San Diego Festivals & Parades

The communities of San Diego County seem happy to gather throughout the year for good fun with friends and family — around the holidays or any time. That’s what SoCal festivals, parades, and fairs are all about. Here are some of my favorite annual events in the San Diego area. This list is a work in progress, so if you have a favorite you think I should check out, let me know and I’ll add it to this list. See ya there.

JANUARY

Poway Winter Festival

WHAT: The Poway Winter Festival is a great way to warm up in San Diego county on a January weekend. You’ll drink hot cocoa, snack on s’mores, roast marshmallows — wait, well yes this is Still SoCal. Cool off by ice skating around the synthetic ice rink or sledding down the frosty snow hill. Poway makes like a “cold-mountain town” for two days only. Enjoy the twinkling lights and live entertainment, winter-themed kids arts and crafts area, all for free. Free activities. (Even the skating is free this year.) Snacks available for purchase.
WHEN: Every year in January. Follow the link above to the official event website for dates/time updates.
WHERE: Poway Community Park – 13094 Civic Center Drive, Poway, CA 92064.

San Diego Brew Festival

WHAT: San Diego Brew Festival (sandiegobeerfest.com) features lots a beer, naturally, but also food trucks and live music. There’s an admission fee (supports a local charity). Not cheap, but you can sometimes find discounted tickets.
WHEN: Mid-January.
WHERE: Liberty Station NTC Park, 2455 Cushing Road, San Diego, CA 92106.

MARCH

San Diego St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Irish Festival

WHAT: S an Diego St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Irish Festival features floats, bands, drill teams, roller skaters, antique cars, equestrian and law enforcement units, bagpipes, and more. Some 20,000 visitors typically attend. The Irish-themed festival will feature food and craft booths, two beer gardens, a Celtic Village and Kids Zone with Rides. The Festival and all the entertainment are free to attend.
WHEN: Every year in March, on or near St. Patrick’s Day.
WHERE: The St. Patricks Day Parade starts from Sixth Ave and Juniper St, travels north on Fifth Ave to Upas, then over to Sixth Ave and south on Sixth to conclude at Juniper Street.
SAVVY TIP: San Diego transit bus MTS runs extra buses for this event. You can park and take the Trolley free — Old Town Trolley will take you to the Parade and Festival.

San Diego Busker Festival

WHAT: San Diego Spring Busker Festival, So what is a Busker you ask? A Busker is a street entertainer, such as a musician, juggler, sword-swallower, unicycles, escape artists or mime. The Busker Festival, which takes place every year in March, is a gathering for buskers from all around to perform in one place. Free admission.
WHEN: March every year. Follow the link above for schedule and updates on the event website.
WHERE: Seaport Village, 849 West Harbor Drive, #D, San Diego, CA 92101. (Located on the San Diego Bay at the corner of Harbor Drive and Pacific Highway.)
SAVVY TIP. You can get two hours of validated parking for $1 in the Seaport Village lot with any purchase and a small fee per hour thereafter.

Ocean Beach Kite Festival

WHAT: The Ocean Beach Kite Festival features kite making, arts and crafts, food and entertainment, and of course – kite flying. This is a free day of festivities including carnival rides, stunt kite demos, food and entertainment along with kite making (free for all children — all materials are supplied), decorating and a flying contest, put on by the Kiwanis Club. The festival takes place at Dusty Rhodes Park. Prizes will be awarded for the the best decorated kites. You can submit any kite you make, it doesn’t have to be made at the festival. Free admission.
WHEN: Annually in March. Follow the link above for schedule and updates on the event website.
WHERE: Dusty Rhodes Park, Nimitz Blvd & Sunset Cliffs Blvd, Ocean Beach, CA 92107 (across from Robb Field).

APRIL

San Diego Easter Festivals & Egg Hunts

Every year San Diego plans festivals and egg hunts. Here are some of my favorites. Bring your baskets and a camera and enjoy the day in one of San Diego’s beautiful parks, including a few in Oceanside.

