We’re in the final month before the summer vacationers hit the city and revitalize the tourism industry! May events in San Diego include annual events like the Scoop Ice Cream Festival and Cinco de Mayo. Can you tell we love our food here? Don’t forget about all the water activities as the sun comes out too.

Old Town Cinco de Mayo Celebration

Mariachi, Margaritas, and Folklorico dance! What else could you want?? Saturday and Sunday May 1st and 2nd from 10am – 6pm, head out to Old Town San Diego to enjoy the festivities! Individual restaurants will be having their own celebrations on Wednesday, May 5th.

If you’re looking for the best margarita spots in San Diego, check out this video! Restaurants across the county will be having block parties to adhere with outdoor dining regulations. My top recommendations are Death By Tequila in Encinitas or El Chingon in the Gaslamp District.

Seaport Village Chalk Walk

On Saturday, May 8th, 12-3pm, 10 professional chalk artists from all over Southern California will be creating large pieces of artwork at The Headquarters in Seaport Village. This family friendly event will have live music, giveaways, and creative photo ops. You can also visit the other shops and restaurants in The Headquarters like Puesto and Cheesecake Factory.

Scoop Ice Cream Festival

If you love ice cream, you’ve GOT to buy tickets for the Scoop San Diego Ice Cream Festival! Without a doubt, this is one of the most fun May events in San Diego that emulates the coming of summer. This year’s event will take place as a drive-thru in Balboa Park on May 22nd from 11am – 6pm. Proceeds from ticket sales are even going to a great cause –  the non-profit Feeding San Diego that assists families suffering from food insecurity.

You can buy tickets here and prepare yourself to eat delicious scoops from local ice cream shops like Salt & Straw, Handel’s, Holy Paleta, and 22 others. Tickets cost $45 for a car of 4 people. Each person will get a 1 ounce sample from each booth.

Storyhouse Spirits Re-Opening

The pandemic has been hard on many unique San Diego bars and restaurants, especially Storyhouse Spirits in East Village. The good news is that they are re-opening on May 1st! This venue is one of San Diego’s hidden gems boasting a two-level bar and spirits distillery in one. It has incredible views of the city, the distilling in progress, and you can even take these locally crafted spirits home with you. Trust me, you don’t want to miss out on this spot!

Petco Park Padres Games and Concerts

Baseball season is here! Petco Park is beginning to open its doors to attendees at baseball games and even a few concerts. The Padres are now offering single game tickets starting at $26. Buy tickets online here. If baseball isn’t your thing, there’s other May events in San Diego that might be perfect for you. Petco Park is hosting a Beach Boys concert on May 29th and a Ziggy Marley concert on May 30th.

Schedules are changing all the time, so follow me on Instagram and TikTok to keep up to date on the latest and greatest May events in San Diego!