Ahhh, September! It's finally "Locals' Summer" in America's Finest City! Our beautiful weather persists but the chaos calms as the flocks of tourists dissipate. Don't succumb to cabin fever just yet, because there are still plenty of events taking place this month. Here is our often-immitated-never-duplicated monthly round up of all the fun & delicious happenings taking place around San Diego this September 2016.
With more than 70 events taking place in San Diego this September, it hardly seems like things are slowing down as summer subsides. Peruse our frequently-updated list, mark your calendars, get your tickets, and live it up this month!
September 1, Modern Times Beer Dinner At Barleymash - Experience a night of bold flavors at the Gaslamp’s barleymash as they host a beer dinner featuring Modern Times Beer. Modern Times and Executive Chef Kevin Templeton of barleymash have collaborated to present five unforgettable pairings. Beers will be served alongside dishes including pan seared scallops, house made pretzels, an herbed goat cheese salad, karabuta pork cheeks, and to top it off, a double chocolate chip cookie with brewed coffee ice cream rolled in apple wood smoked bacon. Contact Lizzie at [email protected] to make a reservation. This event is $75 and limited to 30 people so make sure to grab your spot before they are all gone!
September 1, Saiko Sake Flights & Bites Series No. 1: Nama - This is the first in an on-going series of Sake Flights and Bites, as Saiko Sake & Sushi Bar in North Park presents Nama Flight.
Nama, an unpasteurized sake that is released in Spring, and is usually a memory by fall, will be the featured style. This event is strictly limited to 20 guests due to the scarcity of the annual stock of Nama. Saiko is offering season tickets to their full series of 6 events taking place through July 2017 for a special price of $150, and offering the three savory courses & dessert course, paired with four namas for $30.
September 2, BBQ, Bacon, Beer & Bourbon at Slater's 50/50 San Marcos - Curated by Scott Slater and Chef Tony, this dinner will be all about BBQ, Bacon, Beer & Bourbon, a family style meal served with a bottle of Bourbon just chilling’ on the table waiting for you to free pour yourself into butt dialing the closest Uber driver. Tickets are $30.
September 2, Stone & Friends Brews Cruise -Set sail on the 3rd annual Labor Day Weekend Stone Brews Crusie. This special edition cruise featured limited release beers from some of Oregons Best breweries. Get ready to sail the San Diego Bay and experience one of a kind views with two floors of entertainment with live bands and DJ's. The $48 cruise pass tickets includes a 3 hour cruise of San Diego Harbor, unlimited tastings of all featured beers, a brewers send-off with swag and giveaways, and a souvenir cup.
September 2-4, Bottega Americano Two Year Anniversary - Enjoy all-day happy hour & culinary surprises during Labor Day weekend as Italian eatery Bottega Americano in San Diego’s East Village celebrates its two year anniversary. The restaurant will offer happy hour all day (open to close) in the bar and 50% off Bottega Americano signature cocktails, as well as culinary surprises from co-owner/chef Giuseppe Ciuffa and co-owner/executive Chef Dave Warner.With more than 70 events taking place in San Diego this September, it hardly seems like things are slowing down as summer subsides. Peruse our frequently-updated list, mark your calendars, get your tickets, and live it up this month!
September 1, Modern Times Beer Dinner At Barleymash - Experience a night of bold flavors at the Gaslamp’s barleymash as they host a beer dinner featuring Modern Times Beer. Modern Times and Executive Chef Kevin Templeton of barleymash have collaborated to present five unforgettable pairings. Beers will be served alongside dishes including pan seared scallops, house made pretzels, an herbed goat cheese salad, karabuta pork cheeks, and to top it off, a double chocolate chip cookie with brewed coffee ice cream rolled in apple wood smoked bacon. Contact Lizzie at [email protected] to make a reservation. This event is $75 and limited to 30 people so make sure to grab your spot before they are all gone!
September 1, Saiko Sake Flights & Bites Series No. 1: Nama - This is the first in an on-going series of Sake Flights and Bites, as Saiko Sake & Sushi Bar in North Park presents Nama Flight.
Nama, an unpasteurized sake that is released in Spring, and is usually a memory by fall, will be the featured style. This event is strictly limited to 20 guests due to the scarcity of the annual stock of Nama. Saiko is offering season tickets to their full series of 6 events taking place through July 2017 for a special price of $150, and offering the three savory courses & dessert course, paired with four namas for $30.
September 2, BBQ, Bacon, Beer & Bourbon at Slater's 50/50 San Marcos - Curated by Scott Slater and Chef Tony, this dinner will be all about BBQ, Bacon, Beer & Bourbon, a family style meal served with a bottle of Bourbon just chilling’ on the table waiting for you to free pour yourself into butt dialing the closest Uber driver. Tickets are $30.
September 2, Stone & Friends Brews Cruise -Set sail on the 3rd annual Labor Day Weekend Stone Brews Crusie. This special edition cruise featured limited release beers from some of Oregons Best breweries. Get ready to sail the San Diego Bay and experience one of a kind views with two floors of entertainment with live bands and DJ's. The $48 cruise pass tickets includes a 3 hour cruise of San Diego Harbor, unlimited tastings of all featured beers, a brewers send-off with swag and giveaways, and a souvenir cup.
September 2-5, U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge & Dimensional Art Expo - 300 tons of sand is being brought to the ‘B’ Street cruise ship terminal pier, with the Big Bay on the West and downtown’s castles in the sky on the East. World Master Sand Sculptors from all over the world will challenge the best in the US. In addition to amazing sand sculptures, there will also be live entertainment (big bands, singers and more), a sand box and rides for kids, a dozen gourmet food trucks, a great view of the bay, tall ships and cannon battles. Tickets start at $9.
September 3, San Diego Bacon Fest - Bacon. Beer. Booze. Those three things will come together at the all-inclusive 4th annual San Diego Bacon Festival, returning to Preble Field in NTC Park in Liberty Station for a food and drink festival centered around America's favorite porky pleasure. Organized by PushPins Media, this event will unite the masses with San Diego's finest chefs, breweries, eateries and distilleries for a day of unlimited indulgence in honor of International Bacon Day. We are raffling off 2 VIP tickets for one extremely lucky porker (a $200 value), as well as offering promo code SDVILLE for $5 savings per ticket!
September 3, Free 50/50 Furters at Slater's 50/50 - In honor of International Bacon Day, Slater’ s 50/50 will debut the new “50/50 Furter” bacon hot dog by giving away free “50/50 Furters” from 11am to 5pm at all Slater’ s 50/50 locations, including Liberty Station and San Marcos. The new hot dog will consist of equal parts love - 100 percent, all-beef frank that is stuffed with freshly chopped, crispy smoked bacon and then blanketed in bacon strips.
September 3, Free 50/50 Furters at Slater's 50/50 - In honor of International Bacon Day, Slater’ s 50/50 will debut the new “50/50 Furter” bacon hot dog by giving away free “50/50 Furters” from 11am to 5pm at all Slater’ s 50/50 locations, including Liberty Station and San Marcos. The new hot dog will consist of equal parts love - 100 percent, all-beef frank that is stuffed with freshly chopped, crispy smoked bacon and then blanketed in bacon strips.
September 3, Julian Grape Stomp Festa - Enjoy a day of fun near Volcan Mountain at the 20th Annual Grape Stomp Festa, taking place at Menghini Winery in Julian. This event includes grape stomping, of course, but there will also be merchandise & food vendors, wine tasting with local wineries, live Italian music, bocce ball contests and more. Tickets start at $15
September 3&4 - Polo on the Beach at Hotel Del Coronado - Polo America has partnered with historic Hotel del Coronado to present Beach Polo, where 12 polo players and more than 50 horses will take to the beach for the very first time on the West Coast. Coronado has a long history of beach polo, dating to the early 1900s. The famous Spreckels Cup was first played in Coronado in 1909 and was billed as the Polo Challenge. Attendees will be treated to two polo games each day, a meet-and-greet wine reception with players, a gourmet lunch provided by Hotel del Coronado, a fashion show by Grayse, a hat contest and much more. On Sept. 4, festivities will have an Argentinian flair. Guests will be treated to a Tapas dinner featuring 15 different tastes and learn to dance the Tango with polo players. Tickets start at $250.
