{"id":251567,"date":"2025-09-24T17:17:12","date_gmt":"2025-09-24T17:17:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/251567\/"},"modified":"2025-09-24T17:17:12","modified_gmt":"2025-09-24T17:17:12","slug":"16-things-to-do-in-san-diego-this-weekend-september-23-29","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/251567\/","title":{"rendered":"16 Things to Do in San Diego This Weekend: September 23-29"},"content":{"rendered":"

Fall has officially arrived and while some may be mourning the end of summer, the city is ensuring you have plenty of ways to get out and about and enjoy the new season<\/a>. The menu for this weekend includes a pair of eco-friendly festivals at the second annual Wasted event and the inaugural San Diego Sustainable Food Festival. <\/p>\n

And, if \u201cf\u00fatbol is life!\u201d for you, check out the upcoming home matches for San Diego FC<\/a> and Wave FC, as well as the three-day Cultura FC event, an aesthetic showcase centered on the world\u2019s most popular sport. Plus, music fans<\/a> can hear performances by The Head and The Heart along with Billy Idol and Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, go the rave route at CRSSD Fall Fest or attend a sing-along screening of The Sound of Music. Here are all the best things to do in San Diego this weekend.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Food & Drink<\/a> | Concerts & Festivals<\/a> | Theater & Art Exhibits<\/a> | More Fun Things to Do<\/a><\/p>\n

\"FunCourtesy of Kitchens for Good<\/p>\n

Food & Drink Events in San Diego This Weekend<\/p>\n

San Diego Sustainable Food Festival<\/p>\n

September 27<\/p>\n

Enjoy eco-friendly fare from dozens of sustainable food, craft and service vendors during Sea Shepherd\u2019s first-ever San Diego Sustainable Food Festival<\/a> this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Balboa Park. Admission is free for all (including dogs) and there will be live music, panel discussions, chef demos, kids activities and a range of food and drink samples, crafted with seasonal ingredients, to savor. Move with Love will also be leading several donation-based wellness classes<\/a>, including restorative yoga, breathwork and herbalism sessions. RSVP here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Balboa Park Boulevard and Presidents Way Lawn, Balboa Park<\/p>\n

San Diego Spirits Festival<\/p>\n

September 27 & 28<\/p>\n

Sip your favorite high-end spirits, including top-shelf selections of cognac, rum, tequila and whiskey, during the 16th annual San Diego Spirits Festival<\/a> at the Museum of Contemporary Art, San Diego. This spirited cocktail celebration is all-inclusive with a loaded mixology menu plus Mediterranean, Italian and scrumptious seafood eats. As for the live entertainment, expect music from DJ Mike, Crystal Star, George Pajon Jr. and Andrew Cole, plus flamenco, samba and belly dance performances. Tickets are $90<\/a> for Saturday (1-5 p.m.) and $80 for Sunday (2-6 p.m.).\u00a0<\/p>\n

700 Prospect Street, La Jolla<\/p>\n

Wasted: Save the Food Festival<\/p>\n

September 28<\/p>\n

Similar to the saying that one man\u2019s trash is another man\u2019s treasure, Wasted<\/a> proposes that one\u2019s food scraps can be used to create another\u2019s five-star meal. This Sunday at 11 a.m. at The Soap Factory, over 20 chefs will use surplus ingredients to create delicious bites in an attempt to combat food waste<\/a>. There will also be mocktails, sustainable food presentations and live music by Axiom as the culinary minds compete for the best sustainable dish. General admission<\/a> is $29, entry for youth ages 3-17 is $9 and kids ages 3 and under can attend for free; event proceeds will go towards local food waste nonprofit Kitchens for Good<\/a>.<\/p>\n

2995 Commercial Street, Logan Heights<\/p>\n

Taste of College Area<\/p>\n

September 28<\/p>\n

Though the college diet still consists of low-budget staples like Pop-Tarts and sad cups of ramen, students nowadays have options aplenty when finding their next meal. See for yourself during the Taste of College Area<\/a>, a tour of over 20 of the best eateries in the College Area, Rolando and the outskirts of San Diego State University this Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Participants can stroll, bike or ride complimentary Old Town Trolleys to get around the tasting tour. Tickets for general admission<\/a> are $44, while 21+ VIPs ($54) get 4 exclusive drink stops as well as a commemorative shot glass while supplies last; ticket prices will raise $5 the day of.<\/p>\n

College Area & Rolando<\/p>\n

\"FunCourtesy of Billy Idol<\/p>\n

Concerts & Festivals in San Diego This Weekend<\/p>\n

Billy Idol w\/ Joan Jett & the Blackhearts at North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

