September 2019: Senior-Friendly Activities in San Diego

Fall is nearly here! September in San Diego promises a great mix of senior-friendly activities around the county.

Enjoy authentic Greek cuisine, learn the history of one of San Diego’s oldest hotels or check out a bluegrass festival for a good cause! Check out all the fun activities older adults are sure to love this month.

1. Annual Cardiff Greek Festival
   When: September 7, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. & September 8, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
   Where: Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 3459 Manchester Ave., Cardiff-By-The-Sea, CA 92007
   Cost: Free
   Experience a Greek village right here in San Diego! Savor delicious Greek food and pastries, and delight in award-winning Greek traditional folk dance performances, live music, specialty Greek wine tasting, a culinary marketplace and handmade arts and crafts.
2. Julian Grape Stomp Festa
   When: September 7, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
   Where: 1150 Julian Orchards Dr., Julian, CA 92036
   Cost: $15
   Continue the old-world tradition of kicking off your shoes and squishing grapes under your feet! Enjoy samplings from local wineries and breweries, a wide variety of food and great music. All proceeds go to The Inner North Star PTSD Retreat Center in Julian, a no-cost PTSD retreat to give veterans and first responders the support they deserve.
3. Hugo Chapman: “Mummies, Marbles And Medals”
   When: September 11, 6:30-8 p.m.
   Where: Timken Museum of Art, 1500 El Prado, Balboa Park, San Diego, CA 92101
   Cost: $55
   Hugo Chapman of the British Museum in London will present a lecture that explores the British Museum’s world-renowned graphic collection. He will discuss how prints and drawings help us understand how artists planned their work, the historical roots of fake news and the birth of advertising in Georgian London.
4. Rediscovering The Mira Mar Restaurant and Hotel
   When: September 14 at 11 a.m.
   Where: San Diego Archaeological Center, 16666 San Pasqual Valley Rd., Escondido, CA 92027
   Cost: Free – register online
   Recent archaeological project excavations near The Mira Mar Restaurant in Oceanside, built in 1887, have turned up fascinating artifacts from building’s past. Hear local archaeologist Annemarie Cox describe these findings in detail, and learn what they reveal about the site’s history.
5. Santee Bluegrass Festival Fundraiser
   When: September 14, 5:30-9:30 p.m.
   Where: Town Center Community Park East, 550 Park Center Dr., Santee, CA 92071
   Cost: $55-$65
   The Santee Bluegrass Festival is back with lots of fine wines, delicious brews, unlimited tasty food (while supplies last), a live auction and, of course, plenty of fantastic Bluegrass music. This great annual fundraiser benefits the Santee Teen Center, park improvement projects and the Recreation Scholarship Program.
6. The Walk To End Alzheimer’s – San Diego 2019
   When: September 21 at 8 a.m.
   Where: NTC Park at Liberty Station, 2455 Cushing Rd., San Diego, CA 92106
   Cost: Free (Fundraising is encouraged)
   Every year, more than 600 communities nationwide participate in the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Come join the Walk, where your fundraising dollars fuel their mission and help to increase Alzheimer’s awareness here in San Diego.
7. Space & Surface: An Exploration In Art – Opening Reception
   When: September 20, 5-8 p.m.
   Where: La Playa Gallery, 2226 Avenida De La Playa, La Jolla, CA 92037
   Cost: Free
   La Playa Gallery presents the grand opening of their new exhibit, “Space & Surface: an Exploration in Art.” Artists Tracy Black and Greg Schaefer speak on the incredible ideas of science and art – fusing surface, space, culture and time. Admire fascinating art alongside complimentary wine, cheese and craft beer.
8. San Diego Zoo’s Food, Wine and Brew Celebration
   When: September 21, 6:30-10:30 p.m.
   Where: San Diego Zoo, 2920 Zoo Dr., San Diego, CA 92101
   Cost: $125
   Your ticket to this marvelous annual fundraiser benefits the San Diego Zoo Global Wildlife Conservancy, a nonprofit committed to saving species and ending extinction. Enjoy delicious food and drink from over 160 of Southern California’s best vendors mixed with live entertainment, dancing and animal encounters all night long!
9. GI Film Festival San Diego
   When: September 24-29, times vary (see website)
   Where: Locations vary (see website)
   Cost: $8-$10
   The GI Film Festival San Diego reveals the struggles, triumphs and experiences of service members and veterans through compelling, authentic storytelling. Films include documentaries, shorts and narratives. GIFF is the first film festival in the nation to exclusively celebrate the successes and sacrifices of service members through film.
10. Oktoberfest in El Cajon
    When: September 27, 4-10 p.m. & September 28 & 29, 12-10 p.m.
    Where: German American Societies of San Diego, 1017 S. Mollison Ave., El Cajon, CA 92020
    Cost: $10
    Celebrate the Bavarian tradition of Oktoberfest in El Cajon! In addition to German beers and liquors, taste authentic German food like bratwurst, ox-on-the-spit, sauerkraut, pretzels and a wide variety of desserts. Watch traditional folk dancing performances, hear our live band from Germany and check out the many homemade craft booths.
    Scripps Affiliated Medical Groups has the best resources and tips for seniors’ health and wellness here in San Diego.