events / fun things to do
There are so many annual and special events in the area that we need a seperate website. We will try to cover as many as possible here.
Caliente Race and Sports Book
In Baja you can bet legally on everything from sports action around the world to the Academy Awards at the Caliente Sports Books, found in every major Baja Norte City.
There is an event in Baja to suit every taste! We really want people to realize that Baja has so much to offer and have fun while doing them. CARNIVALE (right)
ENSENADA HAPPENINGS
Major annual international events here include Carnaval (Mardi Gras), Rosarito to Ensenada Fun Bike Rides, the Newport to Ensenada Yacht Race, the San Diego-Ensenada Yacht Race, Baja Nomads Golf for Kids, the Estero Beach Volleyball Tournament, the San Miguel Surf Fiesta, and world famous SCORE Baja 500 and Baja 1000 Desert Races. Culinary connoisseurs can savor the International Seafood Fair, Fiestas de la Vendimia (Grape Harvest Festival), the Mushroom Fair, the Paella Festival, and J.D. Hussong and Los Gordos Chili Cookoffs. There’s also the Real del Castillo and La Misión Fiestas, Ensenada Anniversary festivities, Mexican Independence Day Fiestas, Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrations, traditional Christmas posadas, and numerous art expositions, concerts, plays and community events.
Baja Nomads Golf for Kids: an annual event recently started which raises several thousand dollars each year. The tournament and fiesta works for local childrens daycare and shelter Agua Viva Guardia. Held at Baja Country Club just south of Ensenada.
CARNIVALE - Ensenada, late February into early March
Ensenada’s biggest and grandest event of the year, happening during Mardi Gras in March. Festivities include wonderful parades, grand flowered floats, legions of costumed dancers, carnival rides, masquerade balls, nightly street fairs which stretch for 12 city blocks. Food vendors, dancing, loud live music and a steady flow of TEQUILA, beer and brandy.
NEWPORT – ENSENADA INTERNATIONAL YACHT RACE
The worlds largest international yachting race regatta takes to the sea for the 62nd tome this year. Departing Newport, CA the NEIYR promises to be another premier event for spectators and racers again this yearwith more than 45- boats expected to participate. Features a festival and ceremony upon their arrival in Ensenada.
HOLY WEEK - SANTA SEMANA NATIONWIDE
From Ash Wednesday (beginning of Lent) thru to the week of Easter Sunday is the busiest time at all of Mexicos key attractions. Everywhere you go there are processions, festivals, parties, fireworks and more!
BAJA CAR FEST – ROSARITO, May
Auto clubs from the US and from Northern Mexico bring low-rider cars, mustangs, motorcylces and more. May, Rosarito Beach
TECATE SCORE BAJA 500 and 1000, June 5-7
This legendary off-road race welcomes more than 300 cars, trucks, motorcylces and ATVs that travel nearly 500 miles of rugged mountain, forest and desert terrain in the attempts to “beat the baja”. Participants come here from all around the world, as do observers. Race begins and ends in Ensenada. See event route map for the 500 under page titled “baja 500 / 1000″
ANNUAL MUSHROOM FESTIVAL, June
A Food fair and culinary competition of mushroom based dishes, it features some of the areas finest restaurants and not to mention beer, wine and live entertainment.
August 1-22:
At: Ensenada
“Fantasy in New York” Art Exhibition & Fund Raiser Ensenada artist Enrique Avilez presents an exposition of recent sculptures inspired by his spring sojourn in New York City at Ensenada`s Restaurant Inspiración, Av. Ruiz & Calle 10 #999. A percentage of sales benefits Grupo RETO de Ensenada A.C., a nonprofit organization fighting breast cancer. Exhibition hours: 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Tues.-Sun. Free admission. Info: Enrique Avilez at (646) 178-0140; e-mail:
avilezcalabu@hotmail.com
August 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
At: Ensenada
Charlie Chaplin Film Series
The Monday Night Cine Club of Ensenada`s Centro Estatal de las Artes presents a series of silent films at 7 p.m. in the Sala Ernesto Muñoz Acosta of Ensenada`s Centro Estatal de las Artes (CEARTE) on the corner of Blvd. Lázaro Cárdenas (Costero) & Av. Club Rotario. Free admission. Info: CEARTE at (646) 173-4307 or (646) 173-4308.