San Diego Easter

San Diego – Glow-in-the-Dark Egg Hunt — Enjoy a fun evening of glow-in-the-dark egg hunt and games, egg launching, cake walk, photo booth and more for children ages 3 years to 5th grade. Bring your own Easter basket. Location: First United Methodist Church (Mission Valley). Official info: http://www.fumcsd.org

San Diego – Easter Surprises at Belmont Park — Belmont Park offers two Easter Egg Hunts with 10,000 fun-filled eggs PLUS 25 special golden eggs will be hidden in the park. Event includes photo opps with the Easter Bunny. Fee for the egg hunt on beach, free in the park. Location: Belmont Park, 3146 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA (Mission Beach). Official info: http://www.belmontpark.com

San Diego – Easter Eggstravaganza at Kroc Center — Families are welcome to bring their children (ages 0-11) for a day full of Easter activities, visits by the Easter Bunny, and a hunt for more than 17,000 eggs. Free. Location: Salvation Army Kroc Center, Recreation Field, 6845 University Ave, San Diego, CA (Rolando). Official info: http://kroccenter.org

San Diego – Eggs, Eggs, Eggs in Ocean Beach — Easter egg hunts for kids of all ages, with age-specific groups. Location: Robb Field Athletic Area, 2525 Bacon St, San Diego, CA (Ocean Beach). Official info: http://www.sandiego.gov

San Diego – Parade of Wheels and Egg Hunt — This family event features an Easter Egg hunt, arts and crafts, parade of wheels, popcorn and punch. Free. Location: South Clairemont Recreation Center (Clairemont). Official info: http://www.sandiego.gov

San Diego – Eggs and More at Tecolote Recreation Center — Easter egg hunt and fun family activities like face painting, crafts, a jumpies, free popcorn, goodie bags. Free for all ages. Location: Tecolote Recreation Center. Official info: http://sandiego.gov

San Diego – Egg-citing Surprises at Doyle Recreation Center — Easter Egg hunts, a visit from the Easter Bunny, arts and crafts, jumpies, and goodie bags. Free. Location: Doyle Recreation Center, 8175 Regents Rd, San Diego, CA (University Towne Center area). Official info: http://sandiego.gov

San Diego – Egg Hunt at Toby Wells YMCA — Easter Egg Hunt, family relay races, goodie bag, Easter game card, bounce house, face painting, arts and crafts. Bring your own basket. Admission fee. Location: Toby Wells YMCA, 5105 Overland Ave, San Diego (Mission Valley). Official info: http://www.missionvalley.ymca.org

North County Easter

Carlsbad – Eggstravaganza Spring Festival — Egg Scramble, Easter Bunny photo opps, live music, games, arts and crafts and a Fun Zone with bounce houses, a giant slide, obstacle courses, Collect eggs in the ongoing “egg scramble” activity. Activity cards are $6. Locaiton: Poinsettia Community Park, 6600 Hidden Valley Rd, Carlsbad, CA. Official info: http://www.carlsbadca.gov

Encinitas – Spring Party with Bunny at San Diego Botanic Garden — Meet the Easter Bunny, make crafts, pet bunnies and chicks, join a parade, and go on a bunny hunt. Cost: $18 per child; regular admission fees for adults. Pre-register online. For ages 2 – 6. Location: San Diego Botanic Garden, Seeds of Wonder, 230 Quail Gardens Dr., Encinitas, CA. Official info: http://www.sdbgarden.org

Oceanside – City of Oceanside Easter Egg Hunt — Free Easter egg hunt for children ages 4-11. Meet and greet with the Easter Bunny. Bring your own Easter baskets and hunt for the “golden eggs” and win prizes. Location: Buddy Todd Park, 3000 Mesa Drive, Oceanside, CA. Official info: http://www.ci.oceanside.ca.us

Poway – Teen Glow in the Dark Egg Hunt — Teens can join the hunt for 1,000 glow in the dark treat filled eggs. Location: Poway Community Park, 13094 Civic Center Drive, Poway, CA. Official info: http://www.poway.org

Rancho Bernardo – Spring Fling — Meet the Easter Bunny and enjoy face painting, a bubble game, a real live bunny from the San Diego Zoo and lots more fun. There’s also an egg hunt for kids ages 12 and under. Free. Location: 18448 W Bernardo Dr, San Diego, CA (Rancho Bernardo). Official info: http://www.sandiego.gov

San Marcos – Spring breakfast and egg scramble — Pancakes and eggs, “Breakfast with Peter Cottontail.” Toddlers through 5th graders can enter the Spring Egg Scramble to hunt for prize-filled eggs. Includes carnival games and jumpies. Get tickets at the door for $5 adults, $4 youth-10 and under. Location: Walnut Grove Park, Walnut Grove Park, 1950 Sycamore Drive, San Marcos, CA. Official info: http://www.san-marcos.net

