North County and San Diego events in September close out summer with a full calendar of local festivals and seasonal events. This month brings Oktoberfest, a grape stomp, music, art, and surfing festivals, along with dog surfing, golf tournaments, open-water swimming, a car show, the Miramar Air Show, a rodeo, and the Viking Festival.
Del Mar Racing
Through September 7
Thrilling races, lively special events, and a unique coastal charm. Fans can enjoy an afternoon of top-tier competition and entertainment.
2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd.
858-755-1141 / www.dmtc.com
San Marcos Free Movies in the Park
Sept. 4
Bring blankets and your favorite lawn chairs as you settle in for a fun, community-friendly movie night and watch GOAT, rated PG. Free popcorn and prizes provided by San Marcos Regal. Pre-Show Party kicks off at 6:30 p.m. Movie starts at sunset.
760-744-1050 / www.sanmarcosca.gov
Leo Carrillo Ranch Film Festival
Sept. 4
See rare historic films from the Golden Age of Hollywood featuring Leo Carrillo and movies that Leo would love. Ranch tours available until sunset. Show starts at sunset. Bring blankets, low-backed chairs, warm clothes and a flashlight. Snack bar will be open.
6-10pm / 6200 Flying Leo Carrillo Lane, Carlsbad
442-339-5042 / www.carlsbadca.gov
Julian Grape Stomp Festa
Sept. 5
We are excited to be continuing the old-world tradition of kicking off your shoes, rolling up your pant legs and letting tons of blessed grapes squish beneath your feet! Regular admission is $25 and includes a wine glass, one tasting, stomping and great entertainment.
11am-5pm / Menghini Winery
760-765-1857 / www.visitjulian.com
Vista Rod Run
Sept. 6
Hundreds of classic cars, vintage trucks, and exciting off-road vehicles. Vehicle owners compete for the best of the best. Vista Rod Run also features music, specialty auto vendors and great downtown shopping and restaurants.
9am-2pm / Downtown Vista
www.vistachamber.org
U.S. Open Adaptive Surfing Championships
Sept. 10-13
Watch as talented surfers set new records in a heartwarming display of strength, skill, and spirit.
Oceanside Pier, north side
usopenadaptivesurfingchampionships.com
Taste of Gaslamp
Sept. 12
Take a scrumptious, self-guided foodie tour, and enjoy a 30-year tradition. Locals and tourists alike flock to the Quarter to indulge in a culinary adventure stopping at over 20 of downtown San Diego’s top restaurants.
1-4pm / Downtown San Diego
619-233-5227 / www.gaslamp.org
Kids in the Garden
Sept. 12
Alta Vista Botanical Gardens invites kids and their families to Saturday classes featuring hands-on activities, incredible edibles, conservation lessons, and tours of the gardens. Pre-registration is required.
10am-12pm / 1270 Vale Terrace Dr, Vista
760-945-3954 / altavistabotanicalgardens.org
Cardiff Greek Festival
Sept. 12-13
A rich cultural experience filled with vibrant music, lively dancing, and festive shopping. To add to the tradition, there will be church tours and an array of authentic Greek cuisine, wine tasting and delectable Greek pastries.
10am-10pm Saturday, 11am-9pm Sunday / Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church
760-942-0920 / www.cardiffgreekfestival.com
Sessions Surf Festival
Sept. 12-19
An exhilarating mix of adrenaline-pumping surf competitions, live music, film festival, and art exhibit along with colorful local food and refreshing beverages.
See website for schedule and events. / Encinitas, multiple locations
sessionssurffestival.com
Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon
Sept. 13
Friends, families, and pups come together for a day of sun and fun to benefit the orphan pets and programs at Helen Woodward Animal Center. Join us for furry surfers, sunny vibes, prizes, a paws-itively fun costume contest, and good times all around!
8am-2pm / Del Mar Dog Beach
858-756-4117 Ext. 350 / animalcenter.org
La Jolla Cove Swim
Sept. 13
The La Jolla Cove Swim has been one of the longest-running and most renowned open-water swims for over 100 years. Experienced swimmers come from across the country and around the world. Its 250-meter, one- and three-mile courses start and finish at the picturesque La Jolla Cove. All proceeds from this event support The Prevent Drowning Foundation of San Diego.
9am / La Jolla Cove
760-723-7570 / kiwanisclublajolla.org
Vista’s Fiestas Patrias
Sept. 13
Celebrate Vista’s Hispanic heritage and honor Latino traditions through music, dance, food and history.
12-4pm / Linda Rhoades Recreation Center
www.vistachamber.org
San Diego Restaurant Week
Sept. 13-20
Enjoy an 8-day edible extravaganza featuring 100+ restaurants from Oceanside to Chula Vista offering variations of multi-course menus starting at just $30. Whether you are looking to find a deal, create a customized dining plan, or just enjoy some new restaurants, SDRW has something for everyone!
www.sandiegorestaurantweek.com
Boys & Girls Club of Vista Golf Tournament
Sept. 18
Join us in Golf FORE the Kids! Come enjoy a day filled with golf, friendly competition, prizes and giveaways to support our local youth.
8:30am / The Links at Lakehouse, San Marcos
760-724-6606 / www.bgcvista.org
DogFest
Sept. 19
DogFest is Canine Companions’ national signature event to support our mission to continue changing lives with expertly trained service dogs free of charge. DogFest is for everyone, so bring your family, friends, and, of course, your dogs! Join us for a fun-filled day with games, delicious grub and beverages, professional service-dog demonstrations, local vendors, and an auction for a chance to win thrilling items and experiences.
