San Diego Events in September: Where to Eat, Play and Dance the Month Away!

by Rachell Lara

San Diego Events in September: Where to Eat, Play, and Dance the Month Away!

San Diego in September might be my favorite month. It's a bonus month of Summer, with an occasional cool fall morning or day. There also seem to be more things to do since Summer hasn't ended and Fall has started. September is a vibrant playground of sun-soaked days and cool coastal evenings, with events inviting you to eat, play, and dance your way through the month. From lively street fairs to tantalizing food festivals and family-friendly gatherings to adults-only soirées, there's something for everyone in this dynamic city.

Prepare to fill your weekends with an array of exciting activities that showcase the best of San Diego's culture, cuisine, and community spirit. In this guide, we'll dive into a curated list of San Diego Events in September, ensuring you don't miss a beat as you explore all the fun and festivities this beautiful coastal city offers.

Ongoing San Diego Events

Belmont Beachside Fall Fest

Location: Belmont Park
Date: September 7th - October 31st
Description: Boasts a variety of activities, including pumpkin patches, seasonal treats, and carnival rides nestled along the iconic beachfront. More Info

Dinner & A Concert Series

Location: Downtown El Cajon
Date: Fridays—September 6th, 13th, 20th, and 27th
Description: A perfect blend of live music and dining, offering diverse musical genres while sampling local culinary delights. More Info

Bottomless Mimosas Brunch Cruise

Location: Downtown San Diego, 1800 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
Date: September 2, 2024
Description: Enjoy an unforgettable Labor Day celebration on the water with City Cruises. More Info

San Diego Events: September 2nd - 8th

Annual Julian Grape Stomp Festa

Location: Julian
Date: September 7th
Description: A must-visit for wine enthusiasts, offering grape stomping, local wines, and artisanal foods in a charming setting. More Info

Aloha Run

Location: San Diego Waterfront
Date: September 8th
Description: Celebrate Hawaiian culture through a fun run with vibrant music, hula dancers, and tropical refreshments. More Info

Sycuan Pow-Wow

Location: Sycuan Casino Resort, 5469 Casino Way, El Cajon, CA 92019
Date: September 6 - 8, 2024
Description: Immerse yourself in Native American culture at this free event. More Info

The Gala at MCASD

Location: Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, 700 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037
Date: September 7, 2024
Description: Support the arts at this elegant event hosted by the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego. More Info

Cardiff Greek Festival

Location: St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church, 3655 Manchester Ave, Cardiff, CA 92007
Date: September 7 - 8, 2024
Description: Celebrate Greek culture with food, music, and dance. More Info

Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon

Location: Del Mar Dog Beach, 3200 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar, CA 92014
Date: September 8, 2024
Description: Watch adorable dogs catch waves in this unique and free event. More Info

San Diego Events: September 9th - 15th

FilmOut San Diego LGBT Film Festival

Location: The Observatory North Park, 2891 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92104
Date: September 12 - 15, 2024
Description: Enjoy a diverse selection of films celebrating the LGBTQ+ community. More Info

Don Felder Fundraiser

Location: Museum of Making Music, 5790 Armada Dr, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Date: September 12, 2024
Description: Support the Museum of Making Music at this special event featuring the former Eagles guitarist. More Info

San Diego Bayfair

Location: Mission Bay Park, 1600 S Shores Park, San Diego, CA 92109
Date: September 13 - 15, 2024
Description: Witness thrilling hydroplane races and enjoy family-friendly activities. More Info

Annual Taste of Gaslamp

Location: Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego, CA 92101
Date: September 14, 2024
Description: Savor the flavors of San Diego's historic Gaslamp Quarter. More Info

ENVZN24 Urban Art Takeover

Location: Downtown San Diego, 1200 6th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
Date: September 14, 2024
Description: Experience an immersive urban art event showcasing local talent. More Info

Stockzilla

Location: Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve, 9310 Fanita Pkwy, Santee, CA 92071
Date: September 14 - 15, 2024
Description: Enjoy fishing and outdoor activities at this family-friendly event. More Info

Old Town San Diego Fiestas Patrias

Location: Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, 4002 Wallace St, San Diego, CA 92110
Date: September 14, 2024
Description: Celebrate Mexican Independence Day with traditional music, dance, and food. More Info

Haydn Voyages: Music at the Maritime

Location: Maritime Museum of San Diego, 1492 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
Date: September 15, 2024
Description: Enjoy a classical concert aboard the historic Star of India ship. More Info

El Grito

Location: Downtown Chula Vista, 276 Fourth Ave, Chula Vista, CA 91910
Date: September 15, 2024
Description: Join the official Mexican Independence Day celebration in Chula Vista. More Info

