Things to Do in San Diego – September 2018
Things to Do in San Diego – September 2018
August 28th, 2018 by KarenIt’s September in San Diego and that means it’s time for Kaaboo, Surf Dog Surf-a-Thon, Oktoberfest, the Blue Angels at the MCAS Mirarmar Air Show and lots more. Don’t miss the fun things to do in San Diego this September!
- The Birthstone: Sapphire / Flower: Aster
- The zodiac signs are Virgo (Aug 23 – Sept 22) and Libra (Sept 23 – Oct 22)
- Labor Day (Sept 3) / Patriot Day (Sept 11)
- National Potato Month / National Piano Month / National Biscuit Month
September 1-3
Del Mar Racing Season Through Sept. 3
The Del Mar Racetrack is a world-class Thoroughbred racing destination welcoming the industry’s top athletes and California’s most spirited partygoers.
Time/Place: Del Mar Thoroughbred Club: 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd.
Contact: 858-755-1141 / www.dmtc.com
Barona Powwow Aug. 31-Sept. 2
Join the Barona Band of Mission Indians for a weekend of contest dancing, camping, drums and cultural immersion.
Time/Place: Fri 6-11pm, Sat 7 Sun 1-11pm / Barona Sports Park, Lakeside
Contact: 619-443-6612 x120 / www.barona-nsn.gov
US Sand Sculpting Challenge and Dimensional Art Expo Aug. 31-Sept. 3
Patrons will see and be able to buy over 1,000 one-of-a-kind works of art and enjoy live entertainment from bands. Picnic on the Bay with food and drink from over a dozen gourmet food trucks and a wine and beer garden.
Time/Place: Broadway Pier and Landing: 1000 North Harbor Drive
Contact: 619-980-6651 / www.ussandsculpting.com
Julian Grape Stomp Festa Sept. 1
With ten local wineries offering sips to sample, a wide variety of food and shopping opportunities, great Italian music provided by Roman Holiday, Bocce Ball Court, a little extemporaneous dancing here and there, this will be a party to remember!
Time/Place: 11am-6pm / Menghini Winery
Contact: www.visitjulian.com
54th Annual Balboa 4 Mile Cross Country, Sept 1
Hosted by the San Diego Track Club and is the 2nd Race in Dirt Dog Series. This is a challenging race on trails, grass and sidewalks.
Time/Place: 7:30 am / Balboa Park
Contact: https://sandiegotrackclub.org/balboa-4-mile-cross-country-race/
Labor Day Stickball Tournament Sept. 1-3
Honoring long-standing traditions, paying tribute to this East Coast sporting pastime and having a fun!
Time/Place: 8am-5pm / Little Italy
Contact: www.littleitalysd.com
Big SoCal Euro Sept. 2
Features more than 3,000 European cars from throughout the region. Bring your family to meet other car enthusiasts and enjoy raffles, drag racing, great food, automotive vendors, swap meet, afterparty and more.
Time/Place: 12-6pm / SDCCU Stadium
Contact: www.big-euro.com
September 4-10
Taste of Del Mar Sept. 6
Explore 20+ culinary creations from local and award-winning restaurants, experience 10+ craft beer and wine “Sip Stops,” and enjoy live music.
Time/Place: 5:30-8:30pm / Downtown Del Mar Village
Contact: 858-735-3650 / www.visitdelmarvillage.com
Play on the Bay Sept. 7
Enjoy spectacular food, drinks, live music, a silent auction and more in an unforgettable evening on the bay. Proceeds benefit DonorsChoose.org, a non-profit assisting public school teachers with the supplies and equipment they need for their classrooms.
Time/Place: 6-9pm / Loews Coronado Bay Resort
Contact: www.eventbrite.com
Beach Polo Cup Sept. 7-9
Polo matches, a lavish VIP tent, stylish informal fashion modeling, boutiques selling everything from jewelry to designer clothing to yachts, the Porsche Million Dollar Road Rally and much more.
Time/Place: Hotel del Coronado
Contact: www.hoteldel.com
Burgers & Beers Sept. 8
Try gourmet burgers from more than 20 of San Diego’s best restaurants as they compete to win the “Best Burger” award. Enjoy unlimited beer samples from over 40 of the best breweries San Diego has to offer.
Time/Place: 1-4pm / Golden Hill Park
Contact: www.readerburgersandbeer.com
KGB Sky Show Sept. 8
Blending lighting, video and special effects to enhance the fireworks display following an exciting SDSU football game.
Time/Place: 5pm / SDCCU Stadium
Contact: https://101kgb.iheart.com
Carlsbad Brewfest Sept. 8
Craft beer with tastings from more than 34+ San Diego & national breweries, music, entertainment, games & food vendors.
