May Day, Cinco de Mayo events and more: Things to do in San Diego April 30 - May 6
From a general strike to a Thai New Year celebration, there’s no shortage of community activities in the next week.
Written by Maya Srikrishnan, Edited by Kate Morrissey
Editor's note: We have used AI to help us extract information from event flyers, but humans have selected, adjusted and reviewed each entry.
This week marks the beginning of May, and San Diego has events to honor and celebrate May Day, as well as Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Mental Health Awareness Month and Cinco de Mayo.
You could also attend markets, live music, crafting opportunities, art exhibitions and opportunities to dance. Whatever vibe you’re looking for this coming weekend and week, there is likely something for you going on in San Diego.
For food distribution events and other no-cost grocery options, check out our online map to find one near you.
Do you know an event we missed? To submit an event for consideration to be added to this list and our community calendar, send us the details in our online form.
April 30
Mid-City CAN Networking Night on Housing Justice: Mid-City CAN hosts a networking night featuring Nicole Lillie, executive director of Our Time to Act, to discuss minimum lot sizes and housing density in San Diego. Childcare and Spanish interpretation will be available. RSVP online. 5 - 7 p.m., 4305 University Ave., Suite 640, San Diego, CA 92105
International Jazz Day: Celebrate International Jazz Day with Brooklyn-born, San Diego-based alto saxophonist Charlie Arbeláez leading his quintet alongside renowned flutist Holly Hofmann. No reservations are required for this free event, though seating is first-arrival based and 21+. 7 and 9 p.m. shows, Lou Lou’s Jungle Room, 2225 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego, CA 92104
Art Garden: Vanguard Culture, in partnership with UC San Diego Craft Center and the Depot residency program, is hosting a multidisciplinary community gathering featuring visual art, storytelling, dance and collective care, including a national launch of the Jimi Appleseed Initiative, live theatre by Blindspot Collective, an art exhibit by Neil Shigley and live dance by Culture Shock. 6 - 9 p.m., UCSD Park & Market, 1100 Market St., San Diego, CA 92101
Reflections on the War in Southeast Asia: On the anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, Viet Voices is hosting a community panel discussion to connect past to present and explore what a healed future looks like for the Vietnamese and Lao community. RSVP online to receive the address. 6 - 8 p.m., City Heights, San Diego
Queers in Recovery With Crafts: New Path Narcan Project and Queers in Recovery host a welcoming space for LGBTQ+ individuals in recovery or exploring sober-curious lifestyles. Attendees can craft their own recovery tokens, bring a personal craft project or participate in watercolor painting. 6 - 8:30 p.m., The Brown Building, 4133 Poplar St., San Diego, CA 92105
May 1
May Day General Strike: International Workers' Day: Union del Barrio and a coalition of local organizations will gather for a May Day march and general strike at Chicano Park calling for the abolition of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. 12 p.m., Chicano Park, 1949 Logan Ave, San Diego, CA 92113
Piñata & Pour: This 21+ crafting night blends creativity and community impact, inviting attendees to make their own piñata while supporting Border Angels’ Children’s Day Caravan of Love. No experience is needed. 5 - 7 p.m., Sherman Heights Community Center, 2258 Island Ave., San Diego, CA 92102
Community Yoga: Alchemystic Studio hosts a gentle community yoga session at The Brown Building every Friday. Reserve space online on a pay-what-you-can basis. 6 - 7 p.m., The Brown Building, 4133 Poplar St., San Diego, CA 92105
Estilo y Gracia: Lou Lou’s Jungle Room is hosting Estilo y Gracia, an Afro-Cuban ensemble founded by percussionist Jose Perez, known for his work with Poncho Sanchez. The group features a lineup of Los Angeles-based musicians and blends traditional rhythms with improvisation and tight arrangements. The performance highlights the depth and evolution of Afro-Cuban music in an intimate setting. This event is 21+ with first-come, first-served seating and no dinner service. Doors at 7 p.m., Lou Lou’s Jungle Room, 2223 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego, CA 92104
Art & Resistance: Pillars of the Community and All Rise present an art exhibit and panel conversation hosted by Ramel J. Wallace featuring four San Diego visual artists exploring the connection between resistance and the creative process. Free admission; food and beverages provided. Exhibit opens 5:30 p.m., panel 6:30 - 7:30 p.m., 502 Fergus St., San Diego, CA 92114
SCEDC Economic Summit 2026: The South County Economic Development Council hosts its Economic Summit, which will explore themes including the potential impacts of fiscal and monetary easing, key sector growth drivers shaping the regional economy, the continued evolution of artificial intelligence and how these forces intersect to create growth and opportunity throughout the binational region. The annual summit gathers over 500 business and community leaders and public officials, and is considered one of the premier business events in San Diego. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Liberty Station Conference Center, 2600 Laning Rd, San Diego, CA 92106
