Gaslamp Quarter 2012 Events

The Gaslamp Quarter is the heart and soul of Downtown San Diego, and it's where some of the most interesting events happen. The Gaslamp keeps up a busy program of festivals, concerts, and special occasions throughout the year, every year, but it's all too easy to miss the best ones. The biggest and most exciting ticketed events tend to sell out well in advance. With that in mind, here are some highlights from the 2012 calendar. Note them down now and make sure they go in your diary!

Mardi Gras. It's a long way from New Orleans but Downtown San Diego sure knows how to celebrate Fat Tuesday. The whole Gaslamp Quarter joins in and starts off one incredible party. There's more food, more drink, more dancing and more beads than even the most dedicated Mardi Gras lover can handle. And of course, it wouldn't be Mardi Gras without a parade. In 2012 the big day will fall on February 21. Although most of the music is outdoors, Gaslamp's Mardi Gras is ticketed so be sure to get in early. Over 21s only!

St Patrick's Day ShamROCK! The Gaslamp will barely have time to draw breath and get over the Mardi Gras hangover before the 2012 ShamROCK! event on March 17. Traditional and not so traditional Irish musicians and bands will arrive to find a venue decorated with no less than 40,000 square feet of gleaming green astroturf. ShamROCK! includes all the elements of a perfect St Patrick's Day celebration. The music, the good cheer, and above all, the beer, will be flowing freely. This is also a 21+ event. Profits go to the Gaslamp Quarter Historical Foundation so it's a party for a good cause.

Smooth 98.1 Gaslamp Festival. Jazz will return to the Gaslamp Quarter on Saturday May 19. Half street party, half Jazz festival, you can enjoy this one on radio (Smooth 98.1, of course) or go down there in person and join in the fun. There are plenty of good reasons to do just that- there is no way to catch the great food specials on the radio, for example! You can also pick and choose from dozens of different Jazz bands. Local bars and restaurants plan to bring in their own musicians for the day, and to compliment the bigger outdoor stages. For jazz fans or anyone who missed out on Mardi Gras tickets, this one is a must.

Later in the year, the Gaslamp Quarter will host a whole range of food festivals (watch out for the Taste of Gaslamp event), film festivals, and the annual Lamplighter Award ceremony, where the best and most successful figures in Downtown San Diego get the recognition they deserve. We're still waiting on dates for other 2012 festivals, but there are plenty of great events planned for 2011. Remember that you can enjoy the Gaslamp Quarter at any time, too. Even if there is nothing special going on, there are still fascinating historic buildings and some outstanding bars, restaurants, and cafes.

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Comments

[Wendy]

A year ago it was posted that this year's Smooth 98.1 Gaslamp Festival was to be held on May 19th, 2012...However, if everyone would investigate, it would appear as if it has disappeared entirely! Please let me know if this event has been cancelled ! Also, there as been no word on whether or not there will be anymore Jazz at the Beach concerts in Oceanside!

[Mickey]

I've been attending the KFIM Gaslamp Jazz festival for the past 12 years. It was always during the memorial day weekend and last year it was changed to the week before if I remember correctly. This year it has been moved to the 19th but I haven't heard anything about it or what the line up will be. Some people need this information as far in advance as possible in order to make hotel reservations. Everybody doesn't live in San Diego. So can you please let us know what is going on and any info on the line up..

Thank you

Mickey A.

[Wendy]

Sorry, Mickey!
KIFM is no longer a Smooth Jazz station, and with that being said, there will no longer be anymore Gaslamp Festivals or Jazz at the Beaches, seeing they were the main sponsors of these events!
It's so sad to see the demise of a great yearly tradition!
We also used to set aside this time of the year to make plans for booking hotels, etc... in preparation for the big weekend, but alas, it is not to be!
Hope this info helps!