September 2026 San Diego County Calendar of Events

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4
Fri
San Marcos Free Movie in the Park - GOAT
Bring blankets and your favorite lawn chairs. Free popcorn & prizes provided by San Marcos Regal.
6:30pm Las Posas Park More Info
Poway Kid's Night Out
Kids in grades 1-5 will enjoy a themed night of recreation games, arts and crafts, special presenters, movies, and so much more.
5–9pm Mickey Cafagna Community Center - Oak Hall More Info
Leo Carrillo Ranch Film Festival
See rare historic films from the Golden Age of Hollywood featuring Leo Carrillo and movies that Leo would love.
6–10pm 6200 Flying Leo Carrillo Lane, Carlsbad · 442-339-5042 More Info
5
Sat
Julian Grape Stomp Festa
We're continuing the old-world tradition of kicking off your shoes, rolling up your pant legs and letting tons of blessed grapes squish beneath your feet! Includes Wine Glass & One Tasting, Stomping & Great Entertainment.
11am–5pm Menghini Winery · 760-765-1857 More Info
McAlister Institute's Walk for Sobriety
Join us for a joyful, community-centered celebration that honors recovery, reduces stigma, and brings help and hope to thousands of individuals and families impacted by addiction.
8–11am NTC Park at Liberty Station · 619-457-2148 More Info
6
Sun
Vista Rod Run
Showcases hundreds of classic cars, vintage trucks, and exciting Off-Road Vehicle categories! Vehicle owners compete for the best of the best to win one of 40 trophies.
9am–2pm Historic Downtown Vista More Info
10
Thu
U.S. Open Adaptive Surfing Championships (Sept. 10–13)
Brings together elite adaptive surfers from around the world to compete in 9 professional divisions for a substantial prize purse.
Oceanside Pier More Info
12
Sat
Taste of Gaslamp
With over 20 local restaurants participating, guests can sample signature small bites at each stop, showcasing the diverse flavors of the area.
1–4pm Gaslamp Quarter, Downtown SD · 619-233-5227 More Info
Sails & Ales
Tastings from 25+ local breweries and wineries; plus delicious bites, a live DJ, mini golf on the beach and waterfront views.
1–5pm Kona Kai San Diego Resort More Info
Alley Cat Art Fest
Explore Downtown El Cajon's colorful arts district while browsing more than 50 local artists showcasing paintings, sculptures, photography, jewelry, handcrafted goods, and more. Live music, food and drinks, and creativity.
10am–6pm Downtown El Cajon · 619-334-3000 More Info
Coronado Mainstreet Garden Party
Everyone's invited for live music, restaurant chefs serving treats, a silent auction and good times in this historic setting.
5–8pm Historic Stephens-Terry Estate More Info
Poway Rotary Parade
Regular parade time begins at 9am and starts from Pomerado Road and Poway Road and continues to Bowron Road. RAIN or SHINE event.
9am Poway Road More Info
Sunset Cliffs Auto Show
Music. Kid Zone featuring Power Wheels Race, Hot Wheels Derby, and WIN or lose 3-Point Competition. Merchandise Vendors. Food Trucks. Raffle Prizes with gift baskets. Ocean Beach After Parties, and more!
10am–3pm Point Loma Avenue More Info
Cardiff Greek Festival (Sept. 12–13)
Homemade Greek food. Live Greek music and dancing. Dance performances. Authentic homemade Greek pastries. Church Tours. Wine Tasting.
Sat 10am–9pm · Sun 11am–9pm Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, Cardiff-by-the-Sea · 760-942-0920 More Info
Pet & Reptile Expo (Sept. 12–13)
Our reptile events are full of exotic reptiles including lizards and snakes, arachnids, frogs and more.
Sat 10am–5pm · Sun 10am–4pm Del Mar Fairgrounds More Info
13
Sun
Ken Whalen Surf Challenge
The event celebrates Ken's passion for surfing, family, and the beach by inviting kids of all abilities—including adaptive surfers and children from Rady Children's Hospital—to enjoy a day of friendly surf competition and beach fun.
8am–3pm San Fernando Place, Mission Beach More Info
16
Wed
Old Town San Diego Fiestas Patrias
Celebrate Mexican Independence Day while commemorating and experiencing the rich and diverse culture of Mexico and California. Enjoy a variety of traditional crafts. Experience history come to life through demonstrations.
Old Town San Diego · 619-656-4721 More Info
18
Fri
San Diego Bayfair (Sept. 18–20)
Southern California's largest annual beach festival and powerboat competition. Features H1 Hydroplanes, live music.
Mission Bay More Info
19
Sat
Indigenous Artisan Market
A diverse selection of handmade artwork, jewelry, textiles, pottery, carvings, cultural crafts, and other unique creations offered directly by Indigenous artisans from across the region.
10am–3pm San Diego Archaeological Center, Escondido · 760-291-0370 More Info
Dunk a Deputy Special Olympics Fundraiser
A fun family event benefiting the incredible athletes of Special Olympics Southern California. Enjoy a community resource fair, delicious local food trucks and exciting raffle prizes.
