Rhythm & Brews
May 6
12 – 4 PM
Location: Vista, Historic Downtown Vista Village
The San Diego Brewers Guild’s Rhythm & Brews music and craft beer festival will pair many of the country’s most celebrated craft breweries with local musicians for its annual bookend event. On Saturday, May 6th from 1 to 4 p.m., craft beer aficionados will gather along Hop Highway in historic downtown Vista Village in Southern California to sample IPAs, barrel-aged brews, sour ales and much more from over 50 of San Diego’s most acclaimed breweries, all while enjoying live musical performances by Ashley Hollander and San Diego’s own Grammy nominated P.O.D., while enjoying delicious eats from local food trucks.
Proceeds from the event benefit the San Diego Brewers Guild, the nonprofit that works to support the county’s innovative brewing community as well as the Brazilian Institute for Arts and Culture, an organization whose mission is to facilitate the education of Brazilian arts and culture to the community.
Festival Of Colors
May 6
11 AM – 3 PM
Location: Oceanside, Pier Amphitheater, 200 North Strand
Rooted in ancient Indian tradition, Color Festival invites all its participants to let go of cares and worries, embrace joy, and live life in full color! Come enjoy an amazing sampling of locally-sourced vegetarian cuisine, live music, yoga, dancing, and of course, the opportunity shower yourself (and total strangers) in vibrant colors. Discover for yourself the original event that sparked a world-wide trend. Cost is $5 if ordered online.
Carlsbad Village Faire
May 7
Location: Carlsbad, Grand Ave from Carlsbad Blvd to Jefferson St
North County’s favorite street fair is returning to The Village the first Sunday in May. The streets will come alive with the sights and smells of fair-time as 850 vendors set up unique booths, fairgoers search for handmade gifts, try mouthwatering foods, and have some fun in the sun.
The Carlsbad Village Faire – the largest one-day street fair in the nation – will take place from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday, May 7.The fair stretches 14 blocks. Grand Avenue from Carlsbad Boulevard to Jefferson Street, and all of the cross streets in between, will be closed for the event. Each year, the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce hosts the fair in May and November. The free event has grown to be so popular that it not only continually attracts people from all over Southern California, but also from other states.
The fair draws over 100,000 visitors with its 800 unique vendor booths offering handcrafted arts and gifts, art, antiques, jewelry, unique clothing, home décor, plants and more. The international food court will once again feature more than 50 booths serving everything from Thai to Hawaiian cuisine. The children’s area will entertain youngsters with games, a super slide, a bounce house, a rock climbing wall, and face painting.
The Rotary Club of Carlsbad’s beer garden will entertain fairgoers with a large screen TV and live bands. The Kiwanis Club of Carlsbad will continue its more than 25-year tradition of hosting a pancake breakfast at the Carlsbad railroad depot. The meal, which includes pancakes, sausage, coffee and juice, will be served between 7:00 a.m. and noon.
To make parking more convenient, complimentary shuttles will run to and from the fair. Shuttles will pick up and drop off passengers at the Poinsettia Coaster Station and the west corner of Sears at The Shoppes at Carlsbad.
San Diego Surf Film Festival
May 10 – 13
Location: San Diego, various locations
The 6th Annual San Diego Surf Film Festival (SDSFF) builds momentum year after year due to it’s incredible event schedule and film lineup. The SDSFF returns May 10-13th, 2017 with it’s headquarters at Misfit Gallery in La Jolla and once again offers a very ambitious program. Festival highlights include over 25 of the finest international surf films, a Skip Frye Lifetime Tribute, filmmaker meet and greets, Grant Ellis (Surfing Magazine Photo Editor) slideshow, live art brewery party, beach clean-ups and surfing expression sessions.
Julian Wildflower Show
May 10 – 13
Location: Julian, 2129 Main St
The Julian Wildflower Show has been an historical event for over 90 years. Because of Julian’s mountain valley location, bordering a national forest and close to the Anza-Borrego State Park, we have 855 species of plants within 25 miles of town, many of which were used by Native Americans. The Wildflower Show is meant to educate club members, local residents, out-of-town visitors and children about the botanical wealth of Julian and its vicinity.
