When autumn arrives and the summer beach crowds diminish, visitors to San Diego can relish in the region's sunny mild weather and enjoy a number of fun-filled fall activities to enhance their vacation getaway. During San Diego's shoulder season, visitors can find a variety of annual festivals, fairs and diverse cultural entertainment.
This page is updated as soon as event details are available. Events are subject to change or cancellation, so please check with event organizers for the most up-to-date information.
When autumn arrives and the summer beach crowds diminish, visitors to San Diego can relish in the region's sunny mild weather and enjoy a number of fun-filled fall activities to enhance their vacation getaway. During San Diego's shoulder season, visitors can find a variety of annual festivals, fairs and diverse cultural entertainment.
When: September 7, 2019
Carlsbad Brewfest celebrates craft beer with tastings from more than 34+ San Diego & national breweries, music, entertainment, games & food vendors.
When: September 13-15, 2019
Experience a curated three-day sound voyage that combines rock-n-roll music and tastemaking events in a modern wonderland on the warm shores of the Pacific. With world-class music, hilarious comedy, incredible cuisine, craft libations, inspiring contemporary art, and personal indulgences, KAABOO Del Mar is everything a typical music festival is not.
When: September 14, 2019
Head to Old Town San Diego State Historic Park to celebrate Mexican Independence during the Fiestas Patrias! There will be a variety of entertainment, including a parade, historic and traditional music, dance groups, crafts, games and informational demonstrations that represent the activities enjoyed by the early settlers on San Diego in the 1800s.
When: September 14-15, 2019
Celebrate history in the birthplace of San Diego (Old Town) with a weekend of free festivities, entertainment, and activities for the whole family.
When: September 21-22, 2019
Featuring 90 musical acts on six stages, the Adams Avenue Street Fair is SoCal's largest free two-day music festival, held each year during the last weekend in September in the community of Normal Heights.
When: September 21-22, 2019
Pacific Islander Festival showcases the cultures and customs of Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia with entertainment, food, music and specialty crafts.
When: September 21, 2019
San Diego Festival of Beer is a fun-filled evening with beer lovers like yourself enjoying the sounds of live music while sampling from nearly 60 breweries.
When: September 21, 2019
Bayside Brew and Spirits Festival is the first bi-national beer festival in San Diego. We're bringing together the best of both sides of the border to create an afternoon of fun for the South Bay.
When: September 24-29, 2019
The GI Film Festival San Diego features film screenings, panel discussions, a family movie night, and awards while highlighting the local military culture.
When: September 26-29, 2019
Revisit Jules Verne's classic tale of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea: follow Captain Nemo west across the Pacific Ocean as he returns to his secret island paradise on Vulcania and be prepared to add a little Tiki to your weekend at a Tiki-punk inspired weekend to remember!
When: September 27-29, 2019
Marine Corps Air Station Miramar is once again hosting the largest military Air Show in the country! This year's theme is "Honoring 100 Years of Women in the Marine Corps."
When: September 28-29, 2019
Be a part of history and welcome 16th century explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo as he steps ashore on Ballast Point during San Diego's Cabrillo Festival.
When: September 28-29, 2019
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.
When: October 5, 2019
Pacific BeachFest has something for everyone including a fish taco contest, beach volleyball, craft beer, 5K run, kids activities and music!
When: October 10-13, 2019
Art San Diego features over 500 leading contemporary artists, museum exhibitions, art labs, events, and talks focused on collecting.
When: October 11-13, 2019
The annual Polish Festival in San Diego is a wonderful cultural celebration in Pacific Beach all about Polish culture, traditions and cuisine.
When: October 11-13, 2019
Each Harvest Festival features hundreds of artisans exhibiting American handmade items, strolling entertainment, festival food and a Kidzone.
When: October 12-13, 2019
Just steps from the beautiful Pacific Ocean on Girard Avenue, bask in beautiful San Diego sun while meandering through over 150 handpicked artist booths, for a weekend of fine art, along with delectable wines, craft beers, scrumptious food, and live music.
When: October 15-20, 2019
Be part of the scene with five days to immerse yourself in engaging films, the hottest parties, intriguing panels, celebrity sightings, and industry events.
When: October 15-27, 2019
The San Diego Italian Film Festival showcases the best of new Italian film with a series of premieres ranging from dramas and comedies to documentaries.
When: October 17-20, 2019
WoW Festival is an exhilarating weekend of immersive and site-based work designed to break barriers by moving beyond the boundaries of a traditional four-walled theatre spaces.
When: October 18-20, 2019
Borrego Days Desert Festival is filled to the brim with inspiring art, entertainment, delicious food and drink, and so much more!
When: October 19, 2019
Get ready to rev up your engines as the streets of Little Italy become home to over 40 classic and rare “Italian bulls,” better known as Lamborghinis.
When: October 20, 2019
Held at Seaside State Beach in Solana Beach, this is a family- and pet-friendly music and art festival you won't want to miss. Great music from local artists will be ringing across the salty shores, with plenty of sun to soak up, and tropical drinks to cool down.
When: October 20, 2019
Since 1989, the Escondido Grand Avenue Festival has brought live entertainment, over 400 vendors, children's rides and activities, and food from around the world to the tree-lined streets of downtown Escondido.
When: November 3, 2019
Take in the beauty of the seaside city while browsing through unique booths, indulging in delectable eats and enjoying family entertainment at the Carlsbad Village Faire.
When: November 3, 2019
Climb aboard an old-fashioned hay ride, pan for gold, check out a Wild West Show, saddle up on pony rides, and enjoy two stages of live entertainment.
When: November 4-12, 2019
Fleet Week San Diego honors and celebrates the men and women of the military through events that entertain and alliances that thank and support these heroes.
When: November 8-11, 2019
The Coronado Island Film Festival (CIFF) cordially invites makers and lovers of film everywhere to join us in this unique historic seaside village.
When: November 11, 2019
See over 4,000 Veterans, Active Military, Bands, Floats and Civic Groups celebrate Veterans Day with the San Diego Veteran's Day Parade.
When: November 22-24, 2019
New in 2019, the inaugural Wonderfront Music and Arts Festival will celebrate San Diego’s culture and beach lifestyle with yacht parties and live performances held on San Diego Bay.
When: November 24, 2019
The Mother Goose Parade is San Diego's East County's annual holiday kick-off celebration featuring whimsical floats, clowns, bands and equestrians.
When: November 24, 2019
With 450+ booths, plus dozens of unique downtown retailers, the Encinitas Holiday Street Fair is a perfect opportunity to get a head start on your holiday shopping.
Jazz Fest and Swing Extravaganza
When: November 27 - December 1, 2019
The 40th San Diego Jazz Fest will present a variety of traditional jazz music, from ragtime to hot jazz to swing to rockabilly at the Town & Country Resort and Hotel in Hotel Circle. Jazz bands and musicians from across the U.S. will perform.
*Please note, events are subject to change and cancellation. Please confirm the event information by visiting the event website.
Sign up to receive the latest news, events, and updates about San Diego. Our monthly and weekly newsletters will keep you informed about the latest and greatest happenings in the destination.
For the ultimate guide to planning your San Diego vacation, view and download the San Diego Visitor Planning Guide, packed with useful information that will help you plan the perfect San Diego getaway.