21 Things You Have to Do in San Diego This Year
These are the must-hit festivals, concerts, events, and most fun things to do this year in San Diego, broken down by month.
Perfect weather and nearly endless activities make San Diego one of the country’s top vacation destinations. Love being outdoors? San Diego has over 70 miles of dazzling coastline, sparkling beaches for surfing and basking, and plenty of picturesque hikes. If hanging out in a craft brewery, lounging at a vibey rooftop bar, or checking out the buzziest restaurants is more your style, we’ve got that covered too. So grab the sunscreen and get ready to slurp the most succulent oysters, groove to the hottest bands, chomp the spiciest tacos, and guzzle the hoppiest IPAs on the planet. Let our handy guide direct you to all the events that make San Diego America’s Finest City.
January
January 22–25, 2025
Torrey Pines Golf Course
The Farmers Insurance Open Golf Tournament, held at Torrey Pines Golf Course, showcases a who’s who of the world’s top golfers. Get up close to the likes of Rory McElroy, Keegan Bradley, Jason Day and Justin Rose as you enjoy panoramic ocean views on the world-class course. Tickets are available as single day or multiple day passes and with various levels of VIP-ness.
Ready to go? Get tickets here.
February
February 1–28, 2025
Various locations
Download your free Museum Month Pass (or head to one of eighty San Diego Public Libraries to get it), which will grant you half-price admission at more than 60 museums during the month of February. Each pass admits up to four people for half-price at participating venues, which include WNDR Museum San Diego, the California Wolf Center, the Deer Park Winery & Auto Museum, LEGOLAND® California Resort and its SEA LIFE® Aquarium, and dozens more.
Ready to go? Learn more here.
March
March 2025 Dates TBD
Waterfront Park
Dance till you drop at CRSSD Festival, returning to Waterfront Park with three stages of dynamic live acts. The 2025 artists lineup hasn’t been released, but 2024's lineup included bands like Lane 8, Tale Of Us, Red Axes, Roosevelt, WhoMadeWho, as well as sultry house vibes from Loco Dice, East End Dubs, Maz, and Sofia Kourtesis. The CRSSD experience extends beyond the stages, with craft food and cocktails from a variety of vendors, and CRSSD After Dark, where you can continue the party at venues all around the city. CRSSD always sells out, so stay on top of the latest news.
Ready to go? Learn more here.
April
April 25–27, 2025
La Jolla
At the 19th annual La Jolla Concours d’Elegance, guests can gaze upon historic cars and premier collections, showcasing some of the most exquisite automobiles in the world, all against the backdrop of beautiful La Jolla Cove. The weekend begins with the Concours opening party on Friday that includes an exclusive display of rare vintage automotives from the 1920s and 1930s, followed on Saturday by a showcase of 75 incredible Porsches along La Jolla’s Prospect Street, and concludes on Sunday with the La Jolla Concours d’Elegance, where you’ll enjoy seeing over 150 vehicles, a full hosted bar with premier cocktails, wines, a champagne and honey tasting garden, craft beers, a VIP lounge, and hospitality suites.
Ready to go? Get tickets here.
May
May 16–18, 2025
Various locations
The Wonderfront Music and Arts Festival takes over the waterfront with 80+ bands at multiple venues, from Embarcadero Marina Park North to Seaport Village. Your RFID wristband gets you in-and-out privileges so you can enjoy a full-city experience, freely coming and going between stages, as well as exploring more than 250 restaurants, breweries, and bars throughout the neighborhood.
Ready to go? Learn more here.
June
June 2025 Dates TBD
Encinitas
Join Grammy award-winning rock band Switchfoot for their 21st annual Bro–Am Benefit Party 2025, North County’s annual community-oriented event benefitting San Diego’s local youth initiatives including Monarch Schools, Feeding San Diego, A Step Beyond, Save the Music Foundation, and the Challenged Athletes Foundation. You’ll enjoy an intimate concert by Switchfoot and some surprise guests, as well as drinks and bites from San Diego’s buzziest restaurants. There’s also a silent auction for some epic prize packages. Past ticketing options included general admission, reserved seating, or a VIP lounge for groups of 10–16 people with band meet and greets available.
Ready to go? Learn more here.
