Things To Do in San Diego This Weekend
Check out this week’s Things to Do in San Diego This Weekend and make your plans!
Watch incredible athletes compete at the U.S. Open Adaptive Surfing Championships, honor first responders at the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb, and discover local talent and community energy at Alley Cat Art Fest.
If that’s not enough… there’s plenty more below. Have a great weekend!
This Weekend’s Top Picks – Week of September 10
Catch the Hottest Concerts in San Diego
Catch post-punk pioneers Public Image Ltd, genre-blending electronic duo Thievery Corporation, hometown rock favorites Pierce the Veil, and chart-topping rapper Moneybagg Yo as they take the stage across the city.
Eat, Drink, and Enjoy the Best of San Diego
The Craving is your source for the latest menu updates, new cocktail programs, happy hours, and special offers from San Diego’s best restaurants and bars.
Thursday
Experience The Greatest Show on Earth
Step into a world of wonder as Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus brings breathtaking acrobatics, high-flying stunts, dazzling costumes, and unforgettable performances to Pechanga Arena. Gather the family and experience an iconic spectacle that will leave audiences of all ages amazed.
Cheer On Adaptive Surfing’s Best
Witness incredible athleticism at the U.S. Open Adaptive Surfing Championships as world-class surfers compete along Oceanside Pier. Celebrate determination, inclusivity, and the power of surfing while supporting athletes who continue to redefine what’s possible on the waves.
Friday
Dive Into a Sea of Halloween Magic
Pirate-themed adventures, trick-or-treat stations, festive entertainment, and the California debut of the all-new Baby Shark™ Halloween Show make SeaWorld Spooktacular a seasonal favorite. Gather the family, snap festive photos, and enjoy some good ‘ole Halloween fun.
Punch Your Way to Fitness in Little Italy
Step into Piazza della Famiglia for a high-energy outdoor boxing workout that combines cardio, strength, and community fun. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned boxer, this free fitness event is a great way to get moving in the heart of Little Italy.
Paddle Into a Burner Night on Mission Bay
Paddle Boarding SD is bringing playa energy to Mission Bay. Launch from Ski Beach at twilight, drift into a quiet cove, and float around a DJ spinning from a pontoon boat. Back on shore, fire spinners, illuminated art, and a burn. Light up your board and lock in your spot.
Unwind After Hours at The Nat After Dark
Every Friday night, the San Diego Natural History Museum stays open late for Nat at Night. Five floors of exhibits, rooftop drinks, small bites from Wolf in the Woods, tacos from The Craft Taco, and admission that drops to half price after 5 PM. Science has never looked this good.
Meet the Two Juvenile Red Octopuses at Birch Aquarium
Get an up-close look at two juvenile Red Octopuses making their public debut at Birch Aquarium. Discover their remarkable journey from tiny hatchlings to thriving juveniles and witness a groundbreaking milestone in marine animal care and conservation.
Saturday
Wander Downtown El Cajon’s Arts District at Alley Cat Art Fest
Alley Cat Art Fest takes over Downtown El Cajon’s arts district with more than 50 local artists, live music, and food along Main Street and Arts Alley. This year also launches a mural restoration program, with proceeds helping bring faded public art back to life.
Honor Heroes at the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb
Join the community in honoring the courage and sacrifice of first responders by climbing in remembrance at Harrah’s Resort SoCal. Every step pays tribute to the heroes of September 11 while supporting a meaningful tradition of service, reflection, and unity.
Savor the Best of the Gaslamp Quarter
Embark on a self-guided culinary adventure through the historic Gaslamp Quarter, sampling signature bites from more than 20 local restaurants. Explore at your own pace, discover new favorites, and celebrate one of San Diego’s longest-running and most delicious food traditions.
Cruise Into the Sunset Cliffs Auto Show
Rev up for a fun-filled day in Ocean Beach as classic cars, custom builds, trucks, and motorcycles line Point Loma Avenue. Enjoy live music, food trucks, local vendors, family activities, raffles, and coastal views at this beloved community celebration.
Stroll, Sip, and Discover Local Art
Explore an afternoon of creativity at The Forum Carlsbad’s Fall Art & Wine Walk, where local artists, live acoustic music, complimentary wine tastings, gourmet bites, and boutique shopping come together for a community celebration supporting a meaningful local cause.
Send Off Summer at The Skyline Spin – a Free Beachside DJ Event in Oceanside
Oceanside’s Mission Pacific Beach Resort is the latest stop on The Skyline Spin’s national run, and this one comes with an ocean view. It’s free, it’s outside, and it’s on the Oceanside beachfront. Summer isn’t over until this one wraps.
Dance, Dine, and Celebrate at Fiestas Patrias
Colorful folklórico performances, live mariachi music, authentic Mexican cuisine, artisan vendors, and festive family activities fill Old Town during Fiestas Patrias. Gather with the community, honor Mexico’s rich heritage, and enjoy one of San Diego’s most vibrant cultural celebrations.
