Springtime brings the start of more daylight hours, great weather and flowers blooming in San Diego County.
Spring is also the time for outdoor events such as San Diego Padres opening day, Chicano Park Day and the Escondido Street Fair.
Here are 15 events and shows to experience this spring, from March 20 to June 20, listed in chronological order.
Padre fans watch from Gallagher Square during Opening Day against the Atlanta Braves at Petco Park on Thursday, March 27, 2025, in San Diego, CA. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
March
Nature night: The Children’s Museum of Discovery is staying open after hours for its annual Nature Night. The event partners with other nature and wildlife organizations to offer an interactive learning experience through science, technology, reading, engineering, art and math for children ages four to 10. Some of these activities include animal tracking with San Diego Parks and Recreation, the science of scent with California Wolf Center and pollination with the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. 5 to 7:30 p.m. March 21. 320 North Broadway, Escondido. $12-$17. 760-233-7755, visitcmod.org
Candlelight concert: Bad Bunny fans can discover a new way to listen to the Super Bowl headlining musician and Puerto Rican’s songs at a candlelight concert at the San Diego Natural History Museum. A live string quartet will be playing Bad Bunny’s most popular songs such as “Callaita” and “Titi Me Pregunto” during a one-hour show. Also, the venue will be surrounded by lit candles. 8:30 p.m. March 26. 1788 El Prado, San Diego. feverup.com/en/san-diego/candlelight
Party in the Park: Professional baseball is back at Petco Park, as the San Diego Padres are hosting the first Party in the Park theme night of the season on March 27. Fans attending the game can get $5 drink specials and see live entertainment at Gallagher Square before the game. Plus, the first 40,000 guests to enter Petco Park will receive a free Padres scarf. 4 p.m. gates open. 6:40 p.m. game starts. March 27. 100 Park Blvd., San Diego. $39-$305. 619-795-5555, mlb.com/padres/tickets/specials/party-in-the-park
East Village block party: The return of San Diego Padres baseball also means the comeback of the annual East Village Block Party. The 14th edition will be a free, family-friendly event with live music, merchant vendors, food and entertainment. This year, there will also be a classic car show, fitness and sports demonstrations and interactive family activities. 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. March 28. J Street from Sixth Avenue to Tenth Avenue. eastvillagesandiego.com
April
Taste of Hillcrest: The public can try over 25 restaurants at the Taste of Hillcrest. This self-guided tour takes guests to taste various eateries such as Baja Betty’s, Crest Cafe and Gossip Grill. Noon to 4 p.m. April 11. 1601 University Ave., San Diego. $40-$50. fabuloushillcrest.com/taste-of-hillcrest
Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz: A few days after buying out an entire photography show in Barrio Logan, it was announced that San Diego County residents Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz are bringing their “Giants: Art from the Dean Collection” show to the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego. The exhibit will showcase over 130 art pieces from the couple’s private collection, including work from 37 Black American and diasporic artists from Africa, Europe, the Caribbean and the U.S. April 17 through Aug. 9. 700 Prospect St., La Jolla. $15-$25. 858-454-3541, mcasd.org/exhibitions/giants
WOW Festival: This four-day celebration of the arts spotlights performances outside of conventional theater walls in more open and unique spaces, such as a boat, park or even in a bubble. WOW Festival, which stands for “Without Walls,” is a La Jolla Playhouse program and take place at various venues and spaces on the University of California, San Diego campus. April 23-26. 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla. Free. lajollaplayhouse.org/wowfestival
Chicano Park Day: The 56th annual Chicano Park Day honors the Barrio Logan community with music, dancing, food, a car show and a history lesson. Chicano Park was founded after an effort by Chicano movement activists and the Logan Heights community banding together in April 1970. They protested against the construction of a California Highway Patrol station. Since then, the community has celebrated the historical landmark with events, musical performances, Aztec Indigenous dances, cultural and historical speeches, food, artwork and lowrider car showcases. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 25. Chicano Park, 1949 Logan Ave., San Diego. Free. chicano-park.com
Mission Fed ArtWalk: A celebration of fine art is taking place in Little Italy at the 42nd Mission Fed ArtWalk. The event fills India Street with more than 250 visual artists, interactive art for families, four music stages and food vendors. Attendees will also have the opportunity to meet with artists who travel to this show from across the U.S. and Mexico. Artwork will also be available for purchase. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. April 25, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 26. Little Italy along India Street. artwalksandiego.org/missionfed
Pitbull will be performing live at North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre in Chula Vista on May 29. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)
May
Star Wars concert: Days before Star Wars Day (May the Fourth Be With You) The Rady Shell is hosting a special concert of “Star Wars: A New Hope.” The San Diego Symphony Orchestra will perform John Williams’ Oscar-winning score as the film is shown. The public will have two opportunities to watch this galactic show. 7:30 p.m. May 1. 6:30 p.m. May 3. 222 Marina Park Way, San Diego. $71-$152. theshell.org
Escondido Street Festival: About 400 vendors will be part of this year’s Escondido Street Festival. They will be showcasting handmade gifts, food, drinks and more for sale. There will be live music, a kids zone, an art area, a community stage and a beer and wine garden. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 17. Grand Avenue between Escondido Boulevard and Juniper Street. Free. downtownescondido.com
Taste of East Village: Over 30 restaurants are taking part in the Taste of East Village. Guests get a stamp card that acts as a passport with a map to guide them through the restaurant parts of the event. Attendees will get to sample various foods and drinks at participating eateries. 4 to 8 p.m. May 20 and 21. eastvillagesandiego.com/events/taste-of-east-village
Pitbull: Cuban-American and self-proclaimed Mr. Worldwide, Pitbull is returning to San Diego County for his latest “I’m Back Tour.” Miami-raised Pitbull is a multi-Grammy award winner, including Best Latin Rock, Urban or Alternative Album for “Dale” in 2016. He is known for hits such as “Give Me Everything,” “Timber” and “I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho).” Lil Jon and DJ Laz are also providing support on the tour. 8 p.m. May 29. North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre, 2050 Entertainment Circle, Chula Vista. $110-$1,227. northislandcreditunionamp.com
An aerial view of the 2024 San Diego County Fair at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
June
San Diego County Fair: This year’s fair theme is “Once Upon a Fair.” Guests can expect themed rides, shows and photo opportunities. The fair also brings a vast number of food choices, such as Chicken Charlie’s fried dishes, farm animals and petting zoos and several carnival games and rides. Plus, the 2026 concert lineup includes Los Tucanes de Tijuana, Marshmello and Good Charlotte. June 10 through July 5. sdfair.com
Taste of Little Italy: For two nights, the public can savor their way through San Diego’s Italian district at Taste of Little Italy. This event includes 48 square blocks of participating restaurants. Different businesses participate each night. Guests will receive an event-branded passport that acts as a stamp card and map to guide them through each stop of this self-guided walking food tour. Seating is available at the check-in location, Piazza della Famiglia, which will also have live music. 4 to 8 p.m. June 16 and 17. littleitalysd.com/events/taste-of-little-italy