Upcoming Festivals in San Diego: August to November 2026
Looking for upcoming festivals in San Diego? Late summer and fall bring a packed calendar of cultural celebrations, food and drink festivals, music festivals, art walks, coastal festivals and family-friendly seasonal events across the county.
From the Chula Vista Lemon Festival, SeaWorld Bayside Bands, Brew & BBQ and coastal community festivals in August to the Dragonfly Music Festival, Cardiff Greek Festival and San Diego Spirits Festival in September, the season offers something for nearly every interest. October adds food, art, music and Halloween festivals, while November is anchored by the San Diego Food + Wine Festival.
Use this guide to compare dates, locations and event styles. For newly added listings, browse the Featured Events section and the SoCal Entertainment Calendar.
The busiest festival weekend is September 26 to 27, with the San Diego Spirits Festival, Taste of College Area and Encinitas Oktoberfest taking place across the same weekend.
Upcoming San Diego Festivals at a Glance
| Month | Festival highlights |
| August | Oceanside Longboard Beach Festival, SeaWorld Bayside Bands, Brew & BBQ, Lemon Festival, Super Girl Surf Festival, Taste of Encinitas, LeucadiArtWalk |
| September | Dragonfly Music Festival, Cardiff Greek Festival, ArtWalk Carlsbad, San Diego Spirits Festival, Taste of College Area, Encinitas Oktoberfest, SeaWorld Halloween Spooktacular |
| October | Del Mar Wine + Food Festival, La Jolla Art & Wine Festival, Mission Bayfest, SeaWorld Halloween Spooktacular |
| November | Día de los Muertos festivals, SeaWorld Halloween finale, San Diego Food + Wine Festival, San Diego Asian Film Festival |
August 2026 Festivals in San Diego
August blends beach culture, neighborhood food festivals, art walks and SeaWorld’s Bayside Bands, Brew & BBQ. It is an especially strong month for coastal and family-friendly festivals.
| Date | Festival or event | Location | What to expect |
| August 7-9 | Oceanside Longboard Surfing Contest and Beach Festival | Oceanside | Longboard competition, beach activities, vendors and community entertainment |
| August 14-September 7 | SeaWorld Bayside Bands, Brew & BBQ | SeaWorld San Diego | BBQ dishes, craft beverages, seasonal food and family-friendly festival entertainment |
| August 15 | Chula Vista Lemon Festival | Downtown Chula Vista | Lemon-inspired food, music stages, vendors, contests and children’s activities |
| August 21-23 | Super Girl Surf Festival | Oceanside Pier | Women’s surfing, action sports, music, wellness activities and family entertainment |
| August 25 | Taste of Encinitas | Downtown Encinitas | Restaurant tastings, drinks, music and local businesses |
| August 30 | LeucadiArtWalk | Leucadia | Local artists, live entertainment, food and Coast Highway culture |
SeaWorld Bayside Bands, Brew & BBQ
SeaWorld Bayside Bands, Brew & BBQ runs from August 14 through September 7 at SeaWorld San Diego. The seasonal festival combines barbecue dishes, craft beverages, specialty food and family-friendly entertainment in a waterfront park setting.
August Coastal Festivals
August is a strong month for coastal festivals. The Oceanside Longboard Surfing Contest and Beach Festival combines competition with beach activities, while the Super Girl Surf Festival adds action sports, wellness programming and family entertainment. Taste of Encinitas and LeucadiArtWalk provide food, art and community-focused alternatives later in the month.
Nearby Orange County Festivals
Orange County Fair
The Orange County Fair runs through August 16 in Costa Mesa. The fair includes carnival rides, exhibits, competitions, shopping, fair food and family attractions. It is listed separately as a nearby festival because it takes place in Orange County rather than San Diego County.
| Date | Festival or event | Location | What to expect |
| July 17-August 16 | Orange County Fair | OC Fair & Event Center, Costa Mesa | Carnival rides, exhibits, competitions, fair food, shopping and family attractions |
September 2026 Festivals in San Diego
September is the strongest month in this guide for cultural festivals, music, art, cocktails, community events and family attractions. Several major events overlap during the final weekend of the month.
