Memorial Day is the quintessential summer kickoff, and celebrating in San Diego is no exception! Beautiful weather, beaches, and barbecues are all on our list for San Diego weekend events this Memorial Day.
San Diego Surf Film Festival
When: Thursday May 21 – Saturday May 23
Where: MCASD La Jolla (Sherwood Auditorium); 700 Prospect St., La Jolla
What: Celebrate the art of surf cinema! The 2015 SDSFF will highlight over 20 international films, include dozens of filmmakers and producers in attendance, Q&As, filmmaker panel and workshops, an amazing surf art gallery, surf legends and shaping demos, beach clean-ups, incredible live music, and live art.
San Diego Jazz Festival
When: Friday May 22 – Sunday May 24
Where: La Costa Resort & Spa; 2100 Costa Del Mar Road, Carlsbad 92009
What: Building on the long history of having smooth jazz in the San Diego area, the San Diego Jazz Festival is a “must attend” event for R&B and smooth jazz starved fans in America’s Finest City. Alums of the festival include Maxwell, Charlie Wilson, Kem, Jill Scott, Anthony Hamilton, Brian Culbertson, Boney James, Ledisi, Warren Hill, Eric Darius and many more. Enjoy great weather and award-winning music in beautiful La Costa!
Ethnic Food Fair at Balboa Park
When: Saturday May 23 & Sunday May 24, 12pm-6pm
Where: House of Pacific Relations Cottages, Balboa Park; 2191 W. Pan American Road
What: Enjoy an annual celebration of food from around the world! Sample the culinary treats of 33 different cultures and witness performances in native costumes. There will be several musical and dance performances on the HPR stage throughout the day.
SEE ALSO: Check Out the New Foods At The 2015 San Diego County Fair
Summer Kickoff Craft Beer Fest
When: Saturday May 23, 1pm-5pm
Where: NTC Ingram Plaza at Liberty Station; 2826 Dewey Road, San Diego
What: Start Memorial Day Weekend off right at the Summer Kickoff Craft Beer Fest at Liberty Station! Enjoy beer samples from more than 25 of San Diego’s top breweries, entertainment from three live bands, and tasty bites from various food trucks and restaurants. There will also be a bunch of games and activities – Hamster Ball or Human Foosball, anyone?
Spreckels’ 12-Hour Organ Concert Marathon
When: Sunday May 24, 8am-8:30pm
Where: Spreckels Organ Pavilion; 1549 El PRado, San Diego 92101
What: San Diego Civic Organist Carol Williams will be playing the Spreckels Organ for 12 consecutive hours and 15 minutes – a world record! All donations generated from the performance will benefit Operation Rebound, a Challenged Athletes Foundation sports and fitness program for American military personnel, veterans and emergency first responders recovering from physical injuries.
SEE ALSO: Where To Enjoy A Beach Bonfire In La Jolla
Vista Strawberry Festival
When: Sunday May 24, 9am-6pm
Where: 127 Main Street, Vista 92084
What: The Vista Strawberry Festival is the most popular strawberry festival in California! Once the “Strawberry Capital of the World,” the area still boasts several strawberry fields. Come enjoy a celebration of the berry with 300 vendors, an athletic competition, pie eating, costumes, beauty, carnival rides, music, food, and much more in Historic Downtown Vista.
Memorial Day Ceremony on Mt. Soledad
When: Monday May 25, 2pm-3pm
Where: Mount Soledad; 6905 La Jolla Scenic Dr South
What: Honoring Lt Nathan Krissoff, USMC and all US war veterans. Krissoff’s family will be in attendance, including his father, who joined the Navy at age 61 to serve in Iraq in honor of his son. A San Diego T-34 Performance Aircraft Flyover will finish off the ceremony.
[images: nbcnews.com, sdhpr.org, balboapark.org, framework.latimes.com]


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