San Diego September Events 2025: Your Complete Guide to Fall Fun

Looking for San Diego September events 2025? You’ve found the perfect guide! As your local San Diego realtor, I love sharing what makes our city so special—and September is absolutely packed with incredible events that showcase why people love living here.

From air shows to food festivals, cultural celebrations to outdoor adventures, San Diego September events 2025 offer something for every lifestyle. Whether you’re a longtime resident or considering making San Diego home, these events capture the spirit of our amazing city.

Why September is Perfect in San Diego

September weather in San Diego is simply unbeatable. With average temperatures in the mid-70s and minimal rainfall, it’s the ideal time to explore everything our city offers. The summer crowds are thinning, but the energy remains high with fantastic events throughout the month.

Major San Diego September Events 2025

MCAS Miramar Air Show (September 26-28)

One of San Diego’s most anticipated annual events returns with immersive experiences, static displays, and daytime shows featuring:

Military demonstration teams
Civilian aerobatic teams
Vintage aircraft and warbirds
Interactive exhibits

Location: MCAS Miramar
Time: 8 AM daily
Perfect for: Families, aviation enthusiasts, visitors

San Diego Restaurant Week (September 14-21)

This beloved culinary tradition features discounted menus from more than 100 of San Diego’s best restaurants. It’s the perfect opportunity to explore new neighborhoods and discover your next favorite dining spot.

Why it matters for residents: Restaurant Week showcases the incredible dining diversity that makes San Diego neighborhoods so desirable for homebuyers.

Adams Avenue Street Fair (September 20-21)

Normal Heights comes alive with this massive street festival featuring:

Live music on multiple stages
Carnival rides and games
Beer gardens and festival foods
300+ unique exhibitors

Location: Adams Avenue, Normal Heights
Times: Saturday 10 AM – 10 PM, Sunday 10 AM – 6 PM

Cultural Celebrations This September

Cardiff Greek Festival (September 6-7)

Experience authentic Greek culture with delicious food, folk dancing, church tours, and wine tastings. Cardiff’s charming coastal location makes this event even more special.

Pacific Islander Festival (September 20-21)

Celebrating “Pasifika United We Paddle,” this festival showcases Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia cultures with entertainment, food, and specialty crafts at Mission Bay.

South Bay P.R.I.D.E. (September 19-23)

The 15th Annual South Bay PRIDE Art & Music Festival celebrates diversity and community at the Gaylord Hotel San Diego.

Outdoor Adventures and Sports

San Diego Triathlon and Expo (September 13)

Liberty Station hosts this challenging swim-bike-run event, showcasing San Diego’s perfect weather for year-round outdoor activities.

Oceanside Pier Swim (September 1)

Swimmers tackle a one-mile course around the longest wooden pier on the West Coast—a unique San Diego experience.

Coastal Cleanup Day (September 20)

Join volunteers keeping San Diego’s beautiful coastline pristine. It’s a great way to give back to the community you love.

Family-Fun San Diego September Events 2025

Julian Grape Stomp Festa (September 6)

Head to the mountains for this charming harvest celebration in historic Julian. The grape stomping tradition is pure family fun, and the scenic drive showcases San Diego County’s diverse landscapes.

20th Annual Surf Dog Surf-a-thon (September 7)

Dog Beach Del Mar hosts furry surfers, costume contests, and good vibes. This uniquely San Diego event celebrates our pet-friendly culture.

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks™ Live (September 20-21)

Pechanga Arena brings high-energy entertainment that kids absolutely love.

Unique San Diego Experiences

San Diego Bayfair Powerboat Racing (September 12-14)

Mission Bay transforms into a racing venue with H1 Hydroplanes, live music, and community activities.

Big SoCal Euro Car Show (September 21)

Liberty Station hosts one of the West Coast’s largest European car events—perfect for auto enthusiasts.

San Diego International Dragon Boat Race (September 27-28)

Tecolote Shores comes alive with fierce competition, lion dances, music, and food trucks.

Don’t Miss These September Highlights

CRSSD Electronic Music Festival (September 27-28)

Waterfront Park hosts top electronic artists including John Summit and Chris Stussy. This festival perfectly captures San Diego’s vibrant nightlife scene.

Encinitas Oktoberfest (September 28)

Craft beers, German-style brews, and 130+ local artisans create the perfect fall celebration.

San Diego Spirits Festival (September 27-28)

The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego showcases unlimited cocktails from 60+ brands, combining culture with San Diego’s craft beverage scene.

Free San Diego September Events 2025

Free National Parks Day (September 27)
All national parks waive entrance fees on National Public Lands Day. Visit Cabrillo National Monument or plan a trip to nearby Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.

Farmers Markets Throughout September
From Little Italy to La Mesa, Hillcrest to Del Mar, San Diego’s incredible farmers markets happen year-round. They’re perfect for discovering local neighborhoods and community life.

San Diego Neighborhoods Come Alive

These San Diego September events 2025 happen across our diverse communities:

Liberty Station: Triathlon, car shows, and family events
Mission Bay: Dragon boat races and cultural festivals
Normal Heights: The famous Adams Avenue Street Fair
Del Mar: Surf dog competitions and farmers markets
La Jolla: Weekly farmers markets and coastal activities
Pacific Beach: Longboard surfing contests
Downtown: Restaurant Week participants and urban events

Each event showcases what makes these neighborhoods special for residents and potential homebuyers.

Why These Events Matter for San Diego Living

As your San Diego realtor, I always tell clients that San Diego’s year-round event calendar is part of what makes living here so special. These aren’t just weekend activities—they’re community experiences that create lasting memories and connections.

What San Diego September events 2025 tell us about our city:

Community spirit: From cleanup days to cultural festivals
Outdoor lifestyle: Sports events and beach activities year-round
Cultural diversity: Celebrations representing many communities
Family focus: Events designed for all ages and interests
Innovation: Unique events like surf dog competitions that exist nowhere else

Planning Your San Diego September 2025

Whether you’re exploring potential neighborhoods or simply want to experience the best of San Diego, these events offer perfect opportunities to see our communities in action.

Pro tips from your local realtor:

Many events offer great parking and public transit access
Events like Restaurant Week help you explore different neighborhoods
Family events show you the community feel of various areas
Cultural festivals highlight San Diego’s incredible diversity

Experience San Diego Living at Its Best

San Diego September events 2025 showcase exactly why people fall in love with living here. From beach activities to mountain adventures, cultural celebrations to family fun, every weekend offers new experiences.

Ready to make San Diego your home and enjoy these amazing events year-round? As your local San Diego realtor, I’d love to help you find the perfect neighborhood that matches your lifestyle and interests.

Let’s explore San Diego together! Whether you’re drawn to the beach communities hosting surf competitions, the urban neighborhoods with street festivals, or the family-friendly areas with farmers markets, I’ll help you find your perfect San Diego home.

Melissa Tucci is your San Diego realtor specializing in helping families find homes in neighborhoods they’ll love. Contact her at (619) 787-6852 or visit melissatucci.com to start exploring San Diego living today.