Yes, this pickleball hobby has taken off, and taken over the streets on the Gaslamp Quarter. Also this month: John Cleese is still alive, so consider saying hello to the Monty Python Flying Circus alum at Balboa Theatre. It’s an eclectic time of year, so go listen to a Prince retrospective at The Rady Shell; celebrate Oktoberfest a little early in East Village; or exercise your taste buds during San Diego Restaurant Week. All while making plans for a probable playoff run by the Padres.
GASLAMP URBAN PICKLEBALL
September 4, 11, 18, 25 (Thursdays) Downtown’s first-ever street court series continues this month in the Gaslamp Quarter. Pickleball courts will be set up on Fifth Avenue between Market Street and Island Avenue. Pre-register to guarantee your spot. More info.
JOHN CLEESE: NOT DEAD YET!
September 10 (Wednesday) It’s been 50 years since John Cleese helped bring us Monty Python and the Holy Grail. This special evening with the iconic British funnyman at The Balboa Theatre will spotlight decades of ingenious absurdity. More info.
SAN DIEGO FOOTBALL CLUB
September 16 (Tuesday) With the San Diego FC out to an amazing first season, this is the first-ever “friendly” match with the Tijuana Xolos at Snapdragon Stadium. Held on Mexican Independence Day. More info.
THE CREATIVE EXCHANGE
September 18 (Thursday) Billed as a hub for entrepreneurs, culture-makers and professionals to meet, mingle and spark ideas. 1904 Connect is partnering with Little Italy host venue Cloak & Petal. More info.
TASTE OF GASLAMP
September 20 (Saturday) This will be the 29th celebration of allowing your taste buds to munch and imbibe on the Gaslamp Quarter’s culinary offerings. At least 20 eateries will participate in this self-guided tour. More info.
PURPLE RAIN AT THE RADY SHELL
September 20 (Saturday) Prince’s Purple Rain spent half a year atop the music charts – now comes Prince’s one night as featured artist in Classic Albums Live at the world-class outdoor music venue The Rady Shell. “Let’s Go Crazy!” More info.
EAST VILLAGE OKTOBERFEST
September 20 (Saturday) The ninth annual celebration of all things German (often with a Mexican twist) brings steins and steins of Bavarian suds to the streets of East Village outside Quartyard. More info.
TROLLEY DANCES
September 20-21 (Saturday to Sunday) This outdoor dance series, in partnership with San Diego Metropolitan Transit System, has brought dance troupes to trolley stops for a quarter of a century. More info.
SAN DIEGO RESTAURANT WEEK
September 14-21 (Sunday to Sunday) Get some bang for your buck and try out the high-end prix-fixe menus at local restaurants participating in the biannual San Diego Restaurant Week. More info.
CRSSD FESTIVAL
September 27-28 (Saturday to Sunday) This biannual music festival, focusing on electronic music (house and techno) usually attracts a full-capacity (15,000-person daily) crowd to Waterfront Park. More info.
MLB PLAYOFFS BEGIN
September 30 (Wednesday) It’s possible the San Diego Padres could win the National League West Division. If not, the likely postseason path for the Friars will begin with a three-game Wild Card Series, site to be determined. More info. SDSun
