As November rolls in, it’s time to gear up for a flurry of exciting events in San Diego, the city fondly known as America’s Finest City. The month is filled with festivities, ranging from San Diego Beer Week 2016 to the San Diego Bay Food & Wine Festival! Here’s a list of 10 exhilarating events to explore in San Diego this November, plus two additional can’t-miss events.
Before we delve into San Diego’s Top 10 November Attractions, let’s take a moment to reminisce about the vibrant festivities that graced the city during the Labor Day weekend of 2016.
Art San Diego
Taking place from November 3 to 6, Art San Diego is a dynamic four-day event featuring a stunning array of artists and galleries from around the world. Hosted at the Balboa Park Activity Center, this event stands as the city’s lone contemporary fine art show and has swiftly climbed the ranks as one of Southern California’s most engaging cultural happenings. It showcases over 500 leading contemporary artists, museum exhibitions, and art-centric events and talks.
San Diego Beer Week
Scheduled from November 4 to 13, San Diego Beer Week is a ten-day extravaganza that encourages people to indulge in local, craft beer. It offers a platform to celebrate and spread awareness about San Diego’s flourishing brewing culture with a multitude of events scattered across the county. San Diego is the nurturing home to more than 120 breweries and is known internationally for its award-winning beers. As craft beer becomes increasingly popular, San Diego is all set to become the leading destination for craft beer tourism in the United States.
San Diego Asian Film Festival
Running from November 3 to 12, the San Diego Asian Film Festival (SDAFF) is the city’s leading showcase of Asian American and international cinema. Since its establishment in 2000, the festival has grown into the largest exhibition of Asian cinema in the western United States. The event features a diverse range of films, from future classics like Bong Joon-ho’s Memories of Murder to independent films like Patrick Wang’s In the Family. The festival brings world premieres of films from across the globe to San Diego, with this year’s SDAFF featuring over 140 films from 15 countries at six unique venues.
Escondido Tamale Festival
Taking place on November 5, the Escondido Tamale Festival is a food lover’s dream. This festivity celebrates Tamales and other iconic Latin foods that are an inseparable part of California’s culture. The event is a tribute to the history and influence of Spanish and Mexican settlers who have profoundly shaped our multicultural community. The festival takes place at Grape Day Park, located at 321 N Broadway, Escondido.
Carlsbad Fall Village Faire
On November 6, welcome the fall season with the family-friendly Carlsbad Village Faire. The event boasts over 900 vendors selling everything under the sun, from clothes and accessories to plants, household products, art, antiques, and home decor. The international food court will feature more than 50 booths serving a mouth-watering assortment of global cuisines. The children’s area is packed with activities, games, a super slide, a bounce house, a rock climbing wall, face painting, and arts and crafts. The Faire runs from 8am-5pm at The Village of Carlsbad.
San Diego Veteran’s Day Parade 2016
Honoring all U.S. Veterans who served during 1941 to 1945, the San Diego Veterans Day Parade on November 11 is themed “A Tribute To The Guardians Of Freedom.” The parade is organized by “Veterans Week San Diego”, a team of dedicated veterans and citizens who strive to honor Veterans annually during “Veterans Week”, as part of the events of the Veterans Memorial Center. The parade begins on N. Harbor Drive, San Diego.
San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival
From November 14 to 20, indulge your senses at the San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival. This international event showcases world-class wines and spirits, culinary personalities, and gourmet delicacies. The week-long culinary experience offers wine and cooking classes, celebrity chef dinners, and various tasting events, including mixology lessons and a fish taco competition. The main event, the annual Grand Tasting, features 150 wineries, breweries, and spirits; 60 local restaurants; dozens of gourmet food companies; and the “Chef of the Fest Competition.” The grand event is hosted at Embarcadero Marina Park North.
Mother Goose Parade
San Diego County’s largest parade and the biggest of its kind west of the Mississippi, the Mother Goose Parade on November 20 attracts spectators from all corners. The parade presents over 100 colorful entries from all over the United States, including spectacular floats, marching bands, drill units, equestrians, clowns, celebrities, special characters, giant helium balloons, specialty vehicles, and of course, Santa Claus! The proceedings take place in Downtown El Cajon.
San Diego Jazz Fest
- Happening from November 23 to 27, the San Diego Jazz Fest is a hot favorite among festival-goers globally;
- All venues are conveniently located in the Town & Country Convention Center, and include large concert rooms with double dance floors and small, intimate “listening” rooms.
The festival showcases a wide variety of traditional jazz, Dixieland, ragtime, swing, and rockabilly styles. There’s something for every classic jazz lover at the San Diego Jazz Fest!
Oceanside Turkey Trot
- On November 24, join the much-loved North County Thanksgiving tradition, the Oceanside Turkey Trot;
- This event is a 10k or 5K run/walk and is designed to engage the entire family with races for everyone.
The event also includes a costume contest, a competition for largest team, live entertainment, and finisher medals for all participants. Each registered participant will receive free digital photos, medals, shirts, and their race timing. The event has so far raised over $240,000 for local non-profits and schools.
San Diego November Concerts
Adding another layer of cultural flair to the month, the San Diego Symphony has a line-up of captivating concerts throughout November. From timeless classics to contemporary masterpieces, the Symphony provides a rich and varied musical experience. Set in the stunning Jacobs Music Center, these concerts serve as a perfect outing for both the music aficionados and the casual listeners.
San Diego Run for the Hungry
Scheduled for November 26, the San Diego Run for the Hungry is a unique event that blends fitness and the spirit of giving. Participants can choose between a 5K or 10K run/walk, with the proceeds from the event going towards the San Diego Food Bank and the Jewish Family Service, which provide meals for those in need.
Conclusion
So, gear up for a month of cultural immersion, delectable food and drink, marathon runs, music, and more. San Diego in November offers a vibrant mix of events that cater to diverse interests. Whether you are a local resident or a visitor, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Make sure you mark your calendar for these exciting events and get ready to make some memorable November moments in San Diego!
With a diverse lineup of cultural, culinary, and entertainment events, San Diego offers something for everyone this November. From sampling acclaimed brews at the Beer Week to witnessing stunning art pieces at the Art San Diego, the month is packed with experiences waiting to be explored. Don’t miss out on the multifaceted entertainment at the Mother Goose Parade and the Asian Film Festival. And if you’re fitness inclined, the Oceanside Turkey Trot is a must. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, make sure to immerse yourself in these fabulous events for a memorable November in San Diego!