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September 2010

Family Fun on San Diego Bay — 12 Sep 2010 (annual) Maritime Museum of San Diego San Diego's Maritime Museum hosts Family Fun on San Diego Bay. The annual event features educational activities on board the museum's fleet of historic ships and includes mini-boat races, sea shanty singalongs and souvenir pictures to colour in.

Family fun at the Maritime Museum of San Diego. Courtesy of Maritime Musuem of San Diego

San Diego Restaurant Week — 19 - 24 Sep 2010 (various dates) San Diego Diners enjoy special three-course meals from San Diego County's top 130 restaurants for the knockdown price of US$20-US$40 per person during San Diego Restaurant Week. The event is held twice a year in January and September.

Chop House Steak at the annual San Diego Restaurant Week

Fleet Week — 17 Sep - 16 Oct 2010 (annual) San Diego Fleet Week annually pays tribute to San Diego's servicemen and women with a variety of activities during August and September. One of the main highlights is the Miramar Air Show, which attracts thousands of people annually.

Courtesy of Firepower

San Diego Bay Parade of Lights — 12 - 19 Dec 2010; Sun only (annual) San Diego Harbor The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights is an annual festive tradition, held on consecutive Sundays in December. The event begins with fireworks, before the illuminated boats parade through San Diego Harbor.

Spectacularly lighted boats are the name of the game. Courtesy of San Diego Bay Parade of Lights

FIM World Championship Supercross: San Diego — Feb 2011 (annual) Qualcomm Stadium FIM World Championship Supercross comes to Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego for the seventh race of the season. The series combines outrageous jumps with flat-out speed, making each and every race a spectacular event.

James Stewart catches some serious air during the Amp'd Mobile Supercross Series, North America. © Steve Bruhn, Motonews.com

San Diego Science Festival — Mar 2011 (annual) San Diego Don't forget your lab coat and goggles for San Diego Science Festival, an eight-day event held in various venues across the Californian city. Hands-on activities, demonstrations, experiments, contests and performances make up the innovative event.

San Diego Science Festival, California. Courtesy of San Diego Science Festival

Del Mar National Horse Show — 21 Apr - 8 May 2011 (annual) Del Mar Fairgrounds For equestrian sports aficionados, the annual Del Mar National Horse Show is a must! Held over three weeks at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, the show features dressage and Hunter/Jumper competitions. Highlights include the Western Week where rodeo games entertain all!

Courtesy of Del Mar National Horse Show, San Diego

Zydeco & Blues Festival — May 2011 (annual) Spanish Landing Park The Zydeco & Blues Festival in Spanish Landing Park, San Diego, brings four stages of top-quality music to the California seaside. The festival offers both top bands and non-stop dance lessons.

Zydeco & Blues Festival, San Diego. Peter Oliver, Zydeco, Blues and Crawfish Festival

San Diego Sicilian Festival — Jun 2011 (annual) Little Italy The San Diego Sicilian Festival is held annually in the city's Little Italy district, home of generations of Sicilian Americans. Music, food and art celebrate the region's Italian/Sicilian roots and make for a colourful family outing.

Accordion, Flag and Parade at the Sicilian Festival, San Diego. Courtesy of Sicilian Festival

World Championship Over-The-Line Tournament — Jul 2011 (various dates) Fiesta Island on Mission Bay San Diego's original beach softball event, the World Championship Over-The-Line Tournament takes place annually over two consecutive weekends at Fiesta Island on Mission Bay. The event is the primary fundraising source for Old Mission Beach Athletic Club's year-round charitable programmes.

Courtesy of Old Mission Beach Athletic Club

Festival of the Bells — Jul 2011 (annual) Mission San Diego de Alcala The founding of California's first mission is commemorated at this annual festival. Live music, tours of the historic Mission San Diego de Alcala itself, food, games and Llama rides reinforce the mission's place at the heart of the community.

The blessing of the bells in front of the Mission San Diego de Alcala. Courtesy of Mission San Diego de Alcala

Wiener Nationals — Aug 2011 (annual) Qualcomm Stadium This hotly contested dachshund race at Qualcomm Stadium marks the beginning of the Port of San Diego Big Bay Balloon Parade. The short-legged, long-backed dogs are not a natural shape for racing, but boy can they move!

