Need something to do in May? Here is a list of events being held in San Diego County.April 30 – May 1, Annual Roots Fest & Healing Arts FestFree two-day event that will feature five stages of musical entertainment; folk, Cajun, country, gospel, jazz, blues, and bluegrass. There’s a beer garden, a separate beer-tasting area, tantalizing food, and merchandise. A Healing Arts Fest accompanies the event featuring health-related productsand services.Time: 10:00 am – 7:00 pmLocation: Normal Heights – Adams AvenueFor more information visit www.adamsavenuebusiness.com
April 30 – May 1, Annual Mission Federal ArtWalkAn exceptional showcase of art in Littly Italy.  This is the largest art event in San Diego with more than 300 visual artists from all over the world coming to show and sell their art.Time: 11:00 am – 6:00 pmLocation: Downtown San Diego – Little ItalyFor more information visit www.missionfederalartwalk.org
May 1, Carlsbad Spring Village FaireThe largest one-day fair in California.  Features hundreds of exhibitors with a little of everything such as arts & crafts, antiques, clothing, a large variety of food stands serving international foods, and children’s rides.Time: 8:00 am – 5:00 pmLocation: Carlsbad Village, CarlsbadFor more information visit www.kennedyfaires.com/carlsbad
May 6-8, Gator by the Bay FestivalIt’s all about music, dance, fun and food!More than 85 performances on 6 stages and 8000 pounds of crawfish!Time: Refer to website for scheduleLocation: Spanish Landing Park at Harbor Island, Harbor Island, San Diego BayFor more information visit www.gatorbythebay.com
May 7, Chocolate Festival San Diego Botanic GardenEnjoy dozens of delectable chocolate tastings, demonstrations, a chocolate fountain, and more. This family-friendly event also features lots of children’s activities (ages 2-12) and a variety of Mother’s Day gifts.Time: 10:00 am – 4:00 pmLocation: San Diego Botanic Garden, 230 Quail Gardens Dr., EncinitasFor more information visit www.sdbgarden.org
May 7, Annual SDHS & SPCA Walk for AnimalsWith a mixture of dogs and people, the event will begin with a pancake breakfast and canine activities. Then, it proceeds with a short walk around Crown Point Shores ending with an enjoyable afternoon mingling with new friends.Time: 7:00 am – 2:00 pmLocation: West Mission Bay, Crown Point Shores near Corona Oriente Rd.For more information visit www.sdhumane.org
May 7, Oceanside Heritage DayThis will be a day of family fun featuring music, local surf art, classic cars, crafts, face painting, and special guest speakers. Food & drinks will be available. Cost: $5.00 Adults / $1.00 Children.Time: 1:00 pm – 4:30 pmLocation: Heritage Park, 220 Peyri Rd., OceansideFor more information call 760-435-5529
May 8, Annual Festival Cinco de MayoThe event will include live entertainment on three stages, authentic food from Mexico and around the world, local crafters and contests.Time: 11:00 am – 7:00 pmLocation: Downtown Chula Vista, Stages at E & F StreetsFor more information visit www.thirdavenuevillage.com
May 8, Annual Mother’s Day Fancy Dress SwimFundraiser for World Swims Against Malaria.  Mothers will “dip” in the ocean wearing their Mother’s Day finest.Time: 10:00 am – 11:00 amLocation: North Pier Beach, OceansideFor more information call 760-803-0837
May 13-14, Annual Allied Gardens SpringFestBring the whole family to this 2-day festival for guaranteed fun. Carnival, pony rides, inflatables, rock climbing wall and dunk tank.   Food, beer garden (5-11 pm), three stages featuring local musical talent.Time: Fri.  5:00 pm – 11:00 pm / Sat.  9:00 am – 11:00 pmLocation: Allied Gardens Community Park, 5155 Greenbrier Ave.For more information visit www.navajoevents.com
May 14, Wild West FestA re-creation of the “wild west” days when cowboys ruled. Shop at the trading post, ride the bucking bronco in the Fun Zone, pony rides, and create a cowboy hat to take home. Real cowboys will demonstrate shoot outs, rope tricks and much more.Time: 11:00 am – 2:00 pmLocation: Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park, 6200 Flying L C Lane, CarlsbadFor more information call 760-434-2843
May 14, Annual Rockola Benefit ConcertRockola, San Diego-based and nationally known as America’s Classic Rock Experience, will be performing and proceeds from this year’s concert will benefit the Fallbrook Food Pantry, FHS Warrior Band, and FHS Madrigals.Time: 7:00 pm – 10:00 pmLocation: Bob Burton Center for the Performing Arts, 2400 South Stage Coach Ln., FallbrookFor more information visit www.rockola.com
May 14, Bark in the Park – A Dog Day CelebrationThis event will include FREE demonstrations, pet vendor booths, contests for participants and their pets, and more. Hot dogs and hamburgers will be available for purchase throughout the event. A small entry fee is required to show dogs.Time: 10:00 am – 2:00 pmLocation: Poway Dog Park, 13094 Civic Center Dr., PowayFor more information call 858-774-5017
May 14 – 15, Annual Encinitas Sports FestivalJoin 3000 of your closest friends and family for two days of sports and fun in Encinitas. The City becomes a sports destination the weekend before Memorial Day and you don’t want to miss it. Triathlons, Duathlon, Bike Tour with choice of 3 distances, 5K Run, Kids & Family 1K Walk/Run, Moonlight Beach Paddle & Swim, and a 2-day sports expo.Time: Refer to websiteLocation: Various locations in Encinitas, refer to websiteFor more information visit www.encinitasrace.com/esff.html
May 15, Annual North Park Festival of the ArtsAn explosion of arts, culture and entertainment with live entertainment, specialty booths, food court, beer garden, Kid’s Art Beat, and tons more stuff. See website for various venues and prices.Time: 10:00 am – 6:00 pmLocation: North Park – University Ave. & 30thFor more information visit www.northparkmainstreet.com
May 15, Escondido Street FaireThe second largest street fair in California will feature live entertainment as well as over 600 booths showcasing arts & crafts, unique clothing, and international foods. Children’s rides, rock-climbing wall, and more.Time: 10:00 am – 6:00 pmLocation: Downtown Escondido, Grand Ave. between Center City Parkway and IvyFor more information visit www.kennedyfaires.com/escondido
May 15, Annual Navy’s Original Bay Bridge Run/WalkThis is a rare opportunity to run or walk across the Coronado Bay Bridge.  The route begins in downtown San Diego and proceeds across the bridge and on to Coronado Island to Tidelands Park concluding with fun festivities.Time: 7:30 am – 11:00 amLocation: Start at Bayfront Hilton Parking Lot, One Park Blvd., downtown San DiegoFor more information visit www.mwrtoday.com
May 21, OB Beach BallAn outdoor live music, action sports, and microbrew festival.The event begins with a running race along the beach, but wait... there’s more! There will be beer, food, merchandise and a Ferris wheel, skateboarding demonstrations, mechanical bull rides, a tug-of-war contest, and a human haulin’ contest.Time: 9:00 am – 9:00 pmLocation: Ocean Beach, Pier parking lot / Veterans Plaza / Lifeguard parking lotFor more information visit www.oceanbeachsandiego.com
May 22, Annual Festa SicilianaCelebrate Sicilian-Italian American heritage and enjoy delicious cuisine from local restaurants in a festive setting in Little Italy. Music, beer, wine, dancing and some interesting ethnic art & craft items to peruse. Free admission.Time: 10:00 am – 6:00 pmLocation: Little Italy, Downtown San DiegoFor more information visit www.sicilianfesta.com/