So few Christmas lights, IDK if hidden San Diego just hadn't gone to check out the houses this year or what. The houses that were decorated were nice-thank you, but otherwise underwhelming. I do get it. Everything is expensive. Thanks for putting lights up in the past-hopefully the tradition returns. read more

This was just an overcrowded evening in South Park. I only saw one live band outside of cafe Madeline. Some places were giving out free samples but there was really nothing to do apart from walk through the business that are already in the neighborhood. There was no food vendors or activities to do. The streets were still open to cars so it was stressful crossing the road because of all the traffic and the sidewalks were overcrowded. read more

My partner in crime is a big fan of street festivals. Naturally, she was interested in checking out the South Park Walkabout. After taking a quick look at the Walkabout webpage, I was interested too. I wasn't that familiar with South Park & this seemed like it would be a good way to get to know the neighborhood. "Enjoy complimentary treats, live entertainment and special offers" per the Walkabout webpage. Eh, not so much. Maybe there was a live band playing at 1 point that I saw. & there were maybe 1 or 2 businesses that set up stands out in front of their shops for samples/ small servings. But that was it. Definitely less than I expected. People were certainly out in droves, though. All the businesses that I would've liked to look around &/or try out were jam-packed. So I have no idea about any special offers. & as far as trying to get something to eat or enjoy a drink somewhere, fuggedaboutit. I'd say it was a 2 star experience for me, but I'll add a star for the free trolley. The driver was funny. read more

I gotta agree with Peijean and her review. It's spot on and exactly how I felt when my partner in crime and I drove down to South Park for this event. I love walkabouts and street fairs, he loves the breweries in North Park- win win. Park in North Park, drink a bit, walk to the festival. Drinking and walking to the festival was the best part of the walkabout...oh, so was riding the free 'Old Town Trolley' that runs through the festival. Every sidewalk was crowded. Every restaurant was packed with huge groups waiting outside for a seat. I only saw two places with outside samples and one live band. I was hoping for more so this was a disappointment for me. To me, this is a typical summer night in a cool San Diego neighborhood- places stay open later, people out and about....but not really worthy of calling it a walkabout. read more

I've gone to the Holiday/ winter editions of the South Park Walkabout twice now. My first visit was in 2014 - I thought it was great! In general, there are so many small businesses in South Park so I think the walkabouts are a great way to showcase these establishments. Plus, most businesses are dog friendly! Get your shopping done (if you that is your desire) with your furkid in tow! Many places offer free treats to them and some even have free cheap wine for us humans! It was true holiday joy and cheer during my 2014 walkabout! I went again in 2016 and was not as thrilled as I had been after my first. These walkabouts have become too popular and are now SO crowded. I can't even bring my dog into a shop without her getting stepped on by some bozo. My go to shop which usually offers the cheap wine was jam packed! It was ridiculous. And my god, as a pet owner I was completely annoyed at all the inconsiderate parents pushing their double strollers along the already skinny sidewalks. All too often, they would just park there right in the middle of the sidewalk and create a traffic jam. No offense, but you need to move or park your empty stroller to the side! All hard feelings aside, I do enjoy the dog friendly aspect of these walkabouts. South Bark Dog Wash was super welcoming, I found some doggie ice cream for my pooch, and many businesses had all kinds of free samples. Thanks South Park Brewing for the clam chowder, yum! Just know that South Park truly is a nice, friendly neighborhood with many great small, local, and dog friendly businesses. Maybe the Holiday walkabouts are the only ones that have become too busy. It's probably best to try your luck during a different edition. They have three others after all - Spring, Summer, and Fall. I think I will try for the Spring edition one next! read more

This event happens four times a year and gives us the opportunity to go out on an evening stroll where you'll come across many of the shops and businesses participating. You'll see tables full of merchandise, shops having specials for the occasion, and the streets become alive with of plenty locals and visitors. The vibe is similar to that you see in a street fair without it really interrupting or being intrusive to the neighborhood but instead showcasing the neighborhood. Fun times and all for the good of small, local businesses. South Park is really is a a great community that exemplifies just that. SP Walkabout has become a tradition and one that I look forward to and enjoy each and every time. read more