The logo of the Winerschnitzel Weiner Nationals. Logo courtesy of the Holiday Bowl, San Diego

SeaWorld — Daily SeaWorld A gigantic adventure marine park, SeaWorld San Diego provides fantastic family entertainment. It offers sea lion and killer whale shows, close-ups with dolphins, penguins and sharks, screamingly good rides and water coasters.

High-flying dolphins and pilot whales entertain and amaze in SeaWorld San Diego's Dolphin Discovery show. © 2009 by Sea World Inc

USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum — Daily USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum The San Diego Aircraft Carrier Museum is onboard the USS Midway, the longest-serving aircraft carrier in US Navy history. A self-guided audio tour takes visitors through over 60 exhibits and 25 restored aircraft, with access areas including the flight deck.

The mighty USS Midway steams on. Courtesy of USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum

San Diego Zoo — Daily San Diego Zoo Located in beautiful Balboa Park, 100-acre San Diego Zoo was founded in 1916 with an original collection of 50 animals. Now it cares for over 4000 animals from 800 different species - making it one of the finest zoos in the world.

Giant Panda at San Diego Zoo. Courtesy of San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau/San Diego Zoo

Balboa Park — Daily Balboa Park The world-famous Balboa Park is home to 15 museums, arts and international culture associations, and the popular San Diego Zoo. This makes it one of the nation's largest cultural and entertainment complexes, visited by over 12 million people each year.

Balboa Park at Twilight and the California Tower of the Museum of Man, San Diego. Photo by Joanne DiBona, courtesy of Balboa Park

Mission San Diego de Alcala — Daily Mission San Diego de Alcala The Mission San Diego de Alcala was founded in 1769 and was the first church in California. The present building was completed in 1813. Originally the Mission and the Spanish fort were located on the hill above Old Town San Diego.

Mission San Diego de Alcala. Courtesy of San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau

Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego — Daily; not Wed Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego San Diego's Museum of Contemporary Art is a leading institution housing over 3000 works created after 1950. The permanent collection is particularly strong in Minimalism and Pop Art, conceptual art, installations, Latin American art and works from California and Tijuana region.

Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, La Jolla. Courtesy of San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau/A. Scoggins

Hotel del Coronado — Daily Hotel del Coronado With a spectacular beachfront location on Coronado Island in San Diego, the Hotel del Coronado is one of America's most beautiful beach resorts. The hotel was built in 1888 and offers visitors modern luxury in an enchanting Victorian atmosphere. Facilties include eight restaurants and a state-of-the-art spa. There are seasonal activity programmes for children and teenagers.

A view of the Hotel del Coronado

San Diego Festival of Beer — 10 Sep 2010 (annual)
Columbia & B

Around 50 participating breweries come together at the annual San Diego Festival of Beer on Columbia & B Street. Visitors can taste to their heart's content, with over 100 featured brews.

The Taste of Old Town — 18 Sep 2010 (annual)
San Diego

From Mexican specialties to contemporary fusions, sample a range of cuisines at the annual Taste of Old Town in San Diego. The festival showcases the area's restaurants and includes live Music, a salsa competition, a silent auction and much more.

YachtFest — 16 - 19 Sep 2010 (annual)
Shelter Island

Itching to test out your sea legs in style then attend San Deigo's YachtFest at Shelter Island. The four-day event displays a collection of yachts up for sale and features various other activities such as a fashion show.

ArtWalk on the Bay — 18 - 19 Sep 2010 (annual)
San Diego

The annual outdoor ArtWalk on the Bay, in San Diego's Little Italy district, is a two-day juried art festival where over 350 of the region's artists showcase creations. The event includes music, food stalls and interactive art activities for children.

San Diego Thunderboat Regatta — 17 - 19 Sep 2010 (annual)
Mission Bay

Join thousands of other speed enthusiasts for the annual San Diego Thunderboat Regatta on Mission Bay. The popular event sees hydroplanes competing in three days of fast and exciting racing.

