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Awesome Autumn Arts

Concerts, Film Festivals & More

Fall for the arts this autumn in San Diego! Thanks to the balmy fall weather, the arts and culture scene takes to the streets in San Diego. Stay outside and enjoy art fairs, outdoor concerts, dancing in the streets and much more. End the day by heading inside to enjoy a film festival or two.

Below are just a few of the great annual arts and culture events happening in San Diego this fall.

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.

Music Festival

September

Conrad Prebys 2024 Season at The Rady Shell @ Jacobs Park

When: Now - Nov. 12, 2024
Enjoy an exciting season of music, movies and more at San Diego's picturesque waterfront concert venue, the Rady Shell @ Jacobs Park.

Humphreys Concerts by the Bay

When: Now - Nov. 14, 2024
The popular Humphreys Concerts by the Bay features top name entertainers performing on an outdoor stage adjacent to a picturesque marina at Humphreys Half Moon Inn on Shelter Island.

Henry 6 One: Flowers and France

When: Now - Sept. 14, 2024
At The Old Globe experience this world premiere adaption of the first part by William Shakespeare adapted and directed by Barry Edelstein.

Henry 6 Two: Riot and Reckoning

When: Now - Sept. 15, 2024
At The Old Globe experience this world premiere adaption of the second part by William Shakespeare adapted and directed by Barry Edelstein.

Annual Barona Pow Wow

When: Aug. 30 - Sept. 1, 2024
Join the Barona Band of Mission Indians for a weekend of contest dancing in all categories, camping, drums and cultural immersion.

Annual Sycuan Pow Wow

When: Sept. 6-8, 2024
The Sycuan Pow-Wow is a time for people to get together, sing, dance, renew old friendships and make new ones, and a time for young people to meet and court.

FILMOUT San Diego LGBT Film Festival

When: Sept. 12-15, 2024
FilmOut San Diego is one of the longest-running film festivals in Southern California and the only LGBTQ film festival in the San Diego area bringing the best in LGBTQ+ and cult genre films to San Diego!

Adams Avenue Street Fair

When: Sept. 21-22, 2024
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.

ArtWalk Carlsbad

When: Sept. 21-22, 2024
Attendees can explore different facets of art from local, regional and international professional artists while enjoying street food, wine and beer, live entertainment, and the surrounding breathtaking views.

Primary Trust

When: Sept. 24 - Oct. 20, 2024
When Primary Trust by Eboni Booth premiered in New York in 2023, The Observer said, “it will restore your faith in theatre’s elemental storytelling powers.” The Daily Beast said it’s “pretty darn near to perfect.” Don’t miss the La Jolla Playhouse West Coast premiere of this award-winning New York Times Critic’s Pick play that will surprise you, and fill you with hope.

Trolley Dances

When: Sept. 28-29, 2024
Each fall, tour guides lead groups of audience members on and off the trolley to view original pieces of site-specific choreography. More than 50 community and company dancers perform at various sites. 

CRSSD Festival

When: Sept. 28-29, 2024
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.

La Jolla Art & Wine Festival

When: September 28-29, 2024
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.

SDIFF

October

San Diego Italian Film Festival

When: Oct. 1-12, 2024
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.

San Diego Filipino Film Festival

When: Oct. 1-6, 2024
SDFFF aims to not only be a platform to amplify Filipinx visions, voices and stories but also foster new interest in filmmaking and cinema as art throughout the local and global Filipinx community.

San Diego International Film Festival

When: October 16-20, 2024
SDiFF offers world premieres, never before seen studio releases, the best in independent filmmaking and a full schedule of glamorous parties and intimate events with filmmakers.

Grinch at Old Globe

November

Coronado Island Film Festival

When: Nov. 6-10, 2024
The Coronado Island Film Festival is planning for a return to our traditional festival format with in person screenings, special engagements, panels, culinary cinema series, and of course red carpet moments! Additionally, the festival plans to curate a select number of films that will screen online as part of our virtual fest.

Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

When: Nov. 6 - Dec. 31, 2024
Celebrate the holidays as the Old Globe Theatre is once again transformed into the snow-covered Who-ville, right down to the last can of Who-hash.

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Book online or call 1-800-350-6205 to speak with a local expert
Fall Fun and Excitement in San Diego

When autumn arrives, a crisp soothing breeze sweeps over San Diego complementing the region's warm temperatures and welcoming vibe.

Make San Diego your awesome autumn escape and activate smile mode with a variety of festivals, haunting Halloween celebrations, plenty of outdoor activities, and diverse cultural entertainment.

Discover Board

What's On|

San Diego International Film Festival

Oct 16 - Oct 20, 2024

✨23 YEARS OF FILM, CONVERSATION & CELEBRATIONS✨

The 23rd Annual San Diego International Film Festival is ’Celebrating the Power of Film’ October 16-20!  Film Lovers and Filmmakers from around the world will come together to celebrate the art of cinematic storytelling.

The 5-day festival will feature Red Carpet events, including the Opening Night Film Premiere and Reception in Balboa Park and the Night of the Stars Tribute in La Jolla. Enjoy Studio and Independent Features, Documentary and Short Film screenings along with Filmmaker Q&As and Panels at AMC UTC 14 @ Westfield UTC.   

Attendees can also look forward the ‘always sold out’ Culinary Cinema as well as the Fest Lounge, VIP exclusives, parties, food, drinks and networking events!

Discover

Del Mar Wine + Food Festival

Oct 2 - Oct 7, 2024

Located in one of Southern California’s most iconic beach communities and travel destinations, the Del Mar Wine + Food Festival boasts six days of jam-packed unique culinary experiences featuring an all-star lineup of culinary talent, curated wine experiences from top-notch producers, walkaround tasting adventures, immersive lifestyle events, and more!

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Fleet Week San Diego 2024

Nov 1 - Nov 11, 2024

Experience one of San Diego’s largest Military events featuring Military Displays, High Tech equipment in the Innovation Zone, Active Navy & Coast Guard Ship Tours, Live Music, Food, and Fun for the whole family!

Discover

Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

Nov 6 - Dec 31, 2024

Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! is a wonderful, whimsical musical based upon the classic Dr. Seuss book. Back for another incredible year, the family favorite features the songs “Santa for a Day,” “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” and “Welcome, Christmas (Fah Who Doraze),” the delightful carol from the popular animated version of How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Celebrate the holidays as the Old Globe Theatre is once again transformed into the snow-covered Who-ville, right down to the last can of Who-hash.

Discover

What's On

View All

San Diego International Film Festival

Oct 16 - Oct 20, 2024
Discover

Del Mar Wine + Food Festival

Oct 2 - Oct 7, 2024
Discover

Fleet Week San Diego 2024

Nov 1 - Nov 11, 2024
Discover

Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

Nov 6 - Dec 31, 2024
Discover

Offers

Theatre

Kids See SPIDER-MAN In Concert Free

Broadway San Diego
Valid: Sep 4 - Oct 23, 2024

Get one kids (12 & under) ticket for FREE with the purchase of an adult ticket to see SPIDER-MAN: ACROSS THE SPIDER-VERSE In Concert! Use code KIDSFREE Show duration is approximately 2...

Associations & Organizations

SHOW YOUR BADGE AND SAVE AT COMIC-CON MUSEUM

Comic-Con Museum
Valid: Sep 4, 2024 - ongoing

As part of San Diego Comic Convention, the world renowned comics and popular arts convention, Comic-Con Museum is a participatory space focused on bringing together diverse audiences for shared...

Galleries & Museums

Kids Go Free to the Museum of Making Music

Museum of Making Music
Valid: Oct 1 - Oct 31, 2024

The offer allows up to two children (age 12 & under) to get in FREE with one full-price paid adult when a coupon is presented. An adult must accompany children during the visit. The coupon cannot...

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