Major Events

Bay to Park Paseo, a visionary project in San Diego endorsed by World Design Capital 2024, started with a celebration walk on April 13. Envisioned by urban planner John Nolen, it enhances the connection between San Diego Bay and Balboa Park. The project features engaging installations from 13 design teams along the 1.7-mile stretch of Park Boulevard. Bay to Park Paseo aims to generate more walking and enjoyment in public spaces. Free public guided tours start May 4, continuing the first and third Saturday through November, while self-guided tours are available anytime using the public sidewalk along Park Boulevard.

The 21st annual Gator by the Bay, the largest and most authentic Louisiana-themed music and food festival, will return to Spanish Landing Park on May 9-12. The four-day event will feature more than 100 live musical acts and special performances on seven stages, shaded wooden dance floors, artist presentations and delicious cuisine.

Taste of Little Italy, a renowned food event in San Diego, returns on June 18-19, promising two nights of gastronomic delight across 48 blocks of the neighborhood. With over 20 participating restaurants offering diverse cuisines like pizza, pasta, burgers, and sushi, attendees can explore a range of flavors. Guests will receive a Taste Passport upon arrival, allowing them to sample culinary delights as they roam, while live music adds to the vibrant atmosphere at Piazza della Famiglia and Piazza Basilone.

The Port of San Diego Big Bay Boom July 4th Fireworks Show is back this year, promising another spectacular display over San Diego Bay. Fireworks will be discharged simultaneously from barges placed strategically around the Bay off Shelter Island, Harbor Island, Embarcadero North, Marina District and the Coronado Ferry Landing. The impeccably choreographed display will last approximately 18 minutes, starting at 9 p.m.

Summer Nights at San Diego Botanic Garden will take place on select Thursdays in July and August, where guests can enjoy extended Garden hours until 8 p.m., concerts, special events, along with specialty food and drink packages. Live performances range from children’s group Hullabaloo to jazz guitarist Peter Sprague. The popular Wine in the Garden event will also return with wine tastings and presentations by Certified Sommelier Dane Kuta.

The Del Mar Thoroughbred Club will return for its 85th summer racing season this July. The upcoming 2024 season promises substantial prize money for participants and an extensive schedule of trackside events. Opening Day kicks off on Saturday, July 20, marking the start of a weekend filled with Southern California-style celebrations. Track goers can look forward to the fanfare that Opening Day brings to carry through the entire Opening Weekend – with the Opening Day Hats Contest, Opening Day Party, Del Mar Beer Fest on Sunday, July 21 and more. The summer racing season will run through September 8.

From August 2-4, visitors can immerse themselves in the vibrant spirit of Latin America at the Bazaar del Mundo's Latin American Festival, where artists showcase authentic folk art. Attendees can explore traditional crafts like woodcarving, painting, and weaving while enjoying live demonstrations by skilled artisans. Latin American cuisine and drinks from Casa Guadalajara will be available for visitors to savor as they immerse themselves in the rich culture and heritage of the region.

San Diego Bayfair's World Series of Powerboat Racing returns to Mission Bay Park from September 13-15. It features the longest and fastest racecourse on the H1 Unlimited hydroplane circuit, attracting over 5 million spectators over the years. From its beginnings in 1964 as a hydroplane race, Bayfair has evolved into a multi-event extravaganza with drag boats, international competitors, live music, and aerial demonstrations. Various boat-racing tours, including Formula One tunnel boats, Grand Prix West, P1 USA, and more, compete at Bayfair.

As a part of World Design Capital 2024, the World Design Experience, powered by the Design Forward Alliance and San Diego Design Week in collaboration with Mingei International Museum, spans seven days from September 18-25, celebrating design across the San Diego Tijuana region. It features a range of programs, including live community discussions, design studio tours, workshops, lectures, exhibitions, films, and podcasts from all design disciplines. Alongside these events, internationally recognized visual artist Daniel Ruanova from Tijuana and full-service architecture and design agency Heleo have been selected to create the temporary art installation "EXCHANGE Pavilion" in Balboa Park's Plaza de Panama, set to debut at the end of July. This immersive installation invites visitors to engage with its physical and conceptual presence, contributing to its public memory and sharing experiences with others.