Special Events in San Diego

No matter what time of year you plan to visit San Diego, you'll find an extraordinary range of special events going on including festivals, parades, concerts, sporting events, fairs and more!

January
Annual Penguin Day Ski Fest
De Anza Cove in Mission Bay
Brave the cold water at De Anza Cove in Mission Bay and water-ski without a wetsuit to earn a Penguin Patch.

February
Whale Watching
Cabrillo Nation Monument or on special whale-watching cruises
Annual migration of California gray whales to the warm breeding grounds off the coast of Baja California.

March
San Diego International Film Festival
Mandeville Auditorium, UCSD, La Jolla and Hazard Center
Premieres of feature films from around the world. Also includes "Celebrating Animating" and the "The Short Night" featuring short subject films.

April
Butterflies & Orchids
San Diego Wild Animal Park's Hidden Jungle exhibit
Thousands of butterflies from around the world swarm the San Diego Wild Animal Park's Hidden Jungle exhibit. The Crevasse, adjacent to Hidden Jungle, features stick insects, leaf bugs and leaf cutters ants. More than 300 orchids are displayed during this two week spring fling and the horticulture staff gives daily presentations on orchid care and cultivation during park hours.

May
Buds 'n Blooms
Balboa Park
The magnificent horticulture of Balboa Park is the centerpiece for this annual spring celebration. Features floral-themed activities, museum exhibits, tours, performances and free outdoor family activities.

June
Annual Mainly Mozart Festival
San Diego Baja California, Mexico
An all-star orchestra performs the works of Mozart and other baroque, classical and romantic composers.

July
Old Town State Park Fourth of July Celebration
Old Town State Park Plaza
Free old fashioned 4th of July celebration with flag raising event, pony rides, hay rides, stage entertainment and family games.

August
Acura Classic
La Costa Resort and Spa, Carlsbad
A WTA Tour event featuring world famous tennis.