Solana Beach – Spring Festival and Egg Hunt — Easter Egg Hunt for plastic treat-filled eggs. Features fun games and snacks. Bring your own Easter basket. Afterward, enjoy fun games and refreshments. Free for grades 3 & under. Location: La Colonia Park, 715 Valley Ave., Solana Beach, CA. Official info: http://www.ci.solana-beach.ca.us

East County Easter

Santee – Spring Eggstravaganza at Santee Lakes — Ongoing Easter Egg Hunts for kids ages 8 & under. Features carnival rides and games, pony rides, crafts, and a petting zoo. Activity/ride tickets $1 each. Santee Lakes (Lake 5), 9310 Fanita Pkwy. www.ci.santee.ca.us. Location: Santee Lakes, Lake 5, 9310 Fanita Parkway, Santee, CA. Official info: http://www.ci.santee.ca.us

South Bay Easter

Coroando – Breakfast with Bunny & Easter Eggstravaganza — Dene on pancakes, sausage and fruit. Free Easter Egg Hunts, crafts, a prize wheel, face painting and more. Get tickets in advance. Activities include life-sized Candyland and carnival games, and a visit with the Easter Bunny. Egg hunts are free. Some activities have fees. Location: Coronado Community Center, 1845 Strand Way, Coronado, CA. Official info: http://www.coronado.ca.us

Encinitas Street Fair

WHAT: The annual Encinitas Street Faire, in April, features hundreds of food and vendor booths, four music and entertainment stages, kids rides, beer gardens, and the friendly, relaxed atmosphere of coastside Encinitas. Free admission.
WHEN: Annually in April.
WHERE: Encinitas, CA – Coast Highway 101 between D St and J St.
SAVVY TIP: Skip the traffic and ride your bike to the Faire. The event provides two free Bike Valet stations, open both days.

Fallbrook Festival

WHAT: The annual Fallbrook Avocado Festival takes place down Main Street in Fallbrook, California, and is expected to draw a crowd of a hundred thousand a day, mostly from San Diego County. The Festival features live music and entertainment, food vendors, a beer garden, Guacamole contests, a kids car race (kids make and race cars made out of avocados), an artisan walk, and plenty of arts and crafts booths. Free admission.
WHEN: Takes place annually in April.
WHERE: 111 South Main Avenue, Fallbrook, CA 92028 (between Mission Rd and Ash St.)
SAVVY TIP: Using a GPS? Use Fallbrook Union High School — 2234 Stage Coach Lane, Fallbrook to get into the outer limits of Fallbrook.

MAY

San Diego Craft Beer Fest

WHAT: More than 50 different beers are features from 25+ breweries at the annual San Diego Craft Beer Fest at Liberty Station in May. The event is a fun party with savory food, live music, games, and everything beer. So knock back a cold one for your favorite SoCal city. You can often get discount tickets online if you know where to get them. Designated drivers can get cheaper tickets (they were $15 at the door last time). Admission includes unlimited four ounce pours. The live music is free, and so is the parking. Food is sold separately by some of San Diego’s sensational food trucks.
WHEN: May every year.
WHERE: Liberty Station, 2875 Dewey Street, San Diego, CA 92106.
SAVVY TIP: See the event website for participating breweries at this year’s brew fest in San Diego.

JUNE

San Diego OysterFest

WHAT: The San Diego OysterFest at the Embarcadero in San Diego features the freshest oysters from San Diego restaurants, cooking and oyster shucking demos, the popular shuck and suck competition, beer from local microbreweries along with wine, cocktails, and live music. This is a great way to enjoy oysters from British Columbia along the West Coast to Mexico will be available as well as offerings from many of San Diego’s favorite restaurants. Pacifico and Victoria will be served throughout the event, but don’t forget to visit the craft beer area.
WHERE: Embarcadero Marina Park North, Harbour Dr and Kettner Bl, San Diego, CA 92101.
WHEN: Every year in June.
SAVVY TIPS: Parking is located at the Convention Center on Harbor. You can bring your dog (on leash). Other than oysters, festival food will be available for purchase along with beer, wine and other beverages.

JULY

SAN DIEGO 4th of July: Fireworks, Parades, Celebrations

Fourth of July is always a great time if you’re lucky enough to be in San Diego for Independence Day. You have the usual options for Independence Day fireworks, parades, and celebrations, including the San Diego Big Bay Boom, Coronado Independence Day Celebration, and more.

