Events
Old Town’s Fiesta Cinco de Mayo
May 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. More Info
Gaslamp Quarter’s Cinco de Mayo
May 3. Viva la fiesta! Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in the heart of the Gaslamp at this huge block party-meets-fiesta. The fun includes lucha libre matches (along with free meet-and-greets with your favorite wrestlers); live music by mariachi and Hispanic/Latin bands; Ballet Folklórico dance performances; a lowrider car show and competition; an artisanal mercado showcasing Mexican and Spanish artists; mezcal tastings; and plenty of food and drink specials from Gaslamp bars and restaurants. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Free general admission. Fifth Avenue and Market Street, Gaslamp Quarter. More Info
S.D. Humane Society’s Walk for Animals
May 3. Caring for 40,000 animals each year, the San Diego Humane Society presents its annual Walk for Animals—aka “the best walk you will take all year.” 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 to reserve a spot and/or to make a donation. 2455 Cushing Road, Liberty Station. More Info
Seaport Village’s Cinco de Mayo Celebration
May 3. Presented in partnership with XEWT Canal 12 Televisa, Seaport Village is pulling out all the stops for its Cinco de Mayo celebration on Saturday. Enjoy a family-friendly fiesta along the bay with live music and Mariachi bands, including Mariachi Continental de San Diego; dance performances by Ballet Folklórico Ti-Pai (pictured); a salsa dancing workshop; beats by DJ Nando and other musicians; plenty of contests, raffles and photos ops; and food from Seaport Village eateries, including Quiero Tacos and Marion’s Fish Market. 1-5 p.m. Free entry. 849 W. Harbor Drive, downtown. seaportvillage.com
Food + Drink
Taste of Cardiff 2024
May 1. Cardiff 101 Main Street present this 15th annual culinary adventure in the heart of the Cardiff-by-the-Sea community of Encinitas. Enjoy bites from more than 20 Cardiff restaurants, including Besta Wan Pizza House, Pacific Coast Grill, Waverly, VG Donut & Bakery, and Cardiff Seaside Market; plus sips from area bars and coffeehouses; offerings from local retailers; and live music. And cast your vote for the coveted Morgan Mallory Golden Fork Award. 5:30-8:30 p.m. $50 Taste Only Tickets; $55 Taste & Sip tickets. Downtown Cardiff-by-the-Sea and Restaurant Row along S. Coast Hwy. 101. cardiff101.com
James Beard Winners Food & Wine Festival
May 2-4. Head to Rancho Bernardo Inn for this first-ever festival: a weekend of culinary programming and experiences with James Beard Award-winning chefs, master sommeliers and acclaimed mixologists. Highlights include a six-course Chef Tour dinner featuring Casey Thompson, Jimmy Schmidt, Matt Vawter, Alex Seidel and more; a VIP welcome reception; and a Culinary Getaway package that includes a two-night stay and full weekend access to the main events, culinary classes and a Champagne brunch on Sunday. See website for details and pricing. 17750 Bernardo Oaks Drive, Rancho Bernardo, 855.574.5356. More Info
L’Auberge Uncorked Wine Festival
May 3. L’Auberge Del Mar hosts its inaugural 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 Robert Mondavi, Joseph Phelps, Faust, Chimney Rock, Emmolo, Charles Krug, Justin, Caymus Sea Sun, Benton Lane, Quintessa and more. Guests will also enjoy tray-passed hors d’oeuvres, live music and a blind tasting experience. 1-4 p.m. See website for details, ticket pricing and available room packages. 1540 Camino del Mar, Del Mar, 858.386.1336. More Info
San Diego Zoo Food, Wine & Brew 2025
May 3. Sip and sample under the stars for a great cause at one of the city’s most beloved tasting events. Helping to support the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s global conservation efforts across six continents, the evening features more than 130 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
Beach Bake & Shake at Kona Kai
May 4. Kona Kai San Diego presents its first annual Beach Bake & Shake—a New England-style clambake curated by Vessel Restaurant + Bar’s executive chef Ethan Brown. Unfolding on the resort’s private beach, the casual soiree includes a live band, beverages from Kokomo, games, and of course, baked clams. Feast on a family-style array of clams, lobster, mussels, oysters and shrimp; plus roasted potatoes, corn, crab cakes and more. A portion of the event’s proceeds will benefit the Surfrider Foundation. 5:30-8:30 p.m. $65 adults; $30 kids. 1551 Shelter Island Drive, Shelter Island, 619.452.3138. resortkonakai.com
Arts + Culture
Cygnet Theatre: The Hot Wing King
Closes May 2. Cygnet Theatre brings us a fierce comedy, The Hot Wing King, at Old Town Theatre. Playwright Katori Hall’s Pulitzer Prize winner takes us to Memphis for its highly competitive “Hot Wang Festival.” With the support of his partner Dwayne and their friends, Cordell Crutchfield is bent on the winning the competition’s crown … until his troubled nephew enters the picture amid a family tragedy, and chaos ensues. Kian Kline-Chilton directs. See website for showtimes and tickets (recommended for ages 15 and older). 4040 Twiggs St., Old Town, 619.337.1525. cygnettheatre.org
Photo credits: “The Hot Wing King” by Karli Cadel Photography. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.
