Top events by season in North County

Winter ❄️

San Diego Botanic Garden “Lightscape” (Encinitas) – this is such a fun event for families or date nights! Explore the expansive garden at night time and stroll through impressive light shows, visual effects, and art installations amongst the trees. There are several beverage and snack stops along the path, so you can enjoy a glass of wine or hot apple cider as you see the sights. This event can fill up so make sure to reserve parking ahead of time.

More information from the 2023 event here.

Spring 🦋

Carlsbad Flower Fields (Carlsbad) – this may be one of North County’s most well-known events, and for good reason. The flower fields are stunning and a perfect attraction to visit for families, friends from out of town, dates, or solo! The fields start blooming in March and April. The flower fields will be the site of several amazing events in 2024 such as the “Best of North County Party” hosted by San Diego Magazine, wine tasting, sound healing, and more.

Check out the Flower Fields events calendar here.

Summer 🎡

San Diego County Fair (Del Mar) – every year, the Del Mar Fairgrounds put on an entertaining and well-organized fair that brings something for everyone. My favorite activities include the Paul Ecke Jr. Flower Show, the Marvel-themed exhibit, the open-air old-fashioned candy shop, and the Ferris Wheel. Kudos to San Diego for planning this event at a location with easy freeway access, ample parking, and huge grounds to accommodate a large number of people. You can also take the train to avoid paying for parking!

Click here to learn more at the San Diego County Fair website.

Fall 🍂

LeucadiART Walk (Leucadia) – the Art Walk is a great event for art lovers, dog lovers, and beer lovers! Local artists and vendors set up vibrant booths along a ~1-mile stretch of Highway 101 in Leucadia. Artists’ tents are nestled between restaurants, pop-up beer gardens, and fun shops so there is plenty to see as you make your way along the path. There are usually live musicians playing near the beer garden or outside of Pannikin. Parking is free along the other side of the street but can fill up, so you’ll want to plan ahead. This is another event where taking the train might come in handy.

See details from past Art Walks here.