Kids Free in Oct at San Diego Zoo & Safari Park
Throughout October, kids receive free admission to the San Diego Zoo! Join us, and let your wild ones meet ours.
Date: Oct 1 – Oct 31, 2017
Time: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Cost: Kids are free with paid accompanying adult
Location: San Diego Zoo
2920 Zoo Dr
San Diego, CA 92101
619-718-3000
http://zoo.sandiegozoo.org/content/kids-free-2017
37th International Exhibition
The San Diego Watercolor Society presents the 37th International Exhibition featuring the very best of watermedia art from around the world. The exhibition was juried by award-winning artist Katherine Chang Liu.
Date: Oct 1 – Oct 31, 2017
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Cost: refer to website
Location: San Diego Watercolor Society
2825 Dewey Rd
San Diego, CA 92106
619-876-4550
Encinitas Oktoberfest
The Encinitas Oktoberfest will feature music, Bavarian dancers, German food and drink, and a street craft faire featuring more than 200 vendors.
Date: Oct 1, 2017
Time: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Mountain Vista Drive and El Camino Real
Encinitas, CA 92024
http://encinitasoktoberfest.com/
Boomont Park Fall Festival and Haunt
Celebrate Halloween all month long at Belmont Park’s Boomont Park Fall Festival and Haunt with a pumpkin patch, trick-or-treating and a spooky roller-coaster.
Date: Oct 1 – Oct 31, 2017
Time: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Cost: Festival Entry-Free,Rides & Some Activities-Varies
Location: Belmont Park
3190 Mission Blvd
San Diego, CA 92109
858-228-9283
http://www.belmontpark.com/BoomontPark/
San Diego International Film Festival
The San Diego International Film Festival (Oct 4-8) is the region’s premier film event and one of the leading stops on the independent festival circuit. SDIFF offers a totally unique film experience; including world premieres, never before seen studio releases, the best in independent filmmaking and a full schedule of glamorous parties and intimate events with filmmakers.
Date: Oct 4 – Oct 8, 2017
Time: refer to website
Cost: $16-$600
Location: refer to website
619-818-2221
Fashion Week San Diego 2017
We are bringing new designers from around the world to show their never seen before collections on the FWSD Runway. This year we are featuring 21 very talented and dynamic labels/brands on the catwalk in La Jolla.
Date: Oct 4 – Oct 8, 2017
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Cost: Front Row VIP – $150; VIP – $100; GA – $50
Location: 1000 N. Harbor Drive
San Diego, CA 92101
858-270-9466
Full Moon Pier Walks
Discover the 100-year history of pier-based data collection at Scripps while walking along the Scripps Pier on an exclusive moonlit tour.
Date: Oct 4, 2017
Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Cost: Public: $35, Birch Aquarium Members: $30
Location: Birch Aquarium at Scripps
2300 Expedition Way
La Jolla, CA 92093-0207
858-534-7336
San Diego Italian Film Festival feStivale
The San Diego Italian Film Festival showcases the best of new Italian film with a series of premieres ranging from dramas and comedies to documentaries.
Date: Oct 4 – Oct 15, 2017
Time: 7:03 PM
Cost: Starting at $8
Location: Main Theater: Museum of Photographic Arts
1649 El Prado
San Diego, CA 92101
http://www.sandiegoitalianfilmfestival.com/
La Jolla Art & Wine Festival
The La Jolla Art & Wine Festival features the works of 150+ artists, entertainment, a gourmet marketplace, the Family Art Center, and a wine and beer garden.
Date: Oct 7 – Oct 8, 2017
Time: 10:00 AM – 7:00 AM
Cost: Free
Location: Girard Avenue and Prospect Street
La Jolla , CA 92037
858-228-6542
Pacific BeachFest
Pacific BeachFest has something for everyone including a fish taco contest, surf competition, beach volley ball, craft beer, kids activities and music!
Date: Oct 7, 2017
Time: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Pacific Beach Boardwalk
Boardwalk between Felspar Street and Thomas Street
San Diego, CA 92109
858-273-3303
https://www.pacificbeachfest.org/
Carlsbad Oktoberfest
The Carlsbad Rotary Oktoberfest, a fall tradition, will bring thousands of people to enjoy German food (and beer!), live music, and entertainment for children.
Date: Oct 7, 2017
Time: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Cost: Children – Free
Adult – $5-$15
Location: Holiday Park
Chestnut Avenue and Pio Pico Drive
Carlsbad, CA 92008
https://www.rotaryoktoberfest.org/
Grape Day Discovery Festival
The Grape Day Discovery Festival includes a wine and beer garden, entertainment that includes dance battles by local dance crews, music, a grape stomp and a pie-eating contest!
Date: Oct 7, 2017
Time: 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Grape Day Park
Escondido 92025
760-839-4777
http://visitescondido.com/1777/escondido-grape-day-celebration-5k-festival/
Del Mar International Horse Show
The Del Mar International Horse Show attracts Olympic veterans and world class athletes, competing head to head for a spot in the World Cup Finals!
Date: Oct 11 – Oct 29, 2017
Time: refer to website
Cost: $20-$150
Location: Del Mar Fairgrounds
2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92014
775-287-2477
http://westpalmsevents.com/shows/del-mar/spectator-information/
Halloween at the Whaley House
The historic Whaley House Museum in Old Town has some “spirited” fun in store for visitors this Halloween season, including extended hours, period lighting and music, Past & Presence Ghost Tours, and after-hours Ghost Hunts.