Adams Avenue Street Fair — 25 - 26 Sep 2010 (annual)
Adams Avenue

San Diego's Adams Avenue Street Fair is the largest free outdoor music festival in South California, attracting 100,000 people annually. It features various live music performances on six stages, three beer gardens and countless market stalls selling crafts and food.

AIDS Walk and Fun Run — 26 Sep 2010 (annual)
Balboa Park

Thousands of supporters, volunteers and sports enthusiasts fill Balboa Park for the annual San Diego AIDS Walk and Fun Run, raising money for local HIV and AIDS projects. Participants can choose from a 5km walk or a 10km fun run.

Taking Aim: Unforgettable Rock 'n' Roll Photographs Selected by Graham Nash — 12 Jun - 26 Sep 2010; not Mon
Museum of Photographic Arts

To many Rock 'n' Roll is synonymous with the fast lane San Diego's Museum of Photographic Arts' Taking Aim shows the genre in all its complexities with images of legends such as Jimmy Hendrix taken by renowned photographers, including Annie Leibovitz.

San Diego Padres - Major League Baseball — 12 Apr - 30 Sep 2010 (annual)
PETCO Park

PETCO Park is home to the San Diego Padres Major League Baseball team and stages regular games from April to September. The Padres compete in the tough National League West, which includes the San Francisco Giants and the Colorado Rockies.

El Cajon Oktoberfest — 1 - 3 Oct 2010 (various dates)
German American Club in San Diego

Expect a beer garden, German folk dancing, games and, of course, authentic Bavarian food at El Cajon Oktoberfest, held over two weekends at the German American Club in San Diego. The annual event also welcomes live bands and craft stalls.

Santa Fe Market — 8 - 10 Oct 2010 (annual)
Old Town State Historic Park

Stunning turquoise necklaces, pendleton blankets and plenty of other goods are for sale at the annual Santa Fe Market. Held over three days at the Old Town State Historic Park, it celebrates the arts, crafts and cultures of Native Americans.

Old Town San Diego Art Festival — 17 - 18 Oct 2010 (annual)
San Diego

Pick up unique pieces of art from jewellery to home decor items at the annual Old Town San Diego Art Festival. Welcoming around 250 contemporary artists, the two-day event features international foods, a wine tasting pavilion and continuous live entertainment.

San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival — 17 - 21 Nov 2010 (annual)
San Diego

From wine tastings and cooking demonstrations to competitions, the annual San Diego Wine & Food Festival lives up to its reputation as the event where "luxurious cuisine meets with luscious wine". The festival is held at venues across the city.

Dixieland Jazz Festival — 24 - 28 Nov 2010 (annual)
Town and Country

Bands specialising in a variety of traditional jazz, dixieland and swing styles converge at San Diego's Town & Country Resort and Convention Center for this annual festival. Held on Thanksgiving weekend, the event lasts five days and includes dancing.

December Nights — 3 - 4 Dec 2010 (annual)
Balboa Park

Sparkling lights, international cuisine and an assortment of music and theatre performances make the annual December Nights a perennial favourite. Held at the Balboa Park December Nights welcomes around 300,000 people over two days.

NFL: San Diego Chargers — 19 Sep - 16 Dec 2010 (annual)
Qualcomm Stadium

The San Diego Chargers play their NFL games at Qualcomm Stadium. The regular season runs from September until mid December. Please visit the Chargers' website for full details of all fixtures.

Garden of Lights — 9 - 23 Dec 2010 (various dates)
San Diego Botanic Gardens

With over 100,000 sparkling lights, San Diego Botanic Gardens transforms into a winter wonderland for the annual Garden of Lights. The festival also welcomes a Poinsettia Garden and various activities like marshmallow roasting, holiday crafts and horse-drawn wagon rides.

Holiday Lights — 25 Nov 2010 - 2 Jan 2011 (annual)
Del Mar Fairgrounds

Holiday Lights at Del Mar Fairgrounds is a unique event in many ways. From Candycane land to Toyland, the light show comprises various themed exhibits and as it's a drive-through show, families enjoy the splendor from the comfort of their vehicles.