See all

The Walkabout was a good excuse to get myself and my friends down to exploring South Park yesterday on a Saturday night, but I really think it's inaccurate to call this a festival. There was live music -- four or five acts scattered along the main street (Juniper) -- and the neighborhood stores (tees, clothing, unique gifts, etc) were open late until 10pm versus the normal 7pm Saturday closing time. Only a few places, such as Eclipse Chocolat, seemed to be doing anything special by having a tent outside their restaurant giving out samples of chocolate. There were two or three food trucks out too. I did buy a rad t-shirt from a local artist who had a table set up near Big Kitchen. For the most part this 6-10pm "festival" was just walking through huge crowds to go into stores that would've been less crowded if you visited during the day time. And because it was pretty dark outside, my friends and I ended up just bar hopping in the area, hitting up the Stone Brewing Co tasting room, the new South Park Brewery, Station Tavern, and Hamilton's. All in all, it was a fun night hanging in South Park, but I wouldn't seek out this "festival" in the future. read more

Smaller than I expected, but for a smaller neighborhood, local restaurants and stores made a good effort to welcome foot traffic to the area. Some restaurants had special sidewalk specials and boutiques/cafes with beverage samples. Some live street side music too. read more

See all

Oh my gosh...why have I lived in SD for 9 years and never done this walkabout?! A better question is why did I pay for Taste of North Park when I could have done this for free?! What better way to celebrate the first day of spring than with gorgeous San Diego evening weather and bites from various restaurants? Knowing how crazy parking can be, we got there around 5:45 and found a great parking spot. I'm glad we got there early because it definitely started to pick up later in the evening. I loved being able to sample from different restaurants without having to commit to one place. Most restaurants had either free samples or reasonably priced sampler plates (~$5). I've been wanting to try Piacere Mio and Buonna Forchetta, and I was able to sample food from both places tonight--woo hoo! We also popped into Food Bowl Market to try their popular tacos, which were only $1.59. I was worried that I wasn't going to be full, but I ended up being waayyy too full by the end of the night. I don't live in South Park, but because of this event I would definitely come back to explore more of the featured businesses. This is a quarterly event, and I can't wait for the next one!!! read more

See all

I like South Park. Its still kinda hidden away and low key but still very cool at the same time. Theres really not a whole lot of businesses in the area, just enough for the local neighborhood which makes the walk about very concentrated. I went with some fun people last time and its always funny to watch your friends getting hammered with booze from a big ceramic jug. It was also sprinkling the last time I went, and very cold and I was was feeling miserable that night until Mason loaned me a sweatshirt, that I still have and need to give back to him. haha. read more

I completed my 4th South Park Walkabout last night and once again it reminded my of what a great neighborhood South Park has become over the last couple of years. There did seem to be more people than usual but there also seemed to be a bit less participation by the businesses. Some of last night's highlights were the Fern Street Cafe serving their seasonal brew which went well with the brownies from Big kitchen a few doors down. A glass of wine at Crow Thief followed by a cold brew at Graffiti transitioned nicely to posting up at Whistle Stop for some great music and people watching. Truly a great way to spend a Saturday night and get to know the people, places and things around you. read more

As a lifelong resident of South Park, I must admit that this is a fabulous way for the local businesses to make money. That said, it is not really a cool event. It always reminds me how this neighborhood has become so expensive, while not really getting any better or worse. The walkabout is an event for young families and the yuppies who have taken over the neighborhood. If your looking for a vibrant street party, this is not even close. read more

This was really fun! ( Went last night) Quarterly event. There were tons of people walking around, live music, food and drink samples from the local businesses, BBQ, beer specials, entertainment, a cool yard sale that had some really neat things. The stores were open till about 9:30 or so. Great to see all the buzz in the neighborhood. Oh, did I mention the free trolley? I am not sure, but think this may be the only neighborhood walkabout in San Diego. Such a quaint little neighborhood. Brings me back to my childhood where people were out and about and felt safe to walk home in the dark without getting mugged or shot in a drive by. This is definitely worth checking out and get there early if you are driving as finding a parking spot can be next to impossible. (Better yet, take the bus) read more

This was my second foray into the South Park Walkabout, I went sometime last year. It's always a fun event, with lots of free food, entertainment, and cameraderie. This time, we took advantage of the shuttle bus. Pretty great! Be sure to hit up South Bark Dog Wash, they always have a lot of great nibbles. Grant's gave away DE-LISH chai tea, and the new Velo Cult had smores - you can't beat that! I didn't try any of the samples at Alchemy (gazpacho and ceviche), but my friends gave them A+ reviews. I know the economy sucks right now, but it seemed that the sample sizes were WAY smaller then last year. Am I just being greedy? Or hungry? read more

It's been a while since I've been to a South Park Walkabout. I used to always make a point to go, but I thought they went downhill. So I skipped them for a while.....I went again tonight and am happy to report that it was awesome! There were lots of places with food samples, and some where you could pay for food as well, for example, Piacere Mio had quite a hefty plate of pasta & chicken for just $5. I would recommend going right when it starts because there are a TON of people here! Also, it's like every single family with toddlers and babies in San Diego is here. It's crazy! Toddlers everywhere. Also, lots of dogs. It was great to check out the new businesses in South Park who all opened their doors for this fun community event. read more