Catch Classic Surf Style at Crystal Pier
Watch timeless longboarding come to life at the OMBAC Classic Longboard Surfing Contest, where surfers ride vintage-inspired boards with style and grace. Head to Crystal Pier to celebrate San Diego’s rich surf heritage and experience a beloved local tradition.
Experience the Spirit of Greece
Immerse yourself in Greek culture at the Cardiff Greek Festival with authentic cuisine, lively music, traditional dancing, and warm hospitality. Bring the whole family, savor classic Mediterranean flavors, and enjoy a weekend celebrating the rich traditions of the local Greek community.
Sunday
Play Mahjong and Sip Moët at Pendry
Learn the timeless game of mahjong while enjoying a touch of luxury at Provisional Kitchen. This guided experience includes expert instruction, a Moët & Chandon champagne vending machine token, signature cocktails, and delicious bites for a stylish afternoon in the Gaslamp Quarter.
Watch Southern California Change, One Canvas at a Time
The coastline you grew up with keeps rearranging itself. Changing Terrain gathers more than 60 artists from Southern California and Baja at Oceanside Museum of Art, including nine who showed in the museum’s 2013 landscape exhibition. Thirteen years later, they’re reading the same region very differently. Worth the drive up.
Talk Art With Daniel Ketelhut at Andaz San Diego
Andaz San Diego is handing you three hours with the artist behind the work on its walls. Daniel Ketelhut will be there all evening to talk through his process, presented in partnership with Sparks Gallery. Admission is free, and chef’s choice small bites and drinks are available for purchase.
Shop Third Avenue Like a Local
Fill your tote at Chula Vista Farmers’ Market, where 100-plus vendors bring produce, flowers, wine, skincare, artisan goods, and ready-to-eat bites to Third Avenue. Bring cash, arrive hungry, meet local makers, and turn Sunday shopping into a community ritual together.
Catch a Movie Under the Stars at Rooftop Cinema Club
Rooftop Cinema Club is bringing its A-game to September, from a pet-friendly Moana screening to new 2026 releases and a Halloween-ready thriller lineup, all with sweeping San Diego Bay views atop the Porto Vista Hotel. Don’t miss the Steel Magnolias tribute to Dolly Parton, benefiting the Dollywood Foundation.
Great Things To Do in San Diego
Restaurants and Bars With the Best Outdoor Patios in San Diego
We asked our Instagram fam to tell us your favorite patios for outdoor dining, drinks, and relaxing in the fresh San Diego air. Here’s what you said.
North Park San Diego: The Complete Neighborhood Guide
This is the locals’ guide to North Park in 2026: what just opened, where to eat, where to drink, where to grab coffee, and how to spend an actual day here. We update it every month because North Park moves that fast.
Your 2026 Guide to San Diego’s Best Bars
We’re rounding up the best bars in San Diego right now, from laid-back neighborhood gems to standout cocktail spots. These are the places we keep coming back to in 2026.
Sip Local: Discover San Diego’s Hidden Wine Scene
Think you need Napa for great wine? Think again. San Diego is home to over 150 wineries, from urban tasting rooms to scenic vineyards. This guide highlights standout spots pouring everything from bold reds to crisp whites – perfect for a laid-back day of sipping, exploring, and discovering local favorites.
The Best Rooftop Bars in San Diego Right Now
From the classics that define the category to a few lesser-known spots that reward the people who know where to look, these are the San Diego rooftop bars worth planning a night around in 2026.
11 of the Best Hikes in San Diego… Most Within 15 Minutes of Your Door!
Ready to hit the trail without the long drive? These San Diego hikes are all close to home and packed with scenic views. From coastal paths to canyon climbs, it’s an easy way to get outside and reset.
Upcoming San Diego Events Worth Knowing About
Dance the Weekend Away at CRSSD Festival
Experience world-class house, techno, and indie-electronic music at CRSSD Festival, where top artists perform across three waterfront stages. Soak in stunning harbor views, enjoy craft drinks and local eats, and celebrate a great weekend of music in downtown San Diego.
Discover San Diego’s Top Brews at the Capital of Craft Beer Festival
Experience San Diego’s ultimate beer celebration at Broadway Pier. Sip unlimited samples of over 70 premier craft brews from the region’s best independent breweries. Enjoy vibrant live music, delicious local food vendors, and unique artisan markets right by the scenic waterfront.
Catch 75 Free Bands at the Adams Avenue Street Fair
Explore Southern California’s largest free two-day music festival in Normal Heights. Wander across 10 blocks to enjoy 75 musical acts live on six stages. Hit three beer gardens for full craft pours, try carnival rides, and shop 300 unique exhibitors.
Raise a Glass at the San Diego Spirits Festival
Discover premium spirits, handcrafted cocktails, gourmet bites, and live entertainment at the San Diego Spirits Festival in La Jolla. Sip unlimited tastings from more than 65 brands, explore oceanfront views, and celebrate one of Southern California’s premier cocktail experiences. San Diego Spirits Festival.
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See you there, San Diego!
