San Diego Climate Week Returns for Second Annual Celebration, October 1-8
09/18/26
San Diego Climate Week (SDCW) returns for its second year on October 1-8, 2026. This community-led series of events is designed to inspire unity, climate action, and deeper connection across our region, and this year, the movement is bigger than ever. Building on the momentum of its inaugural year, SDCW returns under the theme Unity, calling on residents, businesses, nonprofits, students, and government agencies across the San Diego region to unite for our planet. Throughout the week, SDCW will provide education and intentional calls to action, inviting the public to engage directly with this issue at events designed to inform, mobilize, and connect community members to real avenues for advocacy.
A Week Built by the Community, For the Community
SDCW's team spent the past year organizing a robust lineup of programming anchored by five Summits and a new Climate Careers and Clean Energy Futures career fair. Each Summit is designed to bring climate conversations directly into neighborhoods and communities, pairing expert speakers with hands-on, participatory activities, while attendees enjoy. San Diego Climate Week is making its climate week its own by offering a welcoming experience to all of our Summits. Each Summit is free and offers light refreshments, inspiring company, healing sessions (acupuncture, Tai Chi, chiropractic adjustments and massage, etc.), and childcare.
Water Summit & Paddle Out: Thursday, October 1, 4:00-8:00 PM, Coronado
Opening the week, the Water Summit centers on coastal protection, ocean solutions, and water security. The Summit begins with a paddle out to honor the ocean that shapes our lives here in San Diego. Following the paddle-out, we will have the Making Waves resource fair, featuring nonprofits doing work in the region around clean water issues, from protecting marine life to ensuring we have clean drinking water. At 6 PM, the panel discussion will feature a tri-national program with federal, State, local, Mexican, and Kumeyaay representatives followed by a breakout session led by seven non-profit executives.
Land Summit: Saturday, October 3, 10:00 AM-2:00 PM, Barron Creek Farm, Oceanside
Held in North County, the Land Summit highlights Indigenous stewardship and climate action. This event will begin with ceremonial drumming and dancing by some members of the Luiseño Tribe and will include modern music and a native marketplace (including Indian tacos)! The hosts, Barron Creek Farm, will be offering a tour and the opportunity to plant trees in their agro-forest. You can register for a free tree yourself, compliments of TreeSD. After tree planting, there will be a panel on Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) by indigenous leaders.
Fire Summit: Tuesday, October 6, 6:30-9:00 PM, San Diego Natural History Museum
New this year, the Fire Summit addresses wildfire resilience, climate adaptation, and ecological recovery, bringing together fire ecologists, cultural burners, and resilient infrastructure experts. The evening will include information booths from local organizations helping mitigate fire risk here in San Diego, followed by some short films and a panel of fire experts. The event participants will follow dancers upstairs to enjoy a rooftop mixer.
Air Summit: Wednesday, October 7, 5:30-8:00 PM, Spreckels Organ Pavilion, Balboa Park
Centered on clean air, climate innovation, and decarbonization, the Air Summit is happening on Clean Air Day and will feature a Climate Action Plan feedback workshop led by the City of San Diego’s (City’s) Climate Advisory Board, electric vehicle and e-bike test drives, a clean air resource-fair, live music, and a clean air debate with representatives from the City, County, nonprofits, and business sectors. Joe LaCava, and Supervisor Tera Lawson-Reemer will all be in attendance.
People Summit: Thursday, October 8, 5:00-9:00 PM, University of San Diego, Kroc School
Closing out the week, the People Summit spotlights the circular economy, climate business, and community action through a fix-it clinic, resource fair, and fashion show.
New This Year: Climate Careers & Clean Energy Futures
Also, new to the 2026 lineup is Climate Careers and Clean Energy Futures, taking place Friday, October 2, from 10:00 AM-1:00 PM at UC San Diego's Design and Innovation Building. This combined panel and career fair connects students, job seekers, and professionals with opportunities across the region's expanding climate economy, convening employers, policymakers, training providers, and community organizations to showcase pathways into clean energy, skilled trades, climate tech, and public sector careers. The event seeks to expand equitable access to training and job pathways across San Diego County while strengthening the pipeline between local employers and emerging talent. The event will also feature a business clothing swap!
Over 150 Events and Growing
Beyond the five Summits and career fair, there are more than 150 events taking place across San Diego County and virtually throughout October 1-8. Programming spans every corner of the climate conversation, including science and environmental education, social justice and advocacy, arts and culture, food systems, Indigenous resilience, sustainable transportation, clean energy, green business & careers, and youth development. Events range from beach and river cleanups to policy panels, film screenings, community workshops, and cross-border field trips, ensuring there is an entry point for every resident, regardless of background or experience level.
Event registration is now open, and participants can register for the Summits and other events today. While event hosts may continue submitting new events to the calendar through September 24, community members are encouraged to register early for the best chance at securing a spot, as popular sessions may reach capacity.
For the full calendar of events and additional information, visit the SDCW calendar. To learn more about San Diego Climate Week's mission and get involved, visit the SDCW homepage.
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