North County and San Diego Events – March 2026
March brings a packed calendar of North County and San Diego events, from spring festivals and St. Patrick’s Day celebrations to surfing competitions, film festivals, charity walks, and community gatherings. Whether you’re planning a weekend outing or looking for something new to try, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the season. Here’s a roundup of what’s happening this month.
Tidepooling Adventure with Birch Aquarium
Through Mar. 29, specific weekends
Explore a local tide pool with a Birch Aquarium naturalist and learn about the animals that make their homes in this ever-changing environment. Discover the importance of tide pool habitats to our local coastlines and what you can do to protect them. Advanced registration required.
La Jolla, multiple locations
aquarium.ucsd.edu
The Art of Banksy
Through Apr. 22
Banksy is probably the most famous and also the most mysterious graffiti artist in the world. The Art of Banksy Without Limits is in San Diego for the first time after its incredible worldwide success with over 2,800,000 visitors! Explore 200 of the artist’s works, such as his original art, prints, photos, and sculptures.
Del Mar Fairgrounds
artofbanksyus.com
The Flower Fields
Mar. 1-May 10
For over sixty years, Mother Nature has transformed the rolling hills of north San Diego County into one of the most spectacular and coordinated displays of natural color and beauty anywhere in the world. The nearly fifty acres of Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers that make up The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch® in Carlsbad, California, are in bloom for approximately six to eight weeks each year – from early March through early May – literally bringing the famous fields back to life. This annual burst of color, which has become part of the area’s local heritage, also is one of nature’s official ways of announcing the arrival of spring here in Southern California.
The Flower Fields, 5704 Paseo del Norte, Carlsbad
www.theflowerfields.com
Doggie Day Hike
Mar. 1
Bring your pup for a morning walk with docent Anna Gateley-Stanton through Blue Sky Ecological Reserve. Don’t forget your leash, treats and water! Hikes meet at the Blue Sky parking lot.
8-10am / Blue Sky Ecological Reserve, Poway
poway.org
Poway Kid’s Night Out
Mar. 6
Offered every first Friday of the month during the school year, kids in grades 1-5 will enjoy a themed night of recreation games, arts and crafts, special presenters, movies, and so much more.
5-9pm / Mickey Cafagna Community Center, Oak Hall
858-668-4671 / poway.org
Attic Sale – Fallbrook Woman’s Club
Mar. 6-7
Antiques, household items, clothes, jewelry, toys, crafts, knick knacks, tools, small appliances, frames, dishes, pots and pans, plants, garden art, and more.
9am-2pm / 238 W. Mission Rd.
760-728-1758 / fallbrookwomansclub.org
San Diego Festival of Science & Engineering
Mar. 7
Explore over 125 exhibitors, a designated College & Career Connections space, an Art Pavilion, and more! This event is for anyone, or as we say, pre-K to gray!
10am-5pm / Petco Park
www.lovestemsd.org
SoCal K-pop Anime Fest
Mar. 7
Get ready for the ultimate combo of K-pop beats and anime vibes! SoCal K-pop Anime Fest is your go-to spot to vibe with fellow fans, enjoy live performances, K-pop Demon Hunter activities, K-pop freebies , cosplay contests, and much more.
3-8pm / Downtown Vista, Avo Theater
www.socalkpopanimefest.com
Poway Cruisers “In-N-Out” Car Show
Mar. 7
The Poway Cruisers Car Club, established in 2006, offers a fun social environment for car enthusiasts to indulge in their shared passion. Their free monthly cruise-in event is a must-visit, promising an engaging atmosphere filled with classic cars and camaraderie.
11am-2pm / 12890 Gregg Court, Poway
619-398-0306 / sdautomuseum.org
Masquerade Ball
Mar. 7
Join us for our 16th annual Diamond Gala celebrating the Boys & Girls Club of Vista! We will be celebrating in classic style with cocktails and silent auction, dinner, and live music and dancing.
5:30-10pm / Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa
760-724-6606 ext. 18 / www.bgcvista.org
Cherry Blossom Festival
Mar. 12-15
Come see new attractions, including a wall of lanterns and community art. Sample a variety of cultural food, or delicious beverages in the popular beer and sake garden. Shop from our amazing local vendors in the upper garden, and then take a leisurely stroll through the cherry blossom grove.
10am-5pm / Japanese Friendship Garden of San Diego
619-232-2721 / www.niwa.org
Spring Fam Fest with Hope on the Hard Road
Mar. 14
There will be lots of fun inclusive and accessible games and activities like easter egg hunts, photo opportunities, yummy foods, and more inspiring booth venders as well as some surprise community partners.Please pre-register.
10am-2pm / Williams Barn, San Marcos
https://hopeonthehardroad.org/
St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival
Mar. 14
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival has been a San Diego event and chance to reconnect with your Irish Roots 44 years. So grab your green, bring your loved ones, and join us for this fantastic celebration of Irish culture and business. The Irish Festival is in Balboa Park from 9am to 6pm. The parade starts at 10:30am on Fifth Avenue at Laurel Street.
