Things to Do in San Diego This September 2026

Things to Do in San Diego This September 2026 City Guides
From Guns N' Roses at Snapdragon Stadium to intimate comedy nights and candlelit tributes, September in San Diego spans stadium rock, theatrical musicals, electronic beats, and everything in between.

Guns N’ Roses & The Black Crowes bring arena-scale rock to Snapdragon Stadium on September 2nd, but the month’s real texture emerges across smaller rooms and unexpected pairings—candlelit tributes in museums, punk legends at neighborhood venues, and jazz ensembles under the stars.

Tip: code GTIX20 takes 20% off ticket prices on every event below — no minimum and no expiry.

Guns N’ Roses & The Black Crowes at Snapdragon Stadium

Wed, Sep 2, 6:25 PM · Snapdragon Stadium · from $50

Two legendary rock acts share the bill on September 2nd for a night of classic hard rock and Southern swagger. Expect deep cuts and anthems from both bands’ catalogs, with the stadium’s open-air setting amplifying every riff. This is the month’s marquee rock event.

Get tickets →

The Phantom of the Opera at San Diego Civic Theatre

Wed, Sep 2, 7:30 PM · San Diego Civic Theatre · from $70

Lloyd Webber’s gothic masterpiece runs through September at the Civic Theatre, delivering soaring vocals, elaborate staging, and the chandelier moment audiences have waited for since 1986. Whether you’re a musical theater devotee or newcomer, this production showcases why the show has captivated millions worldwide.

Get tickets →

Dead Kennedys at The Observatory

Sun, Sep 6, 7:00 PM · The Observatory – North Park · from $45

The legendary San Francisco punk band brings raw political edge and infectious energy to North Park on September 6th. Their catalog spans three decades of uncompromising punk rock, and this intimate venue setting amplifies the band’s connection with the crowd.

Get tickets →

Dear Evan Hansen at Cygnet Theatre

Wed, Sep 9, 7:00 PM · Joseph Clayes III Stage at Cygnet Theatre · from $83

This Tony-winning musical about anxiety, connection, and the messy reality of teenage life opens at Cygnet in September. The score is immediate and moving, and the intimate theater setting lets you feel every emotional beat of this contemporary story.

Get tickets →

Candlelight: Queen vs. ABBA Tribute at San Diego Natural History Museum

Fri, Sep 4, 6:15 PM · San Diego Natural History Museum · from $85

Two of pop’s biggest acts face off in a candlelit showdown at the Natural History Museum on September 4th. Expect flawless renditions of “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “Dancing Queen,” and all the singalong moments that made these bands immortal, all by candlelight.

Get tickets →

William Black at SOMA

Fri, Sep 4, 9:00 PM · SOMA · from $45

Electronic producer and DJ William Black brings hypnotic techno and house to SOMA on September 4th. His layered production and dancefloor sensibility make for an immersive late-night experience that builds momentum throughout the night.

Get tickets →

KSDS Jazz Orchestra at The Rady Shell

Sat, Sep 5, 7:30 PM · The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park · from $39

The KSDS Jazz Orchestra performs under the stars at Jacobs Park’s iconic shell on September 5th, led by conductor Gilbert Castellanos. This is San Diego’s premier jazz ensemble, and the outdoor venue’s acoustics make for an unforgettable evening of big-band swing and modern jazz.

Get tickets →

The Charlatans UK at House of Blues

Sat, Sep 5, 7:00 PM · House Of Blues – San Diego · from $43

British rock legends The Charlatans bring their psychedelic-tinged indie rock to House of Blues on September 5th. With hits spanning decades and a reputation for tight, energetic live shows, they’re a must for anyone who loves ’90s alternative rock.

Get tickets →

Labor Day Jazz Fest at Humphrey’s Backstage Live

Sun, Sep 6, 7:00 PM · Humphrey’s Backstage Live · from $31

Humphrey’s hosts a Labor Day weekend jazz celebration on September 6th, featuring live performances in an intimate waterfront setting. It’s the perfect way to close out summer with world-class jazz in one of San Diego’s most beloved venues.

Get tickets →

Lisandra Vazquez at Mic Drop Comedy

Wed, Sep 2, 7:30 PM · Main Room at Mic Drop Comedy · from $57

Comedian Lisandra Vazquez brings sharp observational humor to Mic Drop’s main room on September 2nd. Her comedy mines personal experience and cultural insight with warmth and precision, making for a memorable night of laughter.

Get tickets →

Darren Carter at Mic Drop Comedy

Thu, Sep 3, 7:00 PM · Main Room at Mic Drop Comedy · from $50

Stand-up Darren Carter performs at Mic Drop on September 3rd, delivering high-energy comedy with a gift for crowd work and improvisation. His shows are unpredictable and interactive, guaranteeing a unique experience each night.

Get tickets →

Moondaddy at The Casbah

Tue, Sep 8, 8:00 PM · The Casbah – CA · from $21

Folk and country artist Moondaddy takes the stage at The Casbah on September 8th for an intimate acoustic evening. Expect fingerpicked guitar, introspective songwriting, and the kind of performance that rewards close listening in a room built for it.

Get tickets →

Check dates and venues carefully—some shows sell out quickly, and a few run multiple nights. Book early to secure your spot at San Diego’s September highlights.