As May rolls into San Diego, residents and visitors alike can look forward to a plethora of exciting events that capture the spirit of the season.
With longer days and blooming flowers, San Diego provides the perfect backdrop for an array of activities that include gastronomy, music, arts, and community celebrations.
This month promises something for everyone, whether you’re into food and drink, live music, theater, or cultural exhibits.
For food enthusiasts, the highly anticipated San Diego Magazine’s 2025 Brunch Bash is set to dazzle on May 10.
Held at the Omni La Costa Resort & Spa, this annual event features an all-you-can-eat brunch extravaganza, complete with unlimited bites, mimosas, and delightful desserts from a variety of local eateries.
Just a couple of days prior, from May 8 to 11, Gator by the Bay brings the vibrant flavors and festivities of Louisiana to Spanish Landing Park.
Attendees can enjoy an iconic assortment of Cajun and Creole dishes, including beignets, gumbo, and over 10,000 pounds of crawfish— a true culinary celebration of bayou culture.
Music lovers will not want to miss the excitement of live performances this month either.
British R&B girl group Flo will take the stage at the North Park Observatory on May 11, showcasing their debut album, Access All Areas, which was released in late 2024.
Then, on May 15, the Outlaw Music Festival promises an unforgettable evening of Americana sounds featuring legendary artists such as Billy Strings, Bob Dylan, and Willie Nelson at the North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre in Chula Vista.
The following weekend, on May 18, jazz aficionados can immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the Silent Film era at the Balboa Theatre, where an 11-piece jazz ensemble will perform a live score for the film Louis, inspired by the life of trumpeter Louis Armstrong.
Further adding to the lively atmosphere, the Fiesta Del Sol returns to Fletcher Cove Park for a weekend of celebration from May 31 to June 1.
With free admission, festival-goers can explore more than 200 vendors and enjoy live performances from a variety of local bands.
Theater enthusiasts will be thrilled to discover a vibrant lineup of stage productions taking place throughout the month.
Moonlight Stage Productions in Vista gets things rolling with the classic musical Grease, showing from April 30 to May 17.
This nostalgic favorite tells the story of high school romance paired with an unforgettable soundtrack and is sure to delight audiences of all ages.
Simultaneously, the San Diego Musical Theatre presents The Prom, running from May 2 to June 1 in Kearny Mesa, offering a heartfelt and humorous take on the importance of support for LGBTQ students.
For those yearning for a balletic experience, the State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine presents its enchanting adaptation of Sleeping Beauty on May 9 and 10 at the California Center for the Arts in Escondido.
This will be followed by a Sunday matinee at the Balboa Theatre, allowing even more audiences to appreciate this timeless classic.
Art lovers, too, have much to look forward to with the Mingei International Museum’s special exhibit, Tuck and Roll: The Art of Armadillos, showcasing the unique art and culture surrounding these intriguing creatures from May 24 to January 11, 2026.
Additionally, A Beautiful Noise will transport audiences through Neil Diamond’s journey from his humble Brooklyn beginnings to musical stardom, taking over the Civic Theatre from May 27 to June 1.
Beyond these main attractions, there are even more events that capture the creative spirit of San Diego this May.
On May 3, the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego in La Jolla hosts The Avant Garde Ball, an evening designed to celebrate innovative art, music, and fashion with open bars, art installations, and live performances.
Furthermore, the Over the Line Beer Fest & Tournament at the Old Mission Beach Athletic Club on May 17 promises a thrilling day of outdoor fun and friendly competition.
Gather your friends, grab your tickets, and dive into the myriad of activities that await in San Diego this May.
Whether it’s enjoying delicious food, captivating music, or enriching cultural experiences, there’s something for everyone to enjoy under the sun!
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