joy the colors of vibrant fairs and festivals and lively music in San Diego this summer. It is the right time for a long-planned San Diego beach vacation.

The Tilt

San Diego hosts a series of fairs and festivals throughout the year.

Are you ready for some great music!

One of the hottest new bands of San Diego – The Tilt – is all set to rock the stage on May 13, 2013 at Belly Up Solana Beach. The doors will open at 7:00 pm and the event will start at 8:00 pm.

The Tilt is known for giving a fresh feel to Blues. With Jesse Malley being the front vocalist and Jeff Irwin on guitar, the band has the success of their debut album Howlin’, released in January 2013, to its credit. The Tilt has already appeared in different venues across San Diego.

Tickets are available for sale. Ticket price is as follows:

• In Advance – $8
• Day of Show – $8
• Reserved – $14

Tickets once sold will not be refunded, exchanged or transferred.

Note: Only people of and over 21 years are allowed to witness the show.

20^th Annual 2013 Sicilian Festival

Have a Sicilian feel at the streets of Downtown!

20^th Annual 2013 Sicilian Festival is set to take place on May 19, 2013 in Downtown, San Diego’s Little Italy neighborhood.

The festival serves art, food, music, and tradition of Sicily that Sicilian immigrants brought to San Diego. 

2013 San Diego County Fair

Get ready to play! The Game is On!

The 2013 San Diego County Fair is scheduled to take place on June 8—July 4, 2013 at Del Mar Fairgrounds in oceanfront Del Mar.

This 24-day frolic event will feature those same nostalgic childhood. You will also get to see how these games have evolved over the years. Experience the transformation that technology has brought ranging from board games and pinball, to computers, television and videos.

With different beautiful locations to visit and happening events, San Diego is one of the most desired holiday destinations. This is one vacation spot where you don’t have to go over the top as a wide range of budget hotels in San Diego offer rates that don’t burn holes in your pocket.

California Suites Hotel, an AAA-rated leading budget hotel in San Diego, offers low room rates bundled with a wide range of value added services, including:

• Continental breakfast
• Wireless Internet access
• Large warm swimming pool
• Spa tub and more
• Laundry Facilities
• Free parking
• Safe deposit box

It is an ideal stay for visitors in San Diego as it is in easy reach of all the places worth seeing.

Photo Courtesy: sdrvresort.com

San Diego is a perfect destination to enjoy a family vacation or have a great time with your friends. Even if you possess a mild interest in sports, March has a good line-up of worthy events related to fun sports.

Annual Ocean Beach Kiwanis Kite Festival – Engage in kite-making, do some decoration and enjoy flying the kites

Ocean Beach Kite Festival

As a kid, you must have enjoyed flying kites. How about learning to make one! It is so much fun.

On 2nd March, 2013, bring your kids to the 65th annual Ocean Beach Kite Festival that will take place in Ocean Beach Recreation Center and Ocean Beach Elementary School at Santa Monica Avenue and Ebers Street from 9 am to 4 pm.

Children will get free kite-making kits and can learn to make kites and get rewarded too. Kids from preschoolers, kindergarteners and 1st & 2nd graders to high school kids will be given prizes for the best-decorated kite.

Engage in kite-making, do some decoration and enjoy flying the kites. A parade to the beach will take place where children can fly their own kites.

It is a complete family-friendly event which you would enjoy with your friends and family. And this is not all. There will be rides, LIVE music, hot dogs, popcorn and arts and crafts.

While on San Diego family vacation, do attend this small family-friendly community event. It is something a little different for the family to participate.

Explore the different beaches in San Diego. Spare a day to spend at the Ocean Beach and enjoy the Ocean Beach Kite Festival.

California Winter Games – Figure Skating

If you are fond of sports, attend the upcoming California Winter Games. It is an Olympic-style competition where California’s amateur athletes of all ages participate in Ice Hockey, Figure Skating and Roller Skating.

Ice Hockey will take place from 15th to 18th February, 2013 and Roller Skating will be held on 16th and 17th February, 2013. And California Winter Games – Figure Skating competition will take place on 2nd and 3rd March, 2013 at the San Diego Ice Arena.

