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
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
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
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
*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.