There is no better time or place for entertainment than summer in San Diego. From big wins at Del Mar Racetrack to wine pairing dinners and runway fashion show parties, there is never a shortage of unique things to do in San Diego.

You’ll never hear us locals complain about entertainment options, but ideal range isn’t what we obsess over either. San Diego events are no longer just about having fun, they’re about giving back. Upscale and unique charity events in San Diego are the best way to help out a great cause without sacrificing your lifestyle. September just happens to be overflowing with amazing charity events, and we’ve narrowed down the best affairs your conscience can’t afford to miss.

Discover fun San Diego charity events in September.

9/10: San Diego Music Awards

Now in its 19th year, San Diego Music Awards (SDMA), which is open to the public at a small $25-75 cost, will host big names like Jason Mraz, Switchfoot and Slightly Stoopid, honor legendary band The Zeros, and try to bolster the notoriety of such underground bands as the Wavves, Anya Marina and the Delta Spirit. All proceeds benefit the Taylor Guitars in Schools Foundation, which provides children with a guitar and teaches them the skills to play it while they are in elementary school. Details here.

9/10: Wine, Women & Shoes
The Fifth Annual Circle of Life 100 celebration: Wine, Women & Shoes, will be held on Thursday, September 10 from 4 – 8 p.m. at a private estate in Rancho Pacifica, in the hills overlooking Del Mar. This fabulous event will benefit women’s diagnostic imaging at Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas. Details here.

9/11: Charity Luncheon and Fashion Show
Simon Fashion Now will feature a series of fashion shows and interactive entertainment designed and presented by Simon Property Group September 11-12 at Fashion Valley. On Friday September 11 starting at 1:30pm, the charity luncheon event will benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure, where funds will be raised to fight Breast Cancer in San Diego County. Details here.

9/12: Urban Oasis at W Hotel
Get away from it all and join the party with Philanthro Productions at the W Hotel on Saturday, September 12 starting at 9pm. Make your escape to one of the three distinct levels this Urban Oasis has to offer: lose yourself on the dance floor, kick back with friends, or sink your toes into the sand at BEACH, the W’s open-air rooftop lounge. Live dance performances and DJs mixing House and Hip-Hop music throughout the night. Attendees will be able to participate in the raffle and win some awesome prizes. All proceeds benefit Planet Cancer. Details here. 

9/12: Gala in the Garden
Enjoy the Tenth Anniversary Gala in the Gardens fundraiser on Saturday, September 12 from 5-10 p.m. at Quail Botanical Gardens. Building on the successes of years past, the gala will celebrate the many monumental achievements at the Gardens, the tremendous community support and the promise of a more sustainable future – all while enjoying beverages and sumptuous cuisine, a variety of musical entertainment, and good company in a delightful natural setting. Details here.

9/12: Club Monte Carlo
Step into Club Monte Carlo at Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego’s 33rd annual gala on Saturday, September 12 from 9:30pm – 1:30am. Dinner guests will delight in a cocktail hour featuring champagne, hors d’oeuvres, and entertainment. After the sun sets, guests will be treated to a dinner menu of local, sustainable California cuisine. Continue into the evening with The After Party at Club Monte Carlo where, for one night, the Museum’s galleries are transformed into a multi-level club. Details here.

9/18: San Diego Festival of Beer

San Diego Festival of Beer pours into downtown on September 18, marking its 15th year of supporting local cancer-fighting charities while giving donating event-goers a taste of the best drafts San Diego boasts. Last year, the event pulled in 4,000 beer lovers, and this year has increased its goal to 6,000 guests. Details here.

9/19: Super Silly Bar Crawl
Get excited, it’s time to get silly for a cause. Super Silly Saturday for Special Olympics bar crawl is invading PB on Saturday, September 19 starting at 1pm. The course runs from Miller’s Field to Moondoggies, Bub’s, Plum Crazy, Cabo Catina and Tavern, benefitting Special Olympics Southern California. Details here.

9/19: Earthdance San Diego
The organizers of Earthdance San Diego and Los Angeles unite as one to bring you the 4th annual Earthdance music and arts festival on Saturday September 26 from 12pm to sundown at Petco Park's Park at the Park. The highlight of the event is the Prayer for Peace, a profound and powerful moment that unifies our intentions for world peace and healing. At 4pm in San Diego, our city is simultaneously linked up to the rest of the world for the prayer. Since 2004, Earthdance has chosen a Global Focus to further unite events around the world. This year’s focus is "Blessing the Children." Proceeds benefit GreenWave.org. Details here.

Discover more in our San Diego events calendar.