The December walk about was really festive! So many lights and things to look at, just keep in mind that the parking situation is kind of a headache although there are a lot of neighboring streets to park on. Also be prepared for a lot of crowds. Make sure to come hungry! read more

This was fairly low key & fun! It was exactly what it sounds like: businesses staying open later for people to meander through. Some crafts were for sale (knitted doodads, jewelery, weird stuffed animals etc) were on display on random sidewalks. It was a nice evening to walk & I saw a couple of new places to try (kudos to the Lady at Citizen Video for the good DVD idea) We bought some very good veggie pizza & water for dinner & red velvet cupcakes for dessert & had ourselves a time! Loved the S'mores from the bicycle shop. Yes there ARE children at this event!! (Eek! how dare people bring kids to an outdoor neighborhood event, the nerve... you'd think South Park was a residential neighborhood or something...). We took our son to it as a matter of fact (did switch from stroller to carrier as it got more crowded). Not sure why this bothered some reviewers... (after all you don't want us to take 'em to restaurants either). If families with kids make you break out in hives, you may want to stay away or just go later. read more

The South Park Walkabout is a great way for the community to come and explore the established yet growing neighborhood. Tons of people come out with their families and dogs to enjoy the shops, restaurants and local businesses. Restaurants may offer deals on foods while shops will have specials and discounts. Held 4 times a year, the showcase is from 6-10pm and is free. Although South Park is still expanding, there are several boutiques and restaurants in the area that are all within walking distance. It's a great way to check out the neighborhood and enjoy a gem in our community! read more

The Walkabout is a great event! All the neighborhood shops and restaurants do something special for the night. It might be a little bite or a drink etc. There are Old Town Trolleys to take you up and down 30th read more

The first Walkabout of 2012 is this weekend, March 24th! Special activities are planned on Beech Street -- including the Buckaroo BBQ served up by Alchemy, Grant's and Hamilton's, plus music, gallery shows, sales and more! And all over the neighborhood from Juniper to Grape to Beech, there's lots of fun free stuff. More info: http://southparkwalkabout.weebly.com/march-24-2012.html read more

I love the walkabout - seeing people out on the street enjoying themselves, kids running around happily, shops open late, restaurants preparing food on the sidewalk and giving tastes for free, I wish it was more often than every 3 months. Last night we enjoyed the puppet ballet at Madeline, walked down to Halcyon to buy Blossum green tea for a Christmas present for the folks, met friends at Maureen's studio, viewed the art works at the new Disclosed Unlocation gallery, enjoyed the live music at Velo Cult, and listened to Anthony Vasquez playing Spanish guitar outside of his studio. We didn't even know that Anthony was in the neighborhood and offering guitar lessons. I am a committed SLOB (Support Locally Owned Business), and bought all my xmas presents from the local shops. Check out the new Progress gift shop! read more

The Art Oberfest was our first, and definitely won't be our last. Free samples were great, specials at bars and restaurants, beautiful art, friendly people. read more

Stumbled upon this when a friend told me about it. Really cool. Lots of the businesses have deals. They also have a bus to take you from one side to the other. I had a good time. Will definitely do it again next year. read more

We came for a short family trip from Phoenix (son, hub, and I). It was fairly close to our hotel and we had nothing else to do. We ate some tacos (forgot the name of the truck) and smoothies (Captain Kirks) and just walked around. It was a nice day out and we all really enjoyed getting out to do something different. read more

I love the South Park Walkabout, especially in December! The review from Patricia Patti P. W. revealed more about HER personality, and very little in regards to the unique, fascinating neighborhood she is so lucky to live in. I hope she was only having a bad day, frustrated with some of the negative aspects of ANY community event, rather than a reflection of a "Debbie Downer" personality. (interestingly enough, a third of her pics are alcohol related....hmmm). Anyway, I have always loved the South Park neighborhood! Kind of reminds me of how quiet, family friendly Pacific Beach was while growing up in the 1960's -1970's. So......Hope your feeling better Patricia Patti P.W., and I thank you for sharing such a wonderful neighborhood event with us intruders. read more

The Walkabout is a great chance to get out and spend an evening. There's always free food, wine, entertainment, and drinks (you just tip if you feel like it). There's also free animal treats at the South Bark Dog Wash. It's a good chance to just meet the workers and owners and also the people of the neighborhood. read more