January
19. San Diego Marathon. This race, a qualifier for the Boston Marathon, goes through beautiful Carlsbad. (858) 792-2900.

February
15–16. Rod Run. Old Town Temecula is the scene of the Rod Run, featuring hundreds of hot rods, muscle cars and vintage autos; (909) 676-4718.

March
17. St. Patrick’s Day Celebration. Head down to the Gaslamp District for an unforgettable block party. Erin go bragh!

May
5. Cinco de Mayo. Old Town is the place to be to celebrate Mexican style.

June
Early June. The Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival. Lake Skinner Regional Park, offers hot air balloons, top entertainment, arts and crafts, kids’ fair, gourmet food area and wine tasting (909) 676-6713.

July
1–Mid-October. Old Globe Theater Festival. Catch the humor and high drama of this year’s Old Globe Theatre Festival, in Balboa Park. Three theaters host this annual summer festival that showcases the works of Shakespeare as well as classic and contemporary plays; (619) 239-2255.

13–14. The Festival of the Bells. The festival takes place at the Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcalá. Founded in 1769, it was the first and southernmost in a chain of 21 missions in California established by Padre Junípero Serra; (619) 281-8449.

27–August 4. Acura Classic. This WTA Tour event features Venus Williams, Anna Kournikova and Martina Hingis. La Costa Resort and Spa, Carlsbad; (760) 438-5683.

19–21. Sand Castle Days. At the Imperial Beach Pier, America’s largest and longest-running sand castle event, the annual U.S. Open Sand Castle competition (619-424-6663) promises to dazzle participants and audiences alike. Fireworks displays and a parade add to the excitement.

August
Through December. San Diego Chargers Football. Pre-season and regular season NFL home games take place at Qualcomm Stadium, Mission Valley; (619) 280-2121.

September
6–8. Street Scene Downtown in San Diego’s historic Gaslamp District, between 3rd and 7th streets, 12 stages pulsate to everything from gospel to Cajun/zydeco. Sample a variety of foods from neighboring restaurants; (619) 557-8490.

26–30. Del Mar International Horse Show. This event attracts more than 250 of the finest Hunter/Jumper riders and horses, highlighted by the $40,000 Del Mar International Grand Prix on Sept. 29.; (858) 792-4252.

October
5. Oktoberfest. Enjoy German dinner, entertainment, strudel, music and, of course, specialty beers. Holiday Park, Carlsbad; (760) 434-6093.

11–13. Harvest Festival. Innovative folkloric and contemporary American arts and crafts, plus continuous stage shows, make this a popular event. (619) 615-4100.

November
17. Poinsettia Festival. Celebrate the season with this crafts fair, with more than 400 vendors, plus entertainment, a beer garden and flower pavilion.

December
1. San Diego Harbor Boat Parade of Lights. Boats parade between Shelter Island and the Ferry Landing at Coronado, beginning at 5:30 p.m. This is a great way to get in the spirit.