The Gaslamp Quarter is home to all types of fun activities. This page showcases the many annual Special Events happening each year in our fabulous entertainment district.



Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp - If you are in downtown San Diego on Fat Tuesday you are required to Party Mardi Gras ~ Gaslamp style.  This Gaslamp Quarter-wide outdoor celebration includes a spectacular parade on Fifth Avenue and a fabulous block party featuring many of the top DJ's in the industry.  Enjoy tasty treats, cold beverages and beads, beads, beads. This event goes on rain or shine. Ticketed event/21 and up only. Proceeds benefit GQA (Gaslamp Quarter Association). Mardi Gras (or Carnivale) is on a different day each year based on the Christian season of Lent. We always celebrate on the true date of Fat Tuesday. Tickets on Sale Now!

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ShamROCK! - March 17th brings the luckiest block party in the Gaslamp Quarter! Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with the ultimate outdoor party.  With over 40,000 square foot Astroturf, they literally turn the streets green! Party includes live Irish rock bands, super fun DJs, special entrance to clubs and bars, and of course, Irish food & green beer! Ticketed event/21 and up only. Proceeds benefit GQHF (Gaslamp Quarter Historic Foundation). Info: (619) 233–5008. The Celebration is always on March 17th.

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The Michael Jon Hogue Golf Tournament - Gaslamp's annual local's tourney. Held at a beautiful San Diego Golf Course in early May each year, this fun "friend-raiser" features food and beverages out on the links with great treats, contests, and prizes. It is truly a great day out on the greens. Proceeds benefit GQA.

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Taste of Gaslamp - Downtown’s favorite eating extravaganza and urban food safari! Enjoy a delightful day of "Tastes" in the historic Gaslamp Quarter. Participants have the fun of visiting many unique, interesting locations and trying samples of their delicious house specialties each spring. Guests take a self–guided walking tour and the tasty treats from our finest restaurants are included in the ticket price. Also features a special beer tasting garden, sponsored by the Samuel Adams family of fine beers. Proceeds benefit GQA.

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San Diego Film Festival - Celebrating the art & power of film by creating unique, interactive, memorable film-going experiences! Enjoy four days & nights with some of Hollywood’s hottest celebrities and the industry's biggest names. Every autumn the SDFF hosts amazing independent films including: American & International films, documentaries, short films, & music videos. Ticketed event/all ages/21+ parties.

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San Diego Restaurant Week - Twice a year San Diego restaurants throw a culinary celebration featuring three fabulous courses for a fixed price. Gaslamp guests are tempted to try several different restaurants during each week as venues develop thier specials menus designed to showcase their craft. Subscribe to our newsletter for news about upcoming dates as they are announced each season.

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Fifth Avenue Auto Showcase  - Auto enthusiasts are invited to enjoy the Annual Fifth Avenue Auto Showcase presented by The Keating Hotel each October to get up close and personal with some of the most iconic cars in history!  This event is free to view and open to the public.  We showcase high-performance automobiles ranging from classics to lavish contemporary luxury vehicles and we're always looking for great entries!

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Halloween Time in Gaslamp  - Each Autumn the Ghosts return the Historic Gaslamp Quarter to haunt the best parties and chill with their costumed counterparts. Much more than one night, Halloween time in the Gaslamp is frightfully delightful!

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Lamplighter Awards, Dinner and Auction - An extravagant night featuring delectable appetizers prepared by Gaslamp’s finest restaurants, unique entertainment, product sampling, fun auctions filled with great San Diego activities, dining packages and priceless items on the block.  Be there when the Gaslamp honors its own with the Best of Gaslamp Awards. Proceeds benefit GQA.

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Fallback Festival - This annual Historic Children's Street Faire falls on the Sunday that ends daylight savings time. Come enjoy the world’s only festival that celebrates history by “falling back” in time.  Tons of young children’s activities, entertainment, food, demonstrations and lots of family fun. FREE Entry/some activities have small fee. Location: 4th Ave & Island Ave. Proceeds benefit GQHF. Info (619) 233–5008.

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Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade - San Diego pets and owners are invited to dress up in their favorite costumes for a special promenade throughout the Gaslamp Quarter to celebrate the holiday season.  You can only imagine the fun and excitement as downtown became filled with costumed pets & their handlers all vying for prizes and bragging rights including Best Costumed Duo, Cutest Critter, Best Pet Costume & Best in Show.

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Poinsettia Bowl Gaslamp March - The marching bands from each of the competing schools in the Poinsettia Bowl face off in a musical showdown on Fifth Avenue just days prior to the big Bowl game at Qualcomm Stadium.

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This list showcases the primary Special Events happening each year, in and around the Gaslamp Quarter. For more information on any of these events please call us at (619) 233-5227 - to download CLICK HERE

Find more new events & Seasonal happenings on our Gaslamp Insider Blog - CLICK HERE