The Craving: San Diego Food + Drink News – Week of September 28, 2026

The Craving is ThereSanDiego's weekly guide to what's worth eating and drinking in San Diego right now. Every Tuesday, we surface new restaurant openings, standout happy hours, limited-time menu specials, and upcoming food events across the city - so you know what's happening before everyone else does.
San Diego Coffee Festival
Upcoming
Enjoy Endless Coffee at the SD Coffee Festival on Broadway Pier
  • Broadway Pier
Explore the best coffee at the San Diego Coffee Festival. Sample brews from renowned roasters at Broadway Pier this fall.
La Jolla Art and Wine Festival
Upcoming
Explore Art and Wine Along the Streets of La Jolla Village
  • Downtown La Jolla
  • Girard Avenue
Experience the La Jolla Art & Wine Festival with over 170 artists showcasing fine art in a beautiful outdoor setting.
Labor Day Weekend at Campland on the Bay
Camp, Play, and Party on Mission Bay this Labor Day
Summer’s last hurrah is here, and Campland on the Bay and Mission Bay RV Resort are throwing everything they’ve got at Labor Day weekend. Between...
Crowds soaking up the creativity at Alley Cat Art Fest
All done
Wander Downtown El Cajon’s Arts District at Alley Cat Art Fest
Get ready for a day filled with art, music, and creativity at Alley Cat Art Fest. This free, open-air festival brings together the best of...
Paddle Boarding San Diego
All done
Paddle Into a Floating DJ Set at A Burn On The Bay
  • Ski Beach
Explore the scenic beauty of Mission Bay during Playa Paddle. Enjoy paddling under the sunset with DJ music and a supportive community.
Otay Ranch Town Center's Hispanic Heritage Celebration in full swing
All done
Dance the Night Away at Otay Ranch Town Center’s Hispanic Heritage Celebration
  • Otay Ranch Town Center
Otay Ranch Town Center is kicking off Hispanic Heritage Month in style with its annual Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration. Held at the Food Pavilion in...
CRSSD Festival Fall 2024
All done
Catch 52 Acts on the Downtown Waterfront at CRSSD Festival Fall
  • Waterfront Park
Experience the vibrant CRSSD Festival Fall featuring an exciting mix of 52 acts over the weekend in beautiful Waterfront Park.
Sunset view from Rooftop Cinema Club
Catch a Movie Under the Stars at Rooftop Cinema Club
Rooftop Cinema Club is bringing its A-game to September, and this lineup is stacked: a pet-friendly Moana screening, new 2026 releases, a Halloween-ready thriller series,...
Kilowatt Brewing Partners With Local Muralists To Enhance Partitioned Patio In OB
All done
Shop Local Art at Kilowatt Brewing’s Wednesday Night Art Market
  • Kilowatt Brewing Ocean Beach
Enjoy a fantastic Wednesday at the Kilowatt Brewery night market with craft beers and original art from talented local creators.
Sunset Scripps Pier Walk
Head Outside This Fall With Birch Aquarium’s Outdoor Adventures
Take part in Birch Aquarium outdoor adventures for a chance to walk the Scripps Pier and explore the beautiful La Jolla coast.
Old Town Fiestas Patrias
All done
Make Cascarones, Watch the Parade, and Judge the Guac’ Off at Old Town’s Free Fiestas Patrias
  • Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
Fiestas Patrias is back at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, and this year’s lineup makes a strong case for rearranging your Saturday. The...
California Wine Month
Sip Into California Wine Month in Temecula Valley
September is when Temecula stops being a day trip you keep meaning to take and starts being the point. Harvest is on, nearly 50 wineries...
The Rocky Horror Picture Show
Follow Ichabod, Meet Mr. Hyde, and Do the Time Warp at the Balboa Theatre
Uncover the balboa theatre haunted happenings and enjoy a thrilling night filled with classic films and ghostly ambiance.
Punjab-inspired imagery from Rupinder Kaloti The Gathering exhibition
Discover The Gathering by Rupinder Kaloti at OMA
Oceanside Museum of Art is hosting the museum debut of Punjabi-American artist Rupinder “Rupy” Kaloti, and The Gathering is exactly the kind of show that...
