Events
Old Town’s Fiesta Cinco de Mayo
May 2-3. Head to historical Old Town for some classic Cinco de Mayo fun. The annual festival features a mercado offering handmade leather pieces, jewelry, gifts, artwork and more; plus live music and entertainment, including traditional dance performances. Guests can also sample food and libations (read: cervezas and margaritas) from local eateries offering specials all weekend. (Limited parking is available; guests are encouraged to take the Red Line Trolley.) 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Admission is free. Fiesta de Reyes in Old Town State Park, Old Town. Details
S.D. Humane Society’s Walk for Animals
May 2. Caring for 40,000 animals each year, the San Diego Humane Society presents its annual Walk for Animals. Bring your canine bestie and join hundreds of fellow animal lovers for a walk around Liberty Station’s NTC Park. The event includes a pancake breakfast, live music, vendors, dog activities and more. Funds raised will benefit the Humane Society’s crucial rescue, medical care and adoption programming. 7-11 a.m. Free general admission; see website for detailed schedule, to register and/or to make a donation. 2455 Cushing Road, Liberty Station. Details
Seaport Village’s Cinco de Mayo Celebration
May 3. Seaport Village presents a fun Cinco de Mayo celebration in its Carousel District on Sunday. Enjoy a family-friendly fiesta along San Diego Bay with live music and Baile Folklórico dance performances; drink specials and festive food bites from Margaritas Kitchen & Cantina, including tri-color margaritas and a free yard glass with a margarita purchase; special menu items from SD Burger; pop-ups from outfits such as Modelo and Island Oasis; and themed decorations. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Free entry. 849 W. Harbor Drive, downtown. seaportvillage.com
San Diego Music Awards
Upcoming | May 6. Now in its 35th year, the San Diego Music Awards honor the talent and diversity of the county’s music community; while benefitting the San Diego Music Foundation’s “Guitars for Schools” program. Head to Humphreys Concerts by the Bay on—when awards will be given for “Song of the Year,” “Artist of the Year, “Album of the Year,” “Best New Artist,” “Best Video” and nearly two dozen other categories. Attendees can also enjoy performances by San Diego’s top musicians. See website for ticket pricings. 7 p.m. 2241 Shelter Island Drive, Shelter Island. Details
Food + Drink
“Juleps & Jockeys” Derby Party at Sally’s
May 2. Glam up and giddy up! In celebration of the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, Sally’s Waterfront Dining at Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego presents “Juleps & Jockeys: A Kentucky Derby Garden Party.” Guests are invited to dress the part for a viewing party that includes four big-screen TVs; signature cocktails like Mint Juleps and Old Fashioneds; photos ops; special Derby Day Bites; giveaways; and contests, including awards like “Best Hat” and “Best Dressed.” Noon-4 p.m. See website for details and tickets. 1 Market Place, downtown. Details
San Diego Zoo’s “Food, Wine & Brew 2026”
May 2. Sip and sample under the stars for a great cause at one of the city’s most beloved tasting events. Supporting the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s global conservation efforts, the evening features more than 100 SoCal restaurants, breweries, wineries and spirits distillers—letting guests roam the zoo grounds while indulging in unlimited bite-sized culinary creations and pours—plus live music; and a chance to get close to “wildlife ambassadors” on the Conservation Stage. 7:30-10 p.m. See website for ticket pricing. 2920 Zoo Drive, Balboa Park. Details
SoCal Taco Fest at SeaWorld
May 2-3. SeaWorld San Diego’s annual Viva La Música event (Fridays-Sundays, May 1-17) kicks off with SoCal Taco Fest. This family-friendly, all-ages festival features fare from the best taco spots in the region, culinary demos, Lucha Libre All-Star matches, Chihuahua beauty pageants, live music and DJs. Viva La Música presents live Latin music at SeaWorld’s Bayside Amphitheater; along with cultural performances and authentic cuisine. See website for details, ticket pricing, park hours and other admission info. 500 Sea World Drive, Mission Bay, 619.222.4732. Details
L’Auberge Uncorked Wine Festival
May 3. L’Auberge Del Mar hosts its second annual wine festival, L’Auberge Uncorked: A Coastal Wine Celebration. Oenophiles are invited to gather on the resort’s elegant ocean-view terrace for an afternoon of wine sampling by the sea. Vendors include Stoney Hill, Joseph Jewell, Favia, Caymus, Faust, Austin Hope, JUSTIN, Chimney Rock, Brave and Maiden, and more. The fun also includes tray-passed hors d’oeuvres, live music and special guests. 1-4 p.m. See website for ticket pricing. 1540 Camino del Mar, Del Mar, 858.386.1336. Details
Arts + Culture
Broadway San Diego: Riverdance
May 1-3. At the Civic Theatre, Broadway San Diego brings us Riverdance, celebrating the international dance and music troupe’s 30th anniversary with an electric production comprising all-new choreography, costumes, lighting and graphics. A fusion of Irish and international dance, Riverdance, composed by Bill Whelan, welcomes “The New Generation” of performers—all of whom were not born when the show launched three decades ago. See website for showtimes and tickets. 1100 Third Ave., downtown, broadwaysd.com
S.D. Botanic Garden: Orchid Exhibit
May 2-June 1. San Diego Botanic Garden presents its sixth annual orchid showcase, whose theme this year is “Orchids in the Wild.” Head to the 8,000-square-foot, glass-enclosed Dickinson Family Education Conservatory, which has been transformed into a lush orchid oasis—housing hundreds of orchid species, from rare blooms to locally bred hybrids to new varieties featured each week. On-site plant vendors will also be featured each weekend; plus hands-on classes that complement the exhibition. See website for tickets. 300 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas, 760.436.3036. sdbg.org
San Diego Zoo is by San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. San Diego Music Awards is by Dennis Andersen Photography. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.
