North County and San Diego Events for May
North County and San Diego events in May feature a mix of street fairs, festivals, and seasonal celebrations, along with races, car shows, and community events throughout the month. Highlights include the Carlsbad Village Street Faire, Vista Strawberry Festival, Fiesta Del Sol, the Flower Fields, and Memorial Day events.
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
Cat Cuddle Hour
Saturdays and Sundays
Enjoy a whole hour cuddling and playing with up to 30 cats and kittens for a small donation that goes toward LYFF’s mission of continuing to rescue cats and animal welfare education. Go to their website to reserve your spot.
LYFF Adoption Center, 1929 W. Vista Way, Space C, Vista
loveyourferalfelines.com
Wildflower Show
May 1-3
A historical event for over 90 years, 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.
10am-4pm / Julian Town Hall, 2129 Main St
www.julianwomansclub.org
Foodieland Night Market
May 1-3
A foodie inspired multi-cultural food and entertainment event with more than 250 vendors offering amazing foods, games, and entertainment for the whole family.
Fri 3-10pm, Sat-Sun 1-10pm / Del Mar Fairgrounds
foodielandnm.com
San Diego Underground Film Festival
May 1-5
San Diego Underground Film Festival is a showcase for experimental films, video, and live shows. We have an exciting program that includes underground narratives, experimental films, and documentaries by artists who are both local and international.
Suraj Israni Center for Cinematic Arts @ UC San Diego & Market, 9605 Scholars Dr N
sdundergroundarts.org
Car Show, Gala & After Party
May 2
Grease is the Word Gala is Fallbrook Food Pantry’s most electrifying fundraiser of the year — blending music, energy, creativity, and purpose into one unforgettable evening. Car show and gala from 4-8pm. After party from 8-10:30pm. See website for tickets and details.
4-10:30pm / Sonrise Fellowship Hall, 463 S Stage Coach Ln, Fallbrook
www.fallbrookfoodpantry.org
Vista Cinco de Mayo
May 2
Free admission, food vendors, mariachis, dancers, speakers, community booths, crown Little Miss and Mr. Cinco de Mayo, piñata corner, souvenir program, margarita and beer garden.
12-5pm / Vista Historical Society
760-630-0444 / www.vistahistoricalsociety.com
Bags ‘N Brews
May 2
Enjoy craft brews, food trucks, a DJ, and a children’s area at the City of San Marcos’ cornhole tournament, Bags N’ Brews!
11am-4pm / Hollandia Park, San Marcos
760-744-1050 / www.san-marcos.net
Trails ‘N Vines Wine Run
May 2
A unique trail race that winds through the picturesque grapevines of a local winery. Runners can look forward to complimentary wine tastings and discounts on wine purchases, while non-drinkers and kids can enjoy non-alcoholic options, all accompanied by breakfast items from a popular food truck.
7am / Orfila Winery, Escondido
858-775-7104 / www.enduranceraceseries.com/trails-n-vines
Vista Garden Club Annual Flower Show
May 2-3
Don’t miss attractive horticulture, dazzling floral designs, impressive botanical arts photography, and informational education exhibits. We’ll also have a plant sale featuring member grown specimens and a creative garden art boutique which opens at noon on Saturday. The flower show will open to the public on Saturday at 2 pm.
Sat 12-5pm, Sun 10am-5pm / Jim Porter Recreation Center, Brengle Terrace Park, Vista
www.californiagardenclubs.com/vistagardenclub
Vista Fiber Arts Fiesta
May 2-3
We will have sheep shearing demonstrations, fiber related classes and short make and take activities. We are planning 6-8 fiber classes per day with opportunities to try felting, fabric dyeing, knitting, crocheting and broom making.
10am-4pm / Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum, Vista
760-941-1791 / www.agsem.org
Carlsbad Village Street Faire
May 3
Features over 900 unique vendors with a little of everything: arts and crafts, antiques, unique clothing, items from around the world, and more. Children’s rides, an international food center, and an old-fashioned pancake breakfast!
8am-5pm / Carlsbad Village
carlsbad.org
Taste of Cardiff
May 7
Celebrate the vibrant flavors and craft libations that make Cardiff-by-the-Sea unique. Stroll through downtown, sampling North County’s best bites, craft beers, wines, spirits, and kombucha. Enjoy live music and entertainment along the way, with performances throughout the event.
5:30-8:30pm / Downtown Cardiff
www.cardiff101.com
Gator by the Bay Festival
May 7-10
The spirit, sounds and flavors of southwest Louisiana come alive at the largest and most-authentic Louisiana-themed music and food festival this side of the bayou. This family-friendly cultural celebration takes place on picture-perfect San Diego Bay, featuring 100+ live musical acts and performances on seven stages with delicious food and family fun.
Spanish Landing Park, San Diego
619-234-8612 / gatorbythebay.com
Amplified Impact Music Festival
May 9
Peruse local makers at Flea by the Sea marketplace and Kind Threads pop up, rock out to your favorite bands, grab a bite and enjoy cultural performances from across the globe.