Viva la Revolución: A Dialogue with the Urban Landscape — 18 Jul 2010 - 2 Jan 2011; not Wed
Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego

For contemporary artists the urban landscape, from vehicles to graffiti-covered walls, can inspire. Viva la Revolución at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego brings together works both inspired by the city and those which incorporate elements of it literally.

Kim MacConnel — 9 Oct 2010 - 23 Jan 2011; not Wed
Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego

San Diego-based artist Kim MacConnel is known for his decorative and engaging works of art. The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego celebrates the artist with this analytical retrospective which goes beyond chronological examination and includes textile arts.

Seeing Beauty — 30 Jan 2010 - 30 Jan 2011; not Mon
Museum of Photographic Arts

Museum of Photographic Arts San Diego's Seeing Beauty looks at how personal interpretation of what constitutes beauty affect our experience of looking at art. The exhibit takes in various genres in photography, including portraiture, abstraction, landscape and still life.

Annual San Diego Jewish Film Festival — Feb 2011 (annual)
UltraStar Cinemas Mission Valley

The Annual San Diego Jewish Film Festival is held at five venues around San Diego County including the Ultrastar Cinemas Mission Valley. It features around 40 short, documentary and feature films exploring Jewish life, history and culture.

San Diego Chinese New Year Fair — Feb 2011 (annual)
San Diego Chinese Historical Society and Museum

Usher in the Chinese New Year at the San Diego Chinese Historical Society! The colourful annual event features a lively and diverse programme including Chinese acrobats, folk dancing and music, martial arts, arts and crafts and plenty of food!

Heritage Day Festival and Parade — Feb 2011 (annual)
John F. Kennedy Park

San Diego's Heritage Day Festival and Parade is all in celebration of Black History month. The annual event begins with a colourful parade on Imperial & Willie James Jones Avenue before moving to John F. Kennedy Park for a grand festival.

San Diego ConDor — 25 - 27 Feb 2011 (annual)
Town and Country

San Diego ConDor celebrates all aspects of fantasy and science fiction, from literature to art and media. The annual three-day event is held at the Town and Country Resort and includes a gaming room, film screenings and a Masquerade ball.

San Diego Carnaval — 5 Mar 2011 (annual)
4th & B

For one night every year San Diego's Carnaval brings the sights and sounds of Brazilian life to the trendy 4th and B club. Stunning ensembles in feathered costumes and the ubiquitous colourful Mardi Gras beads are part of the fun.

Ocean Beach Kite Festival — Mar 2011 (annual)
Ocean Beach Recreation Center

The Ocean Beach Recreation Center in San Diego hosts an annual Kite Festival. A great family outing, the festival includes a kite making, decorating and flying contest, as well as a craft fair, food stalls, live entertainment and a parade.

Family Winemakers Tasting — Mar 2011 (annual)
Del Mar Fairgrounds

Some of California's finest wineries, all members of Family Winemakers of California, uncork some of their best bottles at the annual Family Winemaker Tasting at Del Mar Fairgrounds. The event draws over 2000 people annually.

San Diego Latino Film Festival — Mar 2011 (annual)
UltraStar Cinemas Mission Valley

The annual San Diego Latino Film Festival is held at the UltraStar Cinemas Mission Valley. It showcases a range of national and international features, shorts and documentaries exploring the full Latino experience.

Naturalist-Guided Whale Watching — Dec 2010 - Apr 2011 (annual)
Birch Aquarium

Join a Scripps naturalist on San Diego Harbour for this whale watching expedition. Run by the Birch Aquarium, the expedition follows the majestic gray whale. Book early to be sure of a place on the boat.

San Diego Earth Fair — Apr 2011 (annual)
Balboa Park

As the largest free annual environmental fair in the world, San Diego Earth Fair welcomes around 70,000 visitors and includes a parade, special theme areas, and a Food Pavilion. Festivities are held in Balboa Park.

Day at the Docks — Apr 2011 (annual)
Shelter Island

From boat rides on San Diego Bay to fishing seminars and displays by marine artists, marine life is celebrated at the annual Day at the Docks. Held at Shelter Island in San Diego, the festival especially honours sportsfishing

Adams Avenue Roots & Folk Festival — Apr 2011 (annual)
Adams Avenue

The outdoor Adams Avenue Roots and Folk Festival showcases local and national folk acts. Genres celebrated include blues, vintage swing, Appalachian, Norteño, country boogie, cowboy yodelling and Cajun.