San Diego

The Big Bay Boom July 4 Fireworks Show — Best viewing is always at multiple locations along San Diego Bay. Fireeworks launched from four barges around North San Diego Bay. Best viewing: Shelter Island, Harbor Island, the Embarcadero area and Seaport Village/Coronado Landing, Point Loma homes, Liberty Station, Little Italy, Downtown hotels, boats on the water, Port parks. Free parking with shuttle service to Harbor Island and Shelter Island. The fireworks score is simulcast live on THE MIGHTY 1090 AM and MAX FM 105.7. Free.
4th of July Celebration in Ocean Beach — Fireworks at Ocean Beach Pier at the end of Newport Avenue launched from the OB Pier. Free parking at the Main Beach Parking Lot and at the Pier Parking Lot. Free.
Old Town 4th of July Location — At Old Town State Historic Park. Parade, wagon rides, live music, food, pie-eating contest, crafts and activities of early San Diego. (No fireworks.) Free.

Coronado

Coronado: Independence Day Celebration— Takes place at various locations. Events include: Fireworks (over Glorietta Bay/San Diego Bay. Best vewing: the golf course); Crown City Classic; Art in the Park; Rough Water Swim at Central Beach; Independence Day Parade at Orange Ave (1st Street to Churchill Place); Concert in the Park.

North County Coastal

San Diego County Fair 4th of July Celebration — Takes place at Del Mar Fairgrounds (2260 Jimmy Durante Boulevard, Del Mar). Included with fair admission: Hometown Heroes Parade; concerts; fireworks.
Fourth of July FIREWORKS at La Jolla Cove — Located at Ellen Browning Scripps Park (1180 Coast Boulevard, La Jolla). FIREWORKS at 9pm. Free.
Oceanside’s Independence Day Parade — Parade route: North on N Coast Hwy 101 from Wisconsin Ave to Civic Center Drive (just past City Hall). Parade floats, bands, walking groups, cool cars and much more. (No fireworks.) Free.
Oceanside Fireworks Show — Located at El Corazon Site at Rancho Del Oro Road. Bring a beach chair. Food trucks on Rancho Del Oro. FIREWORKS shot just north of the El Corazon Senior Center (3302 Senior Center Drive). Rancho del Oro will be closed just north of Oceanside Blvd. at Seagate and just south of Mesa Drive at Ocean Ranch Boulevard. Bring a beach chair and walk to the viewing area on Rancho Del Oro Road. Free.
Red, White and BOOM! — Located at LEGOLAND California (One Legoland Drive, Carlsbad). Fireworks, the rides, shows and attractions along with Independence Day picnic games like burlap races and water-balloon tosses, included with admission. {Find LEGOLAND Discount Tickets}

North County Inland

Independence Day Festival & Fireworks — Located at Great Green – California Center for the Arts (340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido, CA). Features fireworks, live music, food vendors, children’s activities and games. Free.
Mira Mesa Fourth of July Celebration — Located at Mira Mesa Blvd & New Salem St. All day Independence Day events including pancake breakfast at Epicentre, carnival rides, food vendors and live entertainment. Mostly Free.
An Old Fashioned Fourth of July and Fireworks — Located at Old Poway Park, with FIREWORKS at Poway High School. Live music, food, and family entertianmet. Festival is free. Fireworks – $5 Donation at Gate. Festival at Old Poway Park. Firework at Poway High School Stadium (15500 Espola Road).
Rancho Bernardo’s The Spirit of the Fourth — Located at Webb Park (Avena Pl And Bernardo Center Drive, San Diego, CA). Entertainment and games throughout the day: parade, classic car show, beer garden and more. Fireworks start at 9pm. Seating is on the grass, so bring blankets or lawn chairs. Free parking in the student parking lot off Avenida Venusto. Food and refreshments available for purchase. Community Fair Free; Fireworks: fee per person or per family.
San Marcos 4th of July Celebration — Located at Bradley Park (3 Civic Center Drive, Rancho Sante Fe Road and Linda Vista Drive, San Marcos, CA). Carnival games, jumpers, food, entertainment, and fireworks. Bring chairs or blankets for lawn seating Free.
Scripps Ranch 4th of July Parade and Festival — Located at Scripps Ranch Hoyt Park (Festival). After the community parade, enjoy fun, food, music and games at the festival. Children’s activities include bouncy jumps, Clowns and Balloon Art and face painting. (No fireworks.) Free.
Vista Independence Day Celebration — Located at Moonlight Amphitheatre (1200 Vale Terrace Drive, Vista, CA). Live music, family fun and fireworks (small fee).

