September is a magical month in America’s Finest City, whether you’re ready to leave the summer behind or not. You can start scouting for apple-picking spots and pumpkin patches, but you can also spend evening at the beach, or enjoy live concerts at beer festivals. This month is whatever you want it to be – but not boring! Here are a couple of seasonal things that you cannot miss in San Diego this September.
Catch the final stretch of the celebrated summer racing season at the Del Mar Racetrack! Expect thrilling thoroughbred racing and the classic ‘surf and turf’ atmosphere.
On September 5th, don’t miss the BBQ & Beer Festival. Top local restaurants and legendary pitmasters are firing up the grills to serve smoky, savory BBQ – paired with refreshing drinks.
Celebrate the end of summer at iconic CRSSD
This fall, CRSSD Festival returns to San Diego for its 11th edition, showcasing the very best in house, techno, and electronic music. Since debuting, CRSSD has earned a reputation as one of the country’s most beloved festivals for dance music fans. Unlike the typical EDM experience, its atmosphere is more laid-back and curated. Many describe it as a “boutique festival.” This year’s line-up includes Chris Lake, Disclosure, Mochakk, Chasewaste, Boys Noize, and more. It takes place between September 26 – 27 at Waterfront.
Experience a magical, multi-sensory tribute concert celebrating the timeless music of Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole at the Star Theatre – beautifully illuminated by candlelight. This 60-minute performance features a lineup of iconic hits, such as “Fly Me to the Moon,” “Unforgettable,” and “My Way” . Learn more and get your tickets below!
If you’re looking for an end-of-summer-to-early-September outing, SeaWorld San Diego’s Bayside Brews & BBQ Festival runs through September 7. This edition includes a new live concert series included with park admission, plus over 60 craft beers and a chef-curated BBQ menu. Weekend headliners include Saliva, Uncle Kracker, and Skillet!
Eat your heart out at Taste of Gaslamp
Taste of Gaslamp celebrates its 30th anniversary on Saturday, September 12, in Downtown San Diego’s historic Gaslamp Quarter. Enjoy a self-guided culinary tour featuring 20+ local restaurants, each offering signature bites, along with an official pre-party,. Besides,the Best Bite competition returns, where attendees can vote for their favorite dish. Tickets are $45 plus fees, with a VIP option offering exclusive tasting stops.
Lions Tigers & Bears, just outside San Diego, is a no-kill, no-breed, no-contact sanctuary. Here, you can see over 60 rescued animals across 19 species, including lions, tigers, bears, leopards, and mountain lions. The sanctuary relies entirely on public support through sponsorships, feeding programs, and guided visits. And yes – you can help feed the cuties!
Celebrate at Barona Powwow in San Diego this September
The 54th Annual Barona Powwow is a 3-day celebration of Native American culture held over Labor Day weekend. Taking place at the Barona Sports Complex, the event features hundreds of Native American dancers from across the country competing in full regalia. Visitors can see Gourd Dancing, Hand Drum contests, traditional singing, and so much more.
September in San Diego is a great month to spend outdoors – but let’s be honest, sometimes…it’s simply time for a cozy movie night. From classics like Dune to the much-awaited Tony or a new chick flick like Spa Weekend, click below to see what’s playing (don’t forget to grab your tickets, too, for the best seats).
SeaWorld San Diego is debuting a haunted house called “I Know What You Did Last Summer: The Final Catch.” It opens September 11, with movie-accurate sets, immersive scare zones,KAABOO Festival Del Mar, live entertainment, and dark roller-coaster rides.
Have some seasonal fun at the Julian Grape Stomp Festa
Returning for its 28th anniversary on September 5, the Julian Grape Stomp Festa offers a fantastic way to celebrate the local harvest season! Held at the Menghini Winery in the beautiful East County mountains, the event invites you to kick off your shoes, roll up your pants, and partake in the old-world tradition of squishing tons of grapes barefoot. The day is filled with local wine tastings, great food, and live music.
Foodies, rejoice – it’s San Diego Restaurant Week! This highly anticipated event spans the entire county, allowing diners to explore over 100 participating restaurants across more than 30 different neighborhoods. During these 8 days, eateries offer special multi-course menus at highly accessible price points. It’s the perfect excuse to try out a spot that’s been on your wish list or revisit an old favorite!
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in San Diego this September
Honor and experience Hispanic culture while celebrating the incredible impact and contributions of the community. From exploring Barrio Logan’s art scene to visiting Chicano Park and its museum, there are plenty of ways to take part in the celebrations. It’s also a great time to shop and dine locally and support Hispanic-owned businesses. For a delicious taste of the community, try the “best chilaquiles in San Diego” at historic El Carrito – a unique spot that has previously served as an old cable car, a shoeshine stand, and even a gathering place for local politicians. Alternatively, go with an SD iconic activity: crawl Downtown in search for the best taco (our top is here).
Enjoy local delicacies at Del Mar Wine & Food Festival
The Del Mar Wine + Food Festival frequently brings industry stars like Guy Fieri and Troy Johnson, alongside mom-and-pop eateries serving dishes you’ll crave long after the weekend ends. Created by locals, the festival celebrates “the good life” with an epic coastal cookout, craft brewers, and amazing winemakers. It’s no wonder Thrillist named it one of the top food festivals in the nation! It takes place September 30 – October 4, at Surf Sports Park in Del Mar.
