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This is a traditional re-enactment of Mary and Joseph seeking shelter for the Christ child. A candlelight procession begins in Heritage Park, passing by historic homes and businesses that have food set out, and finishing at the plaza in Old Town State Historic Park.

San Diego’s gay community hits the streets in celebration of diversity. The parade begins at Fifth Avenue and Laurel in Hillcrest and moves to Balboa Park, where live bands, food booths, and a party atmosphere prevail. Outrageous costumes are the rule of the day.

Concerts at San Diego and Tijuana feature works by the wunderkind and his contemporaries.

Be quick to grab the strings of beads thrown off the floats at the Masquerade Parade. The parade begins in the afternoon at Fifth Avenue, but music and revelry carries on until the early morning. The food booths serve up New Orleans-style Cajun food.

Floats, equestrian units, clowns, marching bands, and drill teams make up only part of the 200 entries in the largest single-day event in San Diego County, attended by about 400,000 people annually. A tradition since 1947, the parade changes its theme every year but always revolves around a celebration of children.

A kite competition with prizes and demonstrations on the beach.

Animals, rides, food, and music.

A grand parade of marching bands, bagpipes, community organizations, horses, and school groups begins at Sixth and Juniper. Afterwards, an Irish festival takes place at Balboa Park with Irish dancers, lots to eat, green beer, and fun for the entire family.

Pile in and around Gas-lamp to enjoy 3 days of non-stop music.

Competitors build the most complex and imaginative sand castles.