8 Fun Things to Do in San Diego in September 2026
San Diego in September knows how to have a good time. The calendar is loaded with baseball, waterfront festivals, live music, neighborhood food events and plenty of excuses to stay out after sunset.
Naturally, San Diego Crawling thinks the best way to begin is with drinks, laughs and the hidden history of the Gaslamp Quarter. Are we biased? Deeply. Are we wrong? Absolutely not. Once you have your history tour pub crawl booked, use this guide to plan the rest of your September adventures.
1. Drink Your Way Through Gaslamp History
We put ourselves first on the list. Writing the list comes with certain privileges, and this is our favorite one.
The San Diego Crawling Gaslamp Pub Crawl is an adults-only history tour pub crawl through the famous Gaslamp Quarter. An expert local guide leads the way through local pubs and breweries while sharing San Diego’s hidden and hilarious history.
Crawls run twice daily at 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. and last 2 hours and 15 minutes. Drinks are available for purchase at each stop. Guests must be 21 or older.
Think of it as social studies with a bar tab, better stories and a guide who wants the class to laugh. Couples, friends and solo travelers are all welcome.
2. Cheer on the Padres at Petco Park
Baseball, downtown views and stadium snacks make a strong September combination. The official Padres schedule lists four home series.
The Padres play the New York Yankees from September 4 to 6, the Washington Nationals from September 7 to 9, the Miami Marlins from September 18 to 20 and the Arizona Diamondbacks from September 25 to 27.
Petco Park sits beside the Gaslamp Quarter, so game day can become a full downtown outing. Grab a meal, watch nine innings and celebrate afterward. The bars do not check the box score.
3. Arrive Hungry for Taste of Gaslamp
The 30th annual Taste of Gaslamp takes place Saturday, September 12, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. More than 20 restaurants across 16 Gaslamp blocks serve signature bites during this self-guided tasting event.
Choose the route, set the pace and decide whether circling back for another bite counts as getting lost. It does not. Tickets are required, with current options on the official event page.
This is perfect for anyone who spends 30 minutes deciding where to eat. Here, the answer is simple: several places.
4. Treat Yourself During San Diego Restaurant Week
San Diego Restaurant Week returns September 13 through 20 with more than 100 participating restaurants from Oceanside to Chula Vista. Restaurants offer special multicourse menus for lunch and dinner, giving you eight days to conduct some extremely delicious research.
Search the official list by neighborhood, cuisine and price, then make a reservation directly with the restaurant. No event ticket is required, although reservations are recommended.
Pair La Jolla, North Park, Liberty Station or Balboa Park with dinner nearby. Your itinerary gets a neighborhood adventure and very little room for complaints about insufficient snacks.
5. Watch the Boats Fly at San Diego Bayfair
The boats do not technically fly, but they certainly look ambitious. San Diego Bayfair races into Mission Bay from September 18 through 20 with H1 hydroplanes, other racing classes, live music and waterfront activities.
Review the official ticket, parking and event information before heading out. Bring sun protection and arrive with time to get settled.
The racing provides plenty of excitement even if your knowledge of hydroplanes begins and ends with “that boat is going very fast.”
6. Follow the Music at the Adams Avenue Street Fair
Normal Heights turns into one giant neighborhood party during the Adams Avenue Street Fair on September 19 and 20. The free festival stretches across 10 blocks with 75 musical acts on six stages, plus food, beer gardens, carnival rides and hundreds of exhibitors.
Saturday runs from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and Sunday runs from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Check the music schedule if there is an act you want to see. Otherwise, follow your ears and whichever food stand smells most persuasive.
7. Sample San Diego’s Craft Beer Scene
The Capital of Craft Beer Festival takes over Broadway Pier on Saturday, September 19, from noon to 4:00 p.m. The 21-and-older festival brings together more than 70 local beers, live music, food and waterfront views.
General admission includes unlimited two-ounce tastings and a commemorative cup. You do not need to investigate all 70 beers personally. Pace yourself, drink water and arrange transportation. Save some energy for deciding which beer deserves a second taste.
8. Dance Beside the Bay at CRSSD Festival
Close out the month with two days of electronic music at CRSSD Festival Fall 2026. The 21-and-older festival takes over Waterfront Park on September 26 and 27, pairing a full music lineup with palm trees and views of San Diego Bay.
Wear shoes ready for a full day of dancing and read the official entry rules. Nearby Little Italy and the Embarcadero offer plenty of pre-festival meal and walking options.
Make September Count in San Diego
Choose one or two events that match your dates, then leave room for beaches, Balboa Park, La Jolla, Coronado and any tacos demanding immediate attention. Check the official pages for current schedules and tickets.
For history, local pubs and laughs in the Gaslamp Quarter, let San Diego Crawling get your trip started properly. Learn more about the Gaslamp Pub Crawl and book the 3:00 p.m. or 7:00 p.m. crawl. We will supply the stories. You just need to show up thirsty for knowledge. Regular thirsty works too.