Header image courtesy Ville de Barcarès
September in San Diego is friggin’ packed so let’s dispense with the chit-chat and jump into this wicked slate of events:
1. 5th Annual Carlsbad Brewfest
When: Sep 8, 2018
12:00 PM - 4:30 PM
(Last Pour at 4:00 PM)
Where: Holiday Park
3400 Pio Pico Dr
Carlsbad, CA 92008
Price: $20-$55
Why not kick this thing off with a little booze (or a lot)?
The 5th Annual Carlsbad Brewfest is set to deliver on the promise of a damn good time thanks to the participation of 34 local and national breweries and approximately 66 total available craft beers and ciders. Also on tap (that was a pun; you’re welcome): Games, food vendors, and live music. Needless to say, when the opportunity to day drink emerges, you seize it.
P.S. For those that want more, there’s also the local Sorrento Valley Beer Festival (Sept. 14), the 24th Annual San Diego Festival of Beer (Sept. 22), and the Bayside Brew & Spirits Festival (Sept. 29).
2. The Boardr AM
When: September 8
Where: Linda Vista Skatepark
6893 Osler Street
San Diego, California
Price: $100
The Boardr (the folks behind big events like the Vans Park Series, which we’ll be covering later this month) is putting on The Boardr AM in San Diego, an amateur skateboarding series with a lot on the line—specifically, a trip to Montreal and a chance at a cool 20 grand. A fantastic chance to witness breakout local talent!
3. KAABOO Del Mar Festival
When: September 14-16, 2018
Where: Del Mar Racetrack & Fairgrounds
2260 Jimmy Durante Boulevard
Del Mar, CA 92014
Price: Single-day passes start at $139
Three days; seven stages; more than 100 music acts. Intrigued? You should be.
The 2018 KAABOO lineup includes the likes of Katy Perry, Imagine Dragons, Foo Fighters, Post Malone, Halsey, Robert Plant & The Sensational Space Shifters, and more. Comedic talent is well represented, too, with Craig Robinson, Craig Ferguson, Judd Apatow & Friends, and others set to be on hand. Cuisine and contemporary art exhibits will also be featured.
4. San Diego Bayfair
When: September 14 - Sep 16, 2018
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Where: 1404 Vacation Rd
San Diego, CA 92109
General Admission: $20-30 (other tickets also available)
San Diego Bayfair's World Series of Powerboat Racing features a 2.5-mile racecourse—both the fastest and longest on the H1 Unlimited hydroplane circuit. It’s been around for more than four decades and played host to more than five million fans, and in 2018, the fair is set to include hydroplane events, drag boats, aerial demonstrations, live entertainment, and international participation.
5. Swoop Freestyle FAI World Championships
When: September 14-15, 2018
Where: Embarcadero Marina Park South
200 Marina Park Way
San Diego, CA 92101
Price: Free
Like extreme sports but looking for something different? Swoop Freestyle is a badass parachuting competition that’s making its final 2018 stop in gorgeous, sunny San Diego this Sept. 14th. The best of the best in this burgeoning sport will be competing in the World Championships—#1 on Planet Earth will be crowned at this event, so there’s a crap ton on the line. In addition to the main spectacle, there will also be US Military aerial displays, water demonstrations, live entertainment, and more.
6. Ombac Classic Longboard Surfing Contest
When: September 15, 2018
7:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Where: North Side of Crystal Pier
4500 Ocean Blvd
San Diego, CA 92109
Price: Free to watch; $30-$40 to compete
If Swoop’s not your style you can throw it back with the Ombac Classic Longboard Surfing Contest. Heck, you can even compete if you like, but keep in mind you gotta surf on 1969-era or earlier longboards without a leash (9 feet or longer). Age divisions are featured and the top three in each division earn some sweet swag courtesy of local businesses. Notably, the proceeds go to Drowning Prevention Foundation of San Diego AKA San Diego Junior Lifeguards.