Del Mar Racing Season Through Sep. 2
This season features the nation’s top race horses, trainers and jockeys, and plenty of fun in the sun.
See website for schedule. / Del Mar Thoroughbred Club
858-755-1141 / www.dmtc.com
Labor Day Stickball Tournament Aug. 31-Sep. 1
Columbia Street erupts with yelling and cheering for the stick ball teams, stirring up childhood memories.
9am-5pm / Little Italy: State St & W Ash St
619-233-3898 / www.littleitalysd.com
US Sand Sculpting Challenge & Dimensional Art Expo Aug. 31-Sep. 2
The sculptures weigh over 10 tons, so we have over 1,000 works of art that you can fall in love with, buy and take home. There’s also live entertainment, a sand box and rides for kids, a dozen gourmet food trucks, a fantastic view of the bay and all the great stuff that you always find on the Embarcadero!
Sat & Sun 9am-7pm, Mon 9am-5pm / Broadway Pier and Landing
619-980-6651 / www.ussandsculpting.com
Big SoCal Euro Sep. 1
The event 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.
11am-6pm / SDCCU Stadium www.big-euro.com
SD Architectural Foundation Tour of Del Mar Sep. 4
Tour the Del Mar Civic Center and Town Hall, a 2018 Orchid winner. Tours will be led by The Miller Hull Partnership and Spurlock Landscape Architects.
4:30-7pm / 1050 Camino Del Mar www.sdarchitecture.org
Taste of Del Mar Sep. 5
Explore 20+ culinary creations from local and award-winning restaurants, experience 10+ craft beer and wine “Sip Stops,” and enjoy live music.
5-8pm / Downtown Del Mar Village
858-735-3650 / www.visitdelmarvillage.com
Julian Grape Stomp Festaval Sep. 7
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!
11am-6pm / Menghini Winery: 1150 Julian Orchards Dr.
760-765-1857 / www.visitjulian.com
Carlsbad Brewfest Sep. 7
Celebrates craft beer with tastings from more than 34+ San Diego & national breweries, music, entertainment, games & food vendors.
12-4:30pm / Holiday Park: 3400 Pio Pico Dr.
www.carlsbadbrewfest.org
Burgers & Beers Sep. 7
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.
1-4pm / Golden Hill Park, San Diego
www.readerburgersandbeer.com
San Diego Blues Festival Sep. 7
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. Raises much-needed food and funds for the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank.
12-8pm / Embarcadero Marina Park North www.sdbluesfest.com
Cardiff Greek Festival Sep. 7-8
Be Greek for the day and enjoy authentic food, music, live entertainment, dancing, children’s activities and more!
Sat 10am-10pm, Sun 11am-9pm / Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church: 3459 Manchester Avenue
760-942-0920 / www.cardiffgreekfestival.com
Aloha Run Sep. 8
A fun and festive, Hawaiian-themed 5k/10k event. Stick around for a luau party at the finish line with Tahitian dancers, live music, photo opportunities and much more!
7:15-10am / Tecolote Shores Park: 1292 E. Mission Bay Dr.
www.thealoharun.com
San Diego Bayfair Sep. 13-15
San Diego Bayfair’s World Series of Powerboat Racing – a family festival tradition for more than 40 years speeds to the finish line. Beach party, America’s Finest BBQ State Championship on the 14th, live music, action sports, fast boats and craft beer.
Mission Bay Park 760-789-8870 / www.sandiegobayfair.org
South Bay Pride Art & Musical Festival Sep. 14
A day (and evening) of fun for all with live entertainment, local art, food, drinks and more! Children’s Area, live music on two stages, Art in the Park and more!
12-8pm / Chula Vista Bayside Park www.southbaypride.org
Santee Bluegrass Festival Sep. 14
Fine wines, a bevy of brews, tasty treats, bidding bazaar and live Bluegrass music. Annual fundraiser in the East County and San Diego Communities.
5:30-9:30pm / Town Center Community Park East
619-258-4100 / www.SanteeBluegrassFestival.com
OMBAC Classic Longboard Surfing Contest Sep. 14
All contestants must surf on 1969 or older longboards, 9’ or longer, with no leash. Unique awards for top three finishers in each division along with local business SWAG!
7:30am-4pm / North Side of Crystal Pier www.ombac.org
Taste of San Marcos Sep. 14
The 3rd Annual Taste of San Marcos – a collection of the best bites &; sips from the growing culinary and beverage scene in San Marcos! Enjoy an array of delectable eats from local culinary masters and unlimited sips of amazing craft brew,
cider & wine from local & independent acclaimed San Marcos wineries and breweries. Plus, live music
from Jesse Ray Smith. FREE PARKING. 1-4PM / 250 North City Drive San Marcos https://tasteofsanmarcos2019.bpt.me
San Diego Festival of Beer Sep. 21
Beer lovers will enjoy the sounds of live music while sampling unlimited and exclusive craft beer tastings, food trucks, vendor booths, lively music, fun games, and more!
12-5pm / Broadway Pier www.sdbeerfest.org
Julian Music Festival Sep. 21
Celebrate the end of summer with bluegrass to celebrate the festival’s roots and Western ballads.
Menghini Winery: 1150 Julian Orchards Road
www.menghiniwinery.com
Viking Festival Sep. 21-22
Meet the Norse Gods and Viking Folk at the Living History Viking Village and Marketplace. Two stages of Live Music and Entertainment. Exotic food and drink. Brew Master’s Beers and Mead Garden. Axe throwing, KidZone, Live Viking Combat, Norway Heritage Hall, Games & Competitions.
Sat 10am-8pm, Sun 10am-6pm / 2006 E. Vista Way, Vista
www.VistaVikingFestival.com
Adams Avenue Street Fair Sep. 21-22
SoCal’s largest free two-day music festival. Beer gardens and beer tastings, giant carnival rides, festival foods and more than 300 arts and crafts booths.
Sat 10am-10pm, Sun 10am-6pm / Normal Heights
619-282-7329 / www.adamsavenuebusiness.com
Oceanside Harbor Days Sep. 21-22
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.
9am-5pm / Oceanside Harbor www.oceansidechamber.com
San Diego Restaurant Week Sep. 22-29
Over 180 participating restaurants will offer 3-course prix-fixe dinner menus for $20, $30, $40 or $50 per person and/or two-course prix-fixe lunch menus for $10, $15 or $20 per person.
www.sandiegorestaurantweek.com
Gaslight Steampunk Expo Sep. 26-29
A weekend of interactive maker workshops, special presentations, vendors, tea pot racing, tea dueling, fashion shows, games, music, movies and so much more!
12-5pm / Town & Country Resort Hotel, San Diego
www.gaslightexpo.org
Poway Rodeo Sep. 27-28
Bareback and Saddle Bronc Riding, Barrel Racing, Tie Down Roping, Steer Wrestling, Team Roping and Bull Riding. There’s even a “Mutton Bustin”.
14336 Tierra Bonita 866-776-7633 / www.powayrodeo.com
Encinitas Oktoberfest Sep. 29
Will feature music, Bavarian dancers, German food and drink, and a street craft faire featuring more than 200 vendors.
10am-6pm / Mountain Vista Drive and El Camino Real
www.encinitasoktoberfest.com