http://www.visitpb.com
The three-day Cinco de Mayo fiesta is one you won’t want to miss. Restaurant specials span the entire weekend, not to mention live music throughout from several popular Latin bands. Take the lowrider Lane to see some of the most impressive classic cars, and don’t forget about the Stagecoach rides. This year, the historic Old Town will be transformed into the largest Cinco de Mayo celebration, and the event is kid-friendly, too. A designated kids area will keep children busy with activities during the day, while parents can listen to live tunes nearby. Different events will take place on each day; head over to their website to see the daily lineup of musical acts and activities.
2) 2018 Rhythm & Brews Festival
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Craft beer aficionados will rejoice at the 2018 Rhythm & Brews Festival. Guests will be able to sample over 120 types of craft beers from over 50 award-winning breweries, and there will be plenty of food to pair it with. A special VIP section includes early admission, a tented beer garden, three different food items to pair, and access to some of the more rare beers. As with any great event, live music will keep you entertained throughout. The event takes place on May 5th, and proceeds from the event go to the San Diego Brewers Guild.
3) Oysterfest
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Oysterfest is one of the city’s most popular events for beer, seafood, live music, an art exhibition, and ideal bayside views. This event is a true ode to the oyster, and fresh, succulent oysters will be shipped in from all around California’s coasts. The 2010 festival is from June 9th and 10th, with live performances by Ghostland Observatory, Matisyahu, Billy the Kid, and over a dozen others. The event is sponsored by brands you know and love, like Lyft, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Sierra Nevada craft beer, and Parking Panda.
4) Sun & Sea Festival
http://sunandseafestival.com
The annual Sun & Sea Festival is free for everyone, and is the perfect summer family outing. The event takes place in July, and brings together some of the best sand sculptors from around the world, where they compete to make some of the most intricate, elaborate sand creations you’ll likely ever see. Dubbed “the original Imperial Beach sandcastle competition,” it never fails to impress. Expect a pancake breakfast kickoff, followed by a wide array of stunning sand scenes, a live parade, carnival rides, and music.
There’s also plenty of children’s craft activities, including a Kidz N’ Kastles Competition. And lastly, no San Diego event is complete without a curated selection of foods. Guests will be able to sample foods from the Certified Farmer’s Market, and local restaurants will offer special, discounted menus. This year’s event takes place on July 13th & 14th, 2018.
5) Kaaboo Del Mar Festival
http://www.visitcalifornia.com/
No list of festivals is complete without a music festival, and the Kaaboo Del Mar is certainly one of San Diego’s best. Taking place right at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, North County residents no longer have to make the trek down South, and can partake in the festivities right in their own backyard. KABOO’s lineup is mix of legacy and local acts. In the past, bands like Aerosmith, Cypress Hill, Hall and Oates, and Chris Isaak have performed alongside local acts that define the community. This year’s lineup includes Katy Perry, Imagine Dragons, and the Foo Fighters.
The festival takes place over three days, and unlike your typical music festival, is very well-organized and clean (real, flushing toilets, versus portable toilets). The main mission for KABOO is to appeal to all five senses by mixing music, art, comedy, and cuisine. There are several levels of the festival that are optional for guests that make this possible. For example, with “Palate,” visitors will be able to sample artisanal fare in an upscale culinary environment, while “Amplify” elevates the festival experience to another level. And lastly, over at “Bask,” guests can enjoy premium beach-side cabanas, and a direct stage view with a pool. This year, the event takes place between September 16th - 18th.