When you plan to come on San Diego holidays in March, do include these events in your itinerary.

For your convenience stay at a San Diego hotel, which is in close vicinity to major attractions. Luckily, California Suites Hotel is also located quite nearby to most of the beaches and various other top tourist spots of San Diego.

Regarded as a value price leader amongst San Diego budget hotels, California Suites Hotel provides amenities to make your stay comfortable and memorable one.

Being an AAA-approved and a member of the San Diego’s Chamber of Commerce, the hotel provides good facilities at budget prices such as free parking, continental breakfast, Internet access, large warm swimming pool, safe deposit box and more.

Photo Courtesy: goin2travel.com and flickr

The U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge and 3D Art Exposition is open to the public from 9am to 7pm on Labor Day weekend, August 31 – September 3, 2012, at ‘B’ Street Cruise Ship terminal Pier, Downtown, San Diego.

Looking for some fun activities on your San Diego family vacation?

Don’t miss these two fun filled events lined up for September 2012, which call for an extended stay in San Diego.

US Sand Sculpting Challenge and 3D Art Exposition

The U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge and 3D Art Exposition is open to the public from 9am to 7pm on Labor Day weekend, August 31 – September 3, 2012, at ‘B’ Street Cruise Ship terminal Pier, Downtown, San Diego.

Come, watch some of the world’s top sand artists create sculptural masterpieces the likes of which have never before been seen in San Diego.

What an experience – On three sides surrounded by San Diego’s Big Bay and on the 4th, downtown’s sandcastles in the sky. You and your family can watch sculptures being gently carved by master artists from Italy, Portugal, the Netherlands and Canada, as well as California.

Enjoy dimensional art from leading West Coast artists who work in metal, glass, resin, clay, wood, leather, fabric and gemstones, while tall ships pass majestically with hoisted sail in full regalia. Check out the fascinating large pile sand sculpture with over 100 tons of sand. And walk out on the pier for the best view of ships cruising the Big Bay in all of downtown.

49^th Annual Cabrillo Festival

Be a part of history and welcome 16^th century explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo as he steps ashore on Ballast Point, Sunday, September 30, 2012.

The Cabrillo Festival is a fun event for the entire family, with educational activities, cultural demonstrations and exciting folkloric performances. Brightly colored clothing and dramatic music and dancing bring to life the traditions of the Native American, Mexican, Portuguese and Spanish cultures that are part of the Age of Exploration.

The Cabrillo Festival features food booths with delicious traditional Mexican, Native American, Portuguese and Spanish food. Vendors will showcase their various artistic goods. The highlight of the Cabrillo Festival is the re-enactment of Cabrillo’s landing on the shores of San Diego Bay.

“Cabrillo,” his soldiers and a priest sail into the bay on San Salvador (The Californian), and once again claim the land for Spain. Amy Daneke Miss Cabrillo Festival 2012 was born in Fresno, California and attends San Diego State University. She will represent the Cabrillo Festival at events in Ensenada and San Diego during Cabrillo Festival Week.

Accommodation in San Diego – For some good quality San Diego lodging, go for San Diego’s Value Price Leader, California Suites Hotel. Just 15 minutes away from the airport as well as the best known attractions of this beautiful city, the California Suites Hotel leads San Diego budget hotels in offering services at competitive rates.

Approved by the AAA and a proud member of the San Diego’s Chamber of Commerce, the California Suites Hotel offers continental breakfast, large heated swimming pool, cable with HBO, high speed Internet access, free parking, laundry facilities and more.

The biggest advantage is that the hotel is close to almost all beaches and other top attractions as well such as Old Town, Sea World, Balboa Park, La Jolla, and shopping centers. Mark your presence in either or both of these events detailed above and make the most of your San Diego beach vacation.

Sources include:

cabrillofestival.org

ussandsculpting.com

Enjoy your extended stay San Diego with Beer-Con beer conference to be held on August 24 and 25, 2012 at 57 Degrees, Downtown San Diego.