July
July 4, 2025
Various locations
Billed as the largest display on the West Coast, the Big Bay Boom’s pyrotechnic artists put on a dazzling show from four barges strategically located around the North San Diego Bay, choreographed with music broadcast “live” on two local radio stations. Taking advantage of the natural amphitheater formed by the bay, there are plenty of free, prime viewpoints from Point Loma, Shelter Island, Harbor Island, Liberty Station, Little Italy, the North Embarcadero, Seaport Village, and the South Embarcadero to the Coronado Ferry Landing. Be prepared for the unexpected, and don’t forget to pack a light jacket or sweater; even though you’ll be warm enough during the day, it can get chilly along the water’s edge once the sun sets.
Ready to go? Learn more here.
July 2025 Dates TBD
Multiple locations
The annual Pride celebration is one of the best parties in San Diego! This past year, there was an array of workshops, parties, and exhibits, including She Fest, Light Up The Cathedral, Spirit of Stonewall Rally, and Pride of Hillcrest Block Party at Pride Plaza. The events go on throughout the month, with the main star of the show being the San Diego Pride Parade, one of the largest in the United States, attracting over 300,000 attendees, as well as the legendary Pride 5K Run and Walk, which raises funds for San Diego Pride and The LGBT Center’s Youth Housing Project. I find using public transportation far easier than navigating Hillcrest’s notoriously difficult parking, but if you must drive, this guide to parking and shuttles, MTS schedules, and most importantly, street closures and no parking zones is indispensable.
Ready to go? Learn more here.
July 2025 Dates TBD
Alesmith Brewing Company
If you don't score tickets to ComicCon, you and your pet can get still get in on the fun at the 12th annual PAWmicon, a free, family friendly cosplay and pawsplay event for humans and their furry, feathered and scaled friends, hosted by Helen Woodward Animal Center and Alesmith Brewing Company. Last year, the pawsplay contest was divided into three fun categories—Superheroes & Super Villains, Pop Culture Pups, and Dynamic Duos, Trios and More.
Ready to go? Learn more here.
July 2025 Dates TBD
Julian
Not all of the apples grown in Julian are destined for their famous pies—some are pressed and fermented into delicious hard cider. At the 9th Annual Sip of Julian, you can taste offerings from places like Julian Hard Cider and Calico Cidery, plus samples of beer, wine, craft cocktails, and small food pairings from some of the best tasting rooms in Julian. And if you need more ideas for things to do while in Julian, we’ve got you covered.
Ready to go? Learn more here.
August
August 6–10, 2025
Mission Valley
Tiki culture has always been a big part of San Diego's culinary landscape, and San Diego Tiki Oasis is the world’s original and largest tiki event, happening at the beautiful, mid-century Town and Country Resort in Mission Valley. Join them for five nights of live music, dancing, pool parties, sunset dinners, and the most delicious tropical cocktails from top mixologists. There are also educational seminars, a marketplace, art exhibit, book signings, and more.
Ready to go? Learn more here.
August 2025 Dates TBD
Waterfront Park
Outriders West debuted its inaugural music festival Endless Sunsets last year, against the stunning backdrop of San Diego’s iconic Waterfront Park. The one-day, all ages event showcased an eclectic lineup that featured co-headliners Thee Sacred Souls, San Diego’s own '60s soul and '70s R&B faves, and Trampled by Turtles, known for their mix of bluegrass, folk, and rock. Keep an eye out for next year's dates.
Ready to go? Learn more here.
August 2025 Dates TBD
East Village
This mid-week food festival is one you don’t want to miss! Every year, for two consecutive days, local East Village restaurants will opens their doors from 4–8 pm. Eat, sip and stroll your way through the neighborhood sampling appetizers, entrees, desserts and beverages from more than 35 of San Diego’s most popular restaurants. While the list of participating venues has yet to be unveiled, past restaurants have included Casa Octavio, Tavern + Bowl, Wicked Chicken, Doggos Gus, Moniker Cocktail Co., StoryHouse Spirits, and more. Ticketholders will receive a Taste Passport at check-in to use as a guide for mapping out all participating restaurants and their menu offerings.
Ready to go? Learn more here.
September
September 2025 Dates TBD
Mission Beach
Runners, walkers, and families are invited to a fun-filled day of fitness and community spirit at Belmont Park’s 3rd Annual Community 5K, proudly supporting Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, with proceeds benefiting Team Parker for Life, a local charity dedicated to supporting children and families affected by cancer. Participants will enjoy the picturesque route along the Mission Beach Boardwalk, receive a complimentary race t-shirt designed by a local artist and a cool finisher’s medal to commemorate the achievement, plus a complimentary park pass to enjoy early access to rides and attractions on race day and a free item from select Belmont Park food locations. There's also the “Kids Loop,” a mini lap around Belmont Park designed for the youngest runners to partake in the excitement!
