Events

Mission Bayfest

Sept. 27-29. Live music by the bay makes for a perfect San Diego weekend. The reggae-centric Mission Bayfest will host a diverse lineup of musicians this year; headliners include Pepper, Tribal Seeds, Stick Figure, Iration, Cypress Hill, Wiz Khalifa, Fortunate Youth and more. Other perks: craft beer, cocktails, taco stands and other local food vendors. See website for schedule and ticket pricing. The festival is offering two levels of VIP tickets; Platinum VIP includes a hosted bar, exclusive backstage access, premier side-stage viewing, an exclusive lounge and more. Mariner’s Point Park, Mission Bay. missionbayfest.com

CRSSD Festival

Sept. 28-29. Unfolding at Waterfront Park over two days, CRSSD Festival is an audiovisual candy land for electronic music lovers—spanning three stages and 50-plus musicians and performers. Headliners include Disclosure, Gesaffelstein, BLOND:ish, Walker & Royce, Four Tet, Boris Brejcha, Idris Elba, Adam Beyer, Gorgon City, HI-LO and more. In between DJ sets, guests can enjoy craft beer, cocktails, local food vendors and San Diego Bay views. See website for full lineup of artists and daily schedule, bag policy, after-parties and tickets for the quickly selling-out event (21+). 1600 Pacific Hwy., downtown. crssdfest.com

Yoga at The Rady Shell

Sept. 28. Namaste by the bay, anyone? Behold the therapeutic powers of holding a Downward Dog pose while surrounded by sea breezes and views. Presented by Fit Athletic, Yoga at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park has become a regular event—inviting yogis and novices alike for an hour-long “bootcamp yoga” session along the bayfront, led by seasoned instructor Viktoria Talbot. And the best part? Admission is free. However, space is limited; register online in advance to reserve your space. And bring your own mat and sunscreen. 9:30 a.m. 222 Marina Park Way, downtown. theshell.org

Pumpkin Patch at Carlsbad Strawberry Co. 

Through Nov. 3. This family farm’s fall wonderland is fun for all ages. After picking your perfect gourd from the ample pumpkin patch, wander through an enchanting corn maze; take a tractor ride; meet Shetland sheep and Nubian goats; explore fields of marigolds; and even race a tricycle. There’s also a separate haunted corn maze for teens and adults (check website for updates on dates, times and separate pricing); plus festive fall treats and beverages. Open daily at 9 a.m. $10 general admission (ages 4 and under are free). 1050 Cannon Road, Carlsbad, 760.603.9608. More Info

Food + Drink

La Jolla Art & Wine Festival

Sept. 28-29. The 16th annual festival comprises an expansive wine and craft beer garden, with more than 35 local and regional wineries, breweries and distilleries. At least 160 artists from the U.S., Mexico and beyond will showcase paintings, sculptures, jewelry, fine glass, ceramics, woodwork, mixed media and photography. Festival-goers can also enjoy gourmet fare from local vendors; a silent auction; live music and dance performances; interactive art installations; and kids activities. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free general admission; wine and beer garden tickets are $45-$65. Along Girard Avenue, La Jolla. ljawf.com

Taste of College Area

Sept. 29. Explore the College Area Business District’s eclectic culinary scene at the inaugural Taste of College Area event on Sunday. Participants can take a self-guided of at least 25 restaurants, casual eateries, wine bars, cafes and pubs—with each offering samples of their signature offerings. Participating businesses include Cheba Hut, Ben & Esther’s Vegan Jewish Deli, Corbin’s Q, Kuro Sushi, Handel’s Ice Cream, Scrimshaw Coffee and more. Complimentary Old Town Trolley rides between businesses will also be available. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. $40-$50.  El Cajon Blvd., between 54th and 73rd streets, Rolando. collegeareasd.com

Arts + Culture

Prix Pictet Human Exhibit at MOPA@SDMA

Opens Sept. 27. Prix Pictet, the world’s leading award for photography and sustainability, presents Human, on view at MOPA@SDMA (Museum of Photographic Arts at The San Diego Museum of Art) through Dec. 15. Spotlighting works by 12 photographers shortlisted for the 10th cycle of Prix Pictet, the exhibit sheds light on global sustainability issues—spanning landscapes, portraiture, documentaries and more—centered on issues like industrial development, collapse of economic processes, gang violence, and plights of indigenous people. See website for hours and admission info. 1450 El Prado, Balboa Park, 619.232.7931. mopa.org

Opening Weekend at Jacobs Music Center

Sept. 28-29. The San Diego Symphony launches its 2024-25 season at Jacobs Music Center, following a $125 million renovation. Opening Night on Saturday comprises a gala and a special concert conducted by Rafael Payare (pictured). On Sunday, check out the free, community-focused “Day of Music.” The open-house celebration includes artsy activities, food, and music performances by student groups, a military band, youth orchestras and a community choir. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. See website to reserve a free general admission ticket; seating is first-come, first-served. 750 B St., downtown, 619.235.0804. sandiegosymphony.org

San Diego Dance Theater’s Trolley Dances

Sept. 28-29. In partnership with the Metropolitan Transit System and San Diego Unified School District, San Diego Dance Theater presents its 26th Trolley Dances. The annual series—known for transforming public spaces into joyous, culture-rich stages—comprises dance performances by five choreographers across three trolley sites. Audiences travel in groups of 60 to enjoy the dances from various points of view, led by volunteer trolley tour guides. The route spans Old Town, Gaslamp Quarter, the Convention Center station and Seaport Village. See website for full details, tour times and tickets. Old Town Transit Center. More Info

Blue Gold Exhibit at Mingei

Now on View. The latest exhibit to open at Mingei International Museum, Blue Gold: The Art and Science of Indigo explores the transformation of plants into pigments. A feat of chemistry and botanical transformation, the indigo dye process dates back to ancient Mesopotamia. The exhibit (open through March 16, 2025) showcases at least 130 painstakingly curated works—including textiles, clothing and other objects of creative expression—from 30 countries. (Pictured: a dragon-motif coat and vest from China.) See website for hours and admission info. 1439 El Prado, Balboa Park, 619.239.0003. mingei.org

Photo credits: Mission Bayfest by Keith Zacharski / In The Barrel Photo. CRSSD Festival by Kirby Gladstein. Prix Pictet / MOPA@SDMA by Vasantha Yogananthan. Blue Gold Exhibit / Mingei by Ron Kerner. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.