August 7-23
At: Ensenada and Northern Baja California
Fiestas de la Vendimia
To celebrate the grape harvest, Baja California wineries participate in a series of cultural, musical and gastronomic events, seminars and street fairs in different locations in Valle de Guadalupe, San Antonio de las Minas, Ensenada, Tecate, Tijuana, Rosarito and Mexicali. For program of events, visit www.fiestasdelavendimia.com. Info: Baja California Winemakers Association (Provino) at (646) 178-3038; e-mail:
fiestasvendimia@hotmail.com
August 14-16
At: Ensenada
RECORD Off-Road Series “Ojos Negros 200 Night Race”
Cars, trucks, ATVs and motorcycles from both sides of the border compete in a challenging off-road event. Info: RECORD Off-Road Series/Ramón Castro at (646) 176-1637 or visit
www.recordoffroad.com
August 15 &16
At: Ensenada
1st Family Sportfishing Tournament 2009
Anglers compete for more than 50,000 pesos in prizes in various categories like surf fishing, kayak fishing, father and son team, etc. Info: State Tourism Office at (646) 172-5444 or Armadores Unidos de Pesca Deportiva at (646) 149-2239.
CALIENTE CASINO … Ensenadas newest and hippest LasVegas style casino with slot machines/Vegas style. Deli, Bar and non-smoking secions. Next to the Home Depot and Walmart. Valet parking. Opened 07/2010
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TIJUANA Happenings
TJ has some great things to do for the whole family !!
PUEBLO AMIGO
This magnificent commercial and recreation center, has been christened “Pueblo Amigo” -the name “Pueblo Amigo” is a joining of two words with great social significance- a gathering and living together -the visitors will understand when visiting this excellent border center, built within the context of deep Latin roots. The lover of atmosphere and Mexican culture, will not have to search far to find the typical flavor of Mexico, This enormous facility has brought together the past and modern convenience to create a shopping and recreational (fun) center in a pure Mexican manner and spirit. It’s easy to get to Pueblo Amigo. Just follow the blue signs you will see right after crossing the border.
REVOLUTION AVENUE:
Located in Tijuana’s heart, this avenue features the most wonderful shops, restaurants and nightclubs. This is the shopper paradise: jewelry, leather goodies, art, boots, Swiss army knives, purses, blankets, pottery and a lot more!!! 
Tijuana Wax Museum:
the Tijuana Wax Museum is the second of its type in all Latin America with more than 80 replicas of historic and artistic figures as well as movie and television personalities, located in downtown. Come face to face with the likes of John Lennon, Marilyn Monroe, Emiliano Zapata, Mahatma Gandhi and many more. Come with your family and take a trip through time.
Mundo Divertido Parque de Tijuana (Fun World Park)
Family fun center featuring a rollercoaster, miniature golf, go- karts, children’s train, batting cages, video games, soda fountain and more. A treat for all the family.
Parraiso Azteca Park Tijuana
Come get to know Mexico’s roots while having fun with your family. Enjoy nature, shows and the attractions this park offers, located on the 21.5 Km Highway to Tecate
José María Morelos Park
With a privileged location, Morelos Park is considered the largest ecological reserve in Tijuana, featuring vast open spaces, lake and botanical garden as well as an outdoor amphitheater for concerts and shows with capacity for up to 40,000 persons. This park offers kiosks for children parties, kid’s train, barbeque pits and soda fountain.
Practicing your favorite sport in Tijuana
Whether you are a player or a spectator, Tijuana has the sports for you. “Tee it up” on one of Tijuana’s beautiful challenging golf courses. Try out your bowling skills, watch a bullfight, or catch a professional soccer match. Experience all the action that is Tijuana.
The coast along the Tijuana-Ensenada tourist scenic highway has several beaches that are perfect for water sports, such as Primo Tapia, near Rosarito.
Extreme sports in Tijuana
The cliffs lining the strip of coast between Tijuana and Ensenada are ideal for sailing kites or paragliding, as in Cantamar Beach. The views of Rosarito beach and the enormous Primo Tapia sand dunes are stunning from the air.”