May 2
Building Together Mural Festival Block Party: Vision Culture Foundation and Rottweiler present a family-friendly art block party at National City Public Works in collaboration with the city of National City to reveal a mural. The mural was designed to reflect the workers, families, elders and youth of National City. DJs Saturn Blvd, DJ Jay Elements and DJems will perform. Vendors can apply online. Noon - 6 p.m., 1726 Wilson Ave., National City, CA
Art in Nature: Carving Out Time to Care for Ourselves: Rez Beats, Paradise Tribal Farm and 'Ataaxum Pomkwaan host a Traditional Ecology and Lino Print Workshop at the Richard Bugbee Land Relationship Center in Valley Center. Participants will take a guided walk, learn lino carving and printmaking and create their own art to take home. No experience needed. All ages welcome. Register via QR code on the flyer. Noon - 3 p.m., 9823 Santee Lane, Valley Center, CA 92082
Reconnecting Southeast San Diego & National City Visioning Workshop: Community members are invited to help shape the future of Southeast San Diego and National City through a free community-led urban planning visioning workshop. The first 30 attendees will receive a gift card, and refreshments will be provided. 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., Southcrest Park, 1297 S 40th St, San Diego, CA 92113
Print Day in May: San Diego Printmaking Society is hosting a community celebration of printmaking with live demonstrations, prints, zines and opportunities to engage with local artists. The global event highlights access, creativity and community through printmaking. 2 - 8 p.m., Union Hall Gallery, 2323 Broadway, Suite 201, San Diego, CA 92102
San Diego Made Spring Market: San Diego Made is hosting a spring market featuring 120 makers in downtown La Mesa. The market will include interactive art installations, floral stands and kids activities. 11 a.m. - 6 p.m., La Mesa Village, La Mesa Boulevard between Palm Ave &, 4th St, La Mesa, CA 91942
Fern Street Circus: Fern Street Community Arts hosts a free community circus performance where professional artists collaborate with participants and their families to create cultural exchange. The performers combine physical and theatrical skills. 2 p.m., Cesar Chavez Recreation Center, 455 Sycamore Rd, San Diego, CA 92173, USA
Mother’s Day Letters Writing in Resistance: Friends of Friendship Park, American Friends Service Committee and partner organizations are hosting a community letter-writing event in solidarity with mothers detained at the Otay Mesa Detention Center. Participants will write messages of support to families impacted by detention and family separation. Letter-writing materials, food and drinks will be provided, and community members directly impacted are especially encouraged to attend. RSVP online for location details. 4 - 6 p.m., Location provided upon RSVP
An Evening Under the Olive Tree: San Diego State University Students for Justice in Palestine is holding an end-of-year gathering honoring the resilience and spirit of the Palestinian people, featuring dinner, an alumni panel, keynote speech, poetry, music and local vendors. Formal or cultural attire is encouraged. Tickets are available online. 5 - 8 p.m., San Diego State University Scripps Cottage, San Diego, CA 92182
Zumba Fusion Dance Class: Wave Fusion Fitness and Commonplace San Diego are offering a high-energy class for all fitness levels. Tickets are available online. 3 p.m., The Lost Abbey Brewing Co., 1347 Keystone Way Suite C, Vista, CA 92081
NAMI San Diego 12th Annual Mental Health and Wellness Celebration: In celebration of National Children, Youth, and Families Mental Health Week, NAMI San Diego hosts a free, family-friendly event featuring local mental health organizations and resources, a vision board station, self-care kits, face painting, games, shaved ice, pizza and a photo booth. 12:30 - 5:30 p.m., Brick at Liberty Station, 2863 Historic Decatur Rd., San Diego, CA 92106
Overeasy at Park & Rec: Overeasy returns to Park & Rec for a Cinco de Mayo kickoff party with DJs Dauché, Virusss and iMagee. Free all night. RSVP on Partiful to skip the line; guestlist closes at 11 p.m. Early arrival suggested. 9 p.m. - 1:30 a.m., Park & Rec, 4612 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92116
HPR Ethnic Food Fair: The House of Pacific Relations International Cottages presents its annual Ethnic Food Fair at Balboa Park. Cottages will be serving food representing their respective cultures and providing entertainment on the House of Pacific Relations stage. For over 40 years, the Ethnic Food Fair has been an annual event for resident families, visitors, and tourists, featuring multicultural live performances and offering dishes and treats from around the world. It also presents an opportunity for guests to support each of the non-profit cottages and interact with volunteers who showcase their culture, crafts and volunteerism. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., May 2-3, House of Pacific Relations International Cottages, Balboa Park (near International Houses, Area 18 and Hall of Nations, Area 19), San Diego, CA
