Spend the first weekend of Fall enjoying San Diego’s famous lingering Summer weather at the beach and then cool off with one of these top things to do.
San Diego Restaurant Week
For one week only, Sunday, September 20th through Sunday, September 27th, indulge on dishes, compiled of local products and ingredients, at more than 180 participating restaurants. Dinner will be served as a three-course, prix-fixe menu for just $20, $30, $40 or $50 per person and lunch will be served as a two-course prix-fixe menu for only $10, $15 or $20 per person. This is meal-stealing, people! Saturday will be included once again, giving you that extra date night or chance to impress the boss!
When: Through September 27, 2015
> Find out more about San Diego Restaurant Week
ISA World Adaptive Surfing Championship
The first-ever International Surfing Association (ISA) World Adaptive Surfing Championship presented by Hurley and Challenged Athletes Foundation is set to unite the global community of adaptive surfers. By teaming up with the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF), one of the recognized leaders in the physically challenged sports community, the ISA is excited to unify world-wide efforts for the advancement of Adaptive Surfing. This World Championship will serve as the preeminent platform for physically challenged surfers to display their talents in competition.
Where: La Jolla Shores – 8302 Camino Del Oro, San Diego, CA 92037
When: September 24-27, 2015
Cost: Free to View
> Find out more about the ISA World Adaptive Surfing Championship
Sponsored Event
RISE of the Jack O’Lanterns – Save Up To 50%
Lighting up the night this October at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park is an all new family friendly fall event, RISE of the Jack O’Lanterns! Come see more than 5,000 hand-carved illuminated jack o’lanterns created by professional artists and sculptors arranged in creative ways along a 1/3-mile scenic walking trail all set to an original music score produced exclusively for The RISE!
Where: San Diego Zoo Safari Park – 15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd, Escondido, CA 92027
When: October 2-25, 2015
Cost: $22-$30
> Save up to 50% on Admission to RISE of the Jack O’Lanterns
Storm Large & Le Bonheur
Storm Large will be recognized as the lead vocalist Pink Martini, but it is with her loyal and fearless band, Le Bonheur, that she has been grabbing audiences by the lapels and refusing to let go. Storm Large may appear to be a six foot tattooed Vargas pin up girl, but with a voice that goes from a velvety purr to a mighty Valkyrie in a single phrase, she is a vocalist whose irrepressible talent defies the laws of nature.
Where: California Center for the Arts, Escondido – 340 N Escondido Blvd, Escondido, CA 92025
When: September 24, 2015
Time: 7:30 to 9:30 PM
Cost: $35-$45
> Find out more about Storm Large & Le Bonheur
Poway Rodeo
Professional rodeo cowboys from around the country compete during the 41st Annual Poway Rodeo. 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. There’s even a “Mutton Bustin” event where kids under 50lbs. ride sheep. They try to hold on for 8 seconds, just like the cowboys. There’s also a free dance for everyone 21 and over after the rodeo each night.
Where: Poway Valley Riders Association – 14336 Tierra Bonita, Poway, CA 92064
When: September 25-26, 2015
Cost: $5-$45
> Find out more about the Poway Rodeo
San Diego Padres vs. Arizona Diamondbacks
Catch the San Diego Padres take on the Arizona Diamondbacks at Petco Park! Promotions and game day activities include: Fiesta in the Park on Friday; Padres Team Photo on Saturday; and KidsFest, Salute to the Mitlary Family, and a screening of The Lego Movie on the largest video board in the National League from the field at Petco Park on Sunday.
Where: Petco Park – 100 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101
When: September 25-27, 2015
> Find out more about the San Diego Padres vs. Arizona Diamondbacks
Adams Avenue Street Fair
The Adams Avenue Street Fair features more than 90 musical acts performing on seven stages on Adams Avenue. In addition to the exciting musical lineup, there will be beer gardens, a beer tasting area, giant carnival rides, and more than 350 food, arts and craft vendors selling their specialties throughout the street fair venue.
