September in San Diego is one of the best times of the year to explore the city. With warm days and cool evenings, the weather provides the perfect backdrop for a range of activities and experiences. From vibrant cultural festivals and hands-on cooking classes to rooftop brunches and wine tastings, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Dive into art shows, boat races, film festivals, and indulge in delicious dining—all while soaking up San Diego’s beautiful late summer atmosphere. With a packed calendar of events, September in San Diego offers endless opportunities to discover the city’s unique charm!
Ukrainian Festival, Nature Collective Family Fun Day (September 1, 2, 3, 4)
Traditional Ukrainian homemade food will be sold such as potato and cheese varenyky with sour cream and fried onions, kovbasa sandwiches, salads, Ukrainian sweet treats, watermelon and cold drinks. Chervona Kalyna Dance Group (Los Angeles), Ukrainian San Diego rock band U3Zub, popular Ukrainian singer Iaroslava Caracosa, Ridna Shkola (Ukrainian language school) students will perform. Proceeds will be used for aid to Ukraine.
Above Ash Social: Rodeo Drag Brunch (September 7)
It’s a rhinestone cowgirl experience on a San Diego rooftop! Experience the ultimate Rodeo Drag Brunch at Above Ash Social hosted by the one and only, Victoria Elvato! Delight in delectable brunch entrées and be wowed by fabulous over-the-top performances by Mole D’vine, Serenity Tailors, and Jazzlene Eastcoast.
Cardiff Greek Festival (September 7 & 8)
The annual Greek Festival returns to Cardiff (Encinitas) on September 7th – 8th, 2024, offering a weekend filled with Greek cuisine, music, dancing, and cultural activities. Attendees can enjoy authentic dishes like souvlaki and baklava, lively traditional dance performances, and fun games for the kids. With a welcoming atmosphere that celebrates community and Greek heritage, this festival is a perfect local escape to experience the vibrant spirit of Greece.
Solare: Cooking Classes (September 7, 14, 28)
The Solare Cooking Classes offer a truly hands-on experience allowing each student to create Italian cuisine themselves to make at home. The classes are not just a “demonstration”. They are held pretty much every other Saturday, and the fun typically starts at 10:30am at Solare (10am for some classes) with an Italian-style coffee of your choice. Italian wine is served for students interested in “cooking with wine”.
San Diego Bayfair on Mission Bay (September 13-15)
San Diego Bayfair has a long and rich tradition in Mission Bay Park. Bayfair has grown from just a hydroplane race in 1964 to an event that featured drag boats, international competitors, live music and aerial demonstrations. Boat-racing tours including Formula One tunnel boats, Grand Prix West, P1 USA, Pacific Offshore Powerboat Racing Association and various semi-professional classes have competed at Bayfair.
LGBTQ Film Festival (September 13-15)
Join Film Out San Diego for an upbeat and FUN social event! Opening Night Admission Tickets include a complementary on-site After Party immediately following the feature presentation with delicious food selections from eight amazing San Diego restaurants; complimentary beverages – alcoholic (wine, beer, two specialty cocktails) and non-alcoholic refreshments; an impressive Silent Auction of a wide variety of items with total valuation exceeding $14,000; opportunities to meet and mingle with celebrities from the feature presentation; and a 360 Film Booth!
Viva México! Celebrate Fiestas Patrias in Old Town San Diego (September 16)
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park is thrilled to announce the upcoming Fiestas Patrias celebration, set to ignite the heart of the city with a vibrant showcase of Mexican culture and heritage. As the air resonates with the beats of tradition and the colors of celebration, Old Town San Diego State Historic Park invites visitors of all ages to immerse themselves in the joyous atmosphere of Fiestas Patrias. This annual event, commemorating Mexican Independence Day, is a beloved tradition that honors the cultural richness of the region.
Rustic Root newly added Happy Hour (Monday – Friday 5pm – 6:30pm)
Hey San Diego! Rustic Root Rooftop just added a happy hour, and it’s the perfect spot to unwind. With twenty craft cocktails to choose from at half-off, it’s a great excuse to try something new. Pair your drinks with a few tasty bites like their smoky jalapeno butter biscuits or honey-lime glazed pork belly, and enjoy the relaxed rooftop vibes with friends. This is the kind of spot that makes you want to stay a little longer. Check it out and make it your new go-to!
Corkfire Kitchen’s: An Evening with Danza and Masia (September 19)
Corkfire Kitchen is hosting a very memorable evening at their 1st Winemaker’s Table with Danza del Sol Winery and Masia de la Vinya Winery, an exclusive event featuring an exquisite 5-course dinner crafted by Executive Chef Ben Diaz. Held in the intimate setting of their private dining space, The Quarry Room, this culinary experience will be elevated with carefully curated wine pairings from Danza del Sol and Masia de la Vinya. Each course is thoughtfully designed to complement and enhance the flavors of the selected wines, providing a perfect harmony between food and drink.
San Diego Restaurant Week (September 22-29)
This Fall, enjoy an 8-day edible extravaganza from Sunday, September 22nd through Sunday, September 29th, featuring 100+ restaurants from Oceanside to Chula Vista offering variations of multi-course menus starting at just $20.
Whether you are looking to rake up a deal, create a customized dining plan, or just enjoy some new restaurants, SDRW has something for everyone!
These delicious 8 days are the perfect opportunity to explore the trending food scene of the Fall 2024. Make meaningful culinary connections this Restaurant Week and center it around those you love to spend the most time with or those you are just getting to know! Delicious food is a great way to connect with others and bring people together.
Tickets are not necessary but reservations are HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Click here to start exploring restaurant menus and planning your 8 days of San Diego Dining!
The La Jolla Art & Wine Festival (September 28-29)
The La Jolla Art & Wine Festival (LJAWF) will return to downtown La Jolla on Saturday, September 28, and Sunday, September 29, 2024, showcasing prestigious art, regional and international wines, craft beer and spirits, and family-friendly fun! Featuring more than 170 artists from across the U.S. and Mexico, their exquisite creations come in a variety of mediums including painting, sculpture, jewelry design, fine glass, ceramics, woodwork, mixed media, and photography.
