Now that it’s not quite as soggy and muggy outside, it’s a perfect time to go out for a walk – and you’re not going to be hurting for opportunities this weekend.
With nine things to do on Saturday alone, including one of Normal Heights’ signature events, and foodie gatherings in two neighborhoods and a music festival in La Jolla, there’s no fall letdown in sight.
Friday, Sept. 18
Sip, Snip & Zine Night: The Bonita Museum (4355 Bonita Road) kicks off its weekend slate with this free event from 5-8 p.m. focusing on “zine-making, music, coffee & community,” as visitors will get to learn how to build their own zines – no problem if you don’t have your own supplies; the museum will have some on hand, as well as brews from Suerte Coffee to keep you perked up.
“Visiones Nocturnas” Preview Party: Speaking of museums, the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego in La Jolla (700 Prospect St.) raises the curtain from 6-10 p.m. on this exhibition, subtitled “Queer Nightlife in Contemporary Art,” which will run through January 2027.
Spotlighting artists from across Latin America, the exhibit, which opens on Saturday with free admission to the public, will show a variety of public spaces as “critical sites of queer joy, collectivity, and possibility.” While admission on Saturday is free from 11 a.m to 7 p.m., tickets to the preview party cost $40.
Saturday, Sept. 19
Adams Avenue Street Fair: Grab the sunscreen and get ready for a crowd of around 50,000 people walking up and down Normal Heights for this free two-day music festival with six stages and three beer gardens stretching from 32nd to 38th Streets.
There’s 75 musical acts slated for the event this year; you can find a lineup for each stage with approximate set times here. And while you can walk into the mass of humanity for free, getting into one of the beer gardens costs $21 each day.
ArtWalk Carlsbad: The latest event from ArtWalk San Diego will unfold at the intersection of Armada Drive and Fleet Street _ organizers recommend using 5790 Armada Drive as your destination in navigation apps – from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
More than 150 artists across a variety of mediums are expected to have work on display and for sale for visitors, along with live music, an all-ages KidsWalk area and food vendors on hand. Admission is free both days.
BirdStock Music Festival: Not to be outdone, this neighborhood in La Jolla is set to put on the fifth edition of its own community blowout. Five stages of music plus a DJ booth, food and beverage stands and artisans will spread out over the 5500 to 5700 blocks of La Jolla Boulevard from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Admission is free.
Indigenous Artisan Market: The San Diego Archaeological Center in Escondido (16666 San Pasqual Valley Road) hosts this free event for visitors to “celebrate the creativity, craftsmanship, and living traditions of Indigenous artists” by meeting local artists and learning about the history informing their work from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Latino Lawn Program: As part of Hispanic Heritage Month, the House of Pacific Relations International Cottages at Balboa Park (2172 Pan American E. Road) will celebrate not just Mexico but music, dance and food from other Latin American countries from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at this free event.
SoCal Kpop Anime Fest: If you’re over 40 and confused by this listing, don’t be alarmed; this free event at the Avo Playhouse in Vista (303 Main St.) is a celebration of Korean pop music, Japanese animation and cosplay with both local and specialty vendors on hand from 3-9 p.m.
Surf Lounge Festival: The Soap Factory in Barrio Logan (2995 Commercial St.) hosts this showcase featuring performances by five bands and five DJs as well as food and vendors from 2-10 p.m. Tickets cost $50.
Taste of Bonita: Back at the Bonita Museum, this event hosted by the Bonita Historical Society will raise funds for educational programs while spotlighting local eateries and businesses. Admission costs $55 for visitors ages 13 and over, and $20 for kids ages 5-12.
Taste of South Park: Maybe the foodiest neighborhood in town will have a lot of food on hand from 12-4 p.m., promising “20 tastes from local restaurants” with your $50 admission, as well as a free trolley for getting around the area. Organizers ask attendees to check in at Ivy Street Coworking (2986 Ivy St.)
Sunday, Sept. 20
Back 2 Ghoul: This is a gaming event for a good cause; the Ladies of D&D San Diego will host an all-day adventure in the Bayview Room at the Marina Village Conference Center (1936 Quivira Way) from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. with proceeds benefitting the Goblin Guild, a non-profit that reaches out to tweens and teens with Dungeons & Dragons as a way to build up their confidence and ability to work in teams.
This game will put players in the middle of a field trip gone wrong, and organizers say that means – since the choices made at every table will affect how the game unfolds – “every player matters. Every roll matters.” Tickets start at $20 for visitors who may want to enjoy the event without committing to the game.
Bunnyfest 2026: The San Diego House Rabbit Society, a non-profit group dedicated to rescuing rabbits around the county and preparing them for adoption, will host this fundraiser at Liberty Station (2705 Cushing Road) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Organizers say that come rain or shine, visitors can enjoy a bunny photo booth, educational presentations and both online and in-person silent auctions on tap.
Tickets run from $5 for general admission to $38 for a package covering not only your ticket but a special swag bag. Please note: if you want to bring your own house rabbit to the event, you will be asked to provide proof that they are currently vaccinated against Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus-2 (RHDV2).