September 3&4 - Polo on the Beach at Hotel Del Coronado - Polo America has partnered with historic Hotel del Coronado to present Beach Polo, where 12 polo players and more than 50 horses will take to the beach for the very first time on the West Coast. Coronado has a long history of beach polo, dating to the early 1900s. The famous Spreckels Cup was first played in Coronado in 1909 and was billed as the Polo Challenge. Attendees will be treated to two polo games each day, a meet-and-greet wine reception with players, a gourmet lunch provided by Hotel del Coronado, a fashion show by Grayse, a hat contest and much more. On Sept. 4, festivities will have an Argentinian flair. Guests will be treated to a Tapas dinner featuring 15 different tastes and learn to dance the Tango with polo players. Tickets start at $250.
September 4, Ballast Point 20th Anniversary Festival - Ballast Point Brewing and Spirits will celebrate two decades of brewing top-notch craft beer this Labor Day Weekend with a 20th Anniversary Festival featuring a live performance by The Roots, taking place at Del Mar Racetrack on Sunday, September 4. The event will also feature the final round of Ballast Point's 20th Anniversary Homebrew Competition. Tickets start at $35.
September 4, SEA 180°’s End of Summer Luau - Break out your Hawaiian grass skirts this Labor Day Weekend and head to SEA180° in Imperial Beach for the Sunset Luau on the restaurant's beachfront terrace. Enjoy delicious Island-inspired hors d’oeuvres such as Teriyaki Beef Skewers and Tuna Poke. Partake in a Seaside Buffet, offering a variety of Hawaiian dishes including Mahi Mahi, Huli Huli Chicken and Kalua Pua’a (a roasted pig!). The evening will include fire dancers and live music. Admission to the Luau is $59.95 per person. To reserve your spot, call 619.631.4949.
September 4, BO-beau Kitchen + Bar’s Endless Summer Clambake - BO-beau brings an East Coast tradition to Southern California. Taking place at BO-beau in Ocean Beach, La Mesa & Long Beach this Endless Summer Clambake will include a special of lobster, mussels, shrimp, bratwurst and more for $49.95 per couple.
September 7, Sonoma Wine Dinner at Vintana - Chef Deborah Scott will create a coursed dinner complemented by five award-winning Sonoma Valley wines atop the stunning Vintana restaurant in Escondido. From a refreshing Hamachi Carpaccio paired with the Roth Sauvignon Blanc, to the Zinfandel Braised Beer Cheek Tortellini alongside the Mazzocco Zinfandel, guests will feel as though they’re dining amongst the vines of Sonoma without leaving their seat. Tickets are $79.
September 8, Taste of Del Mar - The Del Mar Village Association will be hosting the first evening edition of the Taste of Del Mar event, focusing on the culinary arts and talents of Del Mar’s top chefs, along with beer, wine, cider, mead, and distilled spirit tastings, called “Sip Stops.” Over 20 restaurants will be participating in this year's self guided tasting tour. Taste tickets will be $25 per person, or $35 per person with Sip Stops in advance.
September 8, Taste of Del Mar - The Del Mar Village Association will be hosting the first evening edition of the Taste of Del Mar event, focusing on the culinary arts and talents of Del Mar’s top chefs, along with beer, wine, cider, mead, and distilled spirit tastings, called “Sip Stops.” Over 20 restaurants will be participating in this year's self guided tasting tour. Taste tickets will be $25 per person, or $35 per person with Sip Stops in advance.
September 9, Play On The Bay at Loews Coronado Bay Resort - The picturesque Loews Coronado Bay Resort will host its inaugural Play On The Bay charity fundraising event to support local education, giving guests the opportunity to enjoy delicious food, ice cold drinks, live music, gondola rides, a silent auction, and more during an unforgettable evening overlooking the beautiful San Diego Bay and skyline. Tickets to Play On The Bay are $75 per person, $125 per couple, and we are also raffling off a pair of passes.
September 9, Whiskeys Around the World at Vom Fass Hillcrest - Taste top Irish, American, and Scotch whiskeys from small distilleries around the world at Vom Fass in Fabulous Hillcrest. There will also be small food pairings to go with each tasting. Tickets are $35.
September 9, Cape Rey's End of Summer Celebration - To celebrate the end of summer, Cape Rey Carlsbad has teamed up with Stone Brewing Company, Bay City Brewing Company and local vendors for a night of fun and community. Enjoy an outdoor beer garden in their Fire Lounge with live music and a night market featuring unique products from SoCal retailers. Tickets are required for entry into beer garden, but there is complimentary access to night market and live music. Ticket holders will receive 4 four-oz tasters plus 1 pint of beer with option to purchase access to the Capeside Taco Bar with all the fixings. Tickets start at $15.
September 9 & 10, Eclipse Chocolate Supper Club: Southern Comfort Feast - This summer has been a scorcher, so treat yourself to some refreshing Southern classics with an Eclipse twist! The South Park sweet shop will be playing with their favorite Southern recipes, making them vegan-friendly & ever-so-scrumptious. The fried “chicken” and waffles with crispy jackfruit is sure to satisfy, and the sweet potato and plantain pie with brûléed marshmallow fluff is seriously naughty but practically guilt-free. Tickets are $35 for 4 courses with the option to add beer pairings for an additional $15.
September 26&27, Cabrillo Festival - Journey back to September 28, 1542 when Cabrillo, a Portuguese navigator sailing under the flag of Spain, landed at San Diego. Stepping ashore on Ballast Point, he was the first European to land on the west coast of what is now the United States of America. The Cabrillo Festival is a free-to-attend event for the entire family, with educational activities, cultural demonstrations, exciting folkloric performances, brightly colored clothing, music and dancing, food booths with delicious traditional Mexican, Native American, Portuguese and Spanish food, and more. The highlight of the Cabrillo Festival is the re-enactment of Cabrillo’s landing on the shores of San Diego Bay.
September 28-October 2, San Diego International Film Festival - The San Diego International Film Festival has announced that it will return to America's Finest City for its 15th straight year. Produced by the San Diego Film Foundation, the five-day event will feature 100+ independent films, studio premieres, panels with celebrities and industry insiders, red carpet events, parties, all-star tributes and filmmaker awards. In addition to offering promo code SDVILLE for 20% savings on any festival ticket, we are also raffling off 2 Festival Passes (a $550 value).
September 28, Modern Luxury To Dine For - Modern Luxury Magazine will host its 7th annual To Dine For event, featuring top interior designers and home décor showrooms paired with notable San Diego chefs who will collaborate together on a shared vision and unique culinary theme. Tickets are $40 and the event takes place at Alexandria at Torrey Pines' Farmer & The Seahorse.
September 29-October 2, Fashion Week San Diego - Fashion Week San Diego is a traditional fashion week, bringing new designers from around the world to showcase their never seen before collections on the FWSD Runway. This year the event is featuring 26 very talented and dynamic labels/brands on the catwalk in La Jolla. Tickets range from $15-350.
September 30-October 2, La Mesa Oktoberfest - La Mesa will host its 43rd annual Oktoberfest street festival on the last weekend of the month, featuring beer, wine, traditional German food, live music, entertainment, games, and so much more at this free-to-attend event.