Two fascinating days featuring brewery tours, talks, tastings, food Pairings, and a new location closer to Downtown!

Enjoy your extended stay San Diego with Beer-Con beer conference to be held on August 24 and 25, 2012 at 57 Degrees, Downtown San Diego.

Beer-Con was born out of the pure love for craft beer. This is a conference by, and for beer lovers! For the first time ever the greatest minds and palates in craft beer have a platform to come together and share their passion! Beer-Con 2012 is a conference held in beautiful San Diego that will feature some of the top names in the industry speaking on a variety of topics!

Multiple speaking tracks will run simultaneously throughout the day so that you can choose the experience that is right for you. This event is open to the public, no professional association or credentials required!

At Beer-Con you’ll get exclusive access to industry pros, get answers to the questions you’ve always wanted to ask, learn about brewing and tasting beer from the best in the business and of course join other beer lovers for a few brews at our Tap Haven where you’ll enjoy a special line-up of craft taps!

There will be two route options – both of which will visit 3 breweries and then end at the new Rough Draft location for the Friday kick-off party. You will get a total of 12 taster tickets. It’s up to you, how many you use at each brewery. But once you’re out, it’s on you to buy additional tasters.

The range of tasters available for the visitors includes Firestone Walker Brewing Co., Hangar 24 Craft Brewery, Iron Fist Brewing Company, Stone Brewing Co., Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., Coronado Brewing Co., The Beer Co. San Diego, Lightning Brewery, The Lost Abbey, Port Brewing, Ballast Point, Societe Brewing Co, and North Coast Brewing Co.
Come be a part of the craft beer movement.

Make the most of this event without bothering about the accommodation in San Diego. California Suites Hotel is the best option for affordable San Diego lodging. We take pride in announcing that California Suites Hotel is approved by the AAA and is a proud member of the San Diego’s Chamber of Commerce.

California Suites Hotel is appreciated for its unmatched services and hospitality. Our list of premium services include continental breakfast, large heated swimming pool, cable with HBO, high speed Internet access, free parking, laundry facilities and more.

Share your passion, join the discussion and tip back a few tasters at Beer-Con 2012! We will see you there.

Sources include:
beer-con.com 
sandiego.org/events

Photo Courtesy: localdeal.com

World Bodysurfing Championships is a great opportunity for the bodysurfers to showcase their talent.

The 36th Annual World Bodysurfing Championships will be held adjacent to the Oceanside Pier August 18-19. Approximately 350-400 bodysurfers from around the world compete in their respective age divisions for trophies and prizes. The Men and Women’s Grand Champions will be crowned on Sunday afternoon, August 19th, the final day.

The contest is projected to start at 6:30 am each morning with age competition taking place as noted below. WBC reserves the right to change the projected schedule based upon the actual number of applications received.

Awards:

The top male and female winners will be awarded all expense paid trips for themselves and a guest on the Bud Light Port Paradise Music Festival Cruise. MUST BE 21 TO WIN THIS PRIZE. Wood Underwear will present the awards to the accomplished winners.

This all expense paid award will include round-trip airfare from Los Angeles to Miami, 1-night hotel accommodation in Miami with airport transfer and a 3-day cruise. Winner and guest must have valid passport and an active credit card for any incidentals they wish to incur. Departure date is November 15th returning to Los Angeles on November 19th.

A Thrilling Event

World Bodysurfing Championships even is a great opportunity for the bodysurfers to showcase their talent and for visitors to stand witness to the excitement of this sport. If you are planning a San Diego beach vacation in August, do not miss this exciting event.

You can choose from the variety of budget accommodations offered by San Diego motels and enjoy an extended stay in San Diego while visiting other beautiful places at San Diego.

A San Diego lodging with California Suites Hotel will be great fun as this hotel is close by to a number of attractions including La Jolla, Old Town, Gaslamp Quarter, beaches, shopping centers that host fun-filled events throughout the year.

Approved by the AAA and a proud member of the San Diego’s Chamber of Commerce, California Suites Hotel is well known for its impeccable services and hospitality. Our services include continental breakfast, large heated swimming pool, cable with HBO, high speed Internet access, free parking, laundry facilities and more.

