23 Things to Do in San Diego This Week · September 24–27, 2026

Festivals & Special Events

Adams Avenue Street Fair

Southern California's largest free two-day music festival takes over Normal Heights with 75 acts on 6 stages, 3 beer gardens, carnival rides, and 300 exhibitors across 10 blocks.

Saturday, September 26, 2026 · Normal Heights (Adams Avenue)

Pacific Islander Festival

The free 32nd Annual Pacific Islander Festival returns to Ski Beach at Mission Bay with traditional music and dance, cultural workshops, authentic island food, and craft vendors celebrating Melanesian, Micronesian, and Polynesian cultures.

Saturday, September 26, 2026 · Ski Beach, Mission Bay

CRSSD Fest 2026

San Diego's premier electronic music festival returns to Waterfront Park for a 2-day experience featuring top DJs and producers by the bay.

Saturday, September 26, 2026 12:00 PM · Waterfront Park, San Diego

Figure 8 Market Halloween Pop-Up

Kick off spooky season sustainably at the Figure 8 Market Halloween pop-up with 50+ vendors, a live DJ set, and free admission — shop in costume if you dare.

Friday, October 2, 2026 5:00 PM · 3366 Adams Avenue, San Diego

Music & Nightlife

Vieux Farka Touré at UC San Diego

Malian guitar legend Vieux Farka Touré performs his electrifying blend of desert blues at UC San Diego, presented by ArtPower.

Thursday, September 24, 2026 · UC San Diego

Carin Leon: De Sonora Para El Mundo Tour

Mexican regional superstar Carin Leon brings his North American tour to Pechanga Arena San Diego for one unmissable night.

Thursday, September 24, 2026 8:00 PM · Pechanga Arena San Diego

Erykah Badu

Neo-soul icon Erykah Badu performs live at the Open Air Theatre at SDSU.

Saturday, September 26, 2026 8:00 PM · Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre at SDSU

Yalla Habibi SD: Habibi Nights Arabic Rooftop Party

A vibrant Arabic rooftop party at NOVA Nightclub in the Gaslamp — expect Middle Eastern music, dancing, and a festive atmosphere above the city.

Saturday, September 26, 2026 10:00 PM · NOVA SD, Gaslamp

Food & Drink

East Village Oktoberfest at Quartyard

Quartyard transforms into a Munich bier hall for its 10th annual Oktoberfest with fest lagers, Märzens, Munich plates with a Mexican twist from El Comal, and a stein-holding contest.

Saturday, September 26, 2026 · Quartyard, East Village

AleSmith Oktoberfest

AleSmith Brewing Company hosts its annual Oktoberfest celebration in Miramar with craft beers, seasonal brews, and festive fun.

Saturday, September 26, 2026 11:00 AM · AleSmith Brewing Company, Miramar

Sports

San Diego Padres vs. Opponent at Petco Park

The Padres play a home series at Petco Park this weekend — catch the action live in the Gaslamp Quarter.

Friday, September 25, 2026 · Petco Park, San Diego

Continental Cup: USA vs Mexico

A rare international showdown between the USA and Mexico comes to Frontwave Arena in Oceanside for one night only.

Saturday, September 26, 2026 · Frontwave Arena, Oceanside

Family-Friendly

SUGAR SKULL! A Día de Muertos Musical Adventure

A touring bilingual musical for all ages celebrating Día de Muertos with vibrant storytelling and song comes to UC San Diego.

Saturday, September 26, 2026 · UC San Diego

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live: Glow-N-Fire

Monster trucks, a transforming robot, high-flying motocross stunts, and a glow-in-the-dark twist make this Pechanga Arena spectacle a must for families this weekend.

Saturday, September 26, 2026 11:30 AM · Pechanga Arena San Diego

Date Night

Cinema Circle at THE LOT

An intimate cinema experience at THE LOT in Liberty Station — a curated film screening for movie lovers in a stylish setting.

Thursday, September 24, 2026 6:30 PM · THE LOT, Liberty Station

A Night of Sade & Erykah Badu

An intimate tribute experience celebrating the music of Sade and Erykah Badu at Quartyard — soulful vibes for a perfect Sunday afternoon.

Sunday, September 27, 2026 4:00 PM · Quartyard, San Diego

Topside Terrace Latin Dance Night

Majesty in Motion hosts a salsa and mambo social at the rooftop Topside Terrace with a 5 PM lesson included — no partner or experience required.

Sunday, September 27, 2026 5:00 PM · Topside Terrace, 421 W B St, San Diego

Free Events

Cafecito & Chill with DJ Dopemo at Mixed Grounds

Free all-ages Saturday morning hang at Mixed Grounds in North Park with DJ Dopemo spinning while you sip coffee and enjoy good eats.

Saturday, September 26, 2026 11:00 AM · Mixed Grounds, North Park

Gaslamp Artisan Market

Browse locally made art, jewelry, and crafts at the weekly Gaslamp Artisan Market — a free community market in the heart of downtown.

Sunday, September 27, 2026 10:00 AM · Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego

Outdoors & Active

SD Surfers Rugby 101

The San Diego Surfers women's rugby club hosts a free Rugby 101 intro session at Robb Field for anyone curious about picking up the sport.

Saturday, September 26, 2026 · Ocean Beach Athletic Area, Robb Field

Frame the Moment Wellness Social at Goodonya

Wellness Hours SD hosts a feel-good evening at Goodonya Organic Eatery with curated bites, mocktails, meaningful connections, and a DIY photobooth experience.

Saturday, October 3, 2026 5:00 PM · Goodonya Organic Eatery, San Diego

San Dieguito County Park Sunday Hike

Join Ranger Craig for a free guided hike through the sage brush and chaparral of San Dieguito County Park near Del Mar — meet at the butterfly garden.

Sunday, October 4, 2026 4:00 PM · San Dieguito County Park, Del Mar

Arts & Culture

SUMMER TOUR Documentary at Digital Gym Cinema

A love letter to the followers of the Grateful Dead filmed across Dead & Company's 2023 Goodbye Tour opens at Digital Gym Cinema in North Park.

Friday, September 25, 2026 · Digital Gym Cinema, San Diego