11am–5pm Hollandia Park, Soccer Field, San Marcos · 619-323-6430 More Info
25th Anniversary Lakeside River Park Conservancy
“A Celebration of Nature and Wildlife” with Honorary Chair, Joan Embery.
4–8pm 10218 Channel Road More Info
Santee Firefighters Association's Pancake Breakfast
Tickets are $5 at the door.
7–10:30am Fire Station 5: 9130 Carlton Oaks Dr. More Info
Adams Avenue Street Fair (Sept. 19–20)
This event held on 10 city-blocks. In addition to the fantastic music schedule, the event features carnival rides, beer gardens, festival foods, Fern Street Circus performances and 300 exhibitors with unique offerings.
Sat 10am–10pm · Sun 10am–6pm Normal Heights · 619-282-7329 More Info
ArtWalk Carlsbad (Sept. 19–20)
Fine art including painting, sculpture, glass work, fine jewelry, photography and more. More than 150 fine artists' work will be featured, along with interactive art for families at KidsWalk, musical performers, food trucks, and more.
Sat 11am–6pm · Sun 10am–5pm Armada Drive More Info
Vista Viking Festival (Sept. 19–20)
Southern California's premier celebration of Viking and Nordic culture. 2026 brings us the Year of Loki.
11am–9pm Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum More Info
20
Sun
Belmont Park's Dipper Dash 5K
Runners will enjoy a flat, fast course on one of San Diego's most popular running routes. The Dipper Dash proudly supports The Animal Pad, a San Diego-based nonprofit dedicated to rescuing dogs from high-risk situations.
8am 3190 Mission Boulevard More Info
25
Fri
Poway Rodeo (Sept. 25–26)
Features thrilling rodeo competitions, showcases skilled riders, and celebrates the region's rich Western heritage.
Poway Valley Riders Assoc. Arena More Info
America's Air Show (Sept. 25–27)
This one-of-a-kind event delivers an unforgettable flight line experience featuring immersive experiences, military demonstration teams, civilian aerobatic performers, aerial solo acts, vintage aircraft, and iconic warbirds.
MCAS Miramar More Info
El Cajon Oktoberfest (Sept. 25–27 & Oct. 2–4)
San Diego's most traditional celebration of German culture, hosted by the German American Societies. Enjoy authentic German beers on tap, classic food and desserts, and the festive sounds of a live OomPah band.
1017 S. Mollison Ave. · 619-442-6637 More Info
26
Sat
Double Peak Challenge
Off–road racers will set out from San Elijo Hills Neighborhood Park and begin their 1,176 foot elevation gain up to Double Peak's summit at 1,558 feet above sea level, winding along beautiful hillside trails with amazing views.
6–11am San Elijo Park, San Marcos More Info
St. Michael's Jazz Fest
Features jazz artists, local musicians and more. Bring a lawn chair, gather with friends and enjoy an unforgettable day of music by the coast.
St. Michael's by-the-Sea, Carlsbad More Info
Imperial Beach Symphony by the Sea
Beautiful orchestral music in an unmatched setting. Be sure to bring your own lawn chairs and blankets!
4–6pm Portwood Pier Plaza More Info
Fall Health Fair
Booths include providers from the health, wellness, insurance, and lifestyle industries. Free health screenings, and live, interactive demonstrations.
11am–3pm Parkway Plaza, El Cajon · 619-440-6161 More Info
Oceanside Sea Lions Golf Tournament
All net proceeds going to Rady Children's Hospital for Childhood Cancer. Register early for $110 per player or $420 for a foursome. Light Lunch.
8:30am–2:30pm Emerald Isle More Info
San Diego Spirit Festival (Sept. 26–27)
Brings together cocktail enthusiasts for unlimited tastings from over 65 premium spirit brands along the La Jolla coast.
2–6pm Museum Of Contemporary Art, La Jolla More Info
San Diego International Dragon Boat Race (Sept. 26–27)
There are pre-race festivities such as lion dance, music, and performances, as well as a Vendor Village with food trucks, jewelry, clothing, and more.
Tecolote Shores, Mission Bay More Info
27
Sun
Encinitas Oktoberfest
Discover unique handcrafted goods from 130+ local artisans, savor craft beers and German-style brews, and enjoy family-friendly fun. This free, pet friendly festival is perfect for shoppers, beer lovers, and families alike.
10am–6pm Mountain Vista Dr. More Info
28
Mon
Fallbrook Chamber Golf Tournament
Donate a prize for our drawing. Prizes for top golfers. Boxed lunch, green fees, range balls, and more included!
9am–4pm The Havens Country Club, Vista · 760-728-5845 More Info
30
Wed
Del Mar Wine and Food Festival (Sept. 30–Oct. 4)
SoCal's top chefs + most beloved restaurants. Famous faces of the global food scene. The world's best winemakers. A weeklong celebration of the SoCal lifestyle capped with a two-day Grand Tasting.
Surf Sports Park More Info