San Diego Calendar of Events

September Calendar of Events - San Diego



Del Mar Summer Racing Season Through Sept. 7

Features a 32-day meet packed with thrilling races, lively special events, and a unique coastal charm. Fans can enjoy an afternoon of top-tier competition and entertainment.

Time: 11:30am
Location: Del Mar Racetrack
Contact: 858-755-1141

www.dmtc.com

Sept. 10-13 - U.S. Open Adaptive Surfing Championships

Brings together elite adaptive surfers from around the world to compete in 9 professional divisions for a substantial prize purse.

Location:Oceanside Pier

www.usopenadaptivesurfingchampionships.com

Sept. 4 - Poway Kid’s Night Out 

Kids in grades 1-5 will enjoy a themed night of recreation games, arts and crafts, special presenters, movies, and so much more.

Time: 5:00pm-9:00pm
Location: Mickey Cafagna Community Center - Oak Hall

www.poway.org

Sept. 12 - Sails & Ales  

Tastings from 25+ local breweries and wineries; plus delicious bites, a live DJ, mini golf on the beach and waterfront views.

Time: 1-5pm
Location: Kona Kai San Diego Resort |
Contact: 619-452-3138

www.resortkonakai.com

Sept. 5 - Julian Grape Stomp Festa

We’re continuing the old-world tradition of kicking off your shoes, rolling up your pant legs and letting tons of blessed grapes squish beneath your feet! Reg Admission $25. Includes Wine Glass & One Tasting, Stomping & Great Entertainment.

Time: 11am-5pm
Location: Menghini Winery
Contact: 760-765-1857

www.juliangrapestomp.com

Sept. 12 - Coronado Mainstreet Garden Party

Everyone’s invited for live music, restaurant chefs serving treats, a silent auction and good times in this historic setting.

Time: 5-8pm
Location: Historic Stephens-Terry Estate
Contact: 619-297-9327

www.sohosandiego.org

Sept. 6 - Vista Rod Run

Showcases hundreds of classic cars, vintage trucks, and exciting Off-Road Vehicle categories! Vehicle owners compete for the best of the best to win one of 40 trophies.

Time: 9am-2pm
Location:Historic Downtown Vista
Contact: 760-726-1122

www.vistachamber.org

Sept. 12 - Sunset Cliffs Auto Show

Music. Kid Zone featuring Power Wheels Race, Hot Wheels Derby, and WIN or lose 3-Point Competition. Merchandise Vendors. Food Trucks. Raffle Prizes with gift baskets upwards of $700 in value. Ocean Beach After Parties, and more!

Time: 10am-3pm
Location: Point Loma Avenue
Contact: 619-222-7901

www.oceanbeachsandiego.com

Sept. 12 - Taste of Gaslamp 

With over 20 local restaurants participating, guests can sample signature small bites at each stop, showcasing the diverse flavors of the area.

Time:1-4pm
Location: Gaslamp Quarter, Downtown SD
Contact: 619-233-5227

www.gaslamp.org/tasteofgaslamp

Sept 12-13 - Pet & Reptile Expo

Our reptile events are full of exotic reptiles including lizards and snakes, arachnids, frogs and more.

Time: Sa 10a-5p, Su 10a-4p
Location: Del Mar Fairgrounds
Contact: 619-233-5227

www.cvrexpo.com

Sept. 12 - Alley Cat Art Fest

Explore Downtown El Cajon’s colorful arts district while browsing more than 50 talented local artists showcasing paintings, sculptures, photography, jewelry, handcrafted goods, and more. Live music, delicious food and drinks, and creativity.

Time: 10am-6pm
Location: Downtown El Cajon
Contact: 619-334-3000

www.downtownelcajon.com

Sept. 13 - Bridal Bazar

SD’s largest winter bridal show so you’ll find more ideas, more style, and more choices to help you plan your day, your way.

Time: 9:30am-4pm
Location:
Del Mar Fairgrounds
Contact: 619-882-8465

www.bridalbazaar.com

Sept. 12 - Poway Rotary Parade Sept. 12

Regular parade time begins at 9am and starts from Pomerado Road and Poway Road and continues to Bowron Road. RAIN or SHINE event pending all safety advisories.

