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 11-12, 2021
It's a Cocktail Extravaganza with TWELVE years of exhilarating entertainment! Its beginning to look a lot like cocktails at the 12th San Diego Spirits Festival we promise to open your eyes to new and unique cocktails, introduce you to great liquor purveyors and talented mixologists.
When: September 11-12, 2021
The 35th annual San Diego Festival of the Arts is a juried festival showcasing the painting, sculpture, photography, glass, jewelry, ceramics, wood, fiber, and mixed media art from nearly 175 world-renowned artists.
When: September 11, 2021
This must-attend event for blues fans returns in-person at 100% capacity with the 2021 lineup featuring nine musical acts including Larkin Poe, Rick Estrin & the Nightcats, Christone "Kingfish" Ingram, Aki Kumar, Nikki Hill Band, Backtrack Blues Band, Tia Carroll, The Fremonts and Tracy Lee Nelson.
When: September 18-19, 2021
Two event filled days of sun, sand, and surf provide an outstanding opportunity for residents and neighbors to experience fun activities such as a costume party for kids 12 and under (accompanied by parents) at Capt'n Junebug's Kids Zone where they'll meet local pirates and mermaids.
When: September 25-26, 2021
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: September 30 - October 3, 2021
Enter 1889 Universelle Exposition du Paris (World Fair) where Gustave Eiffel built the largest structure on the planet as the gateway to the Champ du Mars and dedicated it to science and the 199 workers who helped him construct this modern marvel.
When: October 1, 2021
Let's drink beer together again! The world's largest social networking platform for craft beer enthusiasts is heading to Petco Park, home of the Padres in San Diego, CA for our first in-person event of the year. And, we've swung for the fences.
When: October 1-3, 2021
The Goodguys shows are for all Hot Rod and Classic Car fans alike with over 2,500 Rods, Customs, Classics, Muscle Cars and Trucks.
When: October 2, 2021
Pacific BeachFest has something for everyone including a fish taco contest, beach volleyball, craft beer, 5K run, kids activities and music!
When: October 8-10, 2021
Each Harvest Festival features hundreds of artisans exhibiting American handmade items, strolling entertainment, festival food and a Kidzone.
When: October 8-24, 2021
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 9-10, 2021
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 9, 2021
In one afternoon, Taste of North Park invites you to enjoy 50+ food tastes and 15 sips from some of San Diego's most innovative restaurants and cutting-edge brew-masters.
When: October 16-31, 2021
Come and join in all the autumn festive fun as the San Diego Zoo Safari Park celebrates the season of color with special activities, entertainment, and culinary comforts.
When: October 14-24, 2021
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.
When: October 14-19, 2021
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.
When: October 23, 2021
One of the region's favorite festivals dedicated to tacos, music, Lucha Libre and Chihuahuas, will return with a lineup of national and local music acts headlined this year by multi-platinum recording artist Flo Rida, live Lucha Libre wrestling by the Baja Stars, Chihuahua races and beauty pageant supported by Soapy Joe's Car Wash, the Del Real Foods Culinary Stage, and the popular Corralejo Margarita Cantina with a live DJ and custom-crafted margaritas.
When: October 28 - November 6, 2021
San Diego's premier film showcase of Asian American and international cinema brings West Coast, North American, and World premieres of films from around the world to San Diego and gives audiences unique opportunities to discover international cinema.
When: November 4-11, 2021
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 7, 2021
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 7-14, 2021
Featuring dozens of events, hundreds of domestic and international wineries, the celebration of craft beer and spirits, local culinary legends and nationally recognized celebrities, and a Grand Tasting Finale on the stunning Embarcadero.
When: November 10-14, 2021
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, 2021
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 20-21, 2021
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.
When: November 21, 2021
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 26-28, 2021
The 42nd 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.
When: November 26-28, 2021
Comic-Con Special Edition, purposefully smaller in scope, is meant to be a more intimate gathering while still evoking the fun community feeling their conventions are known for, including great exhibits, programs, cosplay, gaming, and other events, but also addressing the desire from fans to have an in-person show.
*Please note, events are subject to change and cancellation. Please confirm the event information by visiting the event website.
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