San Diego Events


     San Diego celebrates St. Patrick's Day with a parade in mid-March. April activities include the San Diego Crew Classic at Mission Bay, while May brings the Cinco de Mayo celebration. One of the city's most popular events, it celebrates Mexican cultural pride and brings historical re-enactments, folkloric music and dance performances, delicious food and old-fashioned fun to Old Town.

     The Mariachi Festival in early August showcases the vibrant sounds of mariachi, salsa and Norteño bands, along with traditional folk art exhibits, a vendor's market and children's activities. In mid-September the San Diego Thunderboat Regatta is held in Mission Bay. Miramar's Marine Corps Air Station Air Show takes place in October. The Dixieland Jazz Festival, held Thanksgiving weekend, is a popular event, as is the Holiday Bowl football game in late December.

     The Cabrillo Festival, held in late September, commemorates Spanish explorer Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo's landing at the site of present-day San Diego in 1542. Festivities include a flag-raising ceremony; Mexican, American Indian, Spanish and Portuguese dances; and a re-enactment of the historic landing at Ballast Point. The California Indian Days Celebration, also in late September, showcases traditional arts and crafts, food, singers and dancers.