Time: 9am
Location: Poway Road
Contact: 619-258-4100

www.powayrotaryparade.org/parade

Sept. 13-20 - San Diego Restaurant Week 

Over 100 restaurants across more than 30 neighborhoods throughout San Diego offer special multi-course brunch, lunch, and dinner menus during this eight-day culinary celebration.

Location: See website for participating restaurants.
Contact: 619-233-5008

www.sandiegorestaurantweek.com

Sept 12-13 - Cardiff Greek Festival 

Authentic homemade Greek food. Live Greek music and dancing. Dance performances. Authentic homemade Greek pastries. Greek Orthodox Church Tours. Wine Tasting.

Time: Sat 10am-9pm, Sun 11am-9pm
Location:Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, Cardiff-by-the-Sea
Contact: 760-942-0920

www.cardiffgreekfestival.com

Sept. 18-20 - San Diego Bayfair

Southern California’s largest annual beach festival and powerboat competition. Features H1 Hydroplanes, live music.

Location: Mission Bay
Contact: 858-578-0884

www.sandiegobayfair.org

Sept. 12-19 - Sessions Surf Festival

Transforms Encinitas and the surrounding coastline into a week-long celebration of surf culture through music, film, art, and community.

Time: 12:00pm-10:00pm

www.sessionssurffestival.com

Sept. 19 - Dunk a Deputy Special Olympics Fundraiser

A fun family event benefiting the incredible athletes of Special Olympics Southern California. Enjoy a community resource fair, delicious local food trucks and exciting raffle prizes.

Time:11am-5pm
Location:Hollandia Park, Soccer Field, San Marcos
Contact: 619-323-6430

www.sanmarcoschamber.com

Sept. 13 - Ken Whalen Surf Challenge

The event celebrates Ken’s passion for surfing, family, and the beach by inviting kids of all abilities—including adaptive surfers and children from Rady Children’s Hospital—to enjoy a day of friendly surf competition and beach fun.

Time: 8am-3pm
Location: San Fernando Place, Mission Beach

www.kenwhalensurfchallenge.com

Sept. 19 - Santee Firefighters Association’s Pancake Breakfast

Tickets are $5 at the door.

Time:7-10:30am
Location: Fire Station 5: 9130 Carlton Oaks Dr.
Contact: 619-258-4100

www.cityofsanteeca.gov

Sept. 16 - Old Town San Diego Fiestas Patrias

Celebrate Mexican Independence Day while commemorating and experiencing the rich and diverse culture of Mexico and California. Enjoy a variety of traditional crafts. Experience history come to life through engaging demonstrations.

Location: Old Town San Diego

www.oldtownsandiegoguide.com

Sept. 19-20 - ArtWalk Carlsbad

Fine art including painting, sculpture, glass work, fine jewelry, photography and more. More than 150 fine artists’ work will be featured, along with interactive art for families at KidsWalk, a palette of musical performers, food trucks, and more.

Time:Sat 11am-6pm, Sun 10am-5pm
Location:Armada Drive
Contact: 619-615-1090

www.artwalksandiego.org

Sept. 19 - Indigenous Artisan Market

A diverse selection of handmade artwork, jewelry, textiles, pottery, carvings, cultural crafts, and other unique creations offered directly by Indigenous artisans from across the region.

Time: 10am-3pm | 760-291-0370
Location: San Diego Archaeological Center, Escondido

www.sandiegoarchaeology.org

Sept. 20 - Belmont Park’s Dipper Dash 5K

Runners will enjoy a flat, fast course on one of San Diego’s most popular running routes. The Dipper Dash proudly supports The Animal Pad, a San Diego-based nonprofit dedicated to rescuing dogs from high-risk situations.

Time: 8:00am
Location:3190 Mission Boulevard

www.raceroster.com

Sept. 19 - 25th Anniversary Lakeside River Park Conservancy

A Celebration of Nature and Wildlife” with Honorary Chair, Joan Embery.