September 23<\/p>\n

If you love rock n\u2019 roll, then you won\u2019t want to miss a performance from two punk pioneers Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. at North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre<\/a>. As the frontman of Generation X and the artist behind \u201980s MTV phenomena like \u201cWhite Wedding\u201d and \u201cRebel Yell,\u201d Billy Idol<\/a> is a certified pop punk icon. Now with the release of Dream Into It, his first album in 11 years, Idol has declared It\u2019s A Nice Day To\u2026Tour Again. Joining him on the bill is Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, hard rock heroes led by the \u201cGodmother of Punk\u201d herself. Tickets start at $25<\/a>.<\/p>\n

2050 Entertainment Circle, Chula Vista<\/p>\n

CRSSD Fest Fall 2025<\/p>\n

September 27-28<\/p>\n

As FINGRS CRSSD continues celebrating 10 years of EDM festivals by the bay, fans of house, techno and electropop<\/a> can rave all weekend at the fall edition of CRSSD Fest 2025<\/a>. Across three stages at Waterfront Park this Saturday and Sunday, there will be can\u2019t-miss performances from hitmakers like Caribou, Darkside, John Summit and Empire of the Sun. For your late-night fix, dance on over to clubs like Rich\u2019s, Spin or The Rail for the festival\u2019s lineup of downtown After Dark parties <\/a>Friday-Sunday. Festival passes are sold out but can still be purchased, starting at $261<\/a>, through CRSSD\u2019s ticket exchange platform.<\/p>\n

1600 Pacific Highway, Embarcadero<\/p>\n

Encinitas Oktoberfest & Artisan Faire<\/p>\n

September 28<\/p>\n

Raise your steins high for the return of the Encinitas Oktoberfest & Artisan Faire<\/a> this Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. This annual event from the Encinitas Chamber of Commerce will welcome over 130 artisan vendors, plus Bavarian cuisine, dance troupes and bands along with plenty of German (and local) beer.<\/a> There will also be family-friendly activities<\/a> such as face painting and a dog costume contest. Admission is free and festivalgoers can also take advantage of the complimentary shuttle service from Flora Elementary and bike valet at Wandering Road.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Mountain Vista Drive (off El Camino Real between Wandering & Rambling Roads), Encinitas<\/p>\n

The Head And The Heart at Gallagher Square<\/p>\n

September 29<\/p>\n

Following the self-release of their debut in 2009, The Head and the Heart<\/a> rode a groundswell of local support to overnight success, leading to a deal with Sub Pop, a platinum album certification and the ballad \u201cRivers and Roads<\/a>\u201d becoming an inescapable presence on network TV. The Head and the Heart\u2019s most recent release is Aperture, an introspective effort which also marks their first self-produced project. The band will headline an evening of folk rock Monday night (6:30 p.m.) at Gallagher Square featuring the dreamy sounds of John Vincent III and the retro stylings of Tyler Ballgame. Tickets start at $55<\/a> for this concert.<\/p>\n

899 J Street, Downtown<\/p>\n

\"FunCourtesy of Sparks Gallery<\/p>\n

Theater & Art Exhibits in San Diego This Weekend<\/p>\n

San Diego\u2019s Lost Neighborhoods at San Diego History Center<\/p>\n

Opening September 25<\/p>\n

Venture into the city\u2019s forgotten communities via augmented reality, archival elements, period photography and personal narratives through San Diego\u2019s Lost Neighborhoods<\/a>, opening with a reception Thursday from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at San Diego History Center. Created alongside the San Diego African American Museum of Fine Art, this immersive exhibition explores the daily lives and cultural resilience of residents in displaced communities adversely impacted by redlining and freeway construction. Tickets for this reception are $10 and can be purchased here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

1649 El Prado, Balboa Park<\/p>\n

Black & White Art Party at Sparks Gallery<\/p>\n

September 26<\/p>\n

Spend a swanky evening at Sparks Gallery<\/a> Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. during its Black & White Art Party<\/a>. Show up in \u201cSan Diego Dressy\u201d attire, or your best black and white threads, and enjoy monochromatic art, live jazz, local artist showcases and a luxury raffle during this elegant affair. Patrons can also enjoy a themed spread from San Diego Wine & Culinary Center that includes black and white tacos as well as a black and white dessert bar. Tickets are $99<\/a> per person and come with the chance to support one four local nonprofits with your purchase.\u00a0<\/p>\n