Sources include:
worldbodysurfing.org

Photo Courtesy: surfersvillage.com

The Del Mar Racetrack begins its Thoroughbred Racing Season at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club in oceanfront Del Mar.

It’s summertime where the turf meets the surf, and that means exhilarating races, big wins, and great music.

Del Mar Horse Racing excitement returns to the Del Mar Racetrack on July 18 through September 5 (except Labor Day and Tuesdays), as the Del Mar Racetrack begins its Thoroughbred Racing Season at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club in oceanfront Del Mar.

The Del Mar Thoroughbred Club will celebrate 75 years as a world-class racing and entertainment destination this summer. The seaside track’s seven-week meet – filled with fast horses, free concerts and big weekend events – will commence on Wednesday, July 18, 2012.

One of the summer’s most anticipated events – Opening Day at Del Mar Horse Racing– is likely to welcome more than 46,000 celebrities, socialites and party-goers to the track to kick off the season in Kentucky Derby style with “The One and Only Truly Fabulous Hats Contest,” again showcasing Southern California’s wildest and most glamorous creations.

Besides world-class Thoroughbred racing, Del Mar is known for its incredible lineup of summer entertainment. This season, the track will welcome big name performers to the Seaside Stage for its Summer Concert Series. Race-goers can enjoy free shows from a lineup of performers.

The $1 Million TVG Pacific Classic will take place Sunday, August 26 and is expected to attract many of the country’s top jockeys, trainers and Thoroughbreds for Del’s Mar’s richest and most prestigious race.

The 2012 season event calendar will also feature fan favorites such as the Gourmet Food Truck Festival, Miss Cougar Del Mar Contest, microbrew festivals and the annual Reggae Festival.

The track’s Family Fun Day will take place on Sunday, July 22, but families can get their share of the action and enjoy kid-friendly activities in the Infield every Saturday and Sunday throughout the meet.

Racing at Del Mar happens Wednesday through Sunday, with post time for the first race on most days at 2 p.m. On Fridays first post changes to 4 p.m.

Del Mar Horse Racing is one of the spectacular events that take place in the San Diego city. If you are planning a San Diego beach vacation between July to September, do attend this event.

To make sure your San Diego holidays enjoyable and convenient, try to find a San Diego hotel from where Del Mar and other tourist spots are nearby.

California Suites Hotel is one such San Diego lodging from where most of the attractions including La Jolla, Old Town, Gaslamp Quarter, beaches, shopping centers and Del Mar are nearby.

Approved by the AAA and a proud member of the San Diego’s Chamber of Commerce, the California Suites Hotel is well known for its impeccable services and hospitality. Our services include continental breakfast, large heated swimming pool, cable with HBO, high speed Internet access, free parking, laundry facilities and more.

If you are fond of horse racing, do not miss Del Mar Horse Racing!

Sources include:
sandiego.org
delmarscene.com/music/dmtc_2012_press_release.htm

Photo Courtesy: ali.sdsu.edu

San Diego Zoo's Nighttime Zoo' theme is a China celebration. The festivities will begin from 23rd June and continue till 3rd September, 2012.

Let the wonders of China enchant and amaze you at the San Diego Zoo’s Nighttime Zoo.
This year, the San Diego Zoo’s Nighttime Zoo’ theme is a China celebration.
The festivities will begin from 23rd June and continue till 3rd September, 2012.

You can check out various shows at the Nighttime Zoo, such as:

Dr. Zoolittle Explores Asia

Dr. Zoolittle brings his own special take on science when he “transports” audiences to Asia to study the giant panda. Come get the scoop on these black-and-white wonders, such as the fact that pandas poop an average of 48 times a day!

The Legend of Dragon Mountain-Heibei Chinese Acrobats

Let the Heibei Chinese acrobats dazzle you with “The Legend of Dragon Mountain”, featuring gravity-defying acrobatic feats, enchanting traditional dances, and stunning martial art performances.