In addition to all these fun & tasty happenings, there is also an eclectic lineup of concerts (in addition to highly anticipated KAABOO Del Mar) taking place in San Diego, including an appearance by Huey Lewis and the News, The Wailers, YES, Counting Crows, Atmosphere, Dolly Parton, and more. We are also giving away tickets to many of the events listed above - just check our Giveaways page to learn more. As usual, we will be updating this post throughout the month as additional events are scheduled, so be sure to check back!
September 9 & 10, Eclipse Chocolate Supper Club: Southern Comfort Feast - This summer has been a scorcher, so treat yourself to some refreshing Southern classics with an Eclipse twist! The South Park sweet shop will be playing with their favorite Southern recipes, making them vegan-friendly & ever-so-scrumptious. The fried “chicken” and waffles with crispy jackfruit is sure to satisfy, and the sweet potato and plantain pie with brûléed marshmallow fluff is seriously naughty but practically guilt-free. Tickets are $35 for 4 courses with the option to add beer pairings for an additional $15.
September 10, Burgers & Beer Festival - The San Diego Reader is also on the hunt to find the city's top burger! Help them decide at the 1st Annual Reader Burgers & Beer Festival at Golden Hill Park, where attendees will get the chance to sample and vote on gourmet burgers from more than 30 of the top restaurants as they compete to win the title of "Best Burger in San Diego". Tickets to the event start at $45, and we are raffling off 2 VIP tickets to attend, as well as offering promo code SDVILLE for $5 savings per ticket (limited to only first 100 tickets purchased, so act fast).
September 10, Carlsbad Brewfest - A North County craft beer festival is coming to San Diego this September! More than thirty craft brewers will unite in Holiday Park for this year’s third annual Carlsbad Brewfest, a day of unlimited beer samples hosted by the Carlsbad Hi-Noon Rotary Club. Tickets to the festival are $50 per person, and we are raffling off 2 tickets to this event, as well as offering promo code SDVILLE for $5 savings per ticket.
September 10, Local Brews Local Grooves - For those about to rock, we salute you! House of Blues San Diego will be pairing the top local acts with more than 15 of the best craft breweries for an entertaining evening for music and beer lovers alike. Local Brews Local Grooves will feature music from 16 bands and games on two stages, with several beer-pouring and food stations dotted around the venue. We are offering promo code SDVILLE for $5 off VIP tickets for 2, as well as raffling off a pair of VIP passes. Tickets start at $10.
September 10, The Rendezvous: Chew On This - Community Health Improvement Partners will host its inaugural The Rendezvous: Chew on This event to raise funds to support their battle against childhood obesity, taking place at the McMillin Companies Event Center in Point Loma's Liberty Station. The Rendezvous will be an evening with thought-provoking speakers followed by an outdoor tasting reception with live music, as well as delicious bites and sips from San Diego’s top local farms, premier restaurants, and artisanal beverage purveyors. Enter our raffle for a chance to win 2 tickets to this delicious and informative event. Tickets are $165.
September 10, San Diego Blues Festival - The Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank will host the sixth annual AimLoan.com San Diego Blues Festival along the downtown San Diego waterfront at Embarcadero Marina Park North. The family-friendly event will feature nine musical acts, including Grammy award winning Los Lobos, on two stages. Festival attendees will enjoy local craft beer, food vendors, specialty cocktails and wine, along with arts and crafts vendors. Tickets start at $25 with free admission for children 12 and under. We are raffling off a pair of VIP passes. All proceeds and food drive donations will benefit the San Diego Food Bank.
September 10, $5 Food Festival - Taking place at Waterfront Park in downtown San Diego, don't miss this mobile food extravaganza, featuring food booths, trucks, and carts offering a variety of global cuisines, all coming together to offer awesome & delicious food for only $5 per dish, with free sides of live music, dancing, and DJs. Tickets are $5 and kids 12 and under are free to attend.
September 10, Brazilian Day Festival - The annual Brazilian Day Festival is back for its eighth year, taking over a new location within Belmont Park for a day devoted to the South American culture. This free event includes arts & crafts, live music, stage performances, Brazilian food, vendors, a beer garden, a Carnival-inspired parade, a kids zone and more.
September 10, Sea & Air Parade Wine Tasting Event at Coasterra's Float - To toast the military, Coasterra’s will host this wine tasting event, where guests will sip on delicious wine from more than 20 California wineries and have the best seat in the house for the annual Sea & Air Parade across San Diego’s iconic harbor. Aboard Coasterra’s new floating event center, FLOAT, which offers stunning panoramic views of the bay & downtown, Chef Deborah Scott will highlight Cal-Baja appetizers that pair well with wine and the view Tickets are $100.
September 10 & 11, Cardiff Greek Festival - Experience authentic Greek food, heavenly pastries, award winning Greek folk dance performances, cooking demos, musical performances, kids games, market vendors, and more at the 38th annual Greek Festival. Taking place at the Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church.
September 11, American Liver Foundation Flavors Gala - Flavors is a culinary experience that goes beyond the traditional gala providing guests with the unique experience of having a top local chef prepare a multi-course dinner tableside. Taking place at The Grand Del Mar, each chef is in charge of one table, including silver ware and centerpieces for the table, as well as the meal and beverage pairing. The evening showcases the signature dishes of our culinary experts and takes you beyond the usual restaurant fare. Unleash your inner "foodie" and experience a distinct evening of dining while helping to fund the research, education, and advocacy efforts of the American Liver Foundation. Tickets start at $430.
September 11, BO-beau Kitchen + Garden’s Organic Frog’s Leap Wine Dinner - Executive Chef Tyler Shipton is prepped and ready to wow his guests with seasonal, locally-grown produce paired with organically-farmed wines from Napa Valley’s Frog’s Leap Winery. From Albacore Tuna Crudo with charred green onion and raspberries matched with their Sauvignon Blanc, to a sweet ending of a Strawberry Pavlova complemented by their Merlot, this will be a farm-to-table feast. Tickets are $65.
September 12, George's at the Cove Guest Chef Dinner - The reinvigorated George's at the Cove will welcome Chef Daniel Heinze to the kitchen at California Modern. Heinze will join forces with George's executive chef and partner, Trey Foshee, for a special collaboration dinner featuring Chino Farms produce. Guests will be able to meet and greet the chefs as they enjoy an intimate 8-course menu for $120. This event is limited to 100 guests only. Call 858.454.4244 for reservations.
September 12, Meet the Winemaker: A Dinner with Dragonette Cellars at Tasting Room Del Mar - The second event in Tasting Room Del Mar's special Meet the Winemaker dinner series will feature John Dragonette and Brandon Sparks-Gillis of Dragonette Cellars pairing their Santa Barbara produced wines with a 7-course dinner featuring a tasting menu prepared by chefs Steven Lona and Jenny Goycochea. With only 30 seats available, this promises to be an intimate and exciting evening on the patio. Tickets are $95 each, for a total of $120 after tax and gratuity.
September 13, Small Bar Supper Club with Amplified Ale Works - Limited to only 50 guests, this 5 course beer pairing dinner will be prepared by Small Bar Owner and Chef Karen Barnett with beers curated by Amplified's head brewery Cy Henley. Get ready for dishes like smoked Chilhuacle Chilean sea bass with chorizo, mayocoba beans, braised greens, and fried shallot, paired with Amplified's Pulse Porter. Tickets are $50.
September 13, A Midsummer Night's Dream Dinner at Terra Madre Gardens - Hello Beautiful Health is co-hosting a dinner experience with Chef Taylor Allen of Gut Goods at Terra Madre Gardens in Escondido. This should make for a magical evening full of fun, inspiring individuals and exquisite food. This dinner will explore the 5 tastes (salty, sweet, umami, bitter, and sour) in a unique way while talking about the healing properties of foods we crave. Libations will be provided by The California Fruit Wine Company. The farm tour begins at 4:30pm and dinner begins at 5:30pm.