Thomas Gainsborough and the Modern Woman — 29 Jan - 1 May 2011; not Mon
San Diego Museum of Art

Around the late-18th century women's roles in society changed. This exhibition at the San Diego Museum of Art explores the ways that art and fashion contributed to this shift by displaying around 20 paintings by Sir Thomas Gainsborough.

Fiesta de los Penasquitos — May 2011 (annual)
Rancho Peñasquitos

No one stays indoors during San Diego's annual Fiesta de los Penasquitos street festival! Drawing around 15,000 people annually, the vibrant affair welcomes hundreds of vendors providing arts, food, music, a Fiesta Fun Tent for children and plenty more.

Old Town Fiesta Cinco de Mayo — May 2011 (annual)
San Diego

San Diego's Old Town Fiesta Cinco de Mayo is Southern California's premier celebration of Hispanic culture, history and diversity, commemorating the Mexican defeat of the French at the Battle of Puebla. The free festival attracts over 150,000 visitors annually.

Art Alive — Apr - May 2011 (annual)
San Diego Museum of Art

Art Alive is San Diego Museum of Art's annual floral extravaganza. It welcomes professional and amateur designers to create floral masterpieces inspired by the museum's collection and also includes a programme of special events.

Chocolate Festival — May 2011 (annual)
San Diego Botanic Gardens

The highlight of San Diego Botanic Gardens annual Chocolate Festival has to be the marvelous Chocolate Fountain! The day-long event features plenty of chocolate tastings, demonstrations, and a variety of family-orientated activities.

North Park Festival of the Arts — May 2011 (annual)
San Diego

Groove to the rhythm at the Beats and Eats area or discover a new band at the World Music Stage during the celebration of the arts in San Diego's North Park. The annual festival is jam-packed with family-orientated activities, food and art.

Taste of Little Italy — May 2011 (annual)
Little Italy

From hearty lasagnas to delicious desserts and treats such as tiramisu, the annual Taste of Little Italy in San Diego allows visitors to sample the neighbours diverse and restaurants. Vignettes of live musical entertainment add to the ambiance.

Spirit West Coast Christian Music Festival — May 2011 (annual)
Del Mar Fairgrounds

Enjoy the best in gospel music at the annual Spirit West Coast Christian Music Festival. Held over three days in Del Mar Fairgrounds, the festival features over 40 artists on multiple stages, night concerts, food, a children's area and more.

Rock and Roll Marathon — Jun 2011 (annual)
San Diego

Not your average running event, San Diego's fun-filled Rock and Roll Marathon follows a route lined with live bands, cheerleaders and themed water stations. Participants start at 6th Avenue & Palm Street in downtown San Diego.

Fairy Festival — Jun 2011 (annual)
San Diego Botanic Gardens

Don't forget your bag of fairy dust for this annual event at San Diego Botanic Gardens. The magical Fairy Festival sees children participating in various interactive activities such as building fairy houses, while enjoying delicious treats! Highlights include the Fairy parade.

The Old House Fair — Jun 2011 (annual)
San Diego

Leave modern decor at the door and step over the threshold of historic homes at the annual Old House Fair in San Diego's South Park Community. The event features tours and welcomes craftsmen to answer questions about renovating old buildings.

Mainly Mozart Festival — Jun 2011 (annual)
Balboa Theatre

Enjoy orchestral performances and chamber music from a roster of talented classical musicians at San Diego's annual Mainly Mozart Festival. The festival is held for nearly two weeks at the Balboa Theatre in California.

Taste of the Nation - San Diego — Jun 2011 (annual)
Hotel del Coronado

San Diego's Taste of the Nation is an annual culinary benefit in support of anti-hunger and anti-poverty organisations. It is held every summer at Hotel Del Coronado and includes a live auction where a range of items are sold off.

