Discover San Diego's Fall 2026 Highlights

San Diego is welcoming fall with a lineup of new experiences, major festivals and exciting openings across the region. You can enjoy world-class food and wine events, explore reimagined museums, discover new dining concepts, experience family-friendly attractions and take advantage of expanded travel options. From September through November, there is something new to see, taste and celebrate throughout San Diego.

Fall is a great time to fill your San Diego trip with festive flavors, family-friendly deals, creative celebrations and Halloween thrills across the region.

Kids Free San Diego

When: October 1-31, 2026
Kids Free San Diego returns for its 15th year. All month long, kids 12 and under eat, stay and play for free in San Diego. Offers include free hotel stays or amenities, free entrance to theme parks, attractions, and museums and free meals for children with a paid adult throughout the month and region.

San Diego Restaurant Week

When: September 13-20, 2026
San Diego Restaurant Week is back! For eight days, more than 120 restaurants across 30+ neighborhoods will serve up exclusive prix-fixe lunch and dinner menus starting at just $30, giving food lovers the perfect excuse to explore new spots, revisit local favorites and experience the best of San Diego’s thriving culinary scene.

San Diego Food and Wine Festival

When: November 1 - November 8, 2026
The San Diego Food and Wine Festival returns to the Embarcadero to showcase cross-border cuisine, celebrated chefs, winemakers and more. The festival also spotlights sustainability, features award-winning chefs including James Beard–recognized talent, and supports culinary education programs through scholarships that benefit aspiring hospitality professionals across the region.

Del Mar Wine + Food Festival

When: September 30 - October 4, 2026
The fourth annual Del Mar Wine + Food Festival returns. The festival brings together James Beard and MICHELIN-starred chefs, pro athletes, winemakers, and local icons for a weekend of chef-curated dinners, a celebrity pickleball tournament, and community activations, culminating in a two-day Grand Tasting.

La Jolla Art & Wine Festival

When: October 10-11, 2026
La Jolla Art & Wine Festival held in the heart of Village of La Jolla is back for its 18th year. This free, two-day open-air festival invites guests of all ages to experience a weekend of world-class art, curated libations, live entertainment and community connection along the iconic streets of La Jolla. Spanning Girard Avenue from Prospect Street to Torrey Pines Road, the festival will showcase more than 170 juried artists from across the U.S. and Mexico.

Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld San Diego

When: September 11 - October 31, 2026
Howl-O-Scream, San Diego's largest Halloween nighttime event, returns to SeaWorld San Diego on Mission Bay this fall. Guests will venture deeper into the darkness than ever before with new scare zones, pulse-pounding live performances, dark speakeasies and themed bars, and sinister surprises lurking around every shadowed corner.

Brick or Treat at LEGOLAND California

When: September 19 - November 1, 2026
LEGOLAND® California is expanding its family-friendly Halloween event, Brick or Treat, with the debut of Brick or Treat Street, an all-new immersive walkthrough experience featuring six Halloween houses filled with treats, trick, and LEGO build inspired seasonal fun. Brick or Treat transforms the Park into mischief town, where kids make the rules, laughter lurks around every corner and Halloween fun is built brick by brick.

Día de los Muertos in Downtown Chula Vista

When: November 1, 2026
The Downtown Chula Vista Association has announced the return of its annual Día de los Muertos celebration, bringing the community together for an evening of culture, remembrance and tradition in the heart of Downtown Chula Vista. The free, family-friendly event transforms Third Avenue and Memorial Park into a vibrant space that honors loved ones who have passed while celebrating the beauty and significance of the holiday. 

This fall, make time to experience San Diego’s creative side, from reimagined museum spaces and world-premiere productions to open-air art festivals and classic cinema in historic venues.

Fleet Science Center

Located in the heart of Balboa Park, Fleet Science Center recently unveiled its first major renovation in decades, transforming more than 9,000 square feet of museum space. The reimagined space expands exhibit areas by more than 20% and introduces new interactive galleries, a free public entrance gallery celebrating San Diego's spirit of science and innovation, and the new Element 8 Cafe.  

Dear Evan Hansen at Cygnet Theatre

When: September 9 - October 4, 2026
The Tony Award-winning production of Dear Evan Hansen is coming to Cygnet Theatre in Liberty Station in the Joseph Clays III Theater. Dear Evan Hansen, winner of six Tony Awards, including Best Musical, follows high school senior, Evan, who becomes involved in an unfortunate misunderstanding that evolves into a web of lies he did not intend to create. The powerful musical explores themes of mental health, family dynamics, and human connection in the era of social media.

Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego

When: September 19 - January 2027
The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego's fall exhibition, Visiones Nocturnas: Queer Nightlife in Contemporary Art, will be on display. The exhibit explores the intersection of queer nightlife and contemporary art through works that explore physicality of these spaces — dance clubs, dive bars, backyards and bathhouses — as critical sites of queer collectivity, transcendence, and resilience.

