May in San Diego is where sunshine, celebration, and community come together in full force. From electrifying concerts and major sporting events to vibrant cultural festivals and family-friendly markets, the city is bursting with energy at every turn. Whether you're planning a weekend outing or filling your entire calendar, here’s your ultimate guide to everything happening this May.

🎶 Music & Entertainment Events

Atsuko Okatsuka
May 1–3, 2026
Balboa Theatre
Laugh your way into the month with Atsuko Okatsuka’s offbeat and refreshingly original comedy. Her witty storytelling and unique perspective make for an unforgettable live performance.

San Diego French Film Festival
May 3–7, 2026
THE LOT La Jolla
Dive into the world of francophone cinema with a curated lineup highlighting powerful storytelling and diverse perspectives—especially from female filmmakers.

MJ The Musical
May 5–10, 2026
San Diego Civic Theatre
Celebrate the King of Pop in this high-energy Broadway production that brings Michael Jackson’s legendary music and story to life with stunning choreography and iconic hits.

Gator By The Bay Festival
May 7–10, 2026
North Harbor Drive
Transport yourself to Louisiana with live Zydeco, blues, and Cajun beats paired with authentic Creole cuisine.

Prokofiev’s Fifth Symphony
May 9–10, 2026
Joan and Irwin Jacobs Music Center
Experience a powerful orchestral performance that blends drama, triumph, and emotion.

ArtSpectrum 2026
May 9, 2026
The Studio Door (Gallery 21, Balboa Park)
Celebrate creativity through a dynamic exhibition showcasing diverse works from local LGBTQ+ artists.

Tracy Drain: Cosmic Adventures
May 14, 2026
The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center
Take a journey through space with NASA engineer Tracy Drain as she shares insights into groundbreaking missions.

P!NK | Curebound Concert for Cures
May 15, 2026
Petco Park
Experience a powerhouse performance filled with emotional ballads and high-energy anthems—all for a meaningful cause.

Island Vibe Music Festival
May 16, 2026
Embarcadero Marina Park North
Feel the rhythm of the islands with reggae, world music, and cultural showcases in a vibrant setting.

Machine Gun Kelly
May 17, 2026
North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre
Catch the genre-blending artist live with a high-energy performance full of hits and raw emotion.

San Diego Ballet: Impressionism – I Love Paris
May 22–24, 2026
San Diego Museum of Art
Experience a stunning fusion of dance, art, and music inspired by French Impressionism.

Craig Robinson
May 28–30, 2026
The American Comedy Co.
Enjoy a night of laughs and musical comedy from the beloved The Office star.

Pitbull Live in Concert
May 29, 2026
North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre
Dance the night away with Mr. Worldwide and his chart-topping hits.

Candlelight: Tribute to Adele
May 30, 2026
San Diego Natural History Museum
Enjoy an intimate candlelit concert featuring Adele’s most emotional songs performed by a string quartet.

🏟️ Sporting Events

San Diego Padres vs. Chicago White Sox
May 1, 2026
Petco Park
Kick off the month with exciting MLB action, plus live music and drink specials.

Sunrise Marathon (5K, 10K, Half Marathon)
May 2, 2026
Mission Point, San Diego
Start your day with a scenic sunrise run perfect for all fitness levels.

Bubble Run San Diego
May 2, 2026
Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center
A fun, foam-filled 5K that’s perfect for participants of all ages.

Trails n Vines Wine Run
May 2, 2026
Orfila Winery
Run through scenic vineyards and celebrate with wine tastings at the finish.

San Diego Wave FC vs. Bay FC
May 3, 2026
Snapdragon Stadium
Experience the excitement of professional women’s soccer in a lively atmosphere.

San Diego Padres vs. St. Louis Cardinals
May 7, 2026
Petco Park
Catch another thrilling Padres game with an electric crowd.

Liberty Station Half Marathon & 5K
May 10, 2026
Liberty Station
Enjoy a scenic race paired with fun activities and community spirit.

San Diego Wave FC vs. Washington Spirit
May 15, 2026
Snapdragon Stadium
Another exciting soccer match, celebrating AANHPI Night.

Over the Line Beer Fest & Tournament
May 16, 2026
Mariner’s Point Park
A uniquely San Diego tradition combining beach games, craft beer, and fun.

The Beach Soccer Championships
May 29–31, 2026
Harbor Beach
Enjoy a thrilling sand soccer tournament with teams of all levels.

Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series
May 30–31, 2026
San Diego Convention Center
Run through iconic neighborhoods in this music-filled marathon experience.

🍴 Food & Family Events

San Diego Cinco de Mayo Celebration
May 1–5, 2026
Gaslamp Quarter
Celebrate with mariachi music, dancing, food, and festive energy for the whole family.

Santee Lakes Spring Market
May 2, 2026
Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve
Shop handcrafted goods and enjoy a lively lakeside atmosphere.

Spring Garden & Butterfly Festival
May 2, 2026
Cuyamaca College
Explore plants, workshops, and family-friendly garden activities.

San Diego Made Spring Market
May 2, 2026
Commercial Street
Discover local artisans showcasing handcrafted goods and creative designs.

Wing Fest San Diego
May 2, 2026
Broadway Pier / Port Pavilion
Enjoy delicious wings, live entertainment, and fun competitions.

Food, Wine, and Brew at the Zoo
May 2, 2026
San Diego Zoo
Sip and savor local flavors while supporting wildlife conservation.

International Lawn Program (Ethnic Food Fair)
May 2–3, 2026
Balboa Park
Taste global cuisine and enjoy cultural performances.

Mother’s Day Craft & Vendor Market
May 2–3, 2026
Parkway Plaza
Find unique gifts and support local vendors just in time for Mother’s Day.

Carlsbad Spring Village Faire
May 3, 2026
Carlsbad Village
One of the largest street fairs featuring hundreds of vendors, food, and family fun.

Children’s Day
May 3, 2026
Balboa Park
Enjoy cultural performances, activities, and interactive experiences for kids.

MotorCars on MainStreet
May 3, 2026
Coronado MainStreet
Admire beautifully restored classic cars in a charming coastal setting.

Mother’s Day Brunch
May 10, 2026
Marina Kitchen
Treat Mom to a gourmet brunch experience with waterfront views.

Mother’s Day Gondola Cruises
May 10, 2026
The Gondola Company
Celebrate with a relaxing and scenic gondola ride through Coronado.

Asian Cultural Festival
May 16, 2026
House of Pacific Relations
Experience vibrant traditions, performances, and cuisine celebrating Asian heritage.

Valley Center Western Days
May 22–23, 2026
Lilac Road 1781
Enjoy a Wild West celebration with parades, rodeo fun, and family activities.

Santee Street Fair & Craft Beer Festival
May 23, 2026
Town Center Parkway & Riverview Parkway
Explore local crafts, food vendors, live entertainment, and a lively beer garden.

Vista Strawberry Festival
May 24, 2026
Vista Chamber of Commerce
Celebrate with strawberry treats, contests, and family-friendly fun.

Memorial Day at Fort Rosecrans
May 25, 2026
Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery
Honor and remember with a meaningful tribute to fallen heroes.

May 2026 in San Diego is packed with unforgettable experiences—from lively concerts and sporting events to cultural festivals and family-friendly fun. Whether you're soaking in live music, cheering at a game, or exploring local markets, there’s no shortage of ways to make the most of this vibrant spring month.