Golden Lion Acrobats & Dragon Dance

Join the Golden Lions as they entertain and delight the crowd at Canyon Cafe with their astounding talents and acrobatic skills. Five times a day they will invade the food court with their performances along with the Dragon from Dragon Mountain, a colorful, 20-foot-long serpent brought to life by puppeteers. Marvel as it sinuously winds through the Zoo’s Panda Canyon, mesmerizing visitors along the way in honor of the Year of the Dragon.

Power and Air – Strength and Aerial Acrobats

Five times a day, this dedicated team of professionals will be displaying amazing athletic prowess as precision balancing will be matched with the beauty and skill of the aerial lyre. These cool cats will be on display in front of the Skyeast Pool.

Surfin’ Safari Bush Band

Many regular guests have come to know and enjoy this zany, interactive minstrel-style band. Their antics will be inspired as they bring limbo sticks, hula hoops, and fun interactives to get kids and adults alike involved in the organized mayhem.

Animal Activities

San Diego Zoo is home to more than 4,500 rare and endangered animals at the Zoo. Here you can indulge in various interesting animal activities.

Check out Panda Trek where you get to enter into the world of giant pandas, red pandas, takins, and the Mangshan pit viper at the San Diego Zoo’s Panda Trek! Or you can go for Giraffe Feedings and help feed the giraffes at the Urban Jungle.

After you are done with watching wonderful shows, you can enjoy dining at the Albert’s Restaurant. Here you can dine and unwind at your leisure.

If you are planning a San Diego beach vacation between June and September, do visit San Diego Nighttime Zoo. It is totally crazy and lots of fun. Plenty of San Diego budget hotels offer great discounts on room rates during this time. Do your research and choose the San Diego lodging which is closer to various San Diego attractions.

California Suites Hotel is one of the best amongst budget hotels in San Diego and is in close vicinity to the San Diego Zoo and other top tourist hot-spots of the city.

Approved by the AAA and a proud member of the San Diego’s Chamber of Commerce, the California Suites Hotel provides high quality facilities at budget prices. Services include continental breakfast, large heated swimming pool, cable with HBO, high speed Internet access, free parking, laundry facilities and more.

Sources include: sandiegozoo.org
Photo Courtesy: 101thingstodosw.com

The Old Globe's 2012 Shakespeare Festival is set to take place from 3rd June to 30th September, 2012. The Old Globe is located in San Diego's Balboa Park.

Are you fond of watching plays? How about watching Shakespearean plays? The Old Globe’s 2012 Shakespeare Festival is set to take place from 3rd June to 30th September, 2012. The Old Globe is located in San Diego’s Balboa Park.

The Old Globe’s 2012 Shakespeare Festival will be performed in repertory at the outdoor Lowell Davies Festival Theater. Adrian Noble returns as the artistic director of the festival and will direct plays – “As You Like It” and “Inherit the Wind”.

British director Lindsay Posner will make his debut at the Old Globe with his production of Richard III, which will kick off the festival on 3rd June. Jay Whittaker will star in the title role.

Here is a look at the 2012 Old Globe’s Shakespeare Festival:

Richard III
June 3-Sept 29
Directed by Lindsay Posner

“Richard III is one of the most diabolical and outrageous villains in all of literature. A ruthless Machiavellian, the brilliant and power-hungry lord embarks on a bloody campaign to seize and keep the English crown. Shakespeare paints an unforgettable portrait of obsession, seduction, betrayal and a man who would be king.”

As You Like It
June 10-Sept. 30 (Opening night is June 29)
Directed by Noble

“Flirtation, friendship and mistaken identity make for one of Shakespeare’s most beloved comedies. Rosalind escapes into the forest and adopts the persona of a man to get close to her beloved Orlando. But when he falls for another woman, she must untangle the web of deceptions she has woven to win her true love. As You Like It explores the giddy excitement and dizzying foibles of love and is a perfect summer night under the stars.”

