Those who are ready to dig into summer's sweet rays of sunshine and vacation can also explore San Diego's foodie scene during the warmer months with the various festivals scheduled for the season.
From sweet to savory, chocolatey to cheesy, and even traditional to trendy, dozens of food stalls will open as booths at food festivals scheduled this summer. Take a look below to see which event catches your eye and the attention of your taste buds.
The Scene
Food. Fun. Lifestyle. Features. All in America's Finest City.
Get top local stories in San Diego delivered to you every morning. Sign up for NBC San Diego's News Headlines newsletter.
626 Night Market Mini
When: Every other weekend through June 25
Where: Downtown San Diego, 1350 3rd Ave.
The mass 626 Night Market that dominates the summers in Arcadia has brought a scaled-down version to San Diego, where foodies can indulge in an array of flavors from different vendors.
Nestled near Cortez Hill, this event features a rotating line of food stalls in addition to craft vendors. And those who want to quench their thirst can head straight to the bar, where full service is offered.
This festival is free but VIP tickets are available for $20 and offer expedited admission in addition to a drink voucher at the Bar Station (for those who are 21+, alcohol can be redeemed with the voucher).
For more information and for tickets to the 626 Night Market Mini, click here.
Scoop San Diego Ice Cream Festival
When: June 25
Where: North Park, 3812 29th St.
Those who are trying to keep cool for the summer can do that AND satisfy their sweet tooth at the Scoop San Diego Ice Cream Festival.
Boasting samples from an array of ice cream, gelato and paleta vendors in America's Finest City, this event also aims to do good by giving proceeds to the San Diego Food Bank. So you can do good while snacking on something good as you consider which flavor you'll consume next.
Interested? You can click here for more information and to purchase tickets.
Taste of Little Italy
When: June 20-21
Where: Little Italy
Take a stroll through Little Italy and indulge in small bites from several restaurants while the light mist from the San Diego Bay offers relief from the summer sun.
Taste of Little Italy returns for two evenings in a self-guided tour that features samplings from 20 restaurants, bars, dessert shops and breweries. From zesty ceviche to refreshing gelato and, of course, an array of pasta samplings, this event proudly displays the various dishes that can be found in this foodie-favorite of a neighborhood.
Tickets for either day costs $55 and can be purchased online. To buy a ticket or to preview the samples that will be available at the event, click here.
FoodieLand Night Market
When: July 21-23, Sept. 22-24
Where: Snapdragon Stadium in July, Del Mar Fairgrounds in September
This massive festival is a foodie’s dream, boasting more than 190+ vendors and dishes from different cultures. From rich musubis to rainbow grilled cheese sandwiches, FoodieLand has food stalls that can appease even the pickiest of eaters with its wide variety of dishes sold.
While noshing on their favorite treats, visitors can browse through merchant booths and see goods that range from cute pet accessories, anime plushies, unique clothing and more.
Tickets for the event range from $4 to $6, depending on the time slot customers decide on. Children under the age of 5 are free to enter.
Click here for details on FoodieLand.
Taste of Gaslamp
When: Sept. 2
Where: Gaslamp Quarter
Celebrating its 27th year in San Diego, the Taste of Gaslamp showcases the best of what the neighborhood has to offer with this culinary adventure.
With this self-guided tour, foodies can stroll through the downtown neighborhood and take samplings from more than 20 participating restaurants across 16 square city blocks. Once registering the day of the event, attendants will be given a passport and map that detail which eateries are participating and what foods they’ll get to sample in the event.
Tickets costs $45 online and $55 the day of the event. To learn more about the event, click here.