3-8pm / The Oceanside Amphitheater
760-722-1534 / www.oceansidechamber.com
Fairways for Veterans Golf Tournament
May 15-16
Join us on May 16 for the annual Fairways for Veterans Celebrity Golf Event. This event is more than just a day on the greens, it’s a heartfelt tribute to our nation’s heroes and a powerful opportunity to make a lasting impact. The celebration kicks off with two special events on May 15th: the Pairings Party, where celebrities and players come together ahead of the tournament, and the Signing Party, open to the public for autographs, photos, and exciting raffle prizes. See website for party locations, details and times.
9:00am / The Links at Lake House, San Marcos
www.woundedwarriorhomes.org
Endangered Species Day
May 16
Come celebrate Endangered Species Day at the Buena Vista Audubon Society Nature Center. This free event has many activities for all ages! Learn what you can do to protect your local endangered species through fun activities for the entire family. Dip into the lagoon and discover a whole new world of aquatic creatures under our high-powered microscope!
10am-2pm / Buena Vista Audubon Nature Center, 2202 S. Coast Hwy, Oceanside
bvaudubon.org
La Jolla Half Marathon, 5K & 10K
May 16
This is one of San Diego’s most picturesque point-to-point races with a scenic coastal route starting at Del Mar Fairgrounds, a challenging climb to the summit of Torrey Pines State Park and a finish at La Jolla Cove. The 10K allows you to skip the climb, and the 5K offers a mostly downhill course.
6am / Del Mar Fairgrounds
lajollahalfmarathon.com
Asian Cultural Festival
May 16
The Asian Pacific Cultural Festival will feature cultural and traditional performances from a dozen countries and cultures with family friendly interactive cultural experiences, food and artisan vendors. This is a fun, family-friendly, and FREE event!
11am-5pm / House of Pacific Relations, Balboa Park
asianculturalfestivalsd.com
Armed Forces Day Operation Appreciation
May 16
Thousands of active-duty military, their family and dependents will be treated to a day of free food, entertainment and a fun zone for kids. This event is open to the public.
11am-4pm / Oceanside Pier Amphitheater
760-722-1534 / www.oceansidechamber.com
Community Band Festival
May 16
Musical groups from near and far will entertain you with a range of genres from blue grass ensembles to full concert bands.
10am-7pm / Old Poway Park
858-668-4576 / poway.org
Cyclovia Encinitas
May 17
Encinitas’ car-free, open street event where you can explore downtown Encinitas on bike, foot or anything you power yourself. Check out the great shops and dining, plus enjoy a bike skills course, prizes and giveaways, fun and educational booths and more.
10am-2pm / Coast Highway, Encinitas
www.encinitasca.gov
Project Cornerstone Golf Tournament
May 18
18 holes, golf cart, and lunch included. This is a charity golf tournament to support Project Cornerstone’s education and workforce development programs.
6:30am-3pm / The Welk Resort Fountains Course, Escondido
619-787-8482 / project-cornerstone.org
Valley Center Stampede Rodeo & Memorial Festival
May 22-23
Families, rodeo fans, and visitors from across Southern California come together to experience thrilling rodeo action, live entertainment, and deep-rooted Western traditions.
Star Valley Park
vcstampede.com
Vista Strawberry Festival
May 24
Wear your most festive strawberry attire and bring your berry happy grin. We can’t wait to see you! There’s something for everyone, contests, kids’ play zone, entertainment, art, film festival, vendors, a strawberry 5K and two kids’ runs, and, of course, strawberry deliciousness!
8am-6pm / Downtown Vista
760-726-1122 / vistastrawberryfest.com
Fallbrook Vintage Car Show
May 24
Bigger and better this year with 500 show cars. Free admission. Live DJ. Entertainment and food vendors.
10am-3pm / Main Ave, Downtown Fallbrook
fallbrookvintagecarclub.org
Solana Beach Memorial Day Celebration
May 25
Pay tribute to the brave people who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.
11am-12pm / La Colonia Park
858-720-4430 / www.cityofsolanabeach.org
Southern California Beach Soccer Championships
May 29-May 31
The popular sand soccer festival will again feature youth, adult amateur and adult pro women’s and men’s beach soccer as well as vendors, the BeSoCha Cantina and more!
Harbor Beach, Oceanside
beachsoccerusa.org
Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K
May 30-May 31
The Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series has been a favorite here since 1998. Starting at Balboa Park and finishing in Downtown San Diego, you’ll explore up to eight well-known neighborhoods and experience an insider tour that even the locals rave about. This ultimate foot tour highlights all the iconic communities, their personalities, and everything we love about America’s Finest City.
Balboa Park
www.runrocknroll.com/san-diego
Fiesta Del Sol
May 30-31
Get ready for the 45th annual free beachside music and art festival with live music, an arts and crafts fair and children’s activities. Delicious food and refreshments, plus the Solana Beach firefighter’s pancake breakfast on Sunday from 7:30-10am.
Fletcher Cove Park, Solana Beach
858-755-4775 / fiestadelsol.net
Enjoy May’s North County and San Diego events! Do you have North County or San Diego events that you’d like included here? Just let me know, and I’ll add them for you.
Please excuse any errors or omissions and let me know if there’s anything that needs fixing. Check with the organizations holding these events for registration requirements, costs, tickets, availability, changes, limitations and important details.