La Jolla Playhouse

The La Jolla Playhouse continues their 2026-2027 season with two world-premiere productions this fall: A Black-billed Cuckoo and GRIM. A Black-billed Cuckoo takes places over 24 hours in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park, a close-knit birding group is turned upside down when some of its members glimpse this rare bird and others don’t. UC San Diego MFA playwriting graduate Mat Smart introduces the audience to a fascinating community of people who revel in the idea that any given day might bring something they’ve never seen before. GRIM is an irreverent, hilarious and heartbreaking world-premiere musical that celebrates life… and death. After 300,000 years collecting souls, the Grim Reaper is retiring.

Silent Movie Mondays at Balboa Theatre

San Diego Theatres is bringing the magic of classic cinema back to the Historic Balboa Theatre this fall with the return of Silent Movie Mondays. The immersive series pairs beloved silent-era films with live performances on the historic Wonder Morton Theatre Organ, offering guests a one-of-a-kind experience that celebrates the artistry, history and nostalgia of early filmmaking in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter.

Alley Cat Art Fest

When: September 12, 2026
The Downtown El Cajon Association introduces Alley Cat Art Fest this fall, a newly unified arts celebration that brings together Downtown El Cajon's two signature creative events — Artivál and the beloved Alley Cat Art Walk — into one exciting festival. The free, open-air event will showcase local artists, public art, live music, and food and beverage vendors, creating a larger event to connect the community with East County's thriving creative scene.

Daniel Ketelhut at Andaz San Diego

When: Beginning in September 2026
Andaz San Diego is continuing its partnership with Sparks Gallery by welcoming local artist Daniel Ketelhut as its newest featured artist. A San Diego-based painter, Ketelhut creates abstract works inspired by nature, imagination and the idea that life is constantly changing. His colorful, organic paintings will be displayed in the lobby for guests to enjoy. 

San Diego is serving up plenty of new places to taste, toast and gather, whether you are planning a special night out, discovering a neighborhood favorite or making time for something memorable between adventures.

THRONE ROOM

Concealed behind a chainmail curtain and hidden within KINDRED in South Park comes THRONE ROOM, a new immersive food and drink experience. The beverage program centers around spirits, herbaceous liqueurs and infusions served in hand-made ceramic bowls and chalices with carved ice and restrained herbal garnishes. THRONE ROOM’s vegetable-forward Mystic Mezze includes whipped fava bean dip with grilled flatbread, cave-aged cashew brie with olives, and crispy mushroom-and-lentil cigars inspired by tavern meat pies.

Zuma

International restaurant-lifestyle concept Zuma will open its first California location within downtown San Diego’s historic The Guild Hotel. Zuma is known for its high-energy izakaya-style experience, and the menu is shaped by three distinct culinary experiences — the sushi counter, the robata grill, and the main kitchen.

Granger Hotel

Granger Hotel is expanding its luxury guest experience with the debut of BOND Fine Spirits, a first-of-its-kind retail spirits salon offering a curated selection of rare and premium spirits, gourmet provisions and personalized concierge-style service. Enjoy private tastings, educational experiences and interactive programming that celebrate the craftsmanship and culture behind fine spirits.

MAKE Cafe

Normal Heights, a vibrant uptown neighborhood, recently welcomed MAKE Cafe, by MAKE Projects, a local nonprofit that empowers refugee and immigrant women through job training, community support and farm-to-table dining. More than a cafe, the new space serves as a community gathering place, workforce development hub and real-world training environment where participants gain hands-on experience in agriculture, hospitality, customer service and food preparation while building the confidence and skills needed to pursue long-term career opportunities.

Rei do Gado Brazilian Steakhouse

Rei do Gado Brazilian Steakhouse recently reopened following a two-year closure after a building fire forced the restaurant to close for repairs and renovations. The Brazilian steakhouse partnered with local interior design firm Tiger Veil to transform the restaurant, featuring themes of the tropics and natural elements of Brazil. While guests will be greeted by a fresh new appearance, they can expect all their favorite menu items to return including grilled meats carved tableside and extensive salad bar.

One of Us

San Diego's first women's sports bar recently opened in the North Park neighborhood. One of Us features women's sports games being shown on large-screen TVs throughout the space. Guests can expect to cheer on local teams like the San Diego Wave FC while watching WNBA, softball, lacrosse, soccer, football and rugby.

Maranello

Maranello, a new Italian restaurant inspired by the hometown of Ferrari, is now open in San Diego's Little Italy, bringing the spirit of Northern Italy's famed automotive capital to life through its food, hospitality and design. Named for the legendary Italian town where Ferrari was founded, the restaurant features signature tableside dining, handcrafted cocktails inspired by Italy's aperitivo culture, and a wine list celebrating the country's renowned wine regions. From its racing-inspired details to its immersive dining experience, Maranello offers guests a distinctive taste of Italian tradition with a modern twist.