Don’t miss this authentic Greek festival
The 45th Annual Cardiff Greek Festival offers a great weekend escape to Greece right in North San Diego County! It takes place September 12 – 13, 2026 in Cardiff-by-the-Sea. The beloved community event transforms the church grounds into a lively Hellenic village. You can feast on authentic homemade dishes like slow-simmered lamb shank, gyros, and baklava. Beyond the food, the festival features live traditional Greek music, performances by youth folk dancers, and guided wine tastings.
Catch a DICE concert
DICE brings some fantastic shows to San Diego this September! Some of them are completely free, and the rest have fair prices (with no check-out surprises). Here’s this month’s lineup:
- Tue, Sep 1: Nymphlord, Stylaster, Cory Lomberg @ Soda Bar – $9.79
- Wed, Sep 2: Séamus Scanlan, Henry Wright, Lillen Wade @ Soda Bar – $12.88
- Thu, Sep 3: Comfort Club, Rainbow City Park, and bloodsugar @ The Banshee – $13.60
- Thu, Sep 3: SHĀHERI, ÖLÜM @ Soda Bar – $22.66
- Fri, Sep 4: Big Bruiser, 44Go, standingandlookingaround, and Texico Club @ The Banshee – Free
- Fri, Sep 4: Pire, The Silver Mean, Breadth @ Soda Bar – $9.79
- Fri, Sep 4: DRAXX + MASALA + SHADDA – Presented by House XL @ 3OZ Dive Club – $12.36
- Sat, Sep 5: Jazz Nights @ The underground – urban warehouse – From $11.33
- Sat, Sep 5: Rangoo, Mona Vera, Los Frills @ Soda Bar – $18.54
- Sun, Sep 6: Audio Perdisco, Falling Faster, Ghee, Giant Animals, and Fancy Faces @ The Banshee – $9.07
- Sun, Sep 6: Crimeapple @ Soda Bar – $24.72
- Wed, Sep 9: Rav, Cavalier, Teller Bank$ @ Soda Bar – From $27.30
- Thu, Sep 10: Wiki – The Park Bench Tour @ Quartyard – $23.69
- Thu, Sep 10: THE BLACK QUEEN: Fever Daydream 10th Anniversary @ Soda Bar – $36.05
- Fri, Sep 11: Cola, Kan Kan @ Soda Bar – $20.60
- Sat, Sep 12: [Early Show] Diavol Strain, Rx.pinknoise, Cruelties, and Feral Instinct @ The Banshee – $11.33
- Sat, Sep 12: Death Cab For Karaoke / live band karaoke! @ Soda Bar – From $18.54
- Sun, Sep 13: Ben Kenney, A Different Kind of Giant @ The Banshee – $13.60
- Sun, Sep 13: lowercase, Disheveled Acusstic, Animal Self @ Soda Bar – $15.45
- Tue, Sep 15: downy @ Soda Bar – $24.72
- Wed, Sep 16: Meltt @ Quartyard – $28.33
- Wed, Sep 16: Iguana Death Cult, The Sines @ Soda Bar – $21.63
- Thu, Sep 17: Clorox Girls @ Soda Bar – $12.88
- Thu, Sep 17: Beth and The Baysides, Slutboy, Girls Got Nerve, and Indico @ The Banshee – $4.99
- Fri, Sep 18: Ricky, Sundressed, Lesser Works @ Soda Bar – $12.88
- Sat, Sep 19: Grivo @ The Banshee – $13.60
- Sat, Sep 19: Dadlore, Blazed, Veto @ Soda Bar – $12.88
- Sat, Sep 19: WONDERGATE Presents: SAINTE VIE @ Spin Nightclub – From $28.34
- Sun, Sep 20: SUNLIGHT SOCIAL W/ APACHE @ Spin Nightclub – From $28.34
- Sun, Sep 20: Mustard Service, Pity Party (Girls Club), Manwolves, Chicano Mosh @ Quartyard – $31.42
- Sun, Sep 20: waltzerr, The Dimes, and Blue Park Suites @ The Banshee – $9.07
- Sun, Sep 20: Acopia, Trit 95 @ Soda Bar – $22.66
- Sun, Sep 20: TRAE THE TRUTH X CONWAY X EVIDENCE X GRAFH #TAPSD @ The Holding Company – From $32.86
- Tue, Sep 22: Blue Park Suites, Defuco, Sideswiped @ Soda Bar – $9.79
- Wed, Sep 23: Allison – Euforia USA Tour @ Soda Bar – $37.08
- Thu, Sep 24: Sababa 5, Spacehall Sound Machine @ Soda Bar – $27.30
- Fri, Sep 25: Fraxures, Tigers in Cairo, and Once Loved @ The Banshee – $13.60
- Fri, Sep 25: Pearl & The Oysters, Sugar Candy Mountain @ Soda Bar – $24.72
- Sat, Sep 26: Dent May, Lenny Zen @ Soda Bar – $24.72
- Sun, Sep 27: The Saxophones, Simians @ Soda Bar – $24.72
- Mon, Sep 28: DOOM GONG @ Soda Bar – $18.54
- Tue, Sep 29: Carrie Nation & the Speakeasy @ Soda Bar – $18.54
- Tue, Sep 29: Overpour, Sideswiped, Mutt, and Kickback @ The Banshee – $8.00
- Wed, Sep 30: Eraser, Neutral Shirt, and Big Bruiser @ The Banshee – Free
- Wed, Sep 30: Steel Beans is… a Psyop Tour @ Soda Bar – $24.72