September 14, The Heart of PB Restaurant Walk - Discover Pacific Beach will host its annual Heart of Pacific Beach Restaurant Walk, offering attendees the opportunity to enjoy a leisurely stroll on this self-guided food tour of Central PB between Dawes and Lamont Streets. Sample a great variety of menus from local restaurants for only $25. This event will be vegetarian friendly and restaurants that offer a vegetarian option will be noted on the ticket map.
September 14, Summer Cellar Feast at Bernardo Winery - Enjoy a seasonal feast for the senses with a winemaker, master coffee roaster, cheese monger & chef at Bernardo Winery & Cellar. This dining and wine experience will feature tasty pairings of seasonal bites influenced by the Rizzo family's long heritage of "Living off the Land", paired with a selection of wines including barrel samples and pre-released wines. The night will include a tour of Bernardo Winery's Winemaking from past to present and a demonstration and introduction of Manzanita Coffee Roasters. The night will finish with delicious fresh roasted coffee and espresso drinks to order. Tickets are $80.
September 15, Taste of Downtown San Diego - Enjoy sample sized portion from more than 40 Restaurants located throughout the Gaslamp Quarter, Headquarters, and East Village neighborhoods on this culinary walking tour of downtown San Diego. Tickets are $30 and include a sample dish from each of the participating restaurants. We are raffling off 2 passes to attend and also offering promo code SDVILLE for $5 savings per ticket.
September 15, Barrel Smoker Dinner Series Peru vs. Phillipines - Planet Rooth Design Haus is once again opening up its Bankers Hill art studio and event space for a culinary battle royale. The next edition of the popular chef throwdown series features Planet Rooth's celebrated in house chef's, Ivan and Kelly. September's competition will be Peru vs The Phillipines and it will consist of three amazing rounds of food paradise with wine. Spots are $40 each or $70 for a couple.
September 16, Sirena Mexican Fiesta - The Little Italy cocina will host a gourmet journey through Latin America with their very own Mexican Fiesta night. This three-course price fixed menu will be $35 per person and offered all night starting at 4pm. Live music will also be playing from 6-9pm.
September 16-18, KAABOO Del Mar - The ultimate music, comedy, culinary and cultural festival returns to the Del Mar Fairgrounds for 3 days of incredible performances, art displays, delicious food and more. Now in its second year, KAABOO Del Mar has curated an eclectic lineup of musicians, comedians, and even local chefs for this year's event, including Aerosmith, Jimmy Buffett, Jack Johnson, Lenny Kravitz, Dana Carvey, the cast of Silicon Valley, Chef Richard Blais, Chef Brian Malarkey, Chef Javier Plascencia and so many more!
September 16-18, San Diego Bayfair - See some of the world’s fastest boats when San Diego Bayfair roars into town. This end-of-summer tradition features three days of nonstop boat racing, food and fun on the shores of beautiful Mission Bay. Motorsports fans can get an up-close view of the racing action along of the shores of East Vacation Island, Fiesta Island or Crown Point. Racing action this year features the world’s fastest boats capable of speeds of nearly 200 mph. General admission passes for Saturday and Sunday are $30. Parking can also be purchased online.
September 17, San Diego Gourmet Pizza Fest - In 2013, Trip Advisor named San Diego as the United State's top city for pizza, and you can find out why when the inaugural San Diego Gourmet Pizza Festival takes over Liberty Station as pizza-centric restaurants from America's Finest City battle it out for the title of 'Best Gourmet Pizza', with all proceeds benefitting the Mesa College Foundation. We are raffling off 2 passes to this event, as well as offering promo code SDVILLE for $5 savings per ticket. Tickets are $35.
September 17, Just Call Us Volunteers Wacky Wingding Anniversary Celebration - To celebrate 10 years of serving meals to San Diego's homeless, Just Call Us Volunteers is inviting its closest chef friends and local entertainers for an evening of celebration and fundraising. The Wacky Wingding, a 10th Anniversary celebration will take place from 4-7pm at the Francis Parker Upper School Campus. Tickets are available online for $90 per person or $120 per couple and include food samples from such chefs as Hanis Cavin of Carnitas Snack Shack, Dawn Parks of Wild Thyme Catering, Alex Carballo of Moto Deli, Joe Burns of WooBars, Dan Nantrass of Fishbone, Martin San Roman of Dobson's, and Davin Waite of Wrench & Rodent. There will also be performances by the Fern Street Circus and Dottie Deville's Burlesque Show, fire twirlers, stilt walkers, face painting, clowns and more.
September 17, Taste of South Park - Take a leisurely stroll tasting the top restaurants in the cozy, creative hamlet of South Park. With purchase of a Tasting Passport, guests can eat and sip their way along the 30th St and Fern St corridor, sampling bites from more than 15 participating South Park brick-and-mortar eateries. As a bonus, guests will get a taste of the diverse boutiques and shops lining the streets of South Park between bites.This is an all-ages, ticketed event, limited to 250 lucky ticket holders. Tickets can be purchased online for $30.
September 17, Karl Strauss Brewing Company Oktoberfest - Karl's annual party commemorates the release of the Fall seasonal batch of Oktoberfest and honors the traditional German celebration with a San Diego twist. This event will feature 20+ handcrafted beers on tap, including small batch German-style beers, as well as food available onsite from S&M Sausage and Meats and Philly Pretzel Co. The $15 tickets gets you into the event, a commemorative stein and your first beer.
September 17, Beachside Oysters & Bubbles at SEA 180 Coastal Tavern - Raise a glass to the brinier things in life and wash down some oysters with a flute (or four) of California’s fizziest offerings. This even will feature oyster stations and shucking workshops, complemented by six sparkling wines on offer, while Chef Ken Irvine invites guests to relax on the patio and enjoy the 180 degree beach view while swaying to the beats of a steel drummer. Tickets are $60 per person.
September 18, Wine & Roses Charity Tasting - San Diego's longest-running wine tasting event returns for an exclusive afternoon of bites, live music, and samples of exclusive wines from throughout California, all for a good cause! The Social Service Auxiliary of San Diego will host its 33rd annual Wine & Roses Charity Wine Tasting event at a new venue - the Darlington House in La Jolla, featuring tray-passed small bites being paired with excellent wines, as well as soft tunes from a grand piano in the living room of the historic mansion. Tickets start at $150.
September 18, Council Brewing's Fall Beer Dinner - This will be Council's second in-house beer dinner featuring a six course meal with one of their beers (with the exception of the welcome beer) artfully paired with each dish prepared by guest chefs Mike Arquines of The Lab Dining Sessions, Philip Esteban of Cork & Craft, Matt Cammack of Hamilton's Tavern & South Park Brewing Co., Nate Soroko of Toronado, Tyson Blake of O'Brien's Pub, and Carolyn Ruston, Craft Beer Enthusiast & Dessert Hobbyist. Tickets are $75.
September 18, Gouda Times Beer & Cheese Pairing at The Patio on Goldfinch - The Patio on Goldfinch is continuing its tradition of offering some of the finest and most unique cheeses available, and they're upping their game by opening up their cheese cave and presenting a curated cheese flight paired with Modern Times beer. Tickets are $20 and come with three pairings.
September 18, Royal Stone Bistro’s Six Month Anniversary - The Bankers Hill bistro will celebrate its six month anniversary with pop-up specials and surprises for dinner guests throughout the week of September 15 - culminating in a festive, wine paired Central Coast Celebration Dinner on Sunday, September 18. The dinner will include six exclusive courses of Executive Chef Chase Edrington’s fare paired with varietals from Santa Barbara, Santa Maria Valley and Paso Robles courtesy of Burke Wine. This dinner is $85 and reservations can be secured by calling 619.738.8550.
