May 2012 North San Diego County List Of Fun Things to Do

Please call ahead to confirm dates and times

There's always plenty of activities year round because of our great weather. Here's a calendar of select events. Maybe I will see you at some. Enjoy!

May 5
Salvation Army 3rd Annual Spring Fling Festival
This festival will feature dozens of local crafters in indoor and outdoor booths. There will also be live musical entertainment and a fun carnival zone for the kids. A special feature will be the Silent Auction featuring donations from many an Diego businesses. 9am-3pm. Salvation Army, 4170 Balboa Ave., Clairemont www.sandiegocitadel.com

May 5-6
Escondido Renaissance Faire
Travel back to the 16th century and the glories of the reign of Elizabeth the First. Activities include several of Will Shakespeare´s new plays, battle pageants, music in the streets, jugglers and hundreds of costumed re-enactors performing in this giant outdoor play. There is an admission fee, which covers all entertainment. 10am-6pm. Felicita County Park, 742 Clarence Lane, Escondido www.goldcoastfestivals.com/Escondido.html

May 4 - 6
28th Annual Fiesta Cinco de Mayo - Old Town
Old Town comes alive with a celebration of art, culture, and history of the 1800´s. Ride in a horse drawn stagecoach, enjoy music, carnival rides and games, car show, chalk art, riding and roping show, Mexican wrestling, and other activities. Visit museums and specialty shops, and dine on delicious food and drink. Free. Located in a 22 block area of the Old Town community and Old Town San Diego Historic State Park. Fri 5-10pm, Sat 11am-10pm, Sun 11am-5pm www.fiestacincodemayo.com www.fiestaoldtown.com

May 6
Carlsbad Village Faire
Beautiful and balmy days in the coastal city of Carlsbad beckon you to the largest one day street faire anywhere! The Village Faire features over 850 unique vendors with a little of everything: arts & crafts, antiques, unique clothing, items from around the world, and more. Children´s rides, an international food center, and an old-fashioned pancake breakfast guarantee that you´ll find fun for the whole family! 8am-5pm www.carlsbad.org www.kennedyfaires.com/carlsbad

May 11-13
11th Annual Gator by the Bay
A family event featuring Zydeco and Cajun bands, Blues bands and community musical groups performing on multiple stages. Enjoy Cajun and Creole food, cooking demonstrations, strolling entertainers, dance lessons, and more. Spanish Landing Park at Harbor Island, Harbor Drive, San Diego Bay www.gatorbythebay.com

May 12
Asian Cultural Festival of San Diego
Enjoy musical performances, costumed dancing, martial arts, craft-making, merchandise booths, cultural exhibits and cooking demonstration. There will be a food court, picnic area, and a kid´s area. 10am-6pm Liberty Station, NTC Park, near Cushing & Roosevelt Rds, Point Loma www.asianculturalfestivalsd.com

May 12
Chocolate Festival - Botanic Garden
Spend the Saturday before Mother´s Day at San Diego Botanic Garden´s famous Chocolate Festival. Enjoy dozens of delectable chocolate tastings, music, demonstrations, a chocolate fountain, and more. This family-friendly event also features lots of children´s activities and a variety of Mother´s Day gifts. "Tasting" tickets will be sold on site. 10am-4pm www.sdbgarden.org

May 13
4th Annual Mother´s Day Fancy Dress Swim
Fundraiser for World Swims Against Malaria. Mothers will "dip" in the ocean wearing their Mother´s Day finest. A five dollar donation is all that is needed for this World Swim Against Malaria. 10-11am Oceanside Pier, Oceanside www.onesandiego.org/

May 14- 20
Hardcourt Tennis Championships - La Jolla
The USTA returns to the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club. Call 858-551-4616 or www.ljbtc.com

May 16-20
Ocean Beach: Beach Ball Festival
An outdoor live music, action sports, and microbrew festival. Lots of food, merchandise, beach volleyball games, a big ferris wheel, a waterslide, mechanical bull rides and a human hauler contest. Wed-Fri 12-10pm, Sat 10am-10pm, Sun 10am-5pm Ocean Beach: Saratoga Park, Veterans Plaza, Lifeguard & Municipal Pier Parking Lots www.oceanbeachsandiego.com

May 16 - Sep 19
Birch Aquarium Green Flash Concert
Join Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego, for a unique summertime experience combining live music and spectacular ocean sunsets during the annual Green Flash Concert Series, which kicks off May 16. These monthly summer concerts, co-hosted by 102.1 KPRI, take place from 6-9 p.m. Music lovers ages 21 and older can enjoy live music and panoramic ocean views on the aquarium's stunning outdoor tide-pool plaza. Call 858-534-4109 or www.aquarium.ucsd.edu

May 19 - 20
7th Annual Encinitas Sports Festival Expo
The Encinitas Sports Festival Expo is a TWO-DAY EXPO combining fun, food and 40+ booths full of the latest in sports, fitness and health. Try free samples of what´s new in heath and fitness products, buy some local food from one of our vendors or talk with one of our fitness exhibitors about getting or staying in the health you want. For the sports-event minded, join us at the finish line for the Triathlons, Duathlon, Bike Tours, 5K Run, Kids and Family 1K Walk/Run, Moonlight Beach Paddle & Swim, and much, much more. And it´s all FREE! Visit www.encinitasrace.com

May 20
Escondido Street Faire
The second largest in California and features live entertainment, over 700 booths, arts & crafts and farmers market. From 10am-6pm. www.ci.escondido.ca.us www.kennedyfaires.com/escondido

May 27
Vista Strawberry Festival
Strawberries will be the main event along with a 5K Fun Run and Kids Runs, as well as 200+ vendors at our street fair, carnival rides, a Strawberry Pie Eating contest, Strawberry Idol, Ms. Strawberry Shortcake, and much more! Free admission. 7am-4pm Downtown Vista, 127 Main St. www.vvba.org