Things to Do This Weekend in San Diego : Sept 9-10th

Chow down at the Del Mar Wine + Food Festival, clue in on a new murder mystery play, and see a high flying show from Cirque du Soleil

Photo Credit: Maja Prgomet

September 6–10

Corteo

Corteo, one of Cirque du Soleil’s most acclaimed death-defying productions, arrives at Pechanga Arena for seven shows beginning this Wednesday. The story of Corteo follows a clown who envisions his funeral procession as a spontaneous and thrilling carnival watched over by angels. Unlike at any other Cirque du Soleil show, the stage sits in the center of a circular audience, giving each half of the crowd a different insight into this moving story that mixes fantasy and reality. | 3500 Sports Arena Boulevard, Midway

September 6–11

Del Mar Wine + Food Festival

Dinner with soccer stars, pickleball with an NFL legend, and a seafood lunch with celebrity chefs—if this sounds like your kind of shindig, you’ll love the inaugural Del Mar Wine + Food Festival. Following finger-food parties, plentiful pairing meals, and wondrous wine-tasting events, the festival culminates with the two-day Grand Tasting, which will feature unlimited bites and sips from more than 80 restaurants and celebrity chefs and dozens of world-class wineries. Purchase single-day and two-day tickets for the Grand Tasting, plus tickets for the several deluxe culinary experiences, here. | 14989 Via de la Valle, Del Mar

September 8–10

Sycuan Pow-Wow

On the Sycuan Indian Reservation, performers from the Kumeyaay community of San Diego will showcase several Indigenous cultural practices, including Kumeyaay bird singing and dancing, during the 33rd Sycuan Pow-Wow. The goal of the pow-wow is to bring people together in a collaborative space for culture and community with Indigenous arts and crafts, food, flag ceremonies, and more. Attendees will get to witness the daily Grand Entry of the dancers, a colorful tradition that sets the stage for the performances. | 5577 Dehesa Road, El Cajon

September 8–30

The Savoyard Murders

Written by San Diego playwright, director, and actor Omri Schein, this murder mystery play from the Roustabouts Theatre Co. has plenty of twists, turns, and delicious drama in store for local theater audiences. The production is set in a Victorian mansion where a gathering of theater fanatics become unwitting suspects in a surprising murder, and the resulting investigation is as hilarious as it is suspenseful. Following a Thursday night preview, the opening night of The Savoyard Murders takes place this Friday at 7:30 p.m. at Scripps Ranch Theatre. | 9783 Avenue of Nations, Scripps Ranch

September 9

Grape Day Festival

The city of Escondido’s oldest and most fruit-tastic event, the annual Grape Day Festival, makes its return this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Grape Day Park, the original home of the century-old fest. Remembering Escondido’s past as the region’s agricultural center, this free, family-friendly festival from the Escondido History Center teaches attendees about the city’s grape-growing roots. This year’s festival kicks off with the Grape Day 5K and will feature bluegrass music, a food court, artisan vendors, and kids’ activities. | 321 North Broadway, Escondido

The Garden Party

Get your green on at this botanical bash in Encinitas, the San Diego Botanic Garden’s annual fundraiser soiree. From 4 to 8 p.m., attendees will enjoy live music from several local artists and food and drinks from San Diego County vendors like Bun & Patti, Urban Plate, Best Pizza & Brew, Bambucha, and Sipwell. You can also participate in a live auction and explore the beautiful plant life on display. Tickets for this 21-plus event are $300 per person, with proceeds going towards the garden’s conservation and plant-education programs. | 300 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas

Cardiff Greek Festival

This weekend, Cardiff-by-the-Sea hosts this Greek cultural celebration and raises funds for the Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church and its building fund, senior apartments, and local charities. Expect traditional Greek music, cuisine, and folk dancing, plus a photo booth, dance lessons, shopping, and much more. This 43-year-old tradition takes place on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. | 3459 Manchester Avenue, Cardiff by-the-Sea