Summer is coming to a close, and San Diego is kicking into high gear. From September 12th through the 14th, the city will be transformed into a party oasis, featuring a diverse range of top-shelf events to cater to every taste. This guidebook aims to enlighten you on the city’s most affluent celebrations, providing all the details necessary to organize a world-class weekend. Those who want to experience these events in unprecedented luxury and refinement will find our skillfully chosen collection of luxury rentals, which offer an elite way of transportation for any occasion.
Signature Citywide Celebrations
These are the traditional things to do San Diego this weekend activities that attract huge crowds and set the tone for the weekend.
San Diego Padres vs. Colorado Rockies
A home game at Petco Park is the quintessential San Diego experience. The three-game series offers the chance to get swept up in the city’s baseball fever culture. The electric atmosphere and stunning view of the city skyline make each game one that’s not just a sporting occasion; it’s a community occasion. For a worry-free experience in the city center, we recommend our sedan car rental package, perfect for riding in style and parking well.
- Date: September 12-14, 2025
- Time: Fri & Sat: 6:40 PM, Sun: 5:40 PM
- Location: Petco Park, San Diego, CA
- Ticket Price: Tickets start from $32.20, including fees (before taxes). San Diego Padres vs. Colorado Rockies Tickets Sep 13, 2025 San Diego, CA | Ticketmaster
- Tip: Enjoy pre-game or tailgating lunching in the Gaslamp Quarter before the action of a major league baseball game.
San Diego Bayfair
San Diego Bayfair is a racing and exhibition event held at Mission Bay. It is an annual festival celebrating the thrill of powerboat racing and the cheerful community spirit. The public can see the world’s fastest hydroplanes compete in a party atmosphere, complete with live music and several exhibits. It is one event that guarantees high-octane fun for everyone.
- Date: September 12-14, 2025
- Duration: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Daily)
- Location: Mission Bay, San Diego, CA
- Price: Three-day Super Pass: $68. Single-day general admission tickets: $28 for Friday and $38 for Saturday and Sunday. Home – San Diego Bayfair Presented by Samson Ropes
- Tip: Stand close to the pit locations to see the boats and crews clearly, and choose an ideal beach spot to watch the races.
San Diego Restaurant Week
This highly anticipated food festival transforms the entire city into a paradise for foodies. There are more than one hundred restaurants that take part. They present specially designed, multi-course meals at a fixed price. It is a once-a-year chance to experience the extensive number of San Diego institutions, from casual bistro fare to fine dining restaurants. This is done on Sunday, an excellent conclusion to your weekend activities.
- Date: Begins September 14th, 2025
- Time: Time varies depending on the restaurant.
- Location: Citywide.
- Ticket Price: Multi-course menus starting at $30. San Diego Restaurant Week
- Tip: Plan and take advantage of this time to eat at restaurants that you have not yet tried.
SeaWorld’s Howl-O-Scream Opening Weekend
For the thrill-seeker looking for an adrenaline-filled night, the opening weekend of SeaWorld’s Howl-O-Scream is an event unto itself. The park has been completely transformed into haunted house mazes, scare zones, and themed entertainment. It is a high-adrenaline experience for thrill-seekers looking for a mix of Halloween scares and limited roller coasters.
- Date: September 12th, 2025
- Time: 7:00 PM to closing.
- Location: SeaWorld, San Diego, CA
- Ticket Price: Single-night tickets starting at $66.99. Purchase Howl-O-Scream Tickets & Packages | SeaWorld Orlando
- Recommendation: Get ready for an evening of thrills and suspense by riding the park’s attractions in the evening and walking through themed lands.
Community Favorites & Widely Renowned
These experiences are institutions within their communities, producing great and legendary moments that maintain San Diego’s strong cultural heritage.
Sycuan Pow Wow
This cultural celebration is a rich and lovely celebration of Native American culture. The pow wow is made up of dancers, singers, and artisans from different nations coming together to enjoy a weekend of tradition and camaraderie. Sycuan Pow Wow is made up of high-energy drumming, singing, and lovely regalia, providing an enriching experience for anyone to come and enjoy.
- Date: September 12-14, 2025
- Time: Fri: 4:00 PM (Dancer registration), Sat: 9:00 AM, Sun: 10:00 AM
- Location: Sycuan Tribal Grounds, El Cajon, CA
- Ticket Price: All are invited, and it is free. Sycuan Pow Wow 2025 – Pow Wow Calendar
- Tip: Observe the Grand Entry ceremony, a vibrant celebration of community, and see the handmade craft items for sale.
San Diego Wave FC Home Match
Join San Diego’s women’s pro soccer team’s exciting fan base at Snapdragon Stadium. A Wave FC game is a show of world-class athleticism and a sign that the sport is gaining in popularity. The energy is always high, giving sports fans an exciting experience. Group travel is convenient with our SUVs, offering plenty of room for a comfortable drive to the stadium.
- Date: September 12th, 2025
- Time: 7:00 PM
- Location: Snapdragon Stadium, San Diego, CA
- Ticket Price: Tickets start from $20.00. San Diego Wave FC vs. NJ/NY Gotham FC Tickets Sep 12, 2025 San Diego, CA | Ticketmaster
- Tip: Arrive early to enjoy the pre-game party and get energized by the electric atmosphere of the crazy fans.
Things to do San Diego this Weekend Pablo Cruise at Belly Up Tavern
For retro rock and pop enthusiasts, a night concert by legendary band Pablo Cruise at Belly Up Tavern should not be overlooked. The setting of the venue offers a warm setting for an evening of soulful vocalists and time-tested hits. It is a fitting selection for an upscale and fun evening out.