September 18, San Diego Winemakers Lunch at Indigo Grill - Indigo Grill is switching things up for Sunday brunch and inviting Stehleon and Orfila Vineyards to pair their wines with 4 courses at this Winemakers’ Lunch. Learn the ins-and-outs of the winemakers creative process while enjoying a delicious afternoon, all for $59.95 per person.
September 19, Abnormal Dinner Series No. 19 at The Cork & Craft - Join The Cork and Craft and their in-house brewery Abnormal Beer Company for the 19th installment of their monthly dinner series. Enjoy an elevated multi-course dinner with carefully selected beer pairings in collaboration with Pizza Port Brewing Company and guest chef Jon Bautista from George's at the Cove. Tickets are $99.
September 20, Chicks for Beer Dinner at The High Dive with Coronado Brewing - Bay Park's The High Dive will host its latest installment of its women-only Chicks for Beer event with 5 delicious courses paired with beer from Coronado Brewing, alongside a fun social Beer 101. Tickets are $45 and will entitle you to 5+ beer samples alongside thoughtfully paired courses, as well as one beer of your choice. Proceeds benefit breast cancer awareness.
September 21, Baja Nights at Café La Rue - La Valencia Hotel invites guests to its in house bistro Café la Rue for a regional experience of great food, wine & music Baja Style on the patio in La Jolla. Renowned chefs from Bajas wine country, Martin San Roman and Ryan Steyn, join Executive Chef Alex Emery for an evening of extraordinary food paired with the wines of Torres Alegre y Familia. Tickets are $90.
September 22, BBQ, Bacon, Beer & Bourbon at Slater's 50/50 Liberty Station - Curated by Scott Slater and Chef Tony, this dinner will be all about BBQ, Bacon, Beer & Bourbon, a family style meal served with a bottle of Bourbon just chilling’ on the table waiting for you to free pour yourself into butt dialing the closest Uber driver. Tickets are $30.
September 22, Paso Robles Wine Dinner at OB Warehouse - This event will showcase notable vintages from the renowned Paso Robles area, which is known for a wide array of wines due to the region’s diverse grape varieties. Esteemed winemaker, Adam Lazarre from Lazarre Wines, will walk guests through the tastings, highlighting each significant note and each of the 5 dishes presented. Tickets are $60.
September 22, Coronado Brewing Beer Pairing Dinner at Top of the Market - Top of the Market in downtown San Diego will be pairing its fresh seafood cuisine with beers from Coronado Brewing. This event will offer guests an amuse bouche followed by 5 paired courses, including spiced curry prawns with Orange Ave Wit, grilled Spanish octopus with chorizo paired with Islander IPA and more. Tickets are $69.
September 22, Taste of the Port - Enjoy an evening on the Bay at the Port of San Diego’s Taste of the Port event at the Broadway Pier. Experience tastings from top waterfront restaurants, while watching four of San Diego’s best chefs square off in a live Top Green Chef competition. The event will highlight sustainable cooking including locally sourced ingredients and fresh fish. Enjoy live entertainment, drinks, and product demos. Tickets are $50.
September 24, San Diego Zoo Food, Wine & Brew Celebration - San Diego’s wildest tasting event returns on Saturday, September 24, with a few surprises to celebrate the zoo’s centennial year. The 36th annual San Diego Zoo Food, Wine & Brew Celebration takes over our famous zoo for an adults-only festival that allows guests to sample culinary delights and sip beverages from more than 150 San Diego area restaurants, wineries and breweries, as well as getting the chance to meet exotic animals like a cheetah, koala, and flamingo up close - all while supporting wildlife conservation around the world. Tickets start at $125.
September 24, New Belgium Tour de Fat - A traveling celebration of all things bike, New Belgium Brewing’s Tour de Fat is returning to San Diego's Golden Hill Park, offering a day of eclectic entertainment, a costumed bike ride, a gameshow, car-for-bike swap, fashion showdown, great music, and of course plenty of New Belgium beer. The event is free, yet all donations and proceeds from beer and merchandise sales will go to San Diego-area non-profits. Each beer is $5.
September 24, California Wine Tasting Seminar at Island Prime - Wine Director Maurice DiMarino is prepared to enlighten guests on all things vine-ripened and barrel-aged at Island Prime’s “OENOLOGY 101″. A wine lecturer at San Diego State University, Certified Sommelier, and overall wine guru, Maurice will drop some serious knowledge on the Golden State’s wine regions, as he takes diners on a journey swirling, sniffing, and sipping your way through 10 unique California wines. Guests will also be treated to a selection of mouthwatering hors d’oeuvres following the class. Tickets are $40.
September 24 & 25, Oceanside Harbor Days - The Oceanside Chamber of Commerce along with Tri-City Medical Center and Genentech will present Oceanside Harbor Days at the Oceanside Harbor, featuring arts and craft exhibits, great food and fun activities for the entire family. Harbor Days is free to the public.
September 24&25, Adams Avenue Street Fair - This is Southern California’s largest free-to-attend, two-day music festival, held each year during the last weekend in September in the community of Normal Heights. The event features beer gardens and beer tastings, giant carnival rides, festival foods, more than 350 arts and crafts booths, and over 90 musical acts on seven stages.
September 24&25, Pacific Islander Festival - Taking place at Ski Beach, this annual event pays homage to the Pacific Islander and Polynesian culture and history with tons of musical and dance performances, food vendors, a Miss Pacific Islander, and so much more. Nearly 80,000 people come to San Diego from all over the world to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Pacific Islander people of Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia. It is one of the largest gatherings of its kind on the continent and is free to attend.
September 25, Carnitas' Snack Shack Beer Brunch at Thorn Street Brewery - Enjoy a 7 course brunch buffet from the culinary wizards at Carnitas' Snack Shack. Pork will be front and center, so come ready to consume some meat. Tickets are only $35 for the all you can eat at the brunch buffet and two Thorn Street Brewery beers.
September 25, Riley Chandler's Pop-Up Dinner Tour - This nationwide traveling pop-up dinner tour is the brainchild of two James Beard award winning chefs - Arizona natives Riley Chandler and James Piazza, who are both well versed in an array of elegant cooking techniques that are sure to impress even the harshest critic. At this event, you will be greeted and introduced to the food tableside by the Chefs themselves, then guests will dine at a large 30 top table with five chef selected special courses each thoughtfully paired with a different wine. The location will be emailed to attendees 48 hours prior to event. Tickets start at $100.
September 25, Toronado's Monthly Beer Brunch - North Park's craft beer mecca is featuring female chefs for this month's installment of its popular beer brunch. Upon publishing this article, details have still not been released, but we will be sure to update when tickets go on sale.
September 25-October 2, San Diego Restaurant Week - The most delicious week of the year returns to America's Finest City this September. San Diego Restaurant Week will celebrate local dining by partnering with over 180 participating restaurants who will showcase their top dishes on lunch and dinner multi-course, prix-fixe menus. This is not a ticketed event. Peruse the list of participating restaurants and make your reservations - that simple!
September 26, Tasting Room Del Mar's Inaugural Beer Dinner with Societe - Del Mar's newest hotspot will host its first craft beer dinner on the patio, featuring a five-course tasting dinner paired with a selection of beers from Societe Brewing Company. The evening will begin with introductions and a welcome pour of The Heiress, Societe's Czech-Pilsner style. Tickets are $65, and less than 30 are available.
September 10, Carlsbad Brewfest - A North County craft beer festival is coming to San Diego this September! More than thirty craft brewers will unite in Holiday Park for this year’s third annual Carlsbad Brewfest, a day of unlimited beer samples hosted by the Carlsbad Hi-Noon Rotary Club. Tickets to the festival are $50 per person, and we are raffling off 2 tickets to this event, as well as offering promo code SDVILLE for $5 savings per ticket.