Time/Place: 12-4:30pm / Holiday Park: 3400 Pio Pico Drive
Contact: www.carlsbadbrewfest.org
San Diego Blues Festival Sept. 8
Features 9 musical acts on two stages. Festival attendees will enjoy local craft beer, cocktails and wine along with specialty food trucks and arts and crafts vendors.
Time/Place: 12-8pm / Embarcadero Marina Park North
Contact: www.sdbluesfest.com
South Bay Pride Art & Musical Festival Sept. 8
Fun for all with live entertainment, local art, food, drinks and more! Children’s Area includes bungee jumping, inflatables and more.
Time/Place: 12-8pm / Chula Vista Bayside Park
Contact: www.southbaypride.org
Cardiff Greek Festival Sept. 8-9
Be Greek for the day and enjoy authentic food, music, live entertainment, dancing, children’s activities and more.
Time/Place: Sat 10am-10pm, Sun 11am-9pm / Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church
Contact: www.cardiffgreekfestival.com
Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon Sept. 9
Get excited for the Helen Woodward 13th Annual Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon Dog Surfing Competition and family-friendly beach day!
Time/Place: 8 am-2 pm / Del Mar Dog Beach
Contact: https://animalcenter.org/surf-dog-surf-a-thon
September 11-17
Taste of Downtown Sept. 13
Enjoy tantalizing tastes from more than 40 Restaurants located throughout the East Village, City Center and Gaslamp Quarter.
Time/Place: 5-9pm / Downtown San Diego
Contact: 619-234-0201 / www.downtownsandiego.org
Sorrento Valley Beer Festival Sept. 14
Fresh, cool craft beer, delicious food, live music, fun games, fire pits and plenty of comfortable seating.
Time/Place: 5-9pm / Party Pals: 10427 Roselle St.
Contact: www.sorrentovalleybeerfestival.com
America’s Finest BBQ State Championship Sept. 14-15
Compete in a KCBS sanctioned BBQ competition, sample world class BBQ and enjoy the beer garden, all while watching the San Diego Bayfair’s World Series of Powerboat Racing.
Time/Place: Mission Bay: Crown Point Park
Contact: www.americasfinestbbq.com
KAABOO Del Mar Festival Sept 14-16
This year’s lineup includes Foo Fighters, Imagine Dragons, Katy Perry, Robert Plant & The Sensational Space Shifters, Halsey, Post Malone and many more! Also, see comedic favorites like Craig Ferguson, Iliza Shlesinger, Judd Apatow & Friends, Craig Robinson and many more.
Time/Place: Del Mar Racetrack & Fairgrounds
Contact: https://www.kaaboodelmar.com
San Diego Bayfair Sept. 14-16
World Series of Powerboat Racing – a family festival tradition for more than 40 years speeds to the finish line.
Time/Place: 8am-4pm / Mission Bay Park
Contact: www.sandiegobayfair.org
Santee Bluegrass Festival Sept. 15
Fine wines, a bevy of brews, tasty treats, bidding bazaar and live Bluegrass music. Annual fundraiser.
Time/Place: 5:30-9:30pm / Town Center Community Park East
Contact: www.cityofsanteeca.gov
Julian Music Festival Sept. 15
Celebrate with bluegrass to celebrate the festival’s roots and Western ballads to remember the past and present.
Time/Place: 1-7pm / Menghini Winery
Contact: www.julianmusicfestival.com
Old Town San Diego Fiestas Patrias Sept. 15
Our exciting Fiestas Patrias parade kicks off the festivities that will include the Escaramuzas, traditional women equestrians. Following the parade, there will be a variety of entertainment.
Time/Place: 12-4pm / Old Town State Historic Park
Contact: 619-220-5422 / www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=663
Taste of South Park Sept. 15
Hallmarked by an eclectic mix of restaurants, bars and pubs, coffee houses and family dining spots, chart a course for South Park and satisfy all your foodie cravings in one day!
Time/Place: 12-4pm / South Park at Fern St.
Contact: www.southparksd.com
Oceanside Harbor Days Sept. 15-16
Sun, sand, and surf including a costume party for kids 12 and under at Pirate Village; Arts, Crafts and Food booth areas; Nail ‘n’ Sail Competition; music, a beer garden and more.
Time/Place: 9am-5pm / Oceanside Harbor
Contact: www.oceansidechamber.com
Ironman 70.3 Superfrog Sept. 16
The challenging course was designed by a group of Navy Seals stationed at the US Navy Seals center in Coronado to both prepare them for the IRONMAN World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii and to enhance their training.
Time/Place: 7-11am / Imperial Beach Pier
Contact: www.ironman.com
September 18-24
San Diego Quilt Show Sept. 20-22
Enjoy hundreds of quilts on display and over 40 vendors featuring everything quilters and others, need, want and love. This year’s theme is “Wild West.”
