Things to Do in North County This Month: May 2025

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

May 1: Taste of Cardiff | Cardiff-by-the-Sea

Taste your way through downtown Cardiff with local bites, craft sips, and live tunes at this delicious community celebration. [Learn More]

May 2-4: FoodieLand Night Market | Del Mar

Get hungry and dive into 250+ vendors serving up global flavors, games, and family fun at FoodieLand at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. [Learn More]

May 3-4: Spring Renaissance Faire | Escondido

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]

May 5: Cinco de Mayo Festival | Escondido

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]

May 4—June 1: World of Orchids | Encinitas

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]

May 4: The Carlsbad Village Street Faire | Carlsbad

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]

May 17: Heart of ICA Gala | Encinitas

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

May 25: Vista Strawberry Festival | Vista

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

May 31—June 1: Fiesta del Sol | Solana Beach

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]

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