Time: 4-8pm
Location: 10218 Channel Road
Contact:

onecau.se/riverpark

Sept. 25-27 - America’s Air Show

This one-of-a-kind event delivers an unforgettable flight line experience featuring immersive experiences, military demonstration teams, civilian aerobatic performers, aerial solo acts, vintage aircraft, and iconic warbirds.

Location: MCAS Miramar

www.miramarairshow.com

Sept. 19-20 - Adams Avenue Street Fair

This event held on 10 city-blocks. In addition to the fantastic music schedule, the event features carnival rides, beer gardens, festival foods, Fern Street Circus performances and 300 exhibitors with unique offerings.

Time: Sat 10am-10pm, Sun 10am-6pm
Location: Normal Heights
Contact:619-282-7329

www.adamsavenuebusiness.com

Sept. 26 - Double Peak Challenge

Off–road racers will set out from San Elijo Hills Neighborhood Park and begin their 1,176 foot elevation gain up to Double Peak’s summit at 1,558 feet above sea level, winding along beautiful hillside trails with amazing views.

Time: 6-11am
Location: San Elijo Park, San Marcos

www.sanmarcosca.gov

Sept. 19-20 - Vista Viking Festival

Southern California’s premier celebration of Viking and Nordic culture. 2026 brings us the Year of Loki.

Time: 11am-9pm
Location: Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum
Contact:

www.vistavikingfestival.com

Sept. 26 - Imperial Beach Symphony by the Sea

Beautiful orchestral music in an unmatched setting. Be sure to bring your own lawn chairs and blankets!

Time: 4-6pm
Location: PortwoodPier Plaza

www.ibparksandrec.org

Sept. 25-26 - Poway Rodeo

Features thrilling rodeo competitions, showcases skilled riders, and celebrates the region’s rich Western heritage.

Location:Poway Valley Riders Assoc. Arena

www.powayrodeo.com

Sept. 26 - Fall Health Fair

Booths include providers from the health, wellness, insurance, and lifestyle industries. Free health screenings, and live, interactive demonstrations.

Time: 11am-3pm
Location:Parkway Plaza, El Cajon
Contact: 619-440-6161

www.eastcountychamber.org

Sept. 25-27, Oct. 2-4 - El Cajon Oktoberfest

San Diego’s most traditional celebration of German culture, hosted by the German American Societies. Enjoy authentic German beers on tap, classic food and desserts, and the festive sounds of a live OomPah band.

Time:
Location: Sept. 25-27, Oct. 2-4
Contact: 619-442-6637

www.facebook.com/OktoberfestElCajon

Sept. 26 - Oceanside Sea Lions Golf Tournament

All net proceeds going to Rady Children’s Hospital for Childhood Cancer. Register early for $110 per player or $420 for a foursome. A light lunch is included as well.

Time: 8:30 am – 2:30pm
Location:Emerald Isle
Contact: 619-997-5083

www.oceansidechamber.com

Sept. 26 - St. Michael’s Jazz Fest

Features jazz artists, local musicians and more. Bring a lawn chair, gather with friends and enjoy an unforgettable day of music by the coast.

Location: St. Michael’s by-the-Sea, Carlsbad
 

www.stmichaelsjazzfest.org

San Diego Spirit Festival Sept. 26-27

Brings together cocktail enthusiasts for unlimited tastings from over 65 premium spirit brands along the La Jolla coast.

Time: 2:00pm-6:00pm
Location:Museum Of Contemporary Art (La Jolla)
Contact: 

www.sandiegospiritsfestival.com

Sept. 4 - San Marcos Free Movie in the Park - GOAT 

Bring blankets and your favorite lawn chairs. Free popcorn & prizes provided by San Marcos Regal.

Time: 6:30pm
Location: Las Posas Park

www.sanmarcosca.gov

San Diego International Dragon Boat Race Sept. 26-27

There are pre-race festivities such as lion dance, music, and performances, as well as a Vendor Village with food trucks, jewelry, clothing, and more.

Location: Tecolote Shores (Mission Bay)

www.sddbt.org/festival

Sept. 4 - Leo Carrillo Ranch Film Festival 

See rare historic films from the Golden Age of Hollywood featuring Leo Carrillo and movies that Leo would love.

