while also enjoying a multitude of museums, movies under the stars, outdoor offerings and more.
Don’t miss these exciting events happening in San Diego this May.
FEATURED MAY EVENTS
THE FLOWER FIELDS
When: Now – May 8, 2022
The nearly fifty acres of Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers that make up the Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch in Carlsbad, California, are in bloom for approximately six to eight weeks each year. This annual burst of color is one of nature’s official ways of announcing the arrival of spring here in Southern California.
CINCO DE MAYO
When: May 5, 2022
From Old Town to the waterfront, celebrate Cinco de Mayo with rich, cultural festivals, live mariachi music, traditional folklorico dancing, margaritas, authentic Cali-Baja tacos, lucha libre and more.
GATOR BY THE BAY
When: May 5-8, 2022
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 4-day, family-friendly cultural celebration takes place on picture-perfect San Diego Bay, featuring 100+ live musical acts & performances on 7 stages, wooden dance floors, shade, green grass and plenty of fun for the kids.
VIVA LA MÚSICA
When: May 7-22, 2022
Highlighted by a fantastic live concert series, SeaWorld’s Viva La Música celebrates Latin culture through great music, food, and festive decor.
MOTHER’S DAY
When: May 8, 2022
With great weather, a host of fun-filled family activities and ample ways to pamper mom, you’re sure to give her what she needs most – a refreshing getaway in San Diego!
MEMORIAL DAY
When: May 30, 2022
While you enjoy everything California’s Beach City has to offer, please take some time to remember all of those that gave their lives in the service of the United States Armed Forces at one of the many Memorial Day Weekend observances and memorial sites.
MORE AWESOME MAY EVENTS
MOTORCARS ON MAIN STREET
When: May 1, 2022
Coronado MainStreet hosts an annual car show, MotorCars on MainStreet, featuring over 400 pre-73 restored classic, rod and custom cars & trucks. The event is held in downtown Coronado, one block from the beach, at Isabella & Orange Avenues.
SPRING SPRINT TRIATHALON & DUATHON
When: May 1, 2022
The Spring Sprint Triathlon, Duathlon & Aquabike is a fantastic event to start the Triathlon season in San Diego. With a calm bay swim, a flat bike, and run course, the Spring Sprint is the perfect race to kick off your Year.
CARLSBAD SPRING VILLAGE FAIRE
When: May 1, 2022
The Carlsbad Village Street Faire features over 750 unique vendors with a little of everything: arts & crafts, antiques, unique clothing, items from around the world, and more.
JULIAN WOMAN’S CLUB WILDFLOWER SHOW
When: May 6-7, 2022
If you enjoyed looking at pictures in our Virtual Wildflower Show, then you will love seeing these wildflowers, in person, at our Wildflower Show 2022! Smell the aroma and appreciate the beauty of our Jewels of the Backcountry.
EL CAJON DINNER & A CONCERT
When: May 6 – July 8, 2022
Dinner & A Concert is a weekly concert and dance hosted by Downtown El Cajon Business Partners, performed on the Prescott Promenade, which is surrounded by a variety of restaurants.
READER TACOTOPIA
When: May 7, 2022
The San Diego Reader is pleased to invite you to the biggest unlimited taco festival in San Diego, known as ‘Reader Tacotopia: The Land of unlimited Tacos! This event will take place in beautiful Golden Hill Park. At Reader Tacotopia, we take advantage of our SoCal surroundings by gathering the very best taco vendors all in one place for your gastronomic pleasure.
BARRIO LOGAN GRAND PRIX – SDBC
When: May 14, 2022
Join in the thrill of fast-paced bicycle racing by pro racers, top-level amateurs and a fun children’s cycling event at the Barrio Logan Grand Prix, one of Southern California’s largest cycling events.
SOCAL TACO FEST
When: May 14, 2022
The SoCal Taco Fest is back at Waterfront Park in San Diego with tasty tacos and awesome musical line-ups!
D6 NEIGHBORHOOD MARKET
When: May 14, 2022
As we are all still experiencing life in uncertain times, in 2022, the D6 Night Market will be making a slight shift into a day time event – the D6 Neighborhood Fair!
SDCVA WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL
When: May 15, 2022
Spend the day discovering and sipping the array of varietals produced in San Diego County. Unlimited wine tasting, charcuterie, music, and plenty of sunshine at the charming Bernardo Winery.
THE NAVY’S 33RD BAY BRIDGE RUN/WALK
When: May 15, 2022
This unique 4-mile run/walk has a one of a kind spectacular panoramic view as participants make their way to Coronado’s beautiful Tidelands Park from downtown San Diego over the Coronado Bay Bridge.
2ND ANNUAL INTL SHORTSFEST
When: May 20-22, 2022
Join us May 20-22 for the 2nd Annual Intl ShortsFest, celebrating the art of cinematic storytelling with films less than 30 minutes in length.
NORTH PARK MUSIC FEST
When: May 21-22, 2022
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.
FIESTA DEL SOL IN SOLANA BEACH
When: May 21-22, 2022
Fiesta del Sol in Solana Beach features live music, an arts & crafts fair, children’s activities, an international food court, and a beer & wine garden.
OVER THE LINE CRAFT BEERFEST & OTL TOURNAMENT
When: May 21-22, 2022
This 6th annual event is a kick off to summer Over the Line tournament which will also be hosting some of San Diego’s finest Craft Breweries and Food Trucks at Mariners Point, Saturday, May 21st, 2022. So come on out, dust off those bats and enjoy your favorite local beers.
SAN DIEGO SPACE DAY
When: May 21, 2022
The San Diego Air & Space Museum’s 17th Annual Space Day celebration is set at the Museum’s location in Balboa Park. Space Day features demonstrations, giveaways, and fun, hands-on activities with local and national space industry experts.
SAN DIEGO CENTURY – ENCINITAS
When: May 21, 2022
Join riders of all abilities on a ride that covers some of San Diego’s most beautiful routes. Riders have a choice of riding the 102.5 Mile, 67 Mile, or 33 Mile courses.
SAN DIEGO FESTIVAL OF CARS
When: May 21, 2022
The San Diego Festival of Cars will showcase amazing custom cars from Imports, Exotics, Classics to American Muscle, Low Riders, Trucks and the hottest new Models Vehicles!
CARLSBAD 5000
When: May 22, 2022
The Carlsbad 5000 presented by National University is a full day of road racing on the seaside streets of Carlsbad, California. This iconic event features individual 5K races for all ages and abilities.
SAN DIEGO AWESOME ’80S RUN 5K & 10K
When: May 22, 2022
The San Diego Awesome ’80s Run is the perfect opportunity for you to dress up in your favorite ’80s gear since you won’t be the only one dressed like a weirdo.
SANTEE STREET FAIR & CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL
When: May 28, 2022
Join more than 30,000 visitors for the 14th Annual Santee Street Fair and Craft Beer Festival featuring live music and entertainment, more than 300 food and craft vendor booths, carnival rides and more!
VISTA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL
When: May 29, 2022
Join us for a family fun day and enjoy our ‘Celebration of the Berry’ as we bring hundreds of vendors, great food, fun activities and more to Historic Downtown Vista. The Vista Strawberry Festival is the only festival in San Diego County that celebrates all the joys and pleasure of the Strawberry.
FORT ROSECRANS MEMORIAL DAY
When: May 30, 2022
The Fort Rosecrans Memorial Day celebration is one of San Diego’s largest and most celebrated memorials dedicated to our fighting men and women. On this day we honor all of our fallen soldiers and remember them for their ultimate sacrifice to our country.