Top September Events

Cool off at the beach, enjoy the ocean breeze and soak in everything San Diego has to offer with these September events.

SeaWorld Summer Spectacular

When: Now- September 7, 2026
From new rescue adventures to exciting new entertainment, it’s going to be a spectacular summer at SeaWorld San Diego!

San Diego Padres Baseball Season

When: Now - September 27, 2026
Kickoff the 2026 baseball season at Petco Park with the San Diego Padres!

San Diego Wave FC Soccer Season

When: Now - October 25, 2026
Experience San Diego Wave Fútbol Club, the 12th and newest member of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), during their second season at Snapdragon Stadium! 

Halloween Happenings

When: Now - Nov. 1, 2026
From family-friendly fright fests and historically haunted tours to terror-filled scream zones and wild trick-or-treat parties, Halloween in San Diego scares up plenty of fun for all ages.

Del Mar Racing Season

When: Now - November 29, 2026
San Diego horse racing takes place where the "turf meets the surf" at the Del Mar Racetrack. Fans flock to the track each summer to wager on their favorite horses during the popular, annual Del Mar Racetrack racing season, mid-July - early-September.

SeaWorld Howl-O-Scream

When: Sept. 11 - Oct. 31, 2026
After a successful "inaugural fear", Howl-O-Scream will once again arrive to transform the peaceful SeaWorld San Diego park you once knew into something sinister. When night falls and a carnival of horrifying creatures surrounds you, just try to put on a happy face. 

San Diego Restaurant Week

When: Sept. 13 - 20, 2026
San Diego Restaurant Week, hosted by the California Restaurant Association, returns with 100+ restaurants across 30+ neighborhoods for eight days of dining.

San Diego Bayfair

When: Sept. 18-20, 2026
San Diego Bayfair's World Series of Powerboat Racing - a family festival tradition for more than 40 years speeds to the finish line.

San Diego Oktoberfests

When: Sept. 20 - Oct. 12, 2026
Munich's Oktoberfest may have more than 200 years on our own celebration here in San Diego, but that doesn't mean we don't know how to throw a party! Enjoy San Diego's Oktoberfests and chug a hefty stein of lager, chow down on a bratwurst and oom-pah-pah to your heart's content.

MCAS Miramar Air Show

When: Sept. 25-27, 2026
The largest military air show is returning to provide a unique and special flight line experience with immersive experiences, static displays, and daytime shows that feature military demonstration teams, civilian aerobatic teams, aerial solo acts, vintage aircraft and warbirds.

More Super September Events

Seaworld Bayside Brews and BBQ

When: Thru Sept. 7, 2026
Get ready for a sizzling summer at SeaWorld's Bayside Brews & BBQ as you indulge in mouth-watering BBQ, a variety of smoked and grilled favorites that will tantalize your taste buds. To quench your thirst, enjoy a wide selection of craft beers, ensuring you have the perfect brew to complement your BBQ feast. 

Julian Grape Stomp Festa

When: Sept. 5, 2026
Experience the old-world tradition of kicking off your shoes, rolling up your pant legs and letting tons of blessed grapes squish beneath your feet!

Cardiff Greek Festival

When: Sept. 12, 2026
Food, friends, family, music and dance, kids games, culture, faith... who could ask for anything more? (besides a plane ticket to Greece, I suppose). Come experience Greece right here in Cardiff and Encinitas. Bring the kids, your friends, your family, a stranger, whatever!

Sessions Surf Festival

When: Sept. 12 - 19, 2026
The vibrant convergence of surfing, film, art and music that starts with a free surf festival followed by a film festival, all in the beautiful seaside village of Encinitas.

Ken Whalen Surf Challenge

When: Sept. 13, 2026
The Ken Whalen Surf Challenge is in memory of Ken's love for family, surfing and the beach. The goal for the event is to encourage kids (including CAF adaptive surfers and Rady Children's Hospital Cancer Families) to strengthen their connection with surfing by competing and having a fun day at the beach with their friends and family.

Taste of Gaslamp

When: Sept. 12, 2026
The Taste of Gaslamp is a scrumptious self-guided foodie tour that has become a staple for locals and tourists alike who flock to the Quarter to indulge in a culinary adventure stopping at 20+ restaurants across 16 square city blocks.

Adams Avenue Street Fair

When: Sept. 19, 2025
Adams Avenue Street Fair is SoCal's largest free two-day music festival held each year during the last weekend in Sept. in the community of Normal Heights.

4th Annual ArtWalk Carlsbad

When: Sept. 19-20, 2026
The event will focus on fine art on display and for sale by the artists, who travel from all over the US and Mexico to show and sell their work. In a venue overlooking the ocean, attendees can explore different facets of art while enjoying beautiful views and much more.

Belmont Park's Dipper Dash 5k

When: Sept. 20, 2026
Starting and ending in the heart of Belmont Park, this scenic 5K takes participants past stunning views of Mission Beach, the iconic Giant Dipper Roller Coaster and all that the community has to offer.

Poway Rodeo

When: Sept. 25, 2026
Professional rodeo cowboys from around the country compete during the annual Poway Rodeo. Can they hold on for 8 seconds.

Annual Pacific Islander Festival

When: Sept. 26, 2026
PIFA is proud to announce its annual festival this year at Ski Beach to celebrate the culture and tradition of the Melanesian, Micronesian & Pacific Islander people. There will be entertainment groups from local and other cities, States and overseas. 

Buffalo Alley 10K Trail Run

When: Sept. 26, 2026
This race is a 10K trail run in the northwestern foothills of Camp Pendleton. The course offers a challenging hill climb, rolling hills along the ridgeline, and scenic views of surrounding mountains and meadows. 

CRSSD Festival

When: Sept. 26, 2026
CRSSD Festival is a two-day electronic music festival at the 12 acre San Diego Waterfront Park featuring three stages and 36+ performers. In addition to the music, the festival will offer craft beer, mixed drinks, food, and more.

San Diego Spirits Festival

When: Sept. 26-27, 2026
The two-day Signature Event is set to delight everyone’s palate and promises to be a feast for ALL your senses, with a weekend of unlimited tantalizing sips as you reconnect with brands you know, and discover new ones from over 60 brands from High end Spirits to ready to drink cocktails and seltzers.