- Date: September 14th, 2025
- Time: 8:00 PM (Doors at 7:00 PM)
- Location: Belly Up Tavern, Solana Beach, CA
- Ticket Price: General Admission from $40 in advance and $43 on the day of the show. Reserved Loft tickets from $70. Tickets for Pablo Cruise | TicketWeb – Belly Up in Solana Beach, US
- Tip: Buy your tickets in advance and get ready to enjoy a live performance by your favorite musical band.
Billy Nation at Belly Up Tavern
Billy Nation is a fantastic tribute to Billy Joel’s rock repertoire. The show guarantees an electrifying evening that, in proper form, mimics the music and the essence of the “Piano Man’s” best work. It’s the ideal evening for fans of classic rock and an electrifying live show.
- Date: September 12th, 2025
- Time: 9:00 PM
- Location: Belly Up Tavern, Solana Beach, CA
- Ticket Price: General Admission from $22 in advance and $25 on the day of the show. Reserved Loft tickets from $39. Tickets for Billy Nation, The Police Academy | TicketWeb – Belly Up in Solana Beach, US
- Recommendation: Experience the timelessness of Billy Joel’s music at one of the region’s premier venues.
Little Italy Mercato
Much better than a bazaar, the Little Italy Mercato is a Saturday morning tradition. The street market fills two city blocks and contains a fantastic assortment of fresh produce and vegetables, homemade items, and specialty foods from local vendors. It’s a pleasant outing for someone who appreciates community and quality products. Our small luxury car is a great city car, perfect for parking and your morning commute.
- Date: September 13th, 2025
- Time: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Location: West Date Street, Little Italy, San Diego, CA
- Ticket Price: Admission is free. Little Italy Mercato (Saturdays & Wednesdays) / Little Italy San Diego
- Recommendation: Take it easy and stroll through the vast array, sampling the ready-to-eat options provided by the many vendors.
Local Favorites
They are popular neighborhood festivals, offering genuine San Diego experiences on a smaller scale.
Hillcrest Farmers Market
One of the neighborhood institutions, the Hillcrest Farmers Market, is a colorful and lively beginning to your Sunday. It’s renowned for its incredible array of fresh organic produce, fruits, and vegetables, as well as baked items and neighborhood artisanal goods. It’s the perfect spot for someone who wants to be surrounded by the neighborhood atmosphere of one of San Diego’s hippest neighborhoods.
- Date: September 14th, 2025
- Time: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Location: 3960 Normal St, San Diego, CA
- Ticket Price: Free admission. Hillcrest Farmers Market
- Suggestion: Come with an open mind and a reusable bag to discover the numerous choices and assist the local merchants.
Gaslamp Artisan Market
This weekend market complements the historic atmosphere of the Gaslamp Quarter. It is a well-curated array of local artists, artisans, and vendors selling unique, handmade items. It is the ideal place in which to discover that lovely one-of-a-kind keepsake or to stroll around San Diego’s vibrant downtown.
- Date: September 13-14, 2025
- Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Daily)
- Location: Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego, CA
- Ticket Price: Free. Gaslamp Quarter ⋆ Artisan Market
- Recommendation: Take the time to get acquainted with the artists and witness the design process firsthand while eating at the local restaurants and shopping at the local stores.
The Shop Presents: Soul Sunday
For a soulful and beautiful Sunday afternoon, don’t miss going to the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego for Soul Sunday. There is a live music performance of neo soul, funk, and jazz by local artists. It’s an excellent opportunity to enjoy live music in a creative and artsy setting.
- Date: September 14th, 2025
- Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
- Location: Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, La Jolla, CA
- Ticket Price: Free admission as part of Free Second Sunday. Reflections: Art Workshops | 55+ | MCASD Events
- We highly recommend reserving early and being prepared to spend an afternoon enjoying music and art.
Sinatra
This live tribute concert is the essence of an evening out in style. It’s a tribute to the legendary Frank Sinatra by performing his signature songs. The setting of the show is old-school cool and the perfect option for those who love the style and music of yesteryears.
- Date: September 14, 2025
- Time: 7:00 PM.
- Location: Various venues; check local listings.
- Ticket Price: Varies with venue and production. Sinatra Live! Starring Michael Sinatra Tickets Sep 14, 2025 Las Vegas, NV | Ticketmaster
- Recommendation: The show is ideal for date night or a night out. The event is a must-experience, with the option of limo rental to make it truly memorable.
Play Day
Play Day is a wonderful family experience at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego. It is a free, interactive day of fantasy exploration with activities, tours, and stories that will engage children and adults. It is an educational and inspirational stop for families to engage with art.
- Date: September 14th, 2025
- Time: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Location: Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, La Jolla, CA
- Ticket Price: Admission is free. Play Day | Sep 14, 2025 | San Diego, CA Events
- Recommendation: Incorporate various art activities to create a fun and interactive learning day through play.
Vegan Food Pop-up
North Park Vegan Food Pop-up is a highly visited food event that attracts both children and adults. The pop-up features over sixty vendors offering a variety of tasty plant-based food, ranging from street food to desserts. It is a vibrant community celebration of San Diego’s progressive food scene.
- Date: September 13th, 2025
- Time: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
- Location: North Park Mini Park, San Diego, CA
- Ticket Price: No admission fee. Vegan Food Pop Up-North Park , 3812 29th St San Diego , 13 September 2025 | AllEvents
- Tip: Come hungry to try an incredible variety of tastes and find new favorite vendors.
Conclusion
This weekend is packed with a full agenda of activities, each offering a unique flavor of San Diego’s vibrant personality. Your experience is as smooth as it is memorable. From a roomy SUV for a family day to a luxury limo rental for an evening out in style, our services are designed to maximize your experience. We want you to savor San Diego’s best with the luxury and comfort you deserve.