You know that a lupine plant has many small flowers on each stem. But did you know that a lupine changes the color of a particular flower to signal bees when the pollen and nectar of that flower has already been taken by another bee. The bees know to go on to other flowers and not waste their time. The lupine plant benefits by a more efficient and successful pollination. In the past people thought animals were not smart; they were even referred to as “dumb animals.” Now we know otherwise. Consider dogs, cats, horses, dolphins, and pigs to mention a few. They are known to be quite intelligent.
But what about plants? Past and current research is showing that plants are much smarter than we thought. The lupine is one of many examples. They can acquire information, communicate, problem solve, and recognize their own kind. We need to think of plants in new ways. Hence this year’s wildflower show theme – “Smarty Plants?” The show itself will be basically the same as in past years, but will include information on the capabilities of plants. It is hoped that the theme will interest people in coming to the show and in viewing plants in a different light.
Mother’s Day Fancy Dress Swim
May 13
9 AM
Location: Oceanside, Oceanside Pier North Beach
This is the 9th Annual Mother’s Day Fancy Dress Swim Fundraiser for the Against Malaria Foundation. The organization helps put on a variety of swim events that raise money for insecticide-treated nets, which are used to prevent malaria — a deadly mosquito-borne disease. Each $3 dollars raised purchases a long lasting insecticide treated bed net through the Against Malaria Foundation. Join our Momsanity with a donation in honor of your mom. SoCal Girl? Come swimming! Sponsored by Parenting 2.0.
Chocolate Festival
May 13
Location: Encinitas, San Diego Botanic Garden, 230 Quail Gardens Dr
Spend the Saturday before Mother’s Day at San Diego Botanic Garden’s famous Chocolate Festival! Enjoy dozens of delectable chocolate tastings, demonstrations, a chocolate fountain, and more. This family-friendly event also features lots of children’s activities and a variety of Mother’s Day gifts.
Free with paid admission or membership. Tasting tickets are a $1 for one tasting ticket. Tasting tickets will be sold at the event. Vendors will be providing tasting items ranging from 1-3 tickets in most cases.
Isaac’s Catering will provide delicious food with award winning chili, barbeque and mole chips. Children’s music provided by Martin Espino, sounds of ancient Mexico
Trail Cleanup Event
May 13
8:30 – 11:30 AM
Location: Carlsbad, Robertson Ranch West
The Saturday volunteer trail cleanup event on May 13, from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., at Robertson Ranch West will include trail erosion repairs, litter pickup and vegetation trimming.
The city will provide the work plan and safety training at the start of the event along with tools, gloves, water and snacks. Please wear closed-toe shoes, sunscreen and a hat. In the event of rain, trail work will be canceled.
Bonsai Show and Sale/Mother’s Day Celebration
May 13 – 14
Location: Carlsbad, The Flower Fields, 5704 Paseo del Norte
Enjoy the unique blending of art and horticulture at our bonsai exhibition and sale on May 13th and 14th.
Join us on the final day of our season for Mom’s special day. The stage will be filled with colorful dancing from the Rancho Buena Vista High School’s Ballet Folklorico. In addition, you can make your own mixed bouquets for only $5.
Ramona Rodeo
May 18 -21
Location: Ramona, Outdoor Community Center, 421 Aqua Ln
The Ramona Rodeo offers top notch PRCA rodeo. One of the country’s top PRCA sanctioned full-scale pro rodeos, competitive events include barrel racing, tie-down roping, bull riding, saddle bronc riding, team roping and bareback riding. Other activities include a cowgirl fashion show, cowboy and cowgirl mixer, Kid’s Day clowns, rodeo queens, and photo and autograph opportunities.