May 3
Fern Street Circus: Fern Street Community Arts hosts a free community circus performance where professional artists collaborate with participants and their families to create cultural exchange, combining physical and theatrical skills. 2 p.m., Egger-South Bay Park, 1885 Coronado Ave, San Diego, CA 92154
SD Mycological Society Edible Plant Hike and Potluck: The San Diego Mycological Society hosts a guided walk to identify native and invasive plants and discuss their uses, followed by a tasting of dishes made from foraged finds and a potluck. Members-only event; visit sdmyco.org to join. 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., North County (location sent to members)
Tea Meditation: The Saint in partnership with Paantine are hosting a volunteer-offering tea meditation on the first Sunday of each month. No prior experience needed; drop in at any point during the session. 2 - 3 p.m., 4538 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92116
SD Families for Justice Solidarity Event: San Diego Families for Justice hosts a solidarity event at Otay Mesa Detention Center. 1:30 p.m., Otay Mesa Detention Center, 7488 Calzada De La Fuente, San Diego, CA 92154
Songkran Celebration: The San Diego Asian and Pacific Islander Coalition is hosting a celebration for the Thai New Year. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Wat Buddhajakra, 139 W 11th Ave, Escondido, CA 92025
Baddie Clothes Swap and Wellness Market: Be Feliz Fit is hosting a community clothing swap and wellness market featuring local vendors, self-care products, jewelry and mental health resources. Attendees are encouraged to bring up to 10 gently used clothing items to swap, with an emphasis on inclusivity across all sizes. Mending services and a curated vendor experience will also be available, and remaining items will be donated to a local nonprofit supporting families in crisis. Online registration is required for this free event. Noon - 4 p.m., Mujeres Brew House, 1983 Julian Ave., San Diego, CA
Blu and Exile at Arts/Rec: Ramel J. Wallace presents a sunset hip-hop show in Barrio Logan featuring Blu and Exile, 18Scales, Pistol Mcfly, Brother Nature with Leon St, Heron, Sirplus and DJ Root. Sunset, Arts/Rec, 2161 Logan Ave., San Diego, CA 92113
Contemporary Alternative Mexican Comics Are Alive and Pissed Off: Burn All Books hosts Aranzaz Perez and Rafael Rodriguez of Ricos Jugos for a presentation surveying ten years of publishing resistance against gentrification and the erasure of independent creative spaces. 6 p.m., Burn All Books, 3131 Adams Ave., San Diego, CA
May 4
AANHPI Month Celebration+Potluck: The SD API Coalition is hosting a community event to kick off Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Join community leaders, enjoy cultural entertainment and bring a dish to share for the community potluck. RSVP for a spot. 5:30 - 8 p.m., Mingei International Museum, Plaza de Panama, Balboa Park, 1439 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
SD Music Room: Musicians, rappers, DJs, producers and other music enthusiasts gather monthly for a conversation about inspiration, craft and life. 6 - 9 p.m., Marcella June's Coffee Lounge, 8513 La Mesa Blvd, La Mesa, CA 91942
May 5
San Diego 350 Movie Night: San Diego 350 hosts a screening of the shortened version of "Eating Our Way to Extinction," a 2021 documentary about unsustainable food production and its environmental impact, followed by a panel discussion. Light refreshments including lemonade, vegan cookies and popcorn will be provided. Register online. 5:30 - 7:30 p.m., La Jolla Library, 7555 Draper Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037
Sherman Cocina Pop-Up Vendor Food & Market: Sherman Cocina hosts a Cinco de Mayo market event featuring local entrepreneurs, live music, food and handmade crafts. 4 - 7 p.m., Sherman Heights Community Center, 2258 Island Ave., San Diego, CA 92102
Cinco de Mayo at Sobremesa: Sobremesa is hosting an elevated dining experience featuring a three-course dinner paired with tequila expressions. Two seating times are available. Must be 21 or older to attend. Reserve tickets online for $102.42 per person. Choose your seating time at 6 pm or 7:30 p.m. Sobremesa, 8622 Lake Murray Blvd., San Diego, CA 92119
Centro Cultural de la Raza Community Wall Repainting: Centro Cultural de la Raza is looking for volunteers to help repaint its community wall white in preparation for upcoming shows. A minimum two-hour commitment is requested. Email events.ccdlr@gmail.com to sign up. 1 - 4 p.m., May 5-7, Centro Cultural de la Raza, 2004 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101
May 6
GI Film Festival: A collection of 15 films will screen during the 11th annual GI Film Festival at the Museum of Photographic Arts in Balboa Park. Each film is followed by a panel discussion with filmmakers, veterans and experts in the field. Tickets can be purchased online and cost $15 for general admission or $10 for veterans. Tickets to opening night are $26 for general admission or $21 for veterans. May 6-8, times vary, Museum of Photographic Arts, 1649 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
