Every winter, people flock to Hotel del Coronado’s Skating by the Sea event.
From classic car parades to coastal film premieres, Coronado’s event calendar is a study in tradition done well. These aren’t just seasonal diversions; they’re the markers of an island community with deep local pride and a strong sense of place. Here are the signature events you’ll enjoy year after year, especially after investing in Coronado, CA real estate.
Your quick recap
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Coronado Valentine’s Day Run
February kicks off the year’s events with a burst of energy along Coronado’s coastline through the annual Valentine’s Day Run, which is available in 5K, 10K, and 1-mile formats. The starting line usually sits at Tidelands Park, and the course runs flat and scenic along the waterfront and past historic homes.
Runners can register as a couple, or try their luck meeting a potential match by listing as an individual and donning an “Available” bib. Couples can also participate in the run’s mass wedding vow renewal. It’s a strong and romantic early-season entry on the Coronado events calendar.
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Coronado Flower Show
The Coronado Flower Show began as a modest garden competition more than a century ago. And today, it’s one of the most anticipated cultural traditions in the Coronado events calendar. Hosted at Spreckels Park, the entire community is invited to explore large-scale floral installations and creative garden displays.
Each year brings a new theme. The upcoming 2026 iteration will be “Welcome to the Jungle,” which is expected to show dramatic tropical vignettes as well as intimate native gardens—a celebration of Coronado’s flourishing horticulture scene.
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MotorCars on MainStreet
Rows of vintage Cadillacs, muscle cars, and gleaming chrome stretch across Orange and Isabella Avenues each year as MotorCars on MainStreet turns downtown Coronado into an open-air showroom. What began as a local gathering has grown into one of Southern California’s top car events, attracting collectors, enthusiasts, and casual spectators alike.
Admission is free, and the day includes live music, prize drawings, and a high-energy atmosphere. It’s a fixture on the Coronado events calendar and a prime example of how Coronado balances small-town tradition with regional appeal.
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Low Tide Ride & Stride
Each June, Coronado’s Low Tide Ride & Stride event brings runners, walkers, and cyclists to a stretch of sand between North Beach and the Navy’s Amphibious Base—a route famously used in SEAL BUD/S training. It starts and ends near Sunset Park, where participants regroup for live music, vendor booths, and a family-friendly summer kickoff.
The event just recently celebrated its 28th year, which doubled as the Rotary Club’s largest fundraiser. Proceeds went to support local military and first responder programs.
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Coronado Concerts in the Park
On Sunday evenings throughout summer, Spreckels Park fills with music, picnics, and neighbors gathered on blankets and beach chairs. The Coronado Promenade Concerts series has been a part of island life since 1970, evolving from a four-show lineup into a full season tradition and a mainstay in the Coronado events calendar.
Run by a nonprofit founded to honor co-founder Mary King-Ross, the series features everything, from big band and jazz to rock, soul, and symphonic performances.
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Coronado Fourth of July
Coronado’s Fourth of July celebration is a full-day tribute to Americana and one of the most anticipated entries on the Coronado events calendar. Families claim space early along Orange Avenue’s grassy medians to watch the iconic three-hour parade unfold, complete with floats and marching bands.
The day continues with community concerts, U.S. Navy demonstrations, and ends with a fireworks show that has lit up the skies for more than 75 years. This year’s display lasted 18 minutes and capped off a celebration that defines summer on the island.
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Coronado Island Film Festival
Cinema has deep roots in Coronado, and the Coronado Island Film Festival builds on that legacy with a multi-day celebration that draws filmmakers, actors, and cinephiles from around the world. Launched in 2016 and centered around the historic Hotel del Coronado, the festival delivers a walkable, immersive experience with screenings, industry panels, filmmaker Q&As, live performances, and juried awards.
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Hotel del Coronado’s Skating by the Sea
Where else can you skate with views of the Pacific just beyond the glass? Skating by the Sea at Hotel del Coronado brings holiday magic to the coast with its beachfront rink, open from late November through early January. A portion of the proceeds supports Make-A-Wish San Diego, giving the event a charitable edge beneath the twinkling lights.
For those who want the full experience, rinkside lounges offer plush seating, fire pits, seasonal cocktails, and festive bites. Whether you’re skating with kids or enjoying the view from the Sun Deck, this seasonal offer is undeniably a standout on the Coronado events calendar.
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Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting
Coronado’s holiday season begins with the annual Tree Lighting and Parade—an event that draws thousands of spectators to Rotary Plaza. At the heart of it all is a 120-foot Christmas tree wrapped in over 18,000 twinkling lights, serving as a glowing symbol of the island’s festive spirit. More than 1,400 participants take part in the holiday parade, which starts on Orange Avenue and loops around Adela and RH Dana.
Orange Avenue turns into a car enthusiast’s dream once a year thanks to MotorCars on MainStreet.
Your questions, answered When is the best time to visit Coronado for events? Do I need tickets for events like Concerts in the Park or MotorCars on MainStreet? How can I live closer to the action? |
There’s always something fun happening in Coronado.
CORONADO’S EVENTS CALENDAR IS JUST THE BEGINNING
If you truly want to immerse yourself in Coronado life and culture, the best way is to invest in the local real estate market and become a local.
With more than $2 billion in sales and over 900 homes sold in Coronado, Scott Aurich and Tyler Mathews are the best guides to help you explore Coronado, CA real estate. Find them both at the office near the Hotel del Coronado at 1200 Orange Avenue, or call 619.992.0808 to learn more. You can also follow the team on Instagram to stay up-to-date with the latest on Coronado news and events.