We are already into September; wow, this year is going fast. Here is the full breakdown of all the Chula Vista events for September 2024. Last month was packed with fun events and happenings all over Chula Vista, and we have even more. You know we love to promote all the fun family events going on around town. Our event calendar is quickly becoming the go-to spot for Chula Vista events. I know many of you have been visiting the website or checking out the video breakdowns on events and activities all over the city. We will continue to add more as we find them, so stay tuned.

Before we get to the list, make sure you keep following us on all the social media platforms (a full list is below) and sign up for our newsletter. We recently sent out our first one this month and are super excited to continue to send them out. It’s a great addition to the Chula Vista Living family and just another way we’re spreading all the good vibes in the city.

Chula Vista Champions 5k Run
September 14 8 AM | Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center

The Chula Vista Champions 5K Run is set for Saturday, September 14, at the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center. Now in its 14th year, this annual event offers a fantastic opportunity for families and community members to come together and support the City of Chula Vista’s Recreation Department programs and services. Participants will enjoy a fun morning, beginning with the race and followed by an expo featuring more than 20 local vendors, including Home Depot, Chula Vista Animal Services, Living Coast Discovery Center, and StretchLab Chula Vista. Food trucks will be on-site, and attendees can participate in an opportunity drawing for gift cards to local restaurants.

Gates open at 6:30 a.m., with the race starting at 8:00 a.m. Radio host Rick Morton from Z90.3 will emcee the event, adding to the festive atmosphere, while Chula Vista Mayor John McCann will officially kick off the race. Registration is open now, with fees set at $15 for ages 4-16 and $25 for ages 17 and up. Children three and under are free; all registrations include a t-shirt and race medal. For more details and to register, visit the event’s official website.

Chula Vista El Grito
September 15th 4 PM to 8 PM | Memorial Park Bowl

The City of Chula Vista invites you to join the vibrant El Grito celebration on September 16 at the Memorial Bowl in Downtown Chula Vista. This free, family-friendly event honors Mexican Independence Day with an evening of traditional live entertainment, delicious food, and cultural festivities. The official Grito ceremony, led by San Diego’s Consul General, Ambassador Alicia Kerber-Palma, highlights the night at 7:30 p.m., marking the historic cry for Mexican independence.

El Grito is a deeply rooted tradition that commemorates the start of Mexico’s fight for freedom. This event celebrates a pivotal moment in history and brings the community together to share in the joy of Mexican culture. Whether you’re there for the performances, the food, or the sense of community, this event promises an unforgettable experience for all ages. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to be part of a cherished cultural tradition in Chula Vista!

Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration
September 17th 4:30 PM to 7 PM | Otay Ranch Town Center

The Otay Ranch Town Center celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with a vibrant Family Festival on September 17, from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. This event will feature live music, cultural performances, and a variety of delicious food from local vendors and tenants. Families can enjoy activities like face painting, a photo booth, and special kids’ giveaways that highlight Hispanic culture. This year’s unique highlight is the “Salsa Under the Stars” pop-up dance celebration, offering live music and dance instruction, making it easy for everyone to join in the fun. This is the last event for Salsa Under the Stars so be sure to come out and join in the fun. This was a great addition to the summer lineup at the Otay Ranch Town Center, and I really hope they bring it back next year.

This festival is a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate the rich cultural traditions of Hispanic Heritage Month. The event not only offers entertainment and delicious food but also promotes unity and appreciation for the diverse cultures that make up the local community. Whether you’re a long-time resident or new to the area, this is a perfect chance to connect with others and enjoy a festive evening with family and friends.

Bonitafest Twilight Parade
September 21st 6 PM to 9 PM | Bonita-Sunnyside Library & Bonita Trail

The Bonitafest Twilight Trail Parade is set to take place on September 21 at 6 p.m. at the Sunnyside Saddle Club arena in Rohr Park. This beloved community event welcomes participants of all kinds—whether they’re walking, riding bikes, or bringing along their pets, including horses, goats, dogs, llamas, and potbelly pigs. The parade will follow a one-mile route around the Chula Vista Municipal Golf Course, led by the Sunnyside School Mighty Bulldogs Marching Band. After the parade, the Bonitafest Performing Arts Festival will kick off at the Bonita-Sunnyside Library parking lot, featuring a diverse lineup of local talent, with the nationally acclaimed Music Machine and Sound Unlimited show choirs from Bonita Vista High School as the headliners.

In addition to the parade and festival, this year’s Bonitafest also includes the 47th annual Bonitafest Melodrama, “Thin Skins and Hayseeds,” running from September 25-28 at the Sweetwater Church Theater. This award-winning musical-comedy brings to life the story of the Great Sweetwater Valley Flood of 1916 and promises to entertain audiences of all ages. With young leaders Nicolette Luna and Lyra Rhodes co-chairing the event, the community can expect a celebration filled with creativity and excitement, keeping the spirit of Bonitafest alive for all to enjoy.

Chula Vista Farmers Markets
Various Dates & Locations (Check our event calendar)

Really quick. I wanted to make sure everyone keeps going out to the three Chula Vista Farmers markets we have happening during the month. I know the weather is starting to cool off and many of you will not get out as much, but we still need to support these great markets. I can’t wait to see what they have for us in the fall, including homemade holiday decor or even some pumpkin spice coffee from one of the local vendors.

• Every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Chula Vista Farmers Market is open along Parkway Drive. They will be there rain or shine, so don’t forget to visit them.
• Every Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., the Otay Ranch Town Center Farmers Market is at the Otay Ranch Mall. There is just something about the market lights at twilight that really makes this event pop for me. I love to walk the many vendors while enjoying the food. We will be highlighting them in the fall with all the new vendors they have, so stay tuned in the next couple of months.
• Every Wednesday from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., the Fiesta Street Market at Chula Vista Municipal Golf Course in Bonita is open. They have been adding many fun activities to the market. One week, they even had a mini car show. I can’t wait to see what they have planned for the fall.

There you have it—all of the Chula Vista events for September 2024, plus a little more. Be sure to get out there and enjoy them. If you do go, let us know what you think and what you would like to see next year. See you out there, Chula Vista!