September is a month of patriotic celebrations in Baja California, and its municipalities are marking the occasion with a vibrant lineup of cultural, traditional, and culinary events.
This second week of September brings activities for every taste whether you’re a speed enthusiast, a craft beer lover, or someone who simply enjoys a fine regional wine. And of course, there’s no shortage of delicious Mexican cuisine, all served against the backdrop of Baja’s most iconic landscapes.
Tijuana
Vaticano Invitational 2026
The border’s most irreverent beer festival is back. Since 2019, Vaticano Invitational has been dedicated to celebrating the region’s craft beer scene, and it returns this year for its 5th edition with 18 guest breweries, 9 live bands throughout the day, a diverse selection of food vendors, and a vibe unlike any other.
- Date: Saturday, September 12
- Time: 1:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
- Location: Plaza Río Tijuana
- Cost: $350 pesos ($21 USD)
- Tickets: Available at www.vatifest.com or via @maduenocacho
Baja Health Cluster Grill Experience 2026
The Baja Health Cluster Grill Experience returns for 2026, bringing together companies, hospitals, clinics, and strategic partners for a high-level culinary competition.
This business festival of grilling, networking, and family fun will honor the best grill masters and their culinary talent. Attendees can also enjoy tastings, live music, a family zone, a children’s and commercial area, plus special activations and surprises.
- Date: Sunday, September 13
- Time: 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- Location: Jardín Secreto Toreo, Privada Manuel Doblado #2720, Fraccionamiento Calette
- Cost: $1,000 pesos for adults ($59 USD); $500 pesos ($29 USD) for children
Mexicali
Mexican Night at Enchúlame la Lerdo
Mexican tradition comes alive on Avenida Lerdo de Tejada with live music, food, and a festive atmosphere celebrating the nation’s heritage.
Enchúlame la Lerdo invites visitors to enjoy an evening full of flavor, music, and national pride in the heart of Mexicali. The event is supported by Cotuco, City Hall, Centro Histórico La Revitalización de la Historia, Cobina A.C., and Canirac.
- Date: Sunday, September 13
- Time: 7:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
- Location: Avenida Lerdo de Tejada, between Altamirano and Morelos
- Cost: Free
Ensenada
Festival del Vino Norteño
Spend an afternoon savoring regional wines, a Mexican buffet, and live music from mariachi and norteño groups. The celebration also features charros, cowboys and horses, folkloric dances, and the traditional Grito de Independencia.
Taelum invites guests to don their hats and cowboy boots and share one of the most anticipated experiences of Viñadas 2026 with family and friends.
- Date: Saturday, September 12
- Time: 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- Location: Taelum, Parcela 6, Valle de los Attenuatas, 2281, Ensenada
Score Baja 400
The legendary international off-road desert rally arrives in Ensenada this weekend.
Now in its seventh edition, the race is part of the World Desert Championship, drawing hundreds of teams from around the globe to compete on an extreme circuit of roughly 400 miles.
- Date: Wednesday, September 9 through Sunday, September 13
- Location: Bulevar Lázaro Cárdenas, Club Rotario 1421, Zona Centro, Ensenada
- Cost: Free
Rosarito
Chocolatería Antonella Cycling Cup 2026
Organized by the Municipal Sports Institute of Playas de Rosarito (Imder) and Cotuco Rosarito, the Chocolatería Antonella Cycling Cup will award $35,000 pesos ($2060 USD) in cash to winners across the various categories.
An additional prize pool of $5,000 pesos ($294 USD) will be distributed across 10 bonus sprints, with $500 pesos ($29 USD) going to the first rider to cross each designated point along the circuit.
- Date: Sunday, September 13
- Time: 8:00 a.m.
- Location: Parque Industrial Barsac Rosarito
- Cost: Varies by category
San Quintín
Second Annual Los Pinos Sport Fishing Tournament
With a prize pool exceeding $400,000 pesos ($23,540 USD), the state’s largest fishing competition, organized by Sepesca, will bring together anglers, families, and visitors for a premier sporting celebration.
The tournament, which boasts more than 20 years of experience and is part of the 2026 Fishing Calendar, features expert judges and world-class prizes.
- Date: Friday, September 11 and Saturday, September 12
- Location: Molino Viejo San Quintín
- Cost: $700 pesos ($41 USD) per registration
