News Summary
This weekend in San Diego, residents and visitors can experience a range of events from concerts and food festivals to Halloween festivities. Notable highlights include a performance by Aidan Bissett at the Music Box, the Del Mar Wine + Food Festival, and artistic classes at local venues. Families can also enjoy SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular, while music enthusiasts can see various concerts throughout the city. Additionally, San Diego honors Mexico’s Independence Day with celebratory events and commemorates those affected by September 11 with various tributes and volunteer opportunities.
San Diego is set to come alive with a dynamic array of events this weekend, from September 13 to September 14, offering residents and visitors alike a chance to explore rich culture, delicious food, and enjoyable entertainment. From concerts and food festivals to unique classes and community gatherings, there is something for everyone to enjoy as local organizers pull together a memorable weekend of activities.
Among the highlights of the weekend is Aidan Bissett, who will be performing at the Music Box in San Diego, giving fans a night of engaging live music. Simultaneously, the popular Candlelight Concerts series will take place at the San Diego Natural History Museum, featuring themes that include the History of Pop, Neo-Soul favorites, and a special Tribute to Juan Gabriel.
The Del Mar Wine + Food Festival is another significant event, hosted at Surf Sports Park in Del Mar. This festival promises a delightful experience for culinary enthusiasts and wine lovers, showcasing a variety of local flavors in a communal setting. In addition, the Friends of El Corazon are hosting a free concert at the SoCal Sports Complex in Oceanside, ensuring that music continues to fill the air throughout the county.
For families seeking Halloween-themed fun, SeaWorld San Diego will launch its Halloween Spooktacular events during the weekend, along with the returning Howl-O-Scream experience, promising thrills and chills appropriate for all ages. In a creative twist, the Hobbit House Paint and Sip event at The Saloon in Vista invites participants to unleash their artistic side while enjoying refreshments.
Art and nature enthusiasts can attend the “Learn to Draw Fabulous Flora” class with Mark Kistler at the San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas or participate in the Maker’s Market at the Mellano Farm Stand in Oceanside, featuring local artisans and their unique crafts. Those interested in wildlife can explore the Nature Collective Wildlife Tour at the San Elijo Lagoon and Ecological Reserve in Cardiff.
Additional musical events include the Nitzer Ebb & Front Line Assembly concert at the Music Box, the soulful Pablo Cruise performance at the Belly Up Tavern in Solana Beach, and the OMBAC Classic Longboard Surfing Contest at Crystal Pier in Pacific Beach. Sport enthusiasts can also engage in the Poway Rotary Parade at the Poway Branch Library on Saturday.
As September brings awareness to cultural pride, San Diego will witness celebrations for Mexico’s Independence Day, or El Grito de la Independencia, on September 16. Events include music and dance performances at The Old Globe in Balboa Park, the 4th Annual Celebración Mexicana at the University of San Diego featuring the Ballet Folklorico San Diego Dance Company, and Fiestas Patrias festivities in several locations such as Old Town State Historic Park and Chula Vista, with the latter planning a gathering at the Memorial Bowl from 4 to 8 p.m.
A special tribute to those affected by the September 11 attacks will also take place throughout the weekend, with various commemorative events organized across San Diego. Notable activities include a commemoration ceremony on the USS Midway Museum flight deck, free meals for first responders, and the annual 9/11 Remembrance event hosted by USD at 8:30 a.m. HandsOn San Diego’s 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance will offer volunteer opportunities, while U.S. Customs and Border Protection will observe a brief halt in traffic at land ports of entry at 5:46 a.m. PST as a sign of respect.
This weekend in San Diego promises a packed schedule celebrating various cultural, artistic, and community values, providing ample opportunities for enjoyment and remembrance among residents and visitors alike.
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Additional Resources
- Fox 5 San Diego: Upcoming Mexican Independence Day Events
- NBC San Diego: El Grito Mexican Independence Events
- 10 News: Events Honoring 9/11 Victims
- CBS 8: Coastal Cleanup Day 2025
- Fox 5 San Diego: Surge Parking for Special Events
- Wikipedia: Mexican Independence Day
- Google Search: San Diego Events
- Google Scholar: Mexican Independence Day Celebrations in San Diego
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mexican Independence Day
- Google News: Mexican Independence Day in San Diego
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