| Date | Festival or event | Location | What to expect |
| September 10-12 | Dragonfly Music Festival | California Center for the Arts, Escondido | Three days of music, indoor and outdoor stages, food, vendors and community activities |
| September 11-November 2 | SeaWorld Halloween Spooktacular | SeaWorld San Diego | Family daytime Halloween festival on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays |
| September 12-13 | Cardiff Greek Festival | Cardiff-by-the-Sea | Greek food, pastries, live music, folk dancing and cultural activities |
| September 19-20 | ArtWalk Carlsbad | Armada Drive, Carlsbad | Fine art, artist displays, live entertainment, food and coastal views |
| September 26-27 | San Diego Spirits Festival | Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, La Jolla | All-inclusive cocktails, spirits brands, food, entertainment and contemporary art |
| September 27 | Taste of College Area | College Area, San Diego | Trolley-based neighborhood tasting festival connecting participating restaurants |
| September 27 | Encinitas Oktoberfest | Encinitas | German food, beer, music, dancing, vendors and family activities |
Dragonfly Music Festival
The Dragonfly Music Festival takes place September 10 through 12 at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido. The three-day event features 23 bands across indoor and outdoor stages, with blues, jazz, rock, soul, roots and world music. The lineup includes Ruthie Foster, Sue Foley, The Beat Farmers, Eric Gales, Danielle Nicole Band, The Paladins and other touring and regional artists. View official Dragonfly Festival information.
Cardiff Greek Festival
The Cardiff Greek Festival returns September 12 and 13 with Greek cuisine, pastries, live music, folk dancing, cultural exhibits and activities for children. It is one of the season’s strongest family-friendly cultural events in North County. Check the official Greek Festival site.
San Diego Spirits Festival
The San Diego Spirits Festival runs September 26 and 27 at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego in La Jolla. The all-inclusive experience combines cocktails, premium spirits, culinary bites, entertainment and contemporary art across several settings. See official San Diego Spirits Festival details.
Taste of College Area and Encinitas Oktoberfest
On September 27, Taste of College Area connects guests with neighborhood restaurants through a tasting and trolley experience. Encinitas Oktoberfest takes place the same day with German food, beer, music, dancing, vendors and family activities.
October 2026 Festivals in San Diego
October shifts toward food, art, music, film and Halloween festivals. SeaWorld San Diego continues its family daytime celebration throughout the month, while culinary and waterfront festivals fill the first three weekends.
| Date | Festival or event | Location | What to expect |
| September 30-October 4 | Del Mar Wine + Food Festival | Del Mar and North County venues | Chef events, restaurant experiences, wine, spirits and culinary programming |
| October 10-11 | La Jolla Art & Wine Festival | Girard Avenue, La Jolla | Artists, live entertainment, food, wine, beer and family activities |
| Fridays-Sundays through November 2 | SeaWorld Halloween Spooktacular | SeaWorld San Diego | Trick-or-treat stations, pirate entertainment, seasonal photos and a pumpkin patch |
| Throughout October | Featured Halloween festivals | Multiple San Diego locations | Community Halloween festivals, costume activities, family attractions and seasonal celebrations |
SeaWorld San Diego Halloween Spooktacular
Halloween Spooktacular at SeaWorld San Diego runs on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from September 11 through November 2. The daytime event is designed for families and includes trick-or-treat stations, interactive pirate-themed entertainment, seasonal photo areas and a pumpkin patch. View SeaWorld’s official event details.
November 2026 Festivals in San Diego
November begins with cultural celebrations and closes the guide with San Diego’s signature food and wine weekend. Visitors should also check the Featured Events archive as holiday markets and seasonal attractions are added.
| Date | Festival or event | Location | What to expect |
| November 1-2 | Día de los Muertos festivals | Multiple San Diego communities | Altars, art, food, music, remembrance and cultural performances |
| Through November 2 | SeaWorld Halloween Spooktacular | SeaWorld San Diego | Final weekend of family Halloween festival activities |
| November 6-8 | San Diego Food + Wine Festival | JULEP Venue and Embarcadero Marina Park North | Grand Decant, Grand Tasting, Grand Fiesta, chefs, wine, spirits and culinary experiences |
| November 2026 | San Diego Asian Film Festival | Multiple San Diego venues | Asian and Pacific Islander cinema, documentaries, shorts and filmmaker programs |
San Diego Food + Wine Festival
The San Diego Food + Wine Festival runs November 6 through 8. Grand Decant is scheduled for Friday, the waterfront Grand Tasting for Saturday and Grand Fiesta for Sunday. The weekend brings together chefs, restaurants, wineries, breweries, spirits brands, culinary demonstrations and live entertainment. Visit the official San Diego Food + Wine Festival site.
