San Diego is one of the great California cities with amazing cultural diversity. One of the most fun (and food) loving cultures in the city are the Sicilians. They provide what we love about San Diego most of all–good times in the many street festivals and fairs that are free. The annual Sicilian Festival held each year in San Diego’s Little Italy. Close to 20 years young, the event attracts thousands each May to the neighborhood near downtown and the San Diego harbor. Music,  culture and cuisine of Sicily come to the streets of San Diego’s Little Italy in the 17th Annual Sicilian Festival celebration on India Street.  In addition to the Sicilian Festival, you’ll find many Hispanic events, Irish, world cultures, Italian, and more.

When you go, check out affordable accommodations  at the Hampton Inn.

Details:

• May 23, 2010  (Sunday)
• Cost: Free to the public
• Time: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Address: India Street, between Cedar and Date Streets, in the heart of Little Italy San Diego
• Call: 619 469-2206

boat parade

It is time to start making your plans for the winter holiday. Everyone knows that San Diego provides the warmest temperatures and finest beaches for a winter escape. Some of the highlights to this exciting vacation include special events held annually on the bay and at the Del Mar Fairgrounds.

In addition to Horton Plaza and the shopping malls all aglow with festival lights and specials tree decorations, the annual San Diego Christmas Boat Parade, called San Diego Bay Parade of Lights, enters the water with lit yachts decorated in themes provided each year. In 2009 the theme was announced as “Christmas at the Zoo.” Expect some wonderful decorations and fanciful ideas as lights, music and colors splash through the harbor. sdparadeoflights.org

Over in Del Mar, Holiday of Lights, a drive through event, begins after Thanksgiving through New Year’s. This event charges a fee for you to drive your car through a massive lights display of themes relating to the holidays. It is fun for the entire family…even grandma who can’t walk well will enjoy this event. sdfair.com provides updates annually. For hotels near this marvelous bay boat parade, consider staying at several seaport ocean hotels such as the new

Hilton San Diego Bayfront.

The annual Ocean Beach Oktoberfest is lively fun each year. Held at Ocean Beach where Newport Avenue meets the beach, the event includes activities for all ages, but you’ll also find the traditional beer garden.

Among the unique events is a Sausage Toss (world famous, they claim), with large cash prizes when sponsorship is strong. In addition there’s OB Brat Trot run, Sausage Eating Contest, Stein Holding Contest, and two stages with bands performing all day. The event usually begins at 10 a.m. on a Saturday in Oktober and ends that evening around 8:30 p.m. Shuttles run between the venue (which has limited parking) and other parking areas.

For current updates and dates, see: oboktoberfest.com. In 2009, the event was held on Saturday, October 10.

Where to stay: There are only a few hotels in Ocean Beach proper, but many great beach hotels are located along nearby beaches.