The Craving: San Diego Food + Drink News – Week of October 5, 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.
Sunset Cliffs Auto Show
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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
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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.
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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...
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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
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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
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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
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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...
DogFest Southwest 2026
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Bring Your Dog to Liberty Station for DogFest Southwest
  • Liberty Station
Join us for DogFest Southwest, a fun-filled day for you and your dog at Liberty Station with games, music, and a costume contest.
Live jazz performance under the stars at The Rady Shell
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Feel the Rhythm of Latin Jazz at The Rady Shell
  • The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park
Miles Davis, Sonny Rollins, and Dizzy Gillespie are getting the tribute they deserve, and it’s happening right on the water at The Rady Shell at...
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Raise a Glass at San Diego’s Own Capital of Craft Beer Fest
  • Broadway Pier & Pavilion
San Diego’s craft beer scene gets its own festival, and it’s about as local as it gets. Capital of Craft Beer Fest is taking over...
Buddy Guy 90 Concert Tour
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Celebrate Buddy Guy’s 90th Birthday at The Rady Shell
  • The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park
Experience the legendary Buddy Guy live at the San Diego concert, celebrating his incredible journey through electric blues music.
Sails and Ales Beer Fest at Kona Kai San Diego
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Sip Your Way Through Sails & Ales Beer Fest at Kona Kai
  • Kona Kai Resort and Spa
Sails & Ales Beer Fest is back for its sixth year, and this time it’s bringing sunset views, local brews, and a whole lot more...
9/11 Memorial Stair with Rincon Fire Department
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Climb 110 Flights at Harrah’s SoCal to Honor the Fallen of 9/11
  • Harrah’s Resort SoCal
110 flights of stairs is not an arbitrary number. It is the height of the World Trade Center towers, and this year a group of...
Birch Aquarium Red Octopus
Meet the Two Juvenile Red Octopuses Now on Display at Birch Aquarium
Witness the transformation of red octopuses at Birch Aquarium, a rare opportunity to see them thrive after hatching from eggs.
family-friendly and dog-friendly eatery in san diego
Bring the Kids, Bring the Dog: El Punto is Coming to Liberty Station This October
City Tacos has been a San Diego staple since 2014. What Gerry Torres is building next makes it look like a warm-up. El Punto at...
San Diego International Film Festival
Celebrate 25 Years of the San Diego International Film Festival
Discover the prestigious San Diego International Film Festival, known for highlighting Oscar-winning films and emerging talent.
Upcoming
Toast 40 Years of Busalacchi at The Feast
  • Little Italy
The Busalacchi family is turning 40, and they’re celebrating the way any Italian family would: with a massive dinner in the middle of the street....
Celebrate the Craft festival at The Lodge at Torrey Pines
Upcoming
Taste Southern California’s Best at Celebrate the Craft
  • 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...
Taste of College Area San Diego
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Eat Your Way Down El Cajon Boulevard at the Taste of College Area
  • College Area Business District
Discover hidden gems along El Cajon Boulevard at the Taste of College Area. Enjoy a variety of cuisines all in one delightful route.
Jackalope Art Fair
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Shop Handmade and Feed Butterflies at Jackalope
  • Preble Field, NTC Park
Experience the vibrant jackalope artisan fair in Liberty Station with a diverse array of makers and an interactive butterfly garden.
MAKE After Hours
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Stay Late for MAKE Cafe’s First After Hours
Join us for MAKE after hours, an evening pop-up featuring Afrobeat music, dance classes, and local culture in Normal Heights.
Upcoming Events
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.
Toast 40 Years of Busalacchi at The Feast
October 11, 2026
5:00 pm
  • Little Italy
The Busalacchi family is turning 40, and they’re celebrating the way any Italian family would: with a massive dinner in the middle of the street....
San Diego Coffee Festival
Enjoy Endless Coffee at the SD Coffee Festival on Broadway Pier
October 10, 2026
9:30 am
  • Broadway Pier
Explore the best coffee at the San Diego Coffee Festival. Sample brews from renowned roasters at Broadway Pier this fall.
Oktoberfest Party Cruise
Take Oktoberfest Out on the Water With the Mission Bay Party Cruise
October 9, 2026
8:00 pm
  • Bahia Resort Hotel
Lederhosen is optional. A good attitude is not. The San Diego Oktoberfest Party Cruise is back for its fourth year, boarding the three-level William D....