Summer may be all but officially over but September in San Diego is absolutely LOADED with events. Boat races, BBQ, booze, surfing, skating… it’s all popping off!

1. San Diego Bayfair

When: Sep 13 - Sep 15, 2019 

8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Where: 1404 Vacation Rd

San Diego, CA 92109

Price: Starts at $20

Website

The San Diego Bayfair's World Series of Powerboat Racing returns. A long-running tradition in Mission Bay Park dating back to 1964, the 2.5-mile course is the longest and fastest on the H1 Unlimited hydroplane circuit and features international competitions, aerial demonstrations, and live music.

2. America’s Finest BBQ State Championship

When: Sep 14 - Sep 15, 2019

Where: Crown Point Park

Crown Point Dr

San Diego, CA 92109

Price: $10

Website

Nom nom nom. This officially sanctioned BBQ competition enables you to enjoy a festival, BBQ sampling, live music, AND a beer garden, all while taking in the Bayfair’s race on Mission Bay. Two great events that go great together!

3. KAABOO Del Mar

When: Sep 13 - Sep 15, 2019

Where: KAABOO

2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd

Del Mar, CA 92014

Price: 1-Day Passes starting at $115

Website

Tagged as “everything a typical music festival is not,” KAABOO was created by and for music fans. It’s a three-day “sound voyage” that features rock n’ roll, awesome cuisine, and craft libations. In other words, a little something for everyone.

4. OMBAC Classic Longboard Surfing Contest

When: Sep 14, 2019 

7:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Where: North Side of Crystal Pier

4500 Ocean Blvd

San Diego, CA 92109

Price: Free to watch; $30-$40 to participate

Website

Throwback! The Old Mission Beach Athletic Club is challenging all participants to a surf contest using only 1969-era (or earlier) longboards with no leash. Contestants compete in divisions—Open, Wahine and Menehune (youth 16 years old and under)—and there will be a special award for the podium finishers in each, including swag from local businesses. All participants get free lunch, refreshments, and a t-shirt. Proceeds benefit Drowning Prevention Foundation of San Diego.

5. Old Town Beer Festival

When: Sep 14, 2019 

11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Where: Heritage Park

2454 Heritage Park Row

San Diego, CA 92110

Price: $25 early bird - $35 at the door

Website

*Note: Video above isn't the Old Town festival (since it's new) but it provides an approximation of the experience, at least. 

Two-ounce tasters and sixteen local breweries, including  Modern Times Beer, Mikkeller Brewery, Amplified Ale Works, Fourpenny House, Green Flash Brewing Co., Bay City Brewing, and more. What more do you need to know? Get that designated driver lined up and get ready to get rowdy.

6. An Evening With Lenny Kravitz

When: Sep 20, 2019 

8:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Run Time TBA

Where: San Diego Civic Theatre

1100 Third Ave

San Diego, CA 92101

Price: Tickets start at $50

Website

This ageless wonder (Is Kravitz a vampire? Perhaps) continues his two-year world tour in San Diego. The sweet fusion of rock, blues, funk, and soul is set to strike again thanks to his 11th album, Raise Vibration. 

7. Clash at Clairemont

When: Sep 21, 2019 

11:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Where: 3401 Clairemont Drive

San Diego, CA 92117

Price: $10

Website

Clash at Clairemont is your chance to see some of the best to ever grace their sports mix it up with rising stars—and all for a good cause. Tony Hawk, Andy MacDonald, Bucky Lasek, Kevin Staab, Mike Owen, Mykel Larrin, Parker Heath, and many more from the skateboarding and BMX community put on a show to benefit Grind for Life and the YMCA. There will also be live music and food. We don’t recommend missing this one.

8. CRSSD Festival

When: Sep 28 - Sep 29, 2019

Where: San Diego County Waterfront Park

1600 Pacific Highway

San Diego, CA 92101

Price: $135-$155

Website

San Diego Waterfront Park’s 12-acre expanse plays host to CRSSD, a two-day electronic music festival boasting more than 36 performers spread across three stages. Aside from the music, the event will also serve up mixed drinks, craft beer, local cuisine, and more.

Performers include: Portugal. The Man, Hot Chip, KAYTRANADA, Polo & Pan, Friendly Fires, SG Lewis, Masego, Ross From Friends, S U R V I V E, and many more.