Downtown Vista plays host to family friendly events all year long!
Check out some of Downtown Vista’s most popular annual events. But fear not… there are fun happenings in Downtown every day! Check out our events calendar.
VISTA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL | Sunday of Memorial Day Weekend
The Vista Strawberry Festival celebrates everybody’s favorite berry on the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend! Come dressed in your most festive Strawberry attire and bring your berry happy grin to this free, family fun event! There’s something for everyone… pie-eating contests, kids play zone, entertainment, art, film festival, vendors and, of course, Strawberry deliciousness!
STRAWBERRY RUN | Sunday of Memorial Day Weekend
The Vista Strawberry Run attracts thousands of competitors for multiple kids run/walks and a 5K race for the bravest! Run dressed in your Berry best? Fun prizes and medals for all! Then hangout and recover at all the Strawberry Festival events.
ALLEY ART ON THE ASPHALT | Various Dates
The Alley Art On The Asphalt Festival connects creatives and the community with free interactive arts and crafts activities, live music, food vendors and more! You’ll see original artworks and demonstrations from many of North County’s emerging artists. The festival lines the pavement along Citrus Avenue in Downtown Vista.
VISTA ROD RUN | Sunday Labor Day Weekend
The Vista Rod Run is a North County tradition for car lovers! Come join the 300+ classic hot rods, trucks and specialty cars that line the streets of Vista’s historic Downtown on the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend! Car owners compete for trophies, music is featured throughout the event and, of course, enjoy the sights, shopping, food and breweries of Downtown!
FRIGHT NIGHT | Friday before Halloween
Fright Night is Downtown Vista’s free, family friendly spooktacular event. Come dressed and ready to trick-or-treat at shops along Main Street, enter the haunted house (if you dare) and check out fun activities to celebrate Halloween! Fright Night happens on the Friday before (or on) Halloween.
VISTA CHRISTMAS PARADE | First Saturday in December
The Vista Christmas Parade hosted by the Vista Chamber of Commerce is one of the longest-running holiday parades in San Diego County! There’s a new theme each year as hundreds of floats, bands, entertainment and other special guests flow down Vista’s historic Downtown. All wrapped up with a visit from Santa Claus!
VISTA WINTERFEST | Early December
Vista Winterfest is expanding in 2023 to include multiple events throughout the holiday season! Art, entertainment and holiday celebrations will take center stage along the Vista Village Main Street (near the Cinepolis Theater)… and throughout the historic Downtown area. Stay tuned!
DARK X-MAS MARKET | Mid December
Inspired by the mystical Krampus Christmas story, the Dark X-Mas Market celebrates creative curators who specialize in all things uniquely Dark Christmas including Norse Viking inspired tree ornaments, old world holiday art, all natural, hand poured herbal candles, locally sourced wood burned home décor and all manner of hand-crafted gifts that celebrate a gothic culture esthetic. The market also attracts an amazing parade of Krampus characters from all over Southern California who parade through the town. And there's lots of great food, music, contests and more. Follow the Backfence Society for details.