Inherit the Wind
By Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee
June 17-Sept. 25 (Opening night is July 3)
Directed by Noble

“Two powerhouse lawyers face off in a small town with the eyes of an entire nation upon them when a schoolteacher is arrested for teaching Charles Darwin’s theories of evolution. When the issue goes to trial, the two attorneys must passionately confront questions of faith and science in a heated courtroom. This fictional re-creation of the infamous Scopes Monkey Trial tackles issues that are every bit as relevant today as they were in 1925.”

Apart from the plays, you can catch various other special events too at the Old Globe such as “Shakespeare in the Garden” seminars, post-show forums and more.

Want to watch something other than Shakespearean? Some other plays will also be showcased at the Old Globe such as Yasmina Reza’s God of Carnage, Divine Rivalry by Michael Kramer and more.

If you are coming on a San Diego beach vacation during June and September, do spare some time to watch one of these historic Shakespearean plays at the Old Globe.

As far as San Diego lodging is concerned, we are a favorite accommodation in San Diego for tourists wanting to visit the beautiful city. California Suites Hotel is located close to Balboa Park, so it will be easy for you to commute to the Old Globe in the urban park to watch the plays. Besides California Suites Hotel is also in close proximity to several beaches, Old Town, La Jolla, Little Italy, Gaslamp Quarter and various other tourists hotspots.

Approved by the AAA and a proud member of the San Diego’s Chamber of Commerce, the California Suites Hotel provides high quality facilities at budget prices. Our services include continental breakfast, large heated swimming pool, cable with HBO, high speed Internet access, free parking, laundry facilities and more.

Make your reservations with us now and enjoy these various attractions of San Diego and good services to their fullest.

Sources include: playbill.com

Photo Courtesy: kpbs.org

The 33rd Annual Ocean Beach Street Fair & Chili Cook-off Festival for eclectic fun in the sun, shopping, festival nosh, surf and beachfront entertainment.

The Annual Ocean Beach Street Fair & Chili Cook-off Festival has been a vibrant community tradition for more than three decades, attracting tourists and San Diego natives alike to sunny Ocean Beach each year. It will take place at the Ocean Beach, Newport Ave on 23rd June, 2012  from 10am.

This year at the 33rd Annual Ocean Beach Street Fair & Chili Cook-off Festival for eclectic fun in the sun, shopping, festival nosh, surf and beachfront entertainment.

There will be festival activities for all ages and interests including:

* Five stages of continuous live music
* Chili Cook-Off
* Beachside Beer Garden & Spirits
* Food vendors and local restaurant fare
* Community Mural Art Project
* Artists Alley
* Wonderland Children’ Area
* Unique handcrafted merchandise: clothing, accessories and more
* Skateboard Exhibition from Ocean Beach Surf & Skate Shop
* Climbing Walls
* Raffle with prizes from more than 20 local businesses

Best part is it is a FREE event which promises lots of fun. Everything about the OB Street Fair will be special this year because it is the occasion for celebrating the 125th Anniversary of Ocean Beach.  If you are coming on a San Diego vacation in June, come to this event to celebrate with the thousand others!

For your convenience, stay at a hotel in San Diego which is in close proximity to the beaches, where most visitors flock to in the summer time.

Regarded as a value price leader amongst budget San Diego hotels, California Suites Hotel offers all facilities to make your stay comfortable and a memorable one.

Approved by the AAA and a proud member of the San Diego’s Chamber of Commerce, the California Suites Hotel offers fine services at affordable prices which include continental breakfast, large heated outdoor swimming pool, cable with HBO, high speed Internet access, free parking, laundry facilities and more.

The biggest advantage is that the hotel is close to almost all beaches and other top attractions as well such as Old Town, Sea World, Balboa Park, La Jolla, and shopping centers. As San Diego receives a large influx of tourists in June, try to book your rooms in advance.

Sources include:

yelp.com
oceanbeachsandiego.com

Photo Courtesy: myspace.com

The Sicilian Festival, famed for its procession featuring costumed musicians and dancers.

The Sicilian Festival, famed for its procession featuring costumed musicians and dancers, will bring alive San Diego’s Little Italy neighborhood from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on May 20 as part of the 19^th Annual Sicilian Festival celebration.