Michelin Awards

Lucien, located in the picturesque coastal neighborhood of La Jolla, has earned a prestigious MICHELIN star at the 2026 MICHELIN Guide California ceremony, held in San Diego for the first time. Lilo, a one MICHELIN-starred restaurant in Carlsbad, also received the Sommelier award. With the addition of Lucien, San Diego is now home to five MICHELIN-starred restaurants, nine Bib Gourmand restaurants, and twenty-nine restaurants included in the MICHELIN guide , offering travelers even more reasons to explore the region’s standout food scene. 

This fall, plan a little extra time for play, from hands-on marine life encounters and waterfront roller-skating to family-friendly wildlife experiences across the region.

Ringer's Roller Rink

Ringer's Roller Rink, a woman-owned outdoor roller-skating venue in the Encanto neighborhood, recently debuted its newest location at Seaport Village. Ringer’s Seaport introduces an open-air roller rink to one of San Diego's most iconic waterfront destinations and brings the brand’s lively spirit downtown, offering visitors and locals a fresh way to skate with stunning views just steps from the Embarcadero.

Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography

Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography will expand its popular Imagine Wild exhibition with the introduction of The Axolotl's Graden/El Jardín del Ajolote. Guests will explore themes of biodiversity, climate resilience, habitat loss, migration, transformation and care through encounters with animals, contemporary art and conservation science. The aquarium is also bringing back its popular Shark Snorkels experience. Participants will get an up-close look at local sharks and rays along with other fascinating species found in our local waters.

Living Coast Discovery Center

The Living Coast Discovery Center is expanding with Urban Oasis, a new interactive exhibit highlighting the native wildlife that shares San Diego's urban environment. Featuring local species such as raccoons and opossums, the exhibit gives visitors of all ages the opportunity to learn about these often-misunderstood animals, their role in the coastal ecosystem and how communities can better coexist with the wildlife that surrounds them. 

San Diego hotels and resorts are giving visitors even more ways to turn a stay into a memorable experience, from themed family escapes and sports-inspired suites to music-filled perks and milestone celebrations.

Sheraton San Diego Resort

Sheraton San Diego Resort on Harbor Island recently introduced two whimsical, imaginative escapes designed to delight young travelers and the young at heart. The Mermaid Room Experience features an underwater-inspired guestroom with mermaid décor, a mermaid tail for use in the resort pools, a keepsake pool floatie and an “Under the Sea” welcome basket. The Pirate Room Experience includes a pirate-themed guestroom with nautical décor, pirate hat and eye patch, a keepsake pool floatie and an “Ahoy Matey!” treasure chest.

San Diego Mission Bay Resort and San Diego Wave FC Suite Experience

When: Through October 25, 2026
San Diego Mission Bay Resort continues to bring the excitement of women’s soccer to the shores of Mission Bay with its exclusive San Diego Wave FC Suite experience. Created in partnership with San Diego Wave FC, the fully branded suite offers fans a one-of-a-kind stay featuring team-inspired décor, official merchandise and thoughtful Wave FC touches throughout. Guests can pair a coastal getaway with the energy of game day, elevating their stay with premium match-day experiences, including discounted Loge Box seating and exclusive pregame on-field access during warmups.

Hard Rock Hotel San Diego and Taylor Guitars

Hard Rock Hotel San Diego is expanding its signature "Sound of Your Stay" program by introducing San Diego-based Taylor Guitars, available for guests to borrow during their stay. Founded in East County in 1974, Taylor Guitars has become one of the world's leading acoustic guitar manufacturers, with instruments played by some of music's biggest names, including Paul McCartney, Taylor Swift and Billie Eilish. Now Hard Rock Hotel San Diego guests can experience the same iconic brand during their stay, furthering the hotel's commitment to bringing San Diego's vibrant music scene to life for every guest.

La Valencia Hotel Centennial Anniversary

La Valencia Hotel, La Jolla’s iconic “Pink Lady,” is celebrating its centennial anniversary with a yearlong celebration honoring a century of coastal elegance, history and hospitality. Throughout the year, guests and locals can experience special centennial offerings inspired by the hotel’s storied past, inviting visitors to celebrate this milestone and experience the timeless character that has defined the property for generations. 

Getting to San Diego is becoming even easier, with expanded nonstop routes that give visitors more convenient ways to plan a coastal escape from key domestic and international markets.

JetBlue

JetBlue has added nonstop service between San Diego and Fort Lauderdale, expanding access from South Florida and strengthening connections across the Caribbean and Latin America. The route will also feature JetBlue's premium Mint experience, bringing the airline's signature lie-flat seating and elevated onboard amenities to the market.

Japan Airlines

When: Beginning in August
Japan Airlines (JAL) announced it will increase nonstop service between San Diego International Airport (SAN) and Tokyo’s Narita International Airport to daily, year-round flights. The increase from the current four-times-weekly schedule comes as demand for travel between San Diego and Asia continues to grow.