Official Festival Planning Resources
Use the official festival pages below to confirm current schedules, admission details, age requirements and location information.
- Dragonfly Music Festival: Official dates, lineup and visitor information.
- Cardiff Greek Festival: Official cultural festival details and schedule.
- San Diego Spirits Festival: Official ticket and experience information.
- SeaWorld seasonal festivals: Official details for Bayside Bands, Brew & BBQ and Halloween Spooktacular.
- San Diego Food + Wine Festival: Official culinary festival schedule and ticket information.
How to Find a Music Festival in San Diego This Weekend
Start with the monthly tables above and match the dates to your travel weekend. Dragonfly Music Festival in September and Mission Bayfest in October are the strongest dedicated music festivals in this period. SeaWorld Bayside Bands, Brew & BBQ, art walks, Greek Festival, the Lemon Festival and several food events also include live entertainment, even when music is not the only focus.
For newly posted festivals or last-minute additions, review the Featured Events section and the SoCal Entertainment Calendar.
Festival Planning Tips
Confirm the exact location
San Diego County stretches from Chula Vista to Oceanside and inland to Poway and Escondido. Nearby Orange County events may require a longer drive, particularly during weekend traffic.
Check whether admission is free or ticketed
Street fairs and art walks often offer free entry, while music, cocktail and food festivals usually require advance tickets. Some attractions are included with park admission, while tastings or reserved seating may cost extra.
Review age requirements
Cocktail-focused events and some music festivals may be limited to guests aged 21 and older. Family events such as the Greek Festival, Lemon Festival, art walks and SeaWorld Halloween Spooktacular generally offer activities for younger visitors.
Plan transportation early
Waterfront Park, Mission Bay, La Jolla, Del Mar, Oceanside and major fairgrounds can experience heavy traffic. Check parking options, public transportation and shuttle information before arriving.
Confirm the festival schedule before traveling
Festival hours, admission rules and programming can change. Review the official event page before leaving and confirm whether advance tickets or timed entry are required.
Frequently Asked Questions
What upcoming festivals are happening in San Diego from August through November 2026?
Highlights include SeaWorld Bayside Bands, Brew & BBQ, the Lemon Festival, Dragonfly Music Festival, Cardiff Greek Festival, San Diego Spirits Festival, Taste of College Area, Del Mar Wine + Food Festival, Mission Bayfest, SeaWorld Halloween Spooktacular and the San Diego Food + Wine Festival. The Orange County Fair is also included as a nearby option through August 16.
When is the Cardiff Greek Festival in 2026?
The Cardiff Greek Festival is scheduled for September 12 and 13, 2026, in Cardiff-by-the-Sea.
When is the San Diego Spirits Festival?
The San Diego Spirits Festival takes place September 26 and 27, 2026, at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego in La Jolla.
When is the Dragonfly Music Festival?
Dragonfly Music Festival runs September 10 through 12, 2026, at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido.
Which upcoming festivals are family-friendly?
Family-friendly options include the Lemon Festival, Cardiff Greek Festival, ArtWalk Carlsbad, LeucadiArtWalk, Encinitas Oktoberfest and SeaWorld Halloween Spooktacular.
When is Taste of College Area?
Taste of College Area is scheduled for September 27, 2026.
What is happening at SeaWorld San Diego during fall?
SeaWorld Bayside Bands, Brew & BBQ runs from August 14 through September 7. Halloween Spooktacular then runs on selected Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from September 11 through November 2, with trick-or-treat stations, themed entertainment, seasonal photos and family activities.
When is the San Diego Food + Wine Festival?
The festival runs November 6 through 8, 2026, with Grand Decant, the Grand Tasting and Grand Fiesta.
Plan Your San Diego Festival Season
The upcoming festivals in San Diego from August through November cover nearly every type of outing. You can spend a day at a surf festival, enjoy SeaWorld’s Bayside Bands, Brew & BBQ, visit the nearby Orange County Fair, sample Greek food, explore local art, attend a multi-day music festival, taste cocktails in La Jolla, enjoy a family Halloween event or close the season with San Diego’s signature food and wine weekend.
Compare the monthly tables, choose the festivals that match your interests and use the official event pages to confirm admission and schedules. Visit ConcertsEvents for updated festival listings across San Diego, Orange County and Southern California.