530 6th Avenue, Gaslamp<\/p>\n

Kimberly Akimbo at Scripps Ranch Theatre<\/p>\n

September 26 \u2013 October 19<\/p>\n

Over two decades, David Lindsay-Abaire\u2019s dark comedy Kimberly Akimbo<\/a> evolved from a respectable Off-Broadway play to a smash-hit musical with five Tony Award wins<\/a>. But in both iterations of Kimberly Akimbo, the sincere story of an ambitious 16-year-old suffering from a rapid aging disease embraces shooting for the stars in spite of the odds. Local theatergoers can see a new adaptation of the original play, directed by Pacific Beach native Ted Leib, at the Scripps Ranch Theatre. Tickets range from $27 to $38<\/a> for Friday\u2019s preview performance (7:30 p.m.) and $30 to $52 for Saturday\u2019s opening night (7:30 p.m.) and all following performances.\u00a0<\/p>\n

9783 Avenue of Nations, Scripps Ranch<\/p>\n

\"FunCourtesy of San Diego Padres<\/p>\n

More Fun Things To Do in San Diego This Weekend<\/p>\n

Cultura FC at The Soap Factory<\/p>\n

September 25-27<\/p>\n

The Soap Factory will host an international gathering of f\u00fatbol lovers<\/a> over three days at Cultura FC<\/a>. The centerpiece event will be the Cultura FC Conference Friday from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. with several football fashion presentations spanning community, culture and design. Bookending the convention will be two free events: a welcome party Thursday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. that includes a panna cage soccer tournament, a lowrider show and tequila tastings, along with Saturday\u2019s f\u00fatbol caf\u00e9 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with an international football kit shop, a pop-up 3v3 pitch and art installations. Registration is $242<\/a> for professionals and $103 for students.\u00a0<\/p>\n

2995 Commercial Street, Logan Heights<\/p>\n

Conner O\u2019Malley at The Magnolia<\/p>\n

September 26<\/p>\n

Eccentric only begins to describe Conner O\u2019Malley\u2019s chaotic comedy style, occupied by deranged characters, absurdist premises and internet-brained humor. O\u2019Malley\u2019s impressive output in the alternative comedy scene spans from his time writing for Late Night with Seth Meyers to his 2024 special Stand Up Solutions<\/a>, a chaotic satirization of our increasingly tech-induced world. This Friday at 6 p.m., The Magnolia<\/a> will open its doors for O\u2019Malley\u2019s ongoing Comedic Humor Tour. Tickets start at $25<\/a> for this stand-up show.<\/p>\n

210 East Main Street, El Cajon<\/p>\n

The Sound of Music Sing-A-Long at the Civic Theatre<\/p>\n

September 26<\/p>\n

To commemorate its 60th anniversary, the Civic Theatre is throwing a sing-along screening of The Sound of Music<\/a>, also turning 60 in 2025, this Friday at 7 p.m. This resplendent movie musical \u2014 originated from the duo of Rodgers & Hammerstein \u2014 is inspired by the Trapp Family Singers, and all these years later the hills are still alive with the sound of Julie Andrews\u2019 four octave range<\/a>. Audience members are encouraged to dress in costume and take part in pre-screening trivia, plus they\u2019ll receive a complimentary tote with surprise interactive items. Tickets range from $31 to $79<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

1100 Third Avenue, Gaslamp<\/p>\n

Soccer Doubleheader at Snapdragon Stadium\u00a0<\/p>\n

September 26 & 27<\/p>\n

San Diego\u2019s pro soccer squads head home to Snapdragon Stadium this weekend with playoff aspirations front of mind. Friday at 7:30 p.m., Wave FC will take on the Orlando Pride as they try to notch their first win since mid-August, with the team also hosting cultural performances for its Noche Latina celebration; tickets start at $20<\/a>. Then Saturday at 7:30 p.m., San Diego FC will host its final home match of the regular season against the San Jose Earthquakes<\/a> during Fan Appreciation Night, with the first 30,000 fans set to receive a free SDFC hat; tickets start at $31.<\/a><\/p>\n

2101 Stadium Way, Mission Valley<\/p>\n

PARTNER CONTENT<\/p>\n


\n \"Guide
\n Guide to Aging Well 2025
\n <\/a><\/p>\n


\n \"Refresh,
\n Refresh, Revamp, Recieve a Lot of Compliments
\n <\/a><\/p>\n

San Diego Padres vs. Arizona Diamondbacks at Petco Park<\/p>\n

September 26-28<\/p>\n

With a second straight postseason appearance clinched in dramatic fashion<\/a>, the Padres are making one final push for their first NL West crown since 2006. Due to their 2 \u00bd game deficit with 5 games left to play, the Friars will likely have to settle for a Wild Card spot, but a strong week can only strengthen their World Series hopes. Following their series against the Milwaukee Brewers, San Diego will conclude the regular season at Petco Park with three games against the Arizona Diamondbacks<\/a>, who are looking for a last-minute path into the playoffs. Tickets start at $31<\/a> for this series.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

100 Park Boulevard, Downtown<\/p>\n

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