San Diego Events: September 16 - 22

NAT Talk: Ecosystems of Baja California

Location: San Diego Natural History Museum, 1788 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
Date: September 17, 2024
Description: Learn about the diverse ecosystems of Baja California at the San Diego Natural History Museum. More Info

Heart of PB Restaurant Walk

Location: Pacific Beach, San Diego, CA 92109
Date: September 18, 2024
Description: Sample delicious offerings from Pacific Beach restaurants. More Info

Artisan Wine Series Dinner featuring Chappellet

Location: The Lodge at Torrey Pines, 11480 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037
Date: September 19, 2024
Description: Indulge in a gourmet dinner paired with exquisite wines at The Lodge at Torrey Pines. More Info

Wine & Lecture: Skydiving Entrepreneur

Location: Coronado Historical Association & Museum, 1100 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118
Date: September 19, 2024
Description: Enjoy wine while learning about a local skydiving pioneer at the Coronado Historical Association. More Info

Kevin Nealon Comedy Show

Location: Belly Up Tavern, 143 S Cedros Ave, Solana Beach, CA 92075
Date: September 19, 2024
Description: Laugh along with the Saturday Night Live alum at the Belly Up. More Info

Nissan Super Girl Surf Pro

Location: Oceanside Pier, 200 N Pacific St, Oceanside, CA 92054
Date: September 20 - 22, 2024
Description: Watch the world's largest women's surf event and enjoy the accompanying music festival. More Info

San Diego Zoo Food, Wine and Brew Celebration

Location: San Diego Zoo, 2920 Zoo Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
Date: September 21, 2024
Description: Indulge in San Diego's wildest tasting event at the world-famous zoo. More Info

Annual ArtWalk Carlsbad

Location: Carlsbad Village, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Date: September 21 - 22, 2024
Description: Explore a diverse array of visual and performing arts in this outdoor festival. More Info

Boarded! A New Pirate Adventure

Location: Maritime Museum of San Diego, 1492 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
Date: September 21, 2024
Description: Embark on a swashbuckling adventure at the Maritime Museum of San Diego. More Info

San Diego Events: September 23 - 29

San Diego Restaurant Week

Location: Citywide
Date: September 22 - 29, 2024
Description: Enjoy special prix-fixe menus at restaurants throughout San Diego County. More Info

Star Wars Trivia at Swing Social

Location: Swing Social, 1000 5th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
Date: September 24, 2024
Description: Test your knowledge of the galaxy far, far away at this themed trivia night. More Info

North Park Putt Oberfest

Location: North Park Main Street, 3029 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92104
Date: September 26, 2024
Description: Combine mini-golf and Oktoberfest celebrations in this unique event. More Info

Poway Rodeo

Location: Poway Rodeo Grounds, 14336 Tierra Bonita Rd, Poway, CA 92064
Date: September 27 - 28, 2024
Description: Experience the excitement of a traditional rodeo in Poway. More Info

Mission Bayfest

Location: Mission Bay Park, 1600 S Shores Park, San Diego, CA 92109
Date: September 27 - 29, 2024
Description: Enjoy live music and festivities in the beautiful Mission Bay area. More Info

Buffalo Alley 10K Trail Run

Location: North Coastal, TBD
Date: September 28, 2024
Description: Challenge yourself with this scenic trail run. More Info

CRSSD Festival

Location: Waterfront Park, 1600 Pacific Hwy, San Diego, CA 92101
Date: September 28 - 29, 2024
Description: Dance to electronic and alternative music at this popular waterfront festival. More Info

San Diego Wave FC vs. Portland Thorns

Location: Snapdragon Stadium, 2100 Friars Rd, San Diego, CA 92108
Date: September 28, 2024
Description: Support San Diego's women's soccer team as they face off against Portland. More Info

Trolley Dances

Location: Point Loma Peninsula, TBD
Date: September 28 - 29, 2024
Description: Experience site-specific dance performances along San Diego's trolley lines. More Info

Encinitas Oktoberfest & Artisan Faire

Location: Downtown Encinitas, 101 N Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024
Date: September 29, 2024
Description: Celebrate German culture and browse local artisan goods at this free event. More Info

Ken Whalen Surf Challenge

Location: Mission Bay and Beaches, TBD
Date: September 29, 2024
Description: Watch young surfers compete in this free event for kids aged 4-14. More Info

September in San Diego is packed with events that make the most of the city's beautiful weather and vibrant culture. From music festivals to food tastings, art shows, and family-friendly activities, there's no shortage of fun to be had. Just like September is both summer and fall, Oktoberfest occurs in October and September. Oktoberfest San Diego 2024 List

And remember, as your trusted San Diego Real Estate Expert, I'm here to help with all your real estate needs. Whether you're thinking about buying or selling or have questions about the market, don't hesitate to reach out. Let's ensure your next move is as exciting as the events happening this September!