San Diego International Beer Festival — Jun 2011 (annual)
Del Mar Fairgrounds

San Diego International Beer Festival is one of the highlights of the city's County Fair at Del Mar Fairgrounds. Held over three days, the juried festival welcomes around 150 international breweries showcasing over 350 beers, from ales to lagers.

San Diego Open — Jul 2011 (annual)
Morley Field Tennis Complex

The San Diego Tennis Federation holds its annual Open Tournament over Independence Day weekend at the Morley Field Tennis Complex. The Open is part of the national circuit of gay and lesbian tournaments but is open to everyone.

San Diego Pride — Jul 2011 (annual)
Balboa Park

Around 30 floats from San Diego's diverse LGBT community come out during San Diego Pride, the city's annual celebration of the gay community. The event includes a colourful parade and a two-day festival at Marston Point in Balboa Park.

TwainFest — Aug 2011 (annual)
Old Town State Historic Park

Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer share their adventures at the annual Twainfest, where readings, music, food and various literary-orientated activities celebrate Mark Twain. The day-long event at San Diego's Old Town State Historic Park also commemorates other 19th-century writers.

Festival of Sail — Aug 2011 (annual)
Maritime Museum of San Diego

The annual Festival of Sail at the Maritime Museum of San Diego features more than 20 tall ships and other extraordinary vessels from around the world, and kicks off with a majestic aquatic parade in San Diego Bay.

Street Scene — Aug 2011 (annual)
Del Mar Fairgrounds

Street Scene at San Diego's Del Mar Fairgrounds, features a plethora of performances from big names. One of California's largest music festivals attracting around 100,000 people each year, past headline acts include MIA and Black Eyed Peas.

Summer Pipe Organ Festival — Jun - Aug 2011; Mon only (annual)
Balboa Park

For a different sound to your balmy nights attend the annual Summer Pipe Organ Festival in Balboa Park. The world's largest outdoor pipe organ is played by renowned artists during the event held on Monday evenings from June to August.

Broadway San Diego — Daily; not Mon or Wed
Civic Theatre

Broadway San Diego brings the excitement and glamour of New York's favourite Broadway productions to your doorsteps. Performances are held at San Diego's Civic Theatre and Balboa Theatre with past shows including Equus and Miss Saigon.

Museum of Photographic Arts — Daily; not Mon
Museum of Photographic Arts

San Diego's Museum of Photographic Arts was founded in 1983 and is housed in the Casa De Balboa building in the renowned Balboa Park. It utilises both its permanent collection and temporary exhibitions to conserve and explore the versatility of the medium.

The Artful Soul — Daily; not Sun
The Artful Soul

Funky Artful Soul in La Jolla, San Diego, has a wide selection of distinctive jewellery, handbags, pottery and other gifts by some of the hottest up-and-coming designers. They feature many one-of-a-kind pieces, and at very reasonable prices.

The Wine Bank — Daily
The Wine Bank

Looking for that limited release cabernet sauvignon or hopelessly rare cognac? You might find it at the Wine Bank, in San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter. There's a huge range of wines, liqueurs and spirits, and the basement vaults host tasting events.

Muttropolis — Daily
Muttropolis

Okay, so your dog's going out and she hasn't got a thing to wear... Muttropolis is La Jolla's headquarters for doggie fashion, kitty collars, toys and more. They even host doggie "socials" where your pet can mingle with other canines.

Nunu's — Daily
Nunu's

Nunu's in Hillcrest isn't your average dive bar. The tasty cocktails are made with care, and the crowd's lively and diverse (and less numerous on weeknights), as is the music on the jukebox. Get there early to snag a red vinyl booth.

The Field — Daily
The Field

The Field is as authentic an Irish pub gets outside of Ireland: shipped piece by piece from the old country to San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter. Visit for live music, shepherds pie, an honest pint of Guinness and Irish whiskey. There are live performances most Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Thin — Thu, Fri, and Sat only
Thin

San Diego venue Thin describes itself as a "hyper-contemporary environment engineered for drinks," and once inside you'll know what they mean. Trippy lighting, colourful, sculptural walls and tables, and DJ-driven music set the tone for the 'environment'. As for the drinks, they're architectural, iridescent, and very likely new to you. The crowd is hip, chic, and quite possibly engineered for cool.