Where: 34th and Adams, San Diego, CA 92116
When: September 26-27, 2015
Cost: Free
> Find out more about the Adams Avenue Street Fair
Julian Apple Days Festival
As part of Julian’s Apple Days Celebration, a two-day Apple Days Festival features apple displays, music and dancing, an antique tractor display, children’s games and activities, gold panning demonstrations, a beer and wine garden, food and merchandise vendors, contests, and, of course, apple pie. The first 250 people through the gate (paid admission only) each day receive a free pie server.
Where: Menghini Winery – 1150 Julian Orchards Drive, Julian, CA 92036
When: September 26-27, 2015
Time: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Cost: $5. Kids 12 and Under – Free
> Find out more about Julian Apple Days Festival
Oceanside Harbor Days
Two event filled days of sun, sand, and surf provide an outstanding opportunity for residents and neighbors to experience fun activities including the new Sandcastle competition, Entertainment Stage, Arts, Crafts and Food booth areas, Nail ‘n’ Sail Competition, Military, Public Safety displays, and more.
Where: Oceanside Harbor, Oceanside, CA 92054
When: September 26-27, 2015
Cost: Free
> Find out more about Oceanside Harbor Days
20th Annual Pacific Islander Festival
A free event that showcases the cultures and customs of Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia with continuous entertainment throughout the weekend. Held at Mission Bay’s Ski Beach, the event also features food, music and specialty crafts unique to each culture.
Where: Mission Bay’s Ski Beach – Vacation Road, San Diego, CA 92109
When: September 26-27, 2015
Cost: Free
> Find out more about the 20th Annual Pacific Islander Festival
Tour de Fat San Diego
Opening each show with a costumed bike parade through the host city, Tour de Fat celebrates the power of the bike by encouraging everyone to embrace their inner-cyclist and ride the streets as a rolling carnival of creativity. The festival also features a celebration of the inspirational car-for-bike swapper series in which brave souls hand over their car keys as a commitment to commute by bike.
Where: Golden Hill Park – 2590 Golden Hill Drive, San Diego, CA 92102
When: September 26, 2015
Time: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Cost: Free. Registration with Goodies – $5-$10
> Find out more about Tour de Fat San Diego
San Diego Zoo Food, Wine & Brew Celebration
Help support San Diego Zoo Global Wildlife Conservancy as you enjoy more than 150 food and beverage partners, listen to like music, meet animal ambassadors, and bid on your favorite items in the Silent Auction.
Where: San Diego Zoo – 2920 Zoo Drive, San Diego, CA 92101
When: September 26, 2015
Time: 7:00 to 9:00 PM
Cost: $95-$350
> Find out more about the San Diego Zoo Food, Wine & Brew Celebration
Cabrillo Festival
The Cabrillo Festival is a fun event for the entire family, with educational activities, cultural demonstrations and exciting folkloric performances. Brightly colored clothing and dramatic music and dancing bring to life the traditions of the Native American, Mexican, Portuguese and Spanish cultures that are part of the Age of Exploration. The Cabrillo Festival features food booths with delicious traditional Mexican, Native American, Portuguese and Spanish food. Vendors will showcase their various artistic goods.
Where: Naval Base Point Loma – 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr, San Diego, CA 92106
When: September 27, 2015
Cost: Free
> Find out more about the Cabrillo Festival
More Top Things to Do in San Diego
- San Diego Padres vs. San Francisco Giants – September 22-24, 2015
- Todd Glass at the American Comedy Company – September 24-26, 2015
- Oktoberfest on Coronado – September 25 – October 4, 2015
- San Diego Musical Theatre’s La Cage Aux Folles – September 25 – October 11, 2015
- Full Gallop – September 26 – October 25, 2015
- Trolley Dances – September 26-27, 2015
- San Diego Blues Festival – September 26-27, 2015
- San Diego Full Moon Dinner Cruise – September 26-27, 2015
- MCRD San Diego Bootcamp Challenge – September 26, 2015
- What’s the Buzz? | Liberty Concerts @ the Station – September 26, 2015
- Patton Oswalt – September 26, 2015
- Paranormal Investigation of the Davis House – September 26, 2015
- IRONMAN 70.3 SUPERFROG – September 27, 2015
- Dr. Seuss’ The Cat in the Hat – September 27, 2015
- Chinese Moon Festival – September 27, 2015