The family event is free and features authentic Sicilian music, dance, culture and cuisine, surrounded by the ambiance of the Little Italy  neighborhood, located within walking distance of the beautiful San Diego harbor and within minutes of San Diego’s downtown district. If you are planning a vacation in San Diego during this time, book your rooms in a San Diego hotel that is located near Little Italy. You will love the ambiance.

Along Beech Street from Kettner to State Streets, car lovers will encounter Bellissimo! A Celebration of Italian Automotive Artistry. Offering an intimate look at a broad spectrum of Italian car designs – including Ferrari, Maserati, Lamborghini, Fiat, Lancia, and Alpha Romeo – visitors can mingle with proud car owners and cast their votes for a “Peoples Choice Award” for the car that captures their heart. Participating car clubs include the Ferrari, Alpha Romeo and Fiat/Lancia clubs, as well as support from FIAT Kearny Mesa.

Food booths will represent the many restaurants in Little Italy, serving up Sicilian specialties of all varieties.  Tarantino’s Sausages will also be on hand to serve up some of the best Italian sausages in the nation. Peroni, the official beer sponsor of the Sicilian Festival, will feature a Peroni Nastro Azzurro, the #1 Premium brand in Italy imported from Rome, in the beer and wine pavilion.

Guests will dance in the streets throughout the day.

At 11:30 am, a procession of dozens of costumed dancers, musicians, and representatives of the City and County of San Diego and the House of Italy, Sons of Italy, Italian-American Association, and other San Diego Italian organizations, will parade through the streets carrying flags from the different regions of Sicily and Italy. A very special guest in this years costume parade will be newborn Amelia Tripoli, born March 4, 2012 to Tony and Diana Tripoli who were married at the 2010 Sicilian Festival.

Four stages will feature non-stop Italian and Sicilian entertainment. The event is highlighted by the nationally acclaimed Roman Holiday Ensemble which will be on hand with their costumed musicians and dancers to provide a lively show of Sicilian and Italian music. The Screamin’ Primas will also be featured in a salute to Sicilian-American trumpeter and bandleader Louie Prima. Sicilian Swing’s New Orleans Italian jazz ensemble and renowned soprano Cristina Fontanelli will be among notable Italian-themed acts to be enjoyed at the Festival. The Grape Street stage will feature culinary demonstrations from San Diego’s leading chefs, highlighted by a pasta-eating contest.

All children’s activities are free, and include a large inflatable slide, puppet theatre shows, face painting, and many other activities to keep the bambini entertained throughout day.

A Sicilian cultural zone will feature photo and cultural displays by local and national authors and artisans that reflect the Sicilian American heritage in San Diego. The area will feature chalk art and displays of the rich history of San Diego’s tuna fishing industry, which flourished from the beginning of the 20th century until the 1970s. Among the exhibitors will be the San Diego History Center, Maritime Museum, and the Women’s Museum of California.

Free street parking is available throughout the Little Italy neighborhood. Free parking is available in the north lot of the County Administration Building, with a free shuttle to the Festival. The AMTRAK station is less than a mile from the Sicilian Festival area and can be reached either by foot or by using the San Diego Trolley. The Coaster also runs on Sunday. Take the MTS Trolley’s Blue Line to the County Center/Little Italy Station.

And there’s free parking at many of the Trolley’s park-and-ride lots (especially Qualcomm Stadium).  Also, on weekends, two children (12 and under) ride free with a paid adult (18 and over).

Little Italy is the first stop on the blue line north. Approved by the AAA and a proud member of the San Diego’s Chamber of Commerce, the California Suites Hotel is a leading budget hotel in San Diego which is centrally located. All the popular beaches including Harbor Beach, La Jolla Cove, Pacific Beach, Mission Beach are nearby. Even shopping centers, Balboa Park and other major attractions are a few minutes away.

Well-known for its hospitality, California Suites Hotel provides fine services at affordable prices which include continental breakfast, large swimming pool, cable with HBO, high speed Internet access, free parking, laundry facilities and more.

Courtesy: Southwest Riverside News Network