September 10, Local Brews Local Grooves - For those about to rock, we salute you! House of Blues San Diego will be pairing the top local acts with more than 15 of the best craft breweries for an entertaining evening for music and beer lovers alike. Local Brews Local Grooves will feature music from 16 bands and games on two stages, with several beer-pouring and food stations dotted around the venue. We are offering promo code SDVILLE for $5 off VIP tickets for 2, as well as raffling off a pair of VIP passes. Tickets start at $10.
September 10, The Rendezvous: Chew On This - Community Health Improvement Partners will host its inaugural The Rendezvous: Chew on This event to raise funds to support their battle against childhood obesity, taking place at the McMillin Companies Event Center in Point Loma's Liberty Station. The Rendezvous will be an evening with thought-provoking speakers followed by an outdoor tasting reception with live music, as well as delicious bites and sips from San Diego’s top local farms, premier restaurants, and artisanal beverage purveyors. Enter our raffle for a chance to win 2 tickets to this delicious and informative event. Tickets are $165.
September 10, San Diego Blues Festival - The Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank will host the sixth annual AimLoan.com San Diego Blues Festival along the downtown San Diego waterfront at Embarcadero Marina Park North. The family-friendly event will feature nine musical acts, including Grammy award winning Los Lobos, on two stages. Festival attendees will enjoy local craft beer, food vendors, specialty cocktails and wine, along with arts and crafts vendors. Tickets start at $25 with free admission for children 12 and under. We are raffling off a pair of VIP passes. All proceeds and food drive donations will benefit the San Diego Food Bank.
September 10, $5 Food Festival - Taking place at Waterfront Park in downtown San Diego, don't miss this mobile food extravaganza, featuring food booths, trucks, and carts offering a variety of global cuisines, all coming together to offer awesome & delicious food for only $5 per dish, with free sides of live music, dancing, and DJs. Tickets are $5 and kids 12 and under are free to attend.
September 10, Brazilian Day Festival - The annual Brazilian Day Festival is back for its eighth year, taking over a new location within Belmont Park for a day devoted to the South American culture. This free event includes arts & crafts, live music, stage performances, Brazilian food, vendors, a beer garden, a Carnival-inspired parade, a kids zone and more.
September 10, Sea & Air Parade Wine Tasting Event at Coasterra's Float - To toast the military, Coasterra’s will host this wine tasting event, where guests will sip on delicious wine from more than 20 California wineries and have the best seat in the house for the annual Sea & Air Parade across San Diego’s iconic harbor. Aboard Coasterra’s new floating event center, FLOAT, which offers stunning panoramic views of the bay & downtown, Chef Deborah Scott will highlight Cal-Baja appetizers that pair well with wine and the view Tickets are $100.
September 10 & 11, Cardiff Greek Festival - Experience authentic Greek food, heavenly pastries, award winning Greek folk dance performances, cooking demos, musical performances, kids games, market vendors, and more at the 38th annual Greek Festival. Taking place at the Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church.
September 11, American Liver Foundation Flavors Gala - Flavors is a culinary experience that goes beyond the traditional gala providing guests with the unique experience of having a top local chef prepare a multi-course dinner tableside. Taking place at The Grand Del Mar, each chef is in charge of one table, including silver ware and centerpieces for the table, as well as the meal and beverage pairing. The evening showcases the signature dishes of our culinary experts and takes you beyond the usual restaurant fare. Unleash your inner "foodie" and experience a distinct evening of dining while helping to fund the research, education, and advocacy efforts of the American Liver Foundation. Tickets start at $430.
September 11, BO-beau Kitchen + Garden’s Organic Frog’s Leap Wine Dinner - Executive Chef Tyler Shipton is prepped and ready to wow his guests with seasonal, locally-grown produce paired with organically-farmed wines from Napa Valley’s Frog’s Leap Winery. From Albacore Tuna Crudo with charred green onion and raspberries matched with their Sauvignon Blanc, to a sweet ending of a Strawberry Pavlova complemented by their Merlot, this will be a farm-to-table feast. Tickets are $65.
September 12, George's at the Cove Guest Chef Dinner - The reinvigorated George's at the Cove will welcome Chef Daniel Heinze to the kitchen at California Modern. Heinze will join forces with George's executive chef and partner, Trey Foshee, for a special collaboration dinner featuring Chino Farms produce. Guests will be able to meet and greet the chefs as they enjoy an intimate 8-course menu for $120. This event is limited to 100 guests only. Call 858.454.4244 for reservations.
September 12, Meet the Winemaker: A Dinner with Dragonette Cellars at Tasting Room Del Mar - The second event in Tasting Room Del Mar's special Meet the Winemaker dinner series will feature John Dragonette and Brandon Sparks-Gillis of Dragonette Cellars pairing their Santa Barbara produced wines with a 7-course dinner featuring a tasting menu prepared by chefs Steven Lona and Jenny Goycochea. With only 30 seats available, this promises to be an intimate and exciting evening on the patio. Tickets are $95 each, for a total of $120 after tax and gratuity.
September 13, Small Bar Supper Club with Amplified Ale Works - Limited to only 50 guests, this 5 course beer pairing dinner will be prepared by Small Bar Owner and Chef Karen Barnett with beers curated by Amplified's head brewery Cy Henley. Get ready for dishes like smoked Chilhuacle Chilean sea bass with chorizo, mayocoba beans, braised greens, and fried shallot, paired with Amplified's Pulse Porter. Tickets are $50.
September 13, A Midsummer Night's Dream Dinner at Terra Madre Gardens - Hello Beautiful Health is co-hosting a dinner experience with Chef Taylor Allen of Gut Goods at Terra Madre Gardens in Escondido. This should make for a magical evening full of fun, inspiring individuals and exquisite food. This dinner will explore the 5 tastes (salty, sweet, umami, bitter, and sour) in a unique way while talking about the healing properties of foods we crave. Libations will be provided by The California Fruit Wine Company. The farm tour begins at 4:30pm and dinner begins at 5:30pm.
September 14, The Heart of PB Restaurant Walk - Discover Pacific Beach will host its annual Heart of Pacific Beach Restaurant Walk, offering attendees the opportunity to enjoy a leisurely stroll on this self-guided food tour of Central PB between Dawes and Lamont Streets. Sample a great variety of menus from local restaurants for only $25. This event will be vegetarian friendly and restaurants that offer a vegetarian option will be noted on the ticket map.
September 14, Summer Cellar Feast at Bernardo Winery - Enjoy a seasonal feast for the senses with a winemaker, master coffee roaster, cheese monger & chef at Bernardo Winery & Cellar. This dining and wine experience will feature tasty pairings of seasonal bites influenced by the Rizzo family's long heritage of "Living off the Land", paired with a selection of wines including barrel samples and pre-released wines. The night will include a tour of Bernardo Winery's Winemaking from past to present and a demonstration and introduction of Manzanita Coffee Roasters. The night will finish with delicious fresh roasted coffee and espresso drinks to order. Tickets are $80.
September 15, Taste of Downtown San Diego - Enjoy sample sized portion from more than 40 Restaurants located throughout the Gaslamp Quarter, Headquarters, and East Village neighborhoods on this culinary walking tour of downtown San Diego. Tickets are $30 and include a sample dish from each of the participating restaurants. We are raffling off 2 passes to attend and also offering promo code SDVILLE for $5 savings per ticket.
September 15, Barrel Smoker Dinner Series Peru vs. Phillipines - Planet Rooth Design Haus is once again opening up its Bankers Hill art studio and event space for a culinary battle royale. The next edition of the popular chef throwdown series features Planet Rooth's celebrated in house chef's, Ivan and Kelly. September's competition will be Peru vs The Phillipines and it will consist of three amazing rounds of food paradise with wine. Spots are $40 each or $70 for a couple.
