Julian Wildflower Show
May 4 – 6
10 AM – 4 PM
Location: Julian, 2129 Main St
The Julian Wildflower Show has been an historical event for over 91 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 these plants were used for health and healing 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.
With permission from landowners, club members spend two days gathering wildflowers from five plant zones. The wildflowers are displayed in the Julian Town Hall. The flowers are arranged on tables representing the different geographical areas and plant zones in which they are picked. Display cards provided the name of the plant and described uses of the various plants by Native Americans.
The Beach Soccer USA Cup
May 4 – 6
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. It has built a reputation of attracting the elite beach soccer teams from the USA and around the world.
Rhythm & Brews
May 5
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 5th from 1 to 4 p.m., craft beer aficionados will gather along Hop Highway in historic downtown Vista Village in Southern California. We will sample IPAs, barrel-aged brews, sour ales and much more from over 50 of San Diego’s most acclaimed breweries. There will be live musical performances by L.A. Edwards and Southern California natives Trouble in the Wind and delicious eats from local eateries.
Proceeds from the event benefit the San Diego Brewers Guild, the nonprofit whose mission is to promote awareness and increase the visibility of fresh, locally brewed beer through education and participation in community events and San Diego State University College of Extended Studies Craft Beer Program.
Carlsbad Village Faire
May 6
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 800 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 6.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 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. Additional handicapped parking available at the Carlsbad Visitor Center (the old train depot), 400 Carlsbad Village Drive and at the Village Faire Shopping Center, 300 Carlsbad Village Drive.
San Diego Surf Film Festival
May 9 – 12
Location: San Diego County, various locations
Welcome to the San Diego Surf Film Festival. We first got started back in 2012 to what we thought would probably be a few friends watching some films and eating some popcorn. Wrong. Every single film sold out and had lines around the block. Seems everyone was waiting for a san diego surf film festival. In fact, we even got a plaque presented to us from the city of san diego!
Seven years later we have become one of the largest and most respected surf film festivals around the world. This year we return with another incredible lineup of the best surf films, filmmaker Q & As, special events and a whole lot more. See you all soon.
Mother’s Day Fancy Dress Swim
May 12
9 AM
Location: Oceanside, Oceanside Pier North Beach
This is the tenth anniversary of phenomenal females waltzing into the waves wearing dresses to protect fellow mothers’ children from malaria. Momsanity? Yes!
One hundred percent of each $3 dollars donated purchases a long lasting insecticide treated bed net through the Against Malaria Foundation. Join us with a donation in honor of your mom. SoCal Girl? Come swimming! Sponsored by Parenting 2.0.
Chocolate Festival
May 12
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.
Festival Of Colors
May 12
11 AM – 4 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 $6.50 if ordered online, $8 at the gate.
Trail Cleanup Event
May 12
8:30 – 11:30 AM
Location: Carlsbad, Kelly Trail
The Saturday volunteer trail cleanup event on May 12, from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., at Kelly Trail will include weed removal, trail erosion repairs, litter pickup and vegetation trimming.
The city will provide new volunteers with a short training on use of tools. The city will also provide shovels, McClouds, rakes, water and snacks. Please wear closed-toe shoes, sunscreen and gloves. In the event of rain, the event will be canceled.
Endangered Species Day
May 12
10 AM – 2 PM
Location: Oceanside, Buena Vista Audubon Nature Center, 2202 S Coast Hwy
Come celebrate Endangered Species Day at the Buena Vista Audubon Society Nature Center Saturday, May 12, from 10 AM-2 PM. This free event has many activities for all ages! There will be all kinds of animal ambassadors including hawks and falcons from the Raptor Institute, Jeff Nordland’s snakes and lizards, Dovie’s tortoise family, and butterflies from Butterfly Farms of Encinitas.
More hands-on activities include making your own flower press, nature journal, and native seed bags. You will be able to dissect a real owl pellet and see what these amazing creatures had for lunch! Ever wondered what lives in the lagoon? We will dip into the lagoon and discover a whole new world of aquatic creatures under our high-powered microscope! And for the young activists out there, we will have an interactive booth where your family can learn how to help protect local endangered species.
Bonsai Show and Sale/Mother’s Day Celebration
May 12 – 13
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 12th and 13th.
Join us on the final day of our season for Mom’s special day, May 13. 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 -20
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, events include steer wrestling, 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, mutton bustin’, rodeo queens, and photo and autograph opportunities.
Friday – 05/18/18 – 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 Nancarrow immediately following the rodeo. Dance times are 10:00pm to midnight.