East County

El Cajon 4th of July Picnic and Fireworks — Takes place at Kennedy Park (1675 East Madison Ave, El Cajon, CA). Enjoy an old fashioned picnic with your family, including children’s activities and vendors. Stay for the fireworks show. Free.
Julian 4th of July Parade — Located at Downtown Julian, CA: Parade route along Main Street from Julian High School to Frank Lane Park. Celebrates the town’s gold rush era history, veterans and active duty military, and local residents. (No fireworks.) Free.
Ramona Rotary Community Fireworks & Family Picnic — Located behind Olive Pierce Middle School (1521 Hanson Lane, Ramona, CA). Features food vendors, DJ music, family games and activities for children, and fireworks. Free.
Santee Salutes — Located at Town Center Community Park (550 Park Center Drive, Santee, CA). Live music, patriotic ceremony, Kids Zone with inflatables, carnival rides, food trucks, food booths, and fireworks. Free shuttle service from the Costco parking lot or on Cuyamaca near Rio Seco School to the event site. You can also park at Town Center Community Park West and City of Santee Aquatics Center/Cameron Family YMCA (fee per car).

South Bay

Independence Day at the Border — Located at Larsen Field – Cesar Chavez Park (4061 Camino de la Plaza, San Ysidro, CA) Features family activities, live music, drinks, food, mechanical bulls, and fireworks. Free.

NOVEMBER

The Mother Goose Parade

WHAT: The Mother Goose Parade has marched down the main streets of El Cajon for Thanksgiving since 1947. The event features motorized floats, marching bands, equestrian groups, and clowns, and more. If you’re looking for something fun and free to do with family and friends, wander over to main Street and Magnolia on Sunday morning. FREE to attend.
WHEN: The Sunday before Thanksgiving.
WHERE: Downtown El Cajon, CA. Starts at Magnoli and Main, and heads down Main to N. Second St.

San Diego JazzFest

WHAT: San Diego JazzFest takes place over five days during Thanksgiving weekend. The bands at the festival play traditional jazz, dixieland and swing styles, with something for every taste in jazz for all ages. The event features large concert rooms with double dance floors and small, intimate listening rooms. Many regulars come dressed in early 20th Century period costumes on Friday and Saturday nights.
DEALS: You can often get a great break on tickets when you buy them online. (Full price tickets are available at the door.) Free tickets are available for AD military and children. Discounts for people under age 30 are available but only at the door. Entry after 5pm is also discounted at the door.
WHERE: Town and Country Resort and Convention Center, 500 Hotel Circle North, San Diego CA 92108. (On “Hotel Circle” in the Mission Valley area of San Diego.)
WHEN: Thanksgiving weekend every year. See the link above for updates from the official festival website.
SAVVY TIPS: Parking fees at the venue are $6 for the day (unless you’re registered at the Town & Country Hotel). Or park at any San Diego Trolley station and ride the trolley or bus to the Fashion Valley Transit Center, at the Town & Country. The closest trolley stops are Old Town and Qualcomm Stadium.

DECEMBER

San Diego Parade of Lights

WHAT: The San Diego Parade of Lights Boat Parade is free to watch as it loops around the San Diego Bay. Close to 100 lavishly decorated boats participate each year in this floating light show that happens on two consecutive Sunday evenings. Expect crowds of around 80,000 people at this popular free event.
WHEN: Every year in mid-December.
WHERE: San Diego Bay. The Parade of Lights starts at Shelter Island and continues past Harbor Island, the Embarcadero, Seaport Village, and Ferry Landing in Coronado.
SAVVY TIPS:
- Parade route — The parade departs Shelter Island, then passes Harbor Island and the Embarcadero, Seaport Village, and onto the Coronado Ferry Landing. Harbor Island seems to be the most crowded of the viewing spots.
- Where to park — Limited will be limited in and around the Bay. One option is to park downtown and take the San Diego Pedicab to the Embarcadero. Fares run about $1 per minute.
- Public Transportation — Recommended. Try the San Diego Trolley. All three trolley lines and several Bus lines serve the North Embarcadero area. Take the Green Line to the Santa Fe Depot, or the Orange or Blue Line to the American Plaza stop.
- Free for kids — On Sundays, two children ages 12 and under ride free on MTS Trolley and Bus with each paid adult, and an Adult Day Pass fare is only $5 on a Compass Card. More info: www.sdmts.com.

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