Sunset Cliffs Auto Show
All done
Get Your Motor Running at the Sunset Cliffs Auto Show
San Diego’s most scenic car show is back, and it’s bringing classic cars, custom builds, and hot rods right to the coast in Ocean Beach...
Earth, Wind & Fire
All done
Spend a Saturday Night With Earth, Wind & Fire at the Civic Theatre
  • San Diego Civic Theatre
Join the excitement at the Earth, Wind & Fire San Diego concert. Experience legendary hits live at the San Diego Civic Theatre.
Fairmont Grand Del Mar Grans Social
Close Out Summer in Style at Fairmont Grand Del Mar
Experience unforgettable evenings at Fairmont Grand Del Mar with upcoming events featuring talented musicians and exceptional food.
All done
Sip and Stroll at The Forum Carlsbad’s Fall Art & Wine Walk
  • The Forum Carlsbad
The Forum Carlsbad is throwing its annual Fall Art & Wine Walk, and this one’s packing in local art, nine wines, live music, and a...
All done
Come Sing Along With Brandi Carlile at The Rady Shell
  • The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park
Brandi Carlile is bringing The Human Tour to The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, and she’s not coming alone, special guest CMAT is joining her...
Halloween at the Station
Upcoming
Get Your Costume Ready for Halloween at the Station
  • Ingram Plaza
Liberty Station is throwing its annual Halloween bash, and it’s free, family-friendly, and packed with enough activities to fill your whole afternoon. Costumes are strongly...
Chelsea Handler High and Mighty Tour
All done
Spend a Saturday Night With Chelsea Handler at Balboa Theatre
  • Balboa Theatre
Do not miss Chelsea Handler's High and Mighty Tour at the Balboa Theatre in San Diego this fall. Get your tickets today!
Little Saigon Night Market on El Cajon Blvd
All done
Experience San Diego’s First-Ever Little Saigon Night Market on El Cajon Blvd
San Diego’s Little Saigon community is putting on its first-ever night market, and the concept alone is enough to clear your Saturday evening. Traditional Vietnamese...
The 54th Annual Barona Powwow celebration
All done
Watch Tradition Come Alive at the Barona Powwow
The Barona Band of Mission Indians is hosting the 54th Annual Barona Powwow over Labor Day Weekend, and this is one celebration you won’t want...
intersection of art and science
Celebrate 25 Years of Ocean Science at Birch Aquarium
Some anniversaries get a plaque. The Center for Marine Biodiversity and Conservation is getting three Monday nights at Birch Aquarium instead. The Jeffrey B. Graham...
Upcoming Events
Otay Ranch Town Center Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Breathe, Stretch & Go Pink at Otay Ranch Town Center
October 20, 2026
5:00 pm
  • Otay Ranch Town Center
Unite for a cause at the Breathe & Believe breast cancer awareness event. Enjoy yoga and community this October evening.
Celebrate the Craft festival at The Lodge at Torrey Pines
Taste Southern California’s Best at Celebrate the Craft
October 18, 2026
11:30 am
  • The Lodge at Torrey Pines
Celebrate the Craft is back for its 23rd year, and honestly, it just keeps getting better. This is The Lodge at Torrey Pines’ signature culinary...
Families enjoying Harvest on the Promenade Liberty Station
Wander Through The Glowing Hollow at Harvest on the Promenade
October 18, 2026
10:00 am
  • North Promenade
A new fall tradition is coming to Liberty Station’s North Promenade with Harvest on the Promenade, a two-day festival built around five immersive family experiences,...
Bird's Eye View of Mission Bayfest
Mission Bayfest Returns to Mariner’s Point Park With Rebelution, Kolohe Kai & The Offspring
October 16, 2026
3:00 pm
  • Mariners Point
Mission Bayfest is heading back to the waterfront this fall, bringing three days of reggae, rock, and SoCal vibes to Mariner’s Point Park along the...
Eat, Shop & Sip Your Way Through San Marcos Harvest Fest
October 11, 2026
9:00 am
  • North City
Wander through the San Marcos Harvest Fest and explore a world of unique crafts, vendors, and an incredible food scene.