Spend Memorial Day weekend in San Diego enjoying the beaches, plenty of outdoor activities, delicious dining, craft beer and more. When you take a break from all that, live it up with one or all of these top things to do:
Conrad Preby’s Australian Outback – Koalafornia
[youtube http://youtu.be/Mzg8T7Sk8eA]Discover wonders from the Land Down Under. Wind your way through a eucalyptus grove and uncover fascinating facts about Australian forests and wildlife, see how well you know your marsupials, and get photos of the kids sitting in a koala tree.
Where: San Diego Zoo – 2920 Zoo Drive, San Diego, CA 92101
When: Opens May 24, 2013
> Find out more about Conrad Prebys Australian Outback
Valley Center Western Days and Stampede Rodeo
This weekend, the Valley Center community celebrates its western heritage with events including the Western Days Parade, the Valley Center Stampede Rodeo, an evening musical performance, the election of Valley Center’s “Honorary Mayor,” a carnival and so much more.
Where: 28246 Lilac Road, Valley Center, CA 92082
When: May 24-26, 2013
Cost: Parade – Free. Rodeo – $15-$35
> Find out more about the Valley Center Western Days and Stampede Rodeo
2nd Annual Gaslamp Music & Art Festival
From smooth beats to funky scats, the Gaslamp Music & Art Festival will celebrate live music this Memorial Day weekend. Participating locations will offer everything from Latin Jazz to Irish Rock, rockabilly to flamenco, reggae to acoustic music and interactive art demonstrations. Pick up the event program, including the event map and live entertainment line-up, at barleymash (600 Fifth Avenue).
Where: 4th and 5th Avenues between Broadway and L
When: May 25, 2013
Time: 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Cost: Free
> Find out more about the 2nd Annual Gaslamp Music & Art Festival
33rd Annual Ethnic Food Fair
Savor the ability to sample delicacies from around with world without having to leave San Diego. The 32 countries represented at the House of Pacific Relations International Cottages in Balboa Park will be serving delicious native treats and performing both the music and dance of their respective cultures.
Where: 2191 West Pan American Road, San Diego, CA 92101
When: May 26, 2013
Time: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Cost: Free entry to event. Nominal fee per dish.
> Find out more about the 33rd Annual Ethnic Food Fair
2013 Vista Strawberry Festival
The Vista Strawberry Festival celebrates all the joys and pleasure of the Strawberry. Vista was once the “Strawberry Capital of the World” and still boasts many strawberry fields. Enjoy the celebration of the ‘berry with over 200 vendors, athletic competition, pie eating, costumes, beauty, carnival rides, music, food and much more.
Where: 127 Main St, Vista, CA 92084
When: May 26, 2013
Time: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Cost: Free to attend festival. Some activities require a fee.
> Find out more about the 2013 Vista Strawberry Festival
Legacy Week 2013
This Memorial Day weekend celebration honors our heroes in uniform. With ceremonies, concerts, and a Discovery Zone for the kids, there is something for the entire family. Plus, there will be a special performance by Creedence Clearwater Revisited.
Where: USS Midway Museum – 910 Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101
When: May 24-27, 2013
Cost: Varies
> Find out more about Legacy Week 2013
2013 International Space Development Conference
Join fellow space enthusiasts for a weekend full of engaging discussions on asteroids, business, education, emerging space applications, living in space, lunar travel, mars, space solar power, space settlement roadmap, transhumanism and space exploration, and more.
Added Bonus: Astronaut Buzz Aldrin will be the Saturday lunch speaker!
Where: Hyatt Regency La Jolla at Aventine – 3777 La Jolla Village Drive, San Diego, CA 92122
When: May 23-27, 2013
Cost: $35-$435
> Find out more about the 2013 International Space Development Conference
> Browse more top things to do on the San Diego Event Calendar
Know of some other top things to do this weekend? Let everyone know in the comments below.