September 16, Sirena Mexican Fiesta - The Little Italy cocina will host a gourmet journey through Latin America with their very own Mexican Fiesta night. This three-course price fixed menu will be $35 per person and offered all night starting at 4pm. Live music will also be playing from 6-9pm.
September 16-18, KAABOO Del Mar - The ultimate music, comedy, culinary and cultural festival returns to the Del Mar Fairgrounds for 3 days of incredible performances, art displays, delicious food and more. Now in its second year, KAABOO Del Mar has curated an eclectic lineup of musicians, comedians, and even local chefs for this year's event, including Aerosmith, Jimmy Buffett, Jack Johnson, Lenny Kravitz, Dana Carvey, the cast of Silicon Valley, Chef Richard Blais, Chef Brian Malarkey, Chef Javier Plascencia and so many more!
September 16-18, San Diego Bayfair - See some of the world’s fastest boats when San Diego Bayfair roars into town. This end-of-summer tradition features three days of nonstop boat racing, food and fun on the shores of beautiful Mission Bay. Motorsports fans can get an up-close view of the racing action along of the shores of East Vacation Island, Fiesta Island or Crown Point. Racing action this year features the world’s fastest boats capable of speeds of nearly 200 mph. General admission passes for Saturday and Sunday are $30. Parking can also be purchased online.
September 17, San Diego Gourmet Pizza Fest - In 2013, Trip Advisor named San Diego as the United State's top city for pizza, and you can find out why when the inaugural San Diego Gourmet Pizza Festival takes over Liberty Station as pizza-centric restaurants from America's Finest City battle it out for the title of 'Best Gourmet Pizza', with all proceeds benefitting the Mesa College Foundation. We are raffling off 2 passes to this event, as well as offering promo code SDVILLE for $5 savings per ticket. Tickets are $35.
September 17, Just Call Us Volunteers Wacky Wingding Anniversary Celebration - To celebrate 10 years of serving meals to San Diego's homeless, Just Call Us Volunteers is inviting its closest chef friends and local entertainers for an evening of celebration and fundraising. The Wacky Wingding, a 10th Anniversary celebration will take place from 4-7pm at the Francis Parker Upper School Campus. Tickets are available online for $90 per person or $120 per couple and include food samples from such chefs as Hanis Cavin of Carnitas Snack Shack, Dawn Parks of Wild Thyme Catering, Alex Carballo of Moto Deli, Joe Burns of WooBars, Dan Nantrass of Fishbone, Martin San Roman of Dobson's, and Davin Waite of Wrench & Rodent. There will also be performances by the Fern Street Circus and Dottie Deville's Burlesque Show, fire twirlers, stilt walkers, face painting, clowns and more.
September 17, Taste of South Park - Take a leisurely stroll tasting the top restaurants in the cozy, creative hamlet of South Park. With purchase of a Tasting Passport, guests can eat and sip their way along the 30th St and Fern St corridor, sampling bites from more than 15 participating South Park brick-and-mortar eateries. As a bonus, guests will get a taste of the diverse boutiques and shops lining the streets of South Park between bites.This is an all-ages, ticketed event, limited to 250 lucky ticket holders. Tickets can be purchased online for $30.
September 17, Karl Strauss Brewing Company Oktoberfest - Karl's annual party commemorates the release of the Fall seasonal batch of Oktoberfest and honors the traditional German celebration with a San Diego twist. This event will feature 20+ handcrafted beers on tap, including small batch German-style beers, as well as food available onsite from S&M Sausage and Meats and Philly Pretzel Co. The $15 tickets gets you into the event, a commemorative stein and your first beer.
September 17, Beachside Oysters & Bubbles at SEA 180 Coastal Tavern - Raise a glass to the brinier things in life and wash down some oysters with a flute (or four) of California’s fizziest offerings. This even will feature oyster stations and shucking workshops, complemented by six sparkling wines on offer, while Chef Ken Irvine invites guests to relax on the patio and enjoy the 180 degree beach view while swaying to the beats of a steel drummer. Tickets are $60 per person.
September 18, Wine & Roses Charity Tasting - San Diego's longest-running wine tasting event returns for an exclusive afternoon of bites, live music, and samples of exclusive wines from throughout California, all for a good cause! The Social Service Auxiliary of San Diego will host its 33rd annual Wine & Roses Charity Wine Tasting event at a new venue - the Darlington House in La Jolla, featuring tray-passed small bites being paired with excellent wines, as well as soft tunes from a grand piano in the living room of the historic mansion. Tickets start at $150.
September 18, Council Brewing's Fall Beer Dinner - This will be Council's second in-house beer dinner featuring a six course meal with one of their beers (with the exception of the welcome beer) artfully paired with each dish prepared by guest chefs Mike Arquines of The Lab Dining Sessions, Philip Esteban of Cork & Craft, Matt Cammack of Hamilton's Tavern & South Park Brewing Co., Nate Soroko of Toronado, Tyson Blake of O'Brien's Pub, and Carolyn Ruston, Craft Beer Enthusiast & Dessert Hobbyist. Tickets are $75.
September 18, Gouda Times Beer & Cheese Pairing at The Patio on Goldfinch - The Patio on Goldfinch is continuing its tradition of offering some of the finest and most unique cheeses available, and they're upping their game by opening up their cheese cave and presenting a curated cheese flight paired with Modern Times beer. Tickets are $20 and come with three pairings.
September 18, Royal Stone Bistro’s Six Month Anniversary - The Bankers Hill bistro will celebrate its six month anniversary with pop-up specials and surprises for dinner guests throughout the week of September 15 - culminating in a festive, wine paired Central Coast Celebration Dinner on Sunday, September 18. The dinner will include six exclusive courses of Executive Chef Chase Edrington’s fare paired with varietals from Santa Barbara, Santa Maria Valley and Paso Robles courtesy of Burke Wine. This dinner is $85 and reservations can be secured by calling 619.738.8550.
September 18, San Diego Winemakers Lunch at Indigo Grill - Indigo Grill is switching things up for Sunday brunch and inviting Stehleon and Orfila Vineyards to pair their wines with 4 courses at this Winemakers’ Lunch. Learn the ins-and-outs of the winemakers creative process while enjoying a delicious afternoon, all for $59.95 per person.
September 19, Abnormal Dinner Series No. 19 at The Cork & Craft - Join The Cork and Craft and their in-house brewery Abnormal Beer Company for the 19th installment of their monthly dinner series. Enjoy an elevated multi-course dinner with carefully selected beer pairings in collaboration with Pizza Port Brewing Company and guest chef Jon Bautista from George's at the Cove. Tickets are $99.
September 20, Chicks for Beer Dinner at The High Dive with Coronado Brewing - Bay Park's The High Dive will host its latest installment of its women-only Chicks for Beer event with 5 delicious courses paired with beer from Coronado Brewing, alongside a fun social Beer 101. Tickets are $45 and will entitle you to 5+ beer samples alongside thoughtfully paired courses, as well as one beer of your choice. Proceeds benefit breast cancer awareness.
September 21, Baja Nights at Café La Rue - La Valencia Hotel invites guests to its in house bistro Café la Rue for a regional experience of great food, wine & music Baja Style on the patio in La Jolla. Renowned chefs from Bajas wine country, Martin San Roman and Ryan Steyn, join Executive Chef Alex Emery for an evening of extraordinary food paired with the wines of Torres Alegre y Familia. Tickets are $90.
September 22, BBQ, Bacon, Beer & Bourbon at Slater's 50/50 Liberty Station - Curated by Scott Slater and Chef Tony, this dinner will be all about BBQ, Bacon, Beer & Bourbon, a family style meal served with a bottle of Bourbon just chilling’ on the table waiting for you to free pour yourself into butt dialing the closest Uber driver. Tickets are $30.