9am-6pm / Fifth Ave and Laurel St.
www.stpatsparade.org
CRSSD Festival
Mar. 14-15
The two—day, outdoor CRSSD house and techno music fest returns to Waterfront Park. The festival features multiple artists on three stages. In addition to the music, the festival will offer craft beer, mixed drinks, food, and more. This is a 21+ event.
Waterfront Park, 1600 Pacific Coast Highway, San Diego
www.crssdfest.com
WSA West Coast Surfing Championships
May 14-15
A surfing competition to qualify competitors to the West Coast Championships, U.S. Championships, Prime Event and any World Team Event. Viewing the competition is free and open to the public; all ages will enjoy.
South Harbor Jetty, Oceanside
949-369-6677 / wsa.surfsignup.com
Encinitas Half Marathon & 10K
Mar. 15
Join in the St. Patrick’s Day festivities with the Fourth Annual Half Marathon, which includes the exciting Shamrock Run 10K. Revel in a vibrant green-themed atmosphere by the Pacific Ocean, combining fitness and fun in an unforgettable event.
7am / Moonlight Beach, Encinitas
moonlightbeachhalfmarathon.org
San Diego Latino Film Festival
Mar. 18-22
A San Diego event for over 30 years, the San Diego Latino Film Festival is a celebration of Latino cinema, arts and culture. There are opening night and closing night parties with live music, a Taste of Sabor Latino, spirits, celebrities and filmmaker, meet and greets, awards announcements and more!
Multiple Locations, San Diego
sdlatinofilm.com
Walk for Animals North County
Mar. 21
Together, we can provide animals with shelter and lifesaving medical care, help families adopt new pets, rescue animals from cruelty and neglect, and so much more. In the coming year, we will care for more than 40,000 animals in need! By joining the Walk for Animals, you’ll help give each one the second chance they deserve. Walk begins at 9am.
7-11am / Kit Carson Park, Escondido
619-299-7012 / www.sdhumane.org
Seahive Vintage and Makers Market
May 21
Every third Saturday, a vibrant outdoor vintage and makers market comes alive, hosting the best local vendors from Oceanside. Admission to this monthly event is absolutely free, making it a perfect opportunity to explore unique finds.
11am-4pm / 1555 South Coast Highway, Oceanside
760-547-5706 / www.seahivemarketplace.com
The Julian Daffodil Show
Mar. 21-22
Marvel at over 1000 blooms on display and have any questions answered by American Daffodil Society experts. Includes a daffodil art show by Julian schools.
10am-5pm / Julian Town Hall
760-765-1857 / visitjulian.com
Mind, Body & Business Wellness Fair
Mar. 26
Join us for an evening filled with insightful workshops, wellness activities, and networking opportunities that promote a balanced and healthy lifestyle for both individuals and businesses.
5-7pm / North Inland Live Well Center, Escondido
760-745-2125 / escondidochamber.org
Jon Higgins Golf Tournament-Army & Navy Academy
Mar. 27
We invite you as a trusted partner of the Army and Navy Academy to join us in raising funds for the Academy’s Scholarship Fund. Come for the camaraderie, food, and fun!
7:30am-2pm / The Links at Lakehouse, San Marcos
760-728-7608 / armyandnavyacademy.org
53rd San Diego Crew Classic
Mar. 27
The San Diego Crew Classic is the premiere spring rowing regatta. It is highly regarded among rowers spanning generations. See website for detailed spectator information.
7am-5pm / Crown Point Shores, Mission Bay
crewclassic.org
Camp Pendleton Annual Margaritaville
Mar. 28
Join us for a fun night to remember as the MSACP hosts our 26th Annual Margaritaville Benefit & Auction! Margaritaville is a live and silent auction, entertainment, and a delicious 3-course meal and ALL of this fun raises money for our military families and community!
5-9pm / Pacific Views Event Center, Camp Pendleton
Military Spouse Association – Camp Pendleton
Amigos de Vista Lions Club 45th Annual Pancake Breakfast
Mar. 28
Pancakes, sausage, eggs, coffee, juice only $10! We are partnering with Vista American Little League, Mission Vista HS Basketball, Vista Pop Warner and Vista Storm Soccer this year. Reach out to a player if you know one to buy tickets from them to help them win the biggest seller prize!
7-11am / Brengle Terrace Senior Center, Vista
760-726-1122 / www.vistachamber.org
Enjoy this month’s North County and San Diego events! If you have a local event you’d like included in a future roundup, feel free to reach out.
I update this San Diego events guide every month to help local residents plan ahead and discover new things to do.
Event details, pricing, availability, and participation requirements are subject to change and may not be fully reflected here. Please verify information directly with the event organizer.