Thursday – 05/18/16 – admission is free – slack rodeo performance – all timed events will compete beginning at 8pm – no gate fees. Everyone is invited to watch free of charge.
Friday – 05/19/16 – rodeo gates open at 6:30pm. Performance at 8:00pm. Mutton bustin’ will be one of the highlights tonight. Look for our brave little cowboys and cowgirls to grab your hearts riding sheep. Dance to the fantastic country sound of the Patrick Howard Trampus Band immediately following the rodeo. Dance times are 10:00pm to 1:00am.
Parade – Saturday – 05/20/16 – Ramona Main Street Parade honoring veterans begins at 10:00am. Please note, parade road closures begin at 9:30am.
Saturday – 05/20/16 – rodeo gates open at 6:30pm. Performance at 8:00pm with muttin bustin’. Dance to the fantastic sound of the Patrick Howard Trampus Band for free immediately following the rodeo. Dance times are 10:00pm to 1:00am.
Sunday – 05/21/16 – Cowboy church at 10am. Rodeo performance at 4:00pm with Jr. Barrel race finals and mutton bustin’.
The Beach Soccer USA Cup
May 19 – 21
Location: Oceanside, 1200 N Pacific St
The Beach Soccer USA Cup is a professional international beach soccer tournament that hosts teams from all over the world. Beach Soccer (Beasal) started in Brazil and has grown to be an international game. It’s one of the fastest growing professional sports in the world with television coverage to large audiences in over 170 countries worldwide.
The games take place in the Beach Soccer Stadium located within The Beach Soccer Championships. The Beach Soccer Stadium has a capacity of 1,800 seated spectators plus an additional 600 standing spectators. The tournament is ranked among the top Professional beach soccer tournaments in the USA and has built a reputation of attracting the elite beach soccer teams from the USA and around the world.
Encinitas Music By The Sea Concert Series
May 19
7:30 PM
Location: Encinitas Library, 540 Cornish Dr
Under the artistic direction of Laura Schmieder, talented local and international artists are selected at the Beverly Hills National Auditions and presented monthly in concert in three cities: Encinitas, Torrance and Beverly Hills. There are nine concerts from September 2016 through June 2017.
May 19 will feature Yulia Zinovieva, mezzo-soprano, and Temirzhan Yerzhanov on piano. These two brilliant young musicians were born in Kazakhstan and will rerform piano solos, vocal arias and romances. Yulia is an award-winning mezzo-soprano with an international career as a recording and performing artist. Temirzhan launched his career by winning the Gold Medal at the International Robert Schumann Piano Competition and has been a soloist with leading orchestras worldwide.
San Diego Century Bike Tour
May 20
Location: Cardiff-by-the-Sea, 3333 Manchester Ave
Reach a new cycling goal with the San Diego Century! 33, 67 or 105 miles with free training and coupon codes for great savings! Grab a jersey combo, choose a course and join 1500 of your cycling friends on Saturday May 20, 2017 for a ride through the beautiful hills of San Diego County and a finish-line expo in Encinitas.
Endangered Species Day
May 20
10 AM – 2 PM
Location: Oceanside, Buena Vista Audubon Nature Center, 2202 S Coast Hwy
Buena Vista Audubon’s annual celebration of endangered species! Learn what you can do to protect local endangered species! Visit with hawks and falcons, local snakes, and invertebrates of all sizes! Dip into the lagoon and discover a whole new world under our high-powered microscope! Make your own journal, native seed bomb, or mask, and participate in a special biological survey called a Bio Blitz!
This event is free with fun activities for all ages!
Tails on the Trails Charity Dog Walk
May 20
Location: Oceanside, Mance Buchanon Park, 425 College Blvd
The event is an opportunity for dog owenrs to stay healthy and active by spending a fun day walking their dog(s) in beautiful Mance Buchanon Park. For those who are more adventurous you can also walk/bike down the San Luis Rey Trail to the beach for a 7.2 mile walk one way.