Saturday – 05/19/18 – Ramona Main Street Parade honoring veterans begins at 10:00am. Please note, parade road closures begin at 9:30am. Rodeo performance at 8 pm. Mutton bustin’ and free dance following the rodeo from 10pm to midnight featuring Nancarrow.
Sunday – 05/22/18 – Cowboy church at 10am. Rodeo performance at 4:00pm with Jr. Barrel race finals and mutton bustin’. Gates open at 2:30pm.
Encinitas Music By The Sea Concert Series
May 18
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 2017 through June 2018.
May 18 will feature Kaleidoscope Chamber Orchestra founder and clarinetist Benjamin Mitchel. He will be joined by fellow instrumentalists from the orchestra. These supremely talented artists trained at some of the world’s leading music schools: London’s Royal Academy of Music, The Juilliard School, Peabody Conservatory, and others.
San Diego Century Bike Tour
May 19
Location: Cardiff-by-the-Sea, Mira Costa College, 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 for a ride through the beautiful hills of San Diego County and a finish-line expo in Encinitas.
Armed Forces Day Operation Appreciation
May 19
11 AM – 4 PM
Location: Oceanside Pier Amphitheatre, 301 The Strand N
On Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 19, 2018, the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce will bring the business community and area residents together to provide a day of recognition to all active-duty military stationed on Marine Corps Base Camp Joseph H. Pendleton and nearby military bases.
Thousands of active duty military and their family members are treated to a day of free food, carnival rides and entertainment at the Oceanside Pier Amphitheatre.
The fun begins at 11:00 a.m. and last until 4:00 p.m. The day consists of a host of activities: including a great children’s fun zone with carnival rides, inflatable jumps, rock climbing wall, kid’s crafts and face painting.
Live entertainment will be featured at the amphitheater all day long. The Heroes, a multi-award winning show and dance band, will entertained our guests.
Tails on the Trails Charity Dog Walk
May 19
8 AM – 12 PM
Location: Oceanside, Mance Buchanon Park, 425 College Blvd
Bring your dog to Oceanside’s Mance Buchanon Municipal Park for the 5th Annual Tails on the Trails Charity Dog Walk sponsored by Tri-City Hospital Auxiliary. Join us for a morning of doggie fun, walking, canine demonstrations, vendors, food, and music.
Proceeds benefit Oceanside/Carlsbad Police K-9 units, Tender Loving Canines Assistnace Dogs, Love on a Leash North County, Special Care Foundation for Companion Animals for cancer research, and scholarships for nursing students. Dog adoptions on site. General admission is $20.
Escondido Grand Avenue Festival
May 20
Location: Escondido, W Grand Ave & Orange St
Over 400 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 20
Location: Encinitas, Moonlight Beach, 400 B St
Join us for Great Strides Moonlight Beach! For 30 years, Great Strides – the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s largest national fundraising event – has supported the Foundation’s mission to cure cystic fibrosis and raise awareness for this rare, genetic, life-shortening disease that makes it difficult to breathe and shortens lives.
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 25 – 26
Location: Valley Center, 29902 Valley Center Rd
Since 2002, the Valley Center Stampede Rodeo has provided the ultimate family-friendly venue for our town and the surrounding communities to come together and participate in America’s greatest showcase of patriotism and western heritage, rodeo! In 2017, we were sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association (PRCA), making the 2018 VC Stampede Rodeo the first-ever professional rodeo in Valley Center!
We will have Broncs, Bulls, Barrel Racers and the ever-popular Wild Donkey Race & Calf Scramble! Come on out and cheer for your favorite Cowboy or Cowgirl! General admission is $15. Festival admission is free. Rodeo schedule of events is subject to change.
Friday, May 25th
- Gates open at 5:00 p.m.
- VIP Dinner begins at 6:00 p.m. – VIP dinner served for 2-hours only 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
- Rodeo begins at 7:00 p.m.
- FREE Dance to a Live Band Each Night After the Rodeo!
Saturday, May 26th
- Memorial Festival gates open at 11:00 a.m. – FREE ADMISSION
- Pie Baking Contest – Drop off pie 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Pie judging at 1:30 p.m.
- Horseshoe Tournament – Sign-Up 12:00 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.Tournament starts at 2:00 p.m.
- Rodeo gates open at 2:00 p.m.
- VIP Dinner begins at 3:00 p.m. – VIP dinner served for 2-hours only 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Rodeo starts at 4:00 p.m.
- FREE Dance to a Live Band Each Night After the Rodeo!
Vista Strawberry Festival
May 27
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 400 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.