The Craving: San Diego Food + Drink News – Week of September 21, 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.

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Come Check Out the WD-40 x Throtl Cars and Coffee Event at Camber and Caster

If you’re into cars, this is a pretty easy Saturday morning plan. San Diego’s own WD-40 Brand is teaming up with Throtl – the automotive...

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Watch America’s Top Breakers Battle for a World Final Spot at Port Pavilion

Port Pavilion Broadway Pier

Experience the thrilling Red Bull BC One competition in San Diego. Top dancers compete for the national title in breaking culture.

Harvest Moon Dinner by Ilan Lael Foundation

Upcoming

Slip Away to Julian for the Harvest Moon Dinner

Here’s a great excuse to head east: the Ilan-Lael Foundation’s fourth annual Harvest Moon Dinner returns to the Julian back country for an unforgettable evening...

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Relive the 2000s With The Fray and Dashboard Confessional

Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre

Catch The Fray Summer of Light Tour as they bring their cinematic rock sound to life alongside Dashboard Confessional and Colony House.

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Make a Difference at the Joggin’ for Frogmen 5k at NTC Park Liberty Station

Liberty Station
NTC Park in Liberty Station

The Joggin’ for Frogmen 5k is back at NTC Park at Liberty Station – a family-friendly race with a genuine purpose behind it. The race...

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Shop the Waterfront at the Markets for Makers San Diego Summer Market

Port Pavilion Broadway Pier

Experience the vibrant Markets for Makers San Diego Summer Market at Broadway Pier and support independent artisans this summer.

How to Train Your Dragon 2 in Concert at the Rady Shell

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Experience How to Train Your Dragon 2 With the San Diego Symphony Live at the Rady Shell

The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park

If you’ve seen How to Train Your Dragon 2, you already know how good it is. If you haven’t, this is a genuinely great way...

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Get Ready for Reverend Horton Heat and Big Sandy & His Fly-Rite Boys at Belly Up

Belly Up

Be part of the Reverend Horton Heat Belly Up concert. Enjoy a night filled with 1950s-inspired music and high-energy performances.

MANIA The ABBA Tribute bringing the magic of ABBA to life at The Magnolia

Upcoming

Sing Along to Every Hit at MANIA: The World’s Number One ABBA Tribute Show

The Magnolia

If you’ve ever wanted to relive the magic of ABBA live on stage, MANIA: The ABBA Tribute is as close as it gets. The world’s...

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Catch Lane 8, Yotto, Kasbo, and More at FNGRS CRSSD x Cross Pollination

Waterfront Park

Discover the unique concept of Cross Pollination in San Diego with FNGRS CRSSD, showcasing eight artists in collaborative sets.

Lionfish comic-con cocktails - Steve Rogers, Bruce Wayne, Peter Parker

Check Out These Comic-Con Food, Drink, and Party Specials

What would Comic-Con be without amazing food, drinks, and parties?! Here’s a rundown of some of the best specials we’ve seen around town. Lionfish Modern...

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Hit the Rink on the Bay at Ringer’s Roller Rink’s Seaport Village Grand Opening

Seaport Village

Experience the excitement of Ringer's Roller Rink grand opening with breathtaking views and an unforgettable skating experience.

The World’s Number One Wellness Retreat is Right in Our Backyard

Discover why Rancho La Puerta is the best international wellness retreat, ranked number one by Travel + Leisure in 2026.

Tea in the Garden series at Estancia La Jolla Hotel and Spa La Jolla

Step Into Three Themed High Tea Experiences at Estancia La Jolla Hotel and Spa

Estancia La Jolla Hotel and Spa is hosting a Tea in the Garden series that transforms the hotel’s garden into an immersive high-tea experience across...

Grab Your Spot at the La Jolla Art & Wine Festival

If the La Jolla Art and Wine Festival is already on your October radar, now is the time to act. Wine and Beer Garden tickets...

Pick up Local Produce at Navore’s New Mission Valley Hub

Mission Valley just landed a new way to eat local. Navore Market is teaming up with the YMCA of San Diego County to launch a...

Sunset glowing over the Coronado Cays canals during a Gondola Company cruise

Glide Through the Coronado Cays on a Private Venetian-Style Gondola Cruise

If Euro Summer is a vibe you’re chasing without the transatlantic flight, The Gondola Company has you covered. A private Venetian-style gondola cruise through the...

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Skip the Late Night: Earlier Lands at Belly Up

Belly Up Tavern

There’s a new kind of night out landing at the Belly Up, and it’s built for those of us who want to dance our hearts...

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Get on the Water: HarborFest Returns to Chula Vista

Yes, HarborFest is back. After seven years off, the Chula Vista waterfront is rolling out a full day of on-the-bay experiences, live music, food, and...

Upcoming

Shark Snorkels Return to Birch Aquarium

Birch Aquarium at Scripps

Get ready for shark snorkels at Birch Aquarium and enjoy a memorable snorkeling adventure with docile Leopard Sharks.

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Haute With Heart is Back – and This Year, it Sparkles

Hilton San Diego Bayfront

Join the celebration at Haute with Heart, where fashion meets empowerment. Experience a fabulous event filled with style and heart.

Monthly events at Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter

Discover a Summer Full of Events at Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter

The Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter is bringing the fun beyond the hotel stay with a lineup of monthly events that give locals and visitors...

87th Del Mar Thoroughbred Club summer racing season

Del Mar Racing is Back for Its 87th Summer and the Lineup is Packed

San Diego’s unofficial start to summer is here. The Del Mar Thoroughbred Club kicks off its 87th summer meet with Opening Day and a packed...

Pokemon themed weekend at Union Kitchen and Tap Gaslamp Quarter

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Catch ‘Em All at Union Kitchen & Tap During Comic-Con Weekend

Union Kitchen & Tap Gaslamp

Comic-Con weekend just got a whole lot more fun. Union Kitchen and Tap in the Gaslamp is going all in on Pokémon for the full...

Bring Your Dog to Liberty Station for DogFest Southwest

September 19, 2026

11:00 am

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.

Liberty Station

Catch Five Free Stages, a Beer Garden, and a Dunk Tank at Birdstock in Bird Rock

September 19, 2026

10:00 am

Five stages. Free admission. A half-pipe with pro skaters and BMX riders. An Oktoberfest-themed beer garden. A dunk tank. The 5th Annual Birdstock Music Festival...

La Jolla

Swimmers taking on the challenge at Swim for SOF

Cheer On Swimmers at the 6th Annual Swim for SOF

September 19, 2026

7:00 am

San Diego Bay

San Diego Bay is about to host one of the city’s most inspiring athletic challenges. The Honor Foundation’s 6th Annual Swim for SOF brings together...

San Diego

Comedians performing at Killers of Kill Tony

Catch Killers of Kill Tony Live at the Civic Theatre

September 18, 2026

7:00 pm

Civic Theater

Kill Tony, the number one live podcast in the world, is hitting the road, and its most beloved regulars are bringing their standup to the...

San Diego

Mötley Crüe performing at The Return of the Carnival of Sins

Rock Out With Mötley Crüe in Chula Vista

September 18, 2026

6:30 pm

North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre

The Return of the Carnival of Sins is bringing Mötley Crüe back on the road for a run that celebrates both the show’s 20th anniversary...

Chula Vista