Time/Place: Fri & Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 9am-4pm / SD Convention Center
Contact: 619-443-2706 / www.sandiegoquiltshow.com
Semper Tri, Devil Dog Duathlon & 7K Run Sept. 22
Help us support quality of life programs for our Marines, Sailors & their Families by taking part in the Semper Triathlon, Devil Dog Duathlon and 7K No Beach Out of Reach Run.
Time/Place: 7am-12:30pm / Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton
Contact: www.mccscp.com
Bonitafest Performing Arts Festival Sept. 22
Come see the South Bay’s best show choirs and stage bands, sample delicious food and take in arts and crafts.
Time/Place: 9am-4pm / Bonita Vista High School
Contact: www.facebook.com/Bonitafest
SaltDog Classic Sept. 22
Local bands, vendors, artists, and a full on Tiki Bar rocking this year. Supporting Rancho Coastal Humane Society.
Time/Place: 11am-6pm / Seaside State Beach, Solana Beach
Contact: www.saltdogclassic.com
San Diego Festival of Beer Sept. 22
Enjoy the sounds of live music while sampling unlimited and exclusive craft beer tastings, food trucks, vendor booths, lively music, fun games, and more!
Time/Place: 12-5pm / Broadway Pier
Contact: www.sdbeerfest.org
Pacific Islander Festival Sept. 22-23
Cultures and customs of Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia with entertainment, food, music and specialty crafts.
Time/Place: 9am-4pm / Mission Bay’s Ski Beach
Contact: www.pifasandiego.com
San Diego Restaurant Week Sept. 23-30
Dine deliciously at restaurants offering prix-fixe menu options throughout San Diego County.
Contact: www.sandiegorestaurantweek.com
September 25-30
La Mesa Oktoberfest Sept. 28-30
Hundreds of exhibitors, family friendly activities, German food, music, dancing, games and of course beer.
Time/Place: La Mesa Village
Contact: www.lamesaoktoberfest.org
Poway Rodeo Sept. 28-29
Guests can watch contestants compete in events such as Bareback and Saddle Bronc Riding, Barrel Racing, Tie Down Roping, Steer Wrestling, Team Roping and Bull Riding.
Time/Place: Poway Valley Riders Association
Contact: www.powayrodeo.com
Cabrillo Festival Sept. 28-29
Brightly colored clothing and dramatic music and dancing bring to life the traditions of the Native American, Mexican, Portuguese and Spanish cultures.
Time/Place: 11am-4pm / Naval Base Point Loma
Contact: www.cabrillofestival.org
MCAS Miramar Air Show Sept. 28-30
The Blue Angels, U.S. Army Golden Knights, U.S. Navy Leap Frogs, Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning and more will fill the sky over the three days of air show.
Time/Place: Marine Corps Air Station Miramar
Contact: www.miramarairshow.com
El Cajon Oktoberfest Sept. 28-30 & Oct. 5-7
Folk dances, games, and contests, vendor booths and craft stands, and let your youngsters go crazy in the Kids’ Zone!
Time/Place: See website for schedule. / 1017 South Mollison Avenue
619-442-6637 / www.oktoberfestelcajon.com
Bayside Brew & Spirits Festival Sept. 29
Highlights the unique culture of the National City community and celebrating music and of course beer, wine and spirits.
Time/Place: 12-5pm / Pepper Park, National City
Contact: www.baysidebrewfest.com
Bubble Run Sept. 29
The Bubble Run is like running through Willy Wonkas’ factory. Clad in white t-shirts, adults, kids and strollers run, walk, dance and play across 3 miles of absolute fun!
Time/Place: 8:00 am / Mattress Firm Amphitheatre, Chula Vista
Contact: http://bubblerun.com/upcoming-locations/san-diego/
Adams Avenue Street Fair Sept. 29-30
Featuring 90 musical acts on six stages. Beer gardens and beer tastings, giant carnival rides, festival foods and more than 300 arts and crafts booths.
Time/Place: Sat 10am-10pm, Sun 10am-6pm / 34th and Adams Avenue, Normal Heights
Contact: 619-282-7329 / www.adamsavenuebusiness.com
Encinitas Oktoberfest Sept. 30
Music, Bavarian dancers, German food and drink, and a street craft faire featuring more than 200 vendors.
Time/Place: 10am-6pm / Mountain Vista Drive & El Camino Real
Contact: 760-753-6041 / www.encinitasoktoberfest.com
Treasure Chest Beer + Food Fest Sept. 30
Beer and food pairing extravaganza, will serve as a fundraiser for breast cancer charity Susan G. Komen San Diego.
Time/Place: 12-5pm / Green Flash Brewing Co., Mira Mesa
Contact: http://www.komensandiego.org
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