From food festivals and flower showcases to cultural celebrations and coastal concerts, the month is packed with events that capture the spirit of the season. Whether you’re craving local bites, live music, art, or a day of family fun, there’s something happening every weekend. Here’s your guide to the must-visit festivals and happenings across North County this May.
PHOTOS VIA JAX CONNOLLY / CARDIFF 101 MAINSTREET
Taste your way through downtown Cardiff with local bites, craft sips, and live tunes at this delicious community celebration. [Learn More]
Get hungry and dive into 250+ vendors serving up global flavors, games, and family fun at FoodieLand at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. [Learn More]
Step back to the 16th century at the Escondido Renaissance Faire, featuring jousting, battle reenactments, live entertainment, hearty feasts, and medieval merriment for the whole family. [Learn More]
Celebrate cinco de mayo with live music, dancing, food, drinks, and family fun at the free North County festival at Grape Day Park. [Learn More]
Step into the lavish world of victorian-era orchid mania at World of Orchids at the San Diego Botanic Garden, a stunning spring showcase featuring hundreds of vibrant blooms, special workshops, and more — until June 1st. [Learn More]
900 arts and crafts booths, antiques, international food court, a huge section with children’s rides, an entertainment stage, and beer garden comprises the largest one-day street faire in the nation — right in the heart of Carlsbad. [Learn More]
Celebrate art, community, and connection at ICA San Diego North’s Heart of ICA Gala, featuring cocktails, dinner by Pamplemousse Grille, a live auction, and music under the stars. [Learn More]
PHOTOS VIA VISTA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL
Celebrate all things strawberry with sweet treats, a 5k run, live entertainment, contests, and family fun all weekend long at the 14th Annual Vista Strawberry Festival. [Learn More]
PHOTOS VIA FIESTA DEL SOL
Kick off summer with 2 days of live music, local art, delicious food, and family fun at the free beachside Fiesta del Sol in Solana Beach. [Learn More]
The new upscale Peruvian restaurant has landed in Carlsbad, offering authentic dishes, gourmet seafood, and handcrafted cocktails in an elegant, romantic setting.
Discover Lana, Solana Beach’s newest upscale restaurant opening in spring 2025, offering elevated comfort food and coastal-inspired dining.
Enter to win 2 passes to the Bro-Am Benefit Party: an unforgettable night of live music, great food, and giving back in Carlsbad on June 19th.
Oceanside’s oldest coffee shop is back—with a plant-forward menu, new events, and a Grammy-winning partner.
Discover the best Mother’s Day brunches, events, and things to do in North County San Diego.
From foodie moms to plant moms: explore the best local and online gift ideas for every type of mom this Mother’s Day.