September 22, Paso Robles Wine Dinner at OB Warehouse - This event will showcase notable vintages from the renowned Paso Robles area, which is known for a wide array of wines due to the region’s diverse grape varieties. Esteemed winemaker, Adam Lazarre from Lazarre Wines, will walk guests through the tastings, highlighting each significant note and each of the 5 dishes presented. Tickets are $60.
September 22, Coronado Brewing Beer Pairing Dinner at Top of the Market - Top of the Market in downtown San Diego will be pairing its fresh seafood cuisine with beers from Coronado Brewing. This event will offer guests an amuse bouche followed by 5 paired courses, including spiced curry prawns with Orange Ave Wit, grilled Spanish octopus with chorizo paired with Islander IPA and more. Tickets are $69.
September 22, Taste of the Port - Enjoy an evening on the Bay at the Port of San Diego’s Taste of the Port event at the Broadway Pier. Experience tastings from top waterfront restaurants, while watching four of San Diego’s best chefs square off in a live Top Green Chef competition. The event will highlight sustainable cooking including locally sourced ingredients and fresh fish. Enjoy live entertainment, drinks, and product demos. Tickets are $50.
September 24, San Diego Zoo Food, Wine & Brew Celebration - San Diego’s wildest tasting event returns on Saturday, September 24, with a few surprises to celebrate the zoo’s centennial year. The 36th annual San Diego Zoo Food, Wine & Brew Celebration takes over our famous zoo for an adults-only festival that allows guests to sample culinary delights and sip beverages from more than 150 San Diego area restaurants, wineries and breweries, as well as getting the chance to meet exotic animals like a cheetah, koala, and flamingo up close - all while supporting wildlife conservation around the world. Tickets start at $125.
September 24, New Belgium Tour de Fat - A traveling celebration of all things bike, New Belgium Brewing’s Tour de Fat is returning to San Diego's Golden Hill Park, offering a day of eclectic entertainment, a costumed bike ride, a gameshow, car-for-bike swap, fashion showdown, great music, and of course plenty of New Belgium beer. The event is free, yet all donations and proceeds from beer and merchandise sales will go to San Diego-area non-profits. Each beer is $5.
September 24, California Wine Tasting Seminar at Island Prime - Wine Director Maurice DiMarino is prepared to enlighten guests on all things vine-ripened and barrel-aged at Island Prime’s “OENOLOGY 101″. A wine lecturer at San Diego State University, Certified Sommelier, and overall wine guru, Maurice will drop some serious knowledge on the Golden State’s wine regions, as he takes diners on a journey swirling, sniffing, and sipping your way through 10 unique California wines. Guests will also be treated to a selection of mouthwatering hors d’oeuvres following the class. Tickets are $40.
September 24 & 25, Oceanside Harbor Days - The Oceanside Chamber of Commerce along with Tri-City Medical Center and Genentech will present Oceanside Harbor Days at the Oceanside Harbor, featuring arts and craft exhibits, great food and fun activities for the entire family. Harbor Days is free to the public.
September 24&25, Adams Avenue Street Fair - This is Southern California’s largest free-to-attend, two-day music festival, held each year during the last weekend in September in the community of Normal Heights. The event features beer gardens and beer tastings, giant carnival rides, festival foods, more than 350 arts and crafts booths, and over 90 musical acts on seven stages.
September 24&25, Pacific Islander Festival - Taking place at Ski Beach, this annual event pays homage to the Pacific Islander and Polynesian culture and history with tons of musical and dance performances, food vendors, a Miss Pacific Islander, and so much more. Nearly 80,000 people come to San Diego from all over the world to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Pacific Islander people of Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia. It is one of the largest gatherings of its kind on the continent and is free to attend.
September 25, Carnitas' Snack Shack Beer Brunch at Thorn Street Brewery - Enjoy a 7 course brunch buffet from the culinary wizards at Carnitas' Snack Shack. Pork will be front and center, so come ready to consume some meat. Tickets are only $35 for the all you can eat at the brunch buffet and two Thorn Street Brewery beers.
September 25, Riley Chandler's Pop-Up Dinner Tour - This nationwide traveling pop-up dinner tour is the brainchild of two James Beard award winning chefs - Arizona natives Riley Chandler and James Piazza, who are both well versed in an array of elegant cooking techniques that are sure to impress even the harshest critic. At this event, you will be greeted and introduced to the food tableside by the Chefs themselves, then guests will dine at a large 30 top table with five chef selected special courses each thoughtfully paired with a different wine. The location will be emailed to attendees 48 hours prior to event. Tickets start at $100.
September 25, Toronado's Monthly Beer Brunch - North Park's craft beer mecca is featuring female chefs for this month's installment of its popular beer brunch. Upon publishing this article, details have still not been released, but we will be sure to update when tickets go on sale.
September 25-October 2, San Diego Restaurant Week - The most delicious week of the year returns to America's Finest City this September. San Diego Restaurant Week will celebrate local dining by partnering with over 180 participating restaurants who will showcase their top dishes on lunch and dinner multi-course, prix-fixe menus. This is not a ticketed event. Peruse the list of participating restaurants and make your reservations - that simple!
September 26, Tasting Room Del Mar's Inaugural Beer Dinner with Societe - Del Mar's newest hotspot will host its first craft beer dinner on the patio, featuring a five-course tasting dinner paired with a selection of beers from Societe Brewing Company. The evening will begin with introductions and a welcome pour of The Heiress, Societe's Czech-Pilsner style. Tickets are $65, and less than 30 are available.
September 26&27, Cabrillo Festival - Journey back to September 28, 1542 when Cabrillo, a Portuguese navigator sailing under the flag of Spain, landed at San Diego. Stepping ashore on Ballast Point, he was the first European to land on the west coast of what is now the United States of America. The Cabrillo Festival is a free-to-attend event for the entire family, with educational activities, cultural demonstrations, exciting folkloric performances, brightly colored clothing, music and dancing, food booths with delicious traditional Mexican, Native American, Portuguese and Spanish food, and more. The highlight of the Cabrillo Festival is the re-enactment of Cabrillo’s landing on the shores of San Diego Bay.
September 28-October 2, San Diego International Film Festival - The San Diego International Film Festival has announced that it will return to America's Finest City for its 15th straight year. Produced by the San Diego Film Foundation, the five-day event will feature 100+ independent films, studio premieres, panels with celebrities and industry insiders, red carpet events, parties, all-star tributes and filmmaker awards. In addition to offering promo code SDVILLE for 20% savings on any festival ticket, we are also raffling off 2 Festival Passes (a $550 value).
September 28, Modern Luxury To Dine For - Modern Luxury Magazine will host its 7th annual To Dine For event, featuring top interior designers and home décor showrooms paired with notable San Diego chefs who will collaborate together on a shared vision and unique culinary theme. Tickets are $40 and the event takes place at Alexandria at Torrey Pines' Farmer & The Seahorse.
September 29-October 2, Fashion Week San Diego - Fashion Week San Diego is a traditional fashion week, bringing new designers from around the world to showcase their never seen before collections on the FWSD Runway. This year the event is featuring 26 very talented and dynamic labels/brands on the catwalk in La Jolla. Tickets range from $15-350.
September 30-October 2, La Mesa Oktoberfest - La Mesa will host its 43rd annual Oktoberfest street festival on the last weekend of the month, featuring beer, wine, traditional German food, live music, entertainment, games, and so much more at this free-to-attend event.
In addition to all these fun & tasty happenings, there is also an eclectic lineup of concerts (in addition to highly anticipated KAABOO Del Mar) taking place in San Diego, including an appearance by Huey Lewis and the News, The Wailers, YES, Counting Crows, Atmosphere, Dolly Parton, and more. We are also giving away tickets to many of the events listed above - just check our Giveaways page to learn more. As usual, we will be updating this post throughout the month as additional events are scheduled, so be sure to check back!