11am-2pm / Central Promenade at Liberty Station, San Diego
canine.org
Indigenous Artisan Market
Sept. 19
The market features a diverse selection of handmade artwork, jewelry, textiles, pottery, carvings, cultural crafts, and other unique creations offered directly by Indigenous artisans from across the region.
10am-3pm / San Diego Archaeological Center, Escondido
760-291-0370 / sandiegoarchaeology.org
Dunk a Deputy Special Olympics Fundraiser
Sept. 19
Join a fun family event benefiting the incredible athletes of Special Olympics Southern California. Enjoy the community resource fair, delicious local food trucks and exciting raffle prizes.
11am-5pm / Hollandia Park, Soccer Field, San Marcos
619-323-6430 / www.sanmarcoschamber.com
ArtWalk Carlsbad
Sept. 19-20
The ArtWalk includes fine art such as painting, sculpture, glasswork, fine jewelry, photography and more. More than 150 fine artists’ work will be featured, along with interactive art for families at KidsWalk, a palette of musical performers, food trucks, and more.
11am-6pm Saturday and 10am-5pm Sunday / Armada Drive
619-615-1090 / www.artwalksandiego.org
Vista Viking Festival
Sept. 19-20
The Viking festival is Southern California’s premier celebration of Viking and Nordic culture. 2026 brings us the Year of Loki. Immerse yourself in Viking culture with Nordic-inspired food, local meads and beer, live music, professional stonelifting, axe, spear and archery ranges, fish fling, beard, battle cry and log toss competitions, adult and youth activities.
Saturday 8am-10pm, Sunday 10am-6pm / Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum, Vista
760-941-1791 / vistavikingfestival.com
Poway Rodeo
Sept. 25-26
The Poway Rodeo has been a cherished tradition for over 50 years! Each year, we come together to showcase the talents of our skilled riders and celebrate our Western heritage. It is a time when the community unites, families create lasting memories, and friendships are forged in the dust of the arena.
See website for schedule. / 14336 Tierra Bonita Rd, Poway
www.powayrodeo.com
America’s Air Show
Sept. 25-27
The largest military air show brings an unforgettable flight-line experience with immersive exhibits, static displays, and daytime shows featuring military demonstration teams, civilian aerobatic teams, aerial solo acts, vintage aircraft, and warbirds.
MCAS Miramar
miramarairshow.com
St. Michael’s Jazz Fest
Sept. 26
Features jazz artists, local musicians and more. Bring a lawn chair, gather with friends and enjoy an unforgettable day of music by the coast.
St. Michael’s by-the-Sea, Carlsbad
www.stmichaelsjazzfest.org
Double Peak Challenge
Sept. 26
Double Peak Challenge is a celebration of outdoor recreation like no other. Trail runners will experience unparalleled beauty from atop North County’s highest point. The race includes a 10K challenge timed race, a 5K untimed run/walk and a kids’ trail trot. Race proceeds will benefit the San Marcos community through two important non-profit organizations: Friends of San Marcos and The Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos.
6:15am / San Elijo Recreation Center, San Marcos
www.doublepeakchallenge.com
Oceanside Sea Lions Golf Tournament
Sept. 26
Play a round, change a life. All net proceeds go to Rady Children’s Hospital for Childhood Cancer. Register early for $110 per player or $420 for a foursome. A light lunch is included as well.
8:30am / Emerald Isle Golf Course, Oceanside
619-997-5083 / oceansidesealionsclub.com
CRSSD Festival
Sept. 26-27
The two-day electronic music festival at the 12-acre San Diego Waterfront Park features over 40 performers. In addition to the music, the festival will offer craft beer, mixed drinks, food and more.
San Diego County Waterfront Park
www.crssdfest.com
Encinitas Oktoberfest and Artisan Faire
Sept. 27
More than 130 local artisans will showcase unique handcrafted goods, along with German-inspired snacks and libations, family-friendly activities, and pet-friendly fun.
10am-6pm / Mountain Vista Drive
www.encinitasoktoberfest.com
Fallbrook Annual Golf Tournament
Sept. 28
This is a rare chance to play on a phenomenal private golf course. Prizes for top golfers. Boxed lunch, green fees, range balls, and more included! A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Center for Senior Wellbeing.
9am-4pm / The Havens Country Club, Vista
760-728-5845 / www.fallbrookchamberofcommerce.org
Del Mar Wine & Food Festival
Sept. 30-Oct. 4
This lively gathering features food from Southern California’s top chefs and restaurants, opportunities to engage with international culinary celebrities, fine wines presented by renowned winemakers, and personalities from sports, surf, and social communities.
See website for events and schedule. / Surf Sports Park
delmar.wine
San Diego Italian Film Festival
Sept. 30-Oct. 10
The San Diego Italian Film Festival celebrates its 20th annual film festival with this year’s theme, Legacy. The festival honors the stories, people, and passion that have shaped it over the past two decades while looking ahead to an exciting future.
San Diego Museum of Art, San Diego
sandiegoitalianfilmfestival.com
Enjoy September’s North County and San Diego events! Do you have North County or San Diego events that you’d like included here? Just let me know, and I’ll add them for you.
Please excuse any errors or omissions and let me know if there’s anything that needs fixing. Check with the organizations holding these events for costs, tickets, availability, changes, limitations and important details.