Yeah, we’re not giving you the “end of summer” line other folks might around this time of year.
And not just in the romantic, “Endless Summer” way, either. Even if we’re over last week’s heat spell, live around here long enough and you know that September is more of a second summer.
All that said, it is a holiday weekend, with no shortage of things to do.
Friday, Sept. 4
AADF Collaborative Residency Showcase: The Asian American Dance Festival resumes with this event spotlighting the work of its 2026 collaborative residency cohort at the Light Box Theater at Liberty Station (2590 Truxtun Road #205) at 7 p.m.
Barona Powwow: The 54th edition of the Barona Band of Mission Indians’ annual celebration begins at 6 p.m. with a gourd dancing performance at the Barona Indian Reservation in Lakeside (1095 Barona Road).
Organizers say hundreds of dancers from around the country are expected to perform during the celebration, which runs through Sunday evening and also includes a 5K fun run on Saturday morning. There’s no cost to attend or park at the event.
First Friday Art Walk Oceanside: This free event showcasing the city’s Cultural Arts District ends its 13th season at the Oceanside Civic Center Library Plaza (330 North Coast Hwy.) at 5 p.m., with more than 60 artists and live music on tap.
Margaritaville Hotel Day of Service: The Buffett Beach Band will headline this fundraising concert at the Gaslamp Quarter hotel (435 Sixth Ave.) from 5-9 p.m., with proceeds benefitting the San Diego Music Foundation. The event will feature a silent auction and “interactive experiences” themed to the hotel chain’s founder and inspiration, the late Jimmy Buffett. Admission is free, but organizers ask that you RSVP online.
Stroll The Boulevard: This quarterly event spotlighting businesses around 30th Street and El Cajon Boulevard returns from 5-8 p.m., with many vendors setting up tables between Utah and Kansas streets as well as live music and a raffle for a gift card for use at a local business.
Saturday, Sept. 5
Alt Pride: Hosted by Loud & Queer zine, this event from 6-10 p.m. at Mixed Grounds coffee shop in North Park (4555 30th St.) is a fundraiser for both a local community member and the Queer Liberation Network. The evening will include live music by the MG Green Band as well as live drag performances.
Organizers have suggested donating between $10 and $50 for admission (plus fees), but do note that “no one will be turned away for lack of funds.” There are also $60 VIP tables available which include three seats at a private table, and free offerings from the vendors and designers who will be on hand for the event.
Anime San Diego: Organizers say that more than 50 celebrity guests, including voice-acting icons like Dante Basco (“Hook,” “Avatar: The Last Airbender”) and Grey DeLisle (“Scooby-Doo,” “Batman: The Animated Series”) as well as hundreds of vendors will be on hand for visitors to enjoy for this first-year event at the San Diego Convention Center, running through Sunday. The event will feature a free arcade, a car show, a maid cafe and more. General admission tickets run just over $40 for a one-day pass, or $56.70 for the whole weekend.
North Park Book and Community Fair: Speaking of new events, Verbatim Books (3793 30th St.) will begin a new monthly series. This month’s installment, “Crafted by Hand,” will feature interactive displays as well as local craft vendors on North Park Way between 29th St. and Ray St. from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
San Diego 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb: This fundraiser at the Hilton Bayfront hotel downtown (1 Park Blvd.) benefits Firefighter Aid, a non-profit that to date has raised almost $2 million in helping current and retired firefighters and their families when they’re in need. The event also honors the hundreds of first responders who died during the 9/11 attacks of 2001.
The event runs from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Attendance is free for spectators, but taking part in the 110-flight climb requires a registration fee.
Sunday, Sept. 6
Passport to Diplomacy: The San Diego World Affairs Council teams up with the San Diego Diplomacy Council and the House of Pacific Relations International Cottages for this free event at the Cottages in Balboa Park (2191 Pan American Road W.) from 1-5 p.m. offering visitors not just the chance to visit the venue but an opportunity to chat with diplomats and enter a drawing for a $500 gift card covering airfare.
Monday, Sept. 7
San Diego International Summer Organ Festival: The summerlong Monday night festival closes its 38th season at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion (1549 El Prado) with a free show from ORGAN-ISM, the venue’s house band performing classic rock covers – you can check their repertoire out here – with the mammoth organ as part of the fun. The show runs from 7:30-9 p.m.