Ready to go? Learn more here.
September 2025 Dates TBD
Multiple locations
For eight glorious days, nearly 100 eateries all over the county will be participating in the bi-annual San Diego Restaurant Week (SDRW). There are always delicious options for every taste and budget—past restaurant offerings include two-course prix-fixe lunch menus and three-course prix-fixe dinner offerings for $10–$60. Use the interactive website to plan your food odyssey, and be sure to make reservations at your favorite participating places early; tables will fill up quickly. Karma tip: Your servers will be extra busy during SDRW, so exercise patience, thank profusely, and tip generously.
Ready to go? Learn more here.
September 2025 Dates TBD
Mission Bay
Hit Mission Bayfest for a reggae-centric lineup that includes at least a half-dozen bands appearing on one stage, so you don’t waste time running between stages to see your fave acts. Last year’s headliners included Stick Figure, Tribal Seeds, Iration, Pepper, Cypress Hill and Wiz Khalifa. There’s also always a host of regional San Diego food vendors including taco stands, local bartenders pouring craft beer and cocktails, and an assortment of local crafts and vending booths. Grab tickets for one, two, or all three days, and note it's 21+, and no children or pets are permitted.
Ready to go? Learn more here.
October
October 2025 Dates TBD
Ocean Beach
San Diego’s wildest Oktoberfest is always a celebration to remember. The two-day event features live music, a liquid brunch with drag performers, and twofer beer happy hours, along with plenty of Oktoberfest fun, contests, and games. Ocean Beach’s Veterans Plaza will be home to the family-friendly area organized by the Ocean Beach Mainstreet Association (OMBA), with vendors and a variety of Oktoberfest activities, while the 21+ crowd can head to the beer garden featuring traditional German brews, local beer, wine, and spirits. In the past, there's been German-themed games including a Mr. and Ms. Oktoberfest competition, the traditional stein holding contest, a cornhole tournament, brat eating, and more. VIP tickets include entrance, a custom one-liter “OB Oktoberfest” mug filled with two beers, and access to an exclusive VIP area with a bar, lounge, and upgraded restrooms.
Ready to go? Learn more here.
October 2025 Dates TBD
Various locations
The 24th Annual San Diego International Film Festival offers world-premiere films, never-before-seen studio releases, new and unique independent filmmaking, as well as elegant soirées and up-close and personal events with the filmmakers. Choose from single-day passes, five-day fest passes to all the films, or full VIP passes for access to all parties, screenings, panels, and events, VIP lounges, and more.
Ready to go? Learn more here.
November
November 1–11, 2024
2025 Dates TBD
Various Locations
Hopefully you have plenty of vacation days saved up because this is the best ten days for beer drinking in America’s Finest City. San Diego Beer Week kicks off with events happening at breweries and beer bars all over town, and with over 120 participating breweries, that’s a lot of hop-centered celebrations.
Ready to go? Learn more here.
November 3–10, 2024
2025 Dates TBD
Various locations
The San Diego Bay Food + Wine Festival is back for its 20th year as the largest culinary and wine gathering on the West Coast. The award-winning festival features dozens of food and drinking experiences, including events that highlight beer, wine, and spirits, luncheons and dinners, wine education, and more. Flagship events include The Grand Decant, featuring dozens of international and domestic wineries and hundreds of wines, presented by some of the world’s top sommeliers and winemakers; The Grand Tasting, a food festival with more than 60 top chefs from all over the West Coast and Baja, plus over 200 beer, wine, and spirit vendors; and The Grand Fiesta, the festival’s final event showcasing some of Mexico’s most awesome wines, spirits, and cuisines, plus Taco TKO, where you can vote for your favorite tacos as the city’s finest taco wranglers compete in a take no prisoners taco showdown.
Ready to go? Get tickets here.
December
December 31, 2024
2025 Dates TBD
Downtown
Give 2024 the heave-ho aboard City Cruises’ luxurious VIP New Year’s Eve Premier Dinner Cruise. It includes a four-hour cruise around San Diego Bay, with spectacular 360-degree views of the glittering skyline, a four-course seated dinner, and a top shelf open bar. Not into late night celebrating? They also have a New Year’s Eve Brunch Buffet Cruise and a New Year’s Eve Sunset Dinner Cruise with a buffet dinner on a 2.5-hour tour of the bay at the golden hour.
Ready to go? Get tickets here.