Spring has arrived in San Diego County, bringing a vibrant lineup of community street fairs and festivals. Residents and visitors can look forward to celebrations spanning food, flowers, music, beer, and art in the coming weeks.

A significant highlight for many of these gatherings is that most events offer free general admission, making them accessible options for family outings.

Flower & Garden Celebrations Across the County

The Flower Fields in Carlsbad

Millions of giant tecolote ranunculuses are expected to bloom across 55 acres at The Flower Fields. The attraction is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. through May 10 at 5704 Paseo Del Norte.

Attractions include a Butterfly Encounter, Artist’s Garden, and Sweet Pea Maze. Visitors can also enjoy tractor wagon rides, concerts, and wine-tasting events. Admission requires purchasing tickets in advance online: $27 for adults, $25 for seniors and military, and $17 for children aged 3-10. Season passes are also available.

Alta Vista Botanical Gardens Earth Day Festival

The annual event at the 14-acre Alta Vista Botanical Gardens is scheduled for April 18, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. It takes place at Brengle Terrace Park, 1270 Vale Terrace Drive.

Highlights include children’s Earth Day activities, a plant sale, live music, art and dance performances, along with food and vendors. Admission to this event is free.

Vista Garden Club 90th Flower Show

The Vista Garden Club hosts its 90th Flower Show on May 2-3 at the Jim Porter Recreation Center, Brengle Terrace Park. Admission is free for all attendees.

The plant and garden art sale runs from noon to 5 p.m. on May 2. Both the sale and the flower show will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on May 3. Those interested in submitting an entry can email Vistagardenclub@gmail.com.

Food-Themed Street Fairs and Markets

Fallbrook Avocado Festival

The 39th annual Fallbrook event is set for April 19, running from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Main Avenue in Downtown Fallbrook. Admission is free.

This avocado-themed festival features craft vendors, food, a wine and beer garden, and entertainment. Contests include the famous Guacamole Contest, the Avo 500 race, and the Best Dressed Avocado Contest for kids.

Vista Strawberry Festival

The strawberry-themed street fair takes place May 24, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., covering Main Street and surrounding streets in downtown Vista. Hosted by the Vista Chamber of Commerce, admission is free, though some activities incur fees.

The event includes live music, contests (like pie eating and strawberry costume contests), a beer garden, and a carnival zone. It will also feature a Strawberry Film Festival and a Strawberry Run 5K.

Encinitas Spring Street Fair

This free, family-friendly street fair runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on April 25-26 along South Coast Highway 101. It is organized by the Encinitas 101 MainStreet Association.

The fair boasts over 450 vendors offering arts, crafts, and international food. Entertainment includes several stages, children’s rides, games, and a dog-friendly beer garden.

Community Carnivals and Family Fun Days

Oceanside Spring Egg Hunts

The city of Oceanside is hosting its free annual Spring Egg Hunt for children up to age 11 on April 4, from 9 a.m. to noon at Mance Buchanon Park, 425 College Blvd.

The event features different hunt times based on age and ability, along with candy, prizes, a bounce house, photos with the bunny, crafts, and a magic show. Additional free egg hunts occur the same day at Joe Balderrama Recreation Center and John Landes Park.

Carlsbad Spring Egg Hunt

An egg scramble for children to collect candy-filled eggs is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on April 4 at Poinsettia Community Park, 6600 Hidden Valley Road.

Activities include face painting, photos with the Easter Bunny, and a fun zone with inflatables. Entry is free, but unlimited inflatables wristbands cost $8.

Pine Avenue Spring Carnival and Car Show

The annual carnival and classic car show is scheduled for May 9, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Pine Avenue Community Park, 3333 Harding St. Admission is free.

The old-fashioned carnival includes games like Ring Toss and Frog Hopper, live music, and face painting. Attendees can build their own sundae at the ice cream bar. Car entries must be submitted by May 7.

Mellano Farm Stand Berries and Blooms

Weekend spring festivals run through May 10 at Mellano Farm Stand, 5714 N River Rd. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, and 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays.

Activities feature u-pick strawberries, lavender, and ranunculus fields, alongside bounce houses, tractor rides, food trucks, and live music. Admission is free, but parking is $5 on festival days.

Arts, Music, and Culture Festivals

Lilac Festival at Fort Cross

The annual Lilac Festival runs on Saturdays and Sundays through April 12 at Fort Cross Old Timey Adventures, 4425 CA-78. General admission is $10.

The fee includes access to a petting zoo, lilac maze, hoe down & jug band shows, and lawn games. Easter Skunk Egg Hunts are scheduled for April 4 and April 5.

San Diego Blues Festival Preview (Harmonica Festival)

An outdoor music festival centered on harmonica music takes place April 4, from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Harry Griffen Regional Park. Admission is free, with a $20 suggested donation.

The event features six Southern California bands, headlined by Brody Buster, and includes competitions for emerging harmonica artists. Proceeds support free music lessons for local students.

Adams Avenue Unplugged

This musical walkabout event is set for April 25, starting at 11 a.m., featuring 90 performances across venues along a two-mile stretch of Adams Avenue.

General admission is free for most venues, except for Alejandro Escovedo’s ticketed performance at the Main Stage. A Community Beer Garden will also be available.

Art in the Garden (Escondido)

The festival featuring several hundred vendors, Art in the Garden, and live music is scheduled for May 17, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. It takes place along historic Grand Avenue in Escondido.

The event includes a beer and wine garden and international food options. Admission is free.

Chicano Park Day Celebration

The 56th annual commemoration of the founding of Chicano Park is scheduled for April 25, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Chicano Park in Barrio Logan.

This free spring festival will feature live music, Aztec dance performances, local vendors, and a lowrider car show.

San Diego Art/Music Event

A music and arts fest runs May 16-18 at various venues, including Embarcadero Marina Park North. The event showcases a diverse lineup of live music and art.

Attendees can also enjoy food, craft beverages, and art installations. While some community events are free, information regarding day passes is available online.

Spring Arts & Crafts Fair (Carlsbad)

The Forum Carlsbad hosts its annual spring event on April 11, from 2 to 5 p.m. Free admission is offered.

The event will feature live music, curated tastings, and displays of paintings, photography, mixed media, and handcrafted works. A Wine Garden will offer free wine tastings presented by Jimbo’s, with proceeds benefiting The Flower Fields Foundation.

Poway Community Celebration

This free community event is scheduled for May 31, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Midland Road. It spans between Poway Road and Hilleary Place.

The celebration includes live music, a classic car show, food trucks, and a beer and wine garden. There will also be local vendors and a dedicated kid-friendly zone.

Julian Wildflower Show

The Julian Woman’s Club presents its annual Wildflower Show from May 1-3 at Town Hall, 2129 Main St. Admission is free, with proceeds supporting the club’s scholarship fund.

The show features wildflowers sourced from seven regions surrounding Julian. The Clubhouse will display artwork by local students and feature handcrafted items for sale, including a raffle quilt.

Cactus and Succulent Festival

The Palomar Cactus and Succulent Society holds its annual festival on April 25, from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Grace Presbyterian Church, 1450 E. Vista Way. Admission is free.