Welcome to May in San Diego! While some might shy away from the coastal clouds of May Gray, there’s absolutely no dampening our spirits with the plethora of vibrant activities and events that San Diego has to offer this month. Dive into this guide to discover all the must-attend happenings and hidden gems that await you!

STK – Talk Derby To Me (May 1-4)

Saddle up for the 2024 Kentucky Derby with STK’s exclusive ‘Talk Derby to Me’ menu, in collaboration with Woodford Reserve & La Crema. Indulge in the finest libations & culinary delights that’ll have you cheering for more with every bite & sip.

Whether you’re a regular Millionaires Row attendee or first-time race enthusiast, STK Steakhouse is your winning ticket to the best Derby celebration outside Churchill Downs. Book Your Derby Experience Today!

Rustic Root – Derby Party (May 4)

Grab your fascinators & hats and enjoy the “most exciting two minutes in sports” with Rustic Root at their 150th Kentucky Derby Party! Starting at 2pm, Chef will be serving up some Kentucky favorites like Biscuits & Pimento Cheese, a Kentucky Hot Brown Flatbread, Fried Chicken Wings, and Woodford Reserve Bourbon Balls. There will also be keep-the-cup cocktail specials, fun Derby games, photo-opps, and giveaways.

The Blind Burro – Cinco de Mole (May 5)

Join The Blind Burro for a festive Cinco de “Mole” celebration with tantalizing specials all day long, starting at 10 AM on Sunday, May 5. With various drink specials and Mole-inspired dishes, including $15 Mole Asada Wings, $18 Mole Chicken Plate, and $21 Mole Enchiladas. It’s a Cinco de “Mole” fiesta you don’t want to miss!

Pamplemousse Grille – Chef’s Dinner Fundraiser with Jeffrey Strauss (May 6)

Walden Family Services presents a special evening with renowned executive chef Jeffrey Strauss at Pamplemousse Grille in Solana Beach. Join them for a fabulous four-course, wine-paired dinner to benefit children in foster care.

Gator by the Bay: Music, Food & Crawfish Festival (May 9-12)

Gator By The Bay this side of the bayou is held each year around Mothers’ Day weekend, the 2nd weekend in May. Presented by San Diego’s Bon Temps Social Club, it features four days of live music with over 100 musical acts and special performances on seven stages, southern cuisine including 10,000 pounds of crawfish trucked from Louisiana, non-stop live music, dancing and family fun at Spanish Landing Park on beautiful San Diego Bay across from the airport.

The Ecology Center – Community Table with Chef David Sim of Kingfisher (May 10)

The Ecology Center brings a renowned chef to the farm to design an ecological meal around the four seasonal rotations (market garden, milpa, fruit forest, cover crops). By bringing these culinary artists back to the source, they are given an opportunity to connect with new ingredients, find fresh inspiration in these bioregion’s historic foodways, and discover the rewards of relationship with the land.

The Ecology Center
Photo Credit: The Ecology Center

The Desmond – Mother’s Day Brunch (May 12)

Celebrate the incredible moms in your life with an indulgent three-course brunch, featuring a variety of savory and sweet selections, plus a dessert buffet complete with petit treats from Executive Pastry Chef Kari Cota.

Huntress – Mother’s Day (May 12)

Huntress knows how much you value the Huntress in your life and that’s why they’re picking up the bill and treating all Moms to a complimentary curated Mother’s Day menu on Sunday, May 12th. Treat the amazing mother in your life to a dining experience as exceptional as she is.

Mother’s Day Menu: welcome glass of bubbly, hamachi crudo starter, and 6oz filet mignon & whipped potatoes

Marisi – Mother’s Day Brunch (May 12)

This Mother’s Day, make memories with Mom at Marisi. Starting at 10:00 AM, treat Mom to a beautiful brunch on the sunlit patio and enjoy baked French toast, truffle soft scramble, and more, paired with her favorite Spritz or sparkling wine. To make a reservation, click here.

Marisi Brunch
Photo courtesy of Marisi

Above Ash Social – Mixtape Brunch with Mid-City Community Music (May 14)

Join Above Ash Social, April 14th, from 11am to 3pm, as Carte Hotel partners with Mid-City Community Music to donate a portion of the proceeds to Mid-City Community Music’s (MCCM) music programs for kids. Don’t miss the opportunity to have a great time while making a positive impact in the community!

Solare Ristorante – Edible San Diego’s Spring Issue Release Party & Wine Wednesday with Three San Diego Wineries (May 15)

Wine Wednesday for San Diego Wine Week on May 15 from 5 to 7pm at Solare Ristorante in Liberty Station. Edible San Diego is celebrating their 73rd issue with focaccia and Italian bites prepared by Solare and wine tastings from three San Diego County wineries—Altapiano Vineyard & Winery, Highland Valley Vineyards, and Ramona Ranch Vineyard & Winery.

Kettner Exchange – Kex Fest (May 19)

The 6th Annual KEX Fest at Kettner Exchange: Sip & Savor is an all-inclusive culinary exploration through cuisine, spirits, wine, beer, and good company. Through fresh ingredients and inventive libations, the festival invites you to travel the world and engage your palate.