Time: 11am-5pm
Location: 6200 Flying Leo Carrillo Lane, Carlsbad
Contact: 442-339-5042

www.carlsbadca.gov

Encinitas Oktoberfest Sept. 27

Discover unique handcrafted goods from 130+ local artisans, savor craft beers and German-style brews, and enjoy family-friendly fun. This free, pet friendly festival is perfect for shoppers, beer lovers, and families alike.

Time: 10am-6pm
Location: Mountain Vista Dr.

www.encinitasoktoberfest.com

Sept. 5 - McAlister Institute’s Walk for Sobriety

Theme: “Hidden Diamonds” – Celebrating 60 years of St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center. Enjoy a pre-luncheon reception with free-flowing champagne, live music, shopping, and a silent auction. Then, delight in a luncheon while experiencing a stunning fashion show, an exciting live auction, and entertainment that will make this event truly unforgettable.

Time: 10am-2pm
Location: Hilton San Diego Bayfront
Contact: 619-442-5129

www.stmsc.org

Fallbrook Chamber Golf Tournament Sept. 28

Donate a prize for our drawing. Prizes for top golfers. Boxed lunch, green fees, range balls, and more included!

Time: 9am-4pm
Location: The Havens Country Club, Vista
Contact: 760-728-5845


www.fallbrookchamberofcommerce.org

Sept. 10-13 - U.S. Open Adaptive Surfing Championships

Brings together elite adaptive surfers from around the world to compete in 9 professional divisions for a substantial prize purse.


Location:
Oceanside Pier

www.usopenadaptivesurfingchampionships.com

Del Mar Wine and Food Festival Sept. 30-Oct. 4

SoCal’s top chefs + most beloved restaurants. Famous faces of the global food scene. The world’s best winemakers. Stars of sports, surf, and social. A weeklong celebration of the SoCal lifestyle capped with a two-day Grand Tasting.


Location:
Surf Sports Park

https://delmar.wine

Sept. 4 - San Marcos Free Movie in the Park - GOAT 

Bring blankets and your favorite lawn chairs. Free popcorn & prizes provided by San Marcos Regal.

Time: 6:30pm
Location: Las Posas Park

www.sanmarcosca.gov

San Diego Italian Film Festival Sept. 30-Oct. 10

Attendees can enjoy engaging discussions with visiting Italian filmmakers, participate in the Ristretto short film competition, and experience lively food-focused gatherings.

Time: 6:30pm
Location: Las Posas Park

www.filmfreeway.com/SanDiegoItalianFilmFestival

Sept. 4 - Leo Carrillo Ranch Film Festival 

See rare historic films from the Golden Age of Hollywood featuring Leo Carrillo and movies that Leo would love.

Time: 11am-5pm
Location: 6200 Flying Leo Carrillo Lane, Carlsbad
Contact: 442-339-5042

www.carlsbadca.gov

Del Mar Wine and Food Festival Sept. 30-Oct. 4

SoCal’s top chefs + most beloved restaurants. Famous faces of the global food scene. The world’s best winemakers. Stars of sports, surf, and social. A weeklong celebration of the SoCal lifestyle capped with a two-day Grand Tasting.


Location: Surf Sports Park

https://delmar.wine

Sept. 5 - McAlister Institute’s Walk for Sobriety

Theme: “Hidden Diamonds” – Celebrating 60 years of St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center. Enjoy a pre-luncheon reception with free-flowing champagne, live music, shopping, and a silent auction. Then, delight in a luncheon while experiencing a stunning fashion show, an exciting live auction, and entertainment that will make this event truly unforgettable.

Time: 10am-2pm
Location: Hilton San Diego Bayfront
Contact: 619-442-5129 

www.stmsc.org

Sept. 30-Oct. 10 - San Diego Italian Film Festival

Attendees can enjoy engaging discussions with visiting Italian filmmakers, participate in the Ristretto short film competition, and experience lively food-focused gatherings.

Time:
Location:
Contact:


www.filmfreeway.com/SanDiegoItalianFilmFestival