- Explore unique pet vendor and information booths
- Watch exciting K-9 demonstrations
- Speak with rescue group and pet adoption groups
- Enjoy live music and food
- Fun games for the dogs and agility course
- Scavenger Hunt and pictures with the therapy dogs for the kids
Proceeds benefit: Tender Loving Canine Assistance Dogs; Oceanside & Carlsbad K-9 units’ TCMC Pet Therapy program; Special Care Foundation for Companion Animals; and Tri-City Hospital Auxiliary JV Scholarships.
Escondido Grand Avenue Festival
May 21
Location: Escondido, W Grand Ave & Orange St
Over 500 vendors, live entertainment, and food from around the world have combined to make the Escondido Grand Avenue Festival a family tradition since 1989.
The festival kicks off at 9 a.m. and will jump and jive all day until 5 p.m. Come and join us on historic Grand Avenue in downtown Escondido.
Enjoy special attractions and great family fun!
Cystic Fibrosis Great Strides Walk
May 21
Location: Encinitas, San Dieguito Academy, 800 Santa Fe Dr
Join us on Sunday, May 21, 2017 for Great Strides Moonlight Beach at San Dieguito Academy! That’s right, due to construction of the Moonlight Beach Lifeguard tower we will be holding our Moonlight Beach walk right up the road on the track and field at San Dieguito Academy. While the event location will be changed for this year, we are dedicated to bring you a very fun and festive walk day experience!
Whether you are a family, a group of friends, a company, or a community group, you are invited to join this family friendly day that includes a 3 mile walk, children’s activities, music, food and FUN! The funds raised by the Great Strides Walk will help the CF Foundation continue to finance its unique approach to drug discovery. This approach has yielded a therapeutics pipeline with more than 30 potential therapies in development. Your support makes these and future advancement in CF care possible!
Please join us as we… Lace up. Walk. Cure CF! Registration is at 8:30 am. The walk will start at 10 am.
Valley Center Stampede Rodeo & Festival
May 26 – 28
Location: Valley Center, 28246 Lilac Rd
Each May, the Valley Center community celebrates its western heritage with a week-long series of events including the Valley Center Days Parade, Stampede Festival, Stampede Rodeo, and a live band and dancing on both Friday and Saturday night.
The Valley Center Stampede Rodeo & Festival is sponsored by the Valley Center Optimist Club. The rodeo brings quality rodeo entertainment to our town and the neighboring communities of North San Diego County. It is held in conjunction with other community events celebrating Valley Center’s western and equestrian heritage.
The Festival caters to rodeo fans with plenty of vendors, western arts & crafts, food booths, live bands, a horseshoe tournament, beer gardens and more. After enjoying the festival, the community is invited to head to the rodeo grandstands for a full rodeo event lineup, followed by a live band and dancing on both Friday and Saturday.
Vista Strawberry Festival
May 28
Location: Vista, 127 Main Street
The Vista Strawberry Festival is the only festival in San Diego County that celebrates all the joys and pleasure of the Strawberry. Vista was once the “Strawberry Capital of the World” and still boasts many strawberry fields. Come enjoy our celebration of the ‘berry as we bring over 300 vendors, athletic competition, pie eating, costumes, beauty, carnival rides, music, food, and much more together in Historic Downtown Vista.
Strawberry Run
It is time to lace up your sneakers once again and get ready to run! The Strawberry Festival Run has something for everyone: the elite runner, the run-walker, kids, and more.
The Strawberry Festival Run starts with a 10k and a 5k Historic Downtown Vista run through Vista’s Kite Sculptures, and ends at the Vista Strawberry Festival. All runners receive a performance t-shirt, a custom medal, a goodie bag, fresh fruit at the finish line, and, for those runners 21 and over, a free beer in our beer garden! We have CASH prizes for our 3 fastest male and female runners for the 10k and 5k (1st – $500, 2nd – $250, 3rd – $100). For kids 12 and younger, there is a 1-mile run. For kids 5 and younger, there is a 1/4 mile dash. Fun for the whole family.