Playas Del Tijuana Monumental Bull Ring
A bugle sounds in the hushed quiet; battered wooden doors open; and the matador, resplendent in gold and glory, steps regally into the blinding sunlight. His court, banderilleros and picadors splendidly arrayed, follow in this wake. He moves majestically to the judges’ box and removes his hat in a salute… America loses itself in the spectacle which unfolds under the hot Mexican sun…” Visit Tijuana’s famous bullring located in Playas de Tijuana, and enjoy the worldwide famous man vs. beast “Corrida de Toros” (bullfight). Prices vary for sun or shade seating.
Golfing in Tijuana
There are two excellent golf courses in Tijuana, besides the one located in Ensenada. Real Del Mar Golf Course, located at 19.5 Km (12 Mile) scenic road Tijuana-Ensenada, with an 18 hole professional course with spectacular ocean views. Also offers pro-shop, restaurant, hotel and spa. Tijuana Country Club, located in Agua Caliente Blvd. with an 18 hole professional course surrounding Tijuana’s best residential area. Open to the public.
Hopódromo Caliente (Race Track and Sports Beeting Club)
Great Greyhound racing track that also offers bingo, sports bets, restaurant and bar; with capacity for 700 people at tables for 6. Open Daily
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ROSARITO Happenings
EVERY FRIDAY
At Rosarito
SQUARE DANCING – Beginners welcome. No Partners required. Info: Maggi Wagner at (661) 612-1174; e-mail: bajamagpie@yahoo.com
LAST FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH
At Rosarito
SPANISH SOCIAL HOUR.
Bring: lunch, snacks to share, beverages to share, Spanish-English dictionary. 12:30–1:00 English & Spanish spoken. 1:00–2:00 ONLY SPANISH SPOKEN. 2:00 – 2:30 English & Spanish spoken. Place: Place: Home/Gallery of Charlie Wild, 60 Ave. Junipero Serra, Playa La Misión. Time: 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Cost: FREE. Info: Rob Cochran at (646)155-0958; e-mail:rob@bajabeachgeek.com
EVERY THURSDAY
At Rosarito
POLITICAL DISCUSSION GROUP (Restricted to U.S. POLITICS ONLY) – Place: Diego`s Deli and Pie shop in downtown Rosarito (located across the street from El Nido`s on the Blvd.) Info: Steve Chankin at (USA) 480-626-2900/(MX Cell) 661-527-3087; e-mail:
August 22 & 23
At: Rosarito
Rosarito Beach Pro Am
Sponsored by Monster Energy Drink, Swatch and Quick Silver, the Rosarito Beach Pro Am will be held at the Rosarito Pier in front of the Rosarito Beach Hotel. For more information log onto www.rosarito.org or dial from US 1800-962-BAJA
Shopping in Rosarito
Those who visit Rosarito Beach for shopping are usually not disappointed, since ceramics, leather goods, baskets, clothing, jewelry, prescription drugs and a host of other items are readily available at the dozens of stores around town. An increasing number of visitors are utilizing the resources of Rosarito to have custom furniture made at very attractive prices!
Fishing in Rosarito
The waters off of Rosarito have plenty of fish. The best fishing in the area is off the Coronado Islands, just North West of Rosarito, and most fishing packages are arranged with fishing companies. Looking for a fishing adventure in a more remote location? Consider a trip to Los Angeles Bay (Bahia de Los Angeles) on Baja’s Sea of Cortez. It’s the most remote fishing you will find in Baja that is accessible by paved roads.
Rosarito restaurants
Going out to eat is half the fun of any Rosarito Beach. There are lots of choices, and most of these restaurants provide a lively “vacation” environment. Rosarito offers plenty of excellent restaurants, from delicious taco stands to large restaurants featuring Mexican, Chinese and everything in between. For a real dining adventure hop in the car and head south 20 minutes to Puerto Nuevo. This seaside collection of restaurants specializes in 3 things: hot lobsters, cold beers, and pure fun.
Golf in Rosarito
Rosarito Beach is just a 10 minute drive from the spectacular ocean view links at Real Del Mar golf course, and a 25 minute coastal drive from the oceanfront links at Bajamar. Both courses feature a clubhouse, restaurant, bar and pro shop. And since both courses are completely different, you have two great excuses to head south of the border to practice your game.