Date: Oct 13 – Oct 31, 2017
Time: refer to website
Cost: Prices vary by event
Location: Whaley House Museum
2476 San Diego Ave
San Diego, CA 92110
http://whaleyhouse.org/tourhalloween.htm
Harvest Festival Original Art & Craft Show
Each Harvest Festival features hundreds of artisans exhibiting American handmade items, strolling entertainment, festival food and a Kidzone.
Date: Oct 13 – Oct 15, 2017
Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Cost: $4-$9
Location: Del Mar Fairgrounds
2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd
Del Mar, CA 92014
http://www.harvestfestival.com/del-mar.html
5th Annual Whiskey, Bourbon & Wine BBQ
The flavors of the deep South and northern California converge at this West coast BBQ bash at Estancia La Jolla. A nod to the property’s horse ranch heritage, this southern-style feast under the stars features a menu of mesquite-smoked tri tip, shrimp and grits, warm cobblers and other comfort food favorites washed down with whiskey, bourbon and wine tastings.
Date: Oct 13, 2017
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Cost: Starting at $90 per person
Location: Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa
9700 N Torrey Pines Rd
La Jolla, CA 92037
https://nightout.com/events/5th-annual-whiskey-bourbon-wine-bbq/tickets?a=sdta-2
MCRD San Diego Bootcamp Challenge
The MCRD Bootcamp Challenge features obstacles used only by Marine Recruits plus over 60 USMC Drill Instructors providing direction and encouragement.
Date: Oct 14, 2017
Time: 6:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Cost: $40-$45
Location: Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego
3800 Chosin Avenue
San Diego, CA 92140
Pumpkin Express
Join the Pacific Southwest Railway Museum Association in the Pumpkin Express Halloween Celebration complete with a train ride, pumpkin patch and more.
Date: Oct 14 – Oct 29, 2017
Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Cost: $5-$18
Location: 750 Depot Street
Campo, CA 91906
619-478-9937
Art Glass Guild Annual Fall Patio Show and Sale
The Art Glass Guild will be hosting their 2017 Fall Patio Show and Sale. This is a wonderful event to view beautiful art glass created by local artists and to enjoy a day out with family and friends.
Date: Oct 14 – Oct 15, 2017
Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Cost: refer to website
Location: Spanish Village Art Center in Balboa Park
1770 Village Place
San Diego, CA
619.702.8006
Old Town’s Fall Festival
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park is kicking off the fall season with its annual Fall Festival.
Date: Oct 14, 2017
Time: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Old Town San Diego Chamber of Commerce
2415 San Diego Ave
San Diego, CA 92110
619-297-3100
http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=663
Studio 200 on Island
The New Children’s Museum asks you to get ready for high-energy music, creative cocktails and fine cuisine as our contemporary multi-level venue is transformed into the hottest set of clubs this side of the Gaslamp.
Date: Oct 14, 2017
Time: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Cost: $350 General; $500 VIP Pass; $100 After Party
Location: The New Children’s Museum
200 W Island Ave
San Diego, CA 92101
Life Time Tri San Diego
Life Time Tri San Diego is an exciting short course triathlon held at South Shores Park in Mission Bay – site of the first modern triathlon in 1974.
Date: Oct 15, 2017
Time: 7:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Cost: $75-$185
Location: South Shores Park
South Shores Park
San Diego, CA 92109
Escondido Grand Avenue Festival
Since 1989, the Escondido Grand Avenue Festival has brought live entertainment, over 400 vendors, children’s rides and activities, and food from around the world to the downtown tree-lined streets of Escondido.
Date: Oct 15, 2017
Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Grand Avenue
Grand Avenue, between Center City Pkwy and Ivy
Escondido, CA 92025
http://visitescondido.com/mc-events/the-grand-ave-festival-2/?mc_id=6695
Sherman Heights Dia de los Muertos
Embrace Mexican culture during Sherman Heights’ Dia de los Muertos with a traditional celebration, official altar blessing, live performances, food and more.
Date: Oct 19 – Nov 2, 2017
Time: refer to website
Cost: free
Location: Sherman Heights Community Center
2258 Island Avenue
San Diego, CA 92102
https://www.facebook.com/DDLMSanDiego
Borrego Days Desert Festival
Borrego Days Desert Festival is filled to the brim with inspiring art, entertainment, delicious food and drink, and so much more!
Date: Oct 20 – Oct 22, 2017
Time: refer to website
Cost: free
Location: Christmas Circle Community Park
600 Christmas Circle Dr.
Borrego Springs, CA 92004
760-767-5555
HauntFest on Main
HauntFest on Main is an exciting family friendly event in Downtown El Cajon with a pumpkin patch, costume contest, kidz zone, rides, entertainment and more!
Date: Oct 20, 2017
Time: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Cost: free
Location: Downtown El Cajon
200 E Main St
El Cajon, CA 92020
San Diego Kids Expo & Fair
The San Diego Kids Expo & Fair presented by Toyota every April and October is part businesses and non-profits on display, part fun fair and part music and dance festival. And definitely all kids!
Date: Oct 21 – Oct 22, 2017
Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Cost: $8-$35
Location: Del Mar Fairgrounds
2260 Jimmy Durante Boulevard
Del Mar, CA 92014
http://www.sandiegokidsexpo.com/
Aruna Run for Their Freedom
The 1st San Diego Aruna Run for Their Freedom is an exciting 5K run/walk for a worthy cause—freeing women from sexual slavery in India.
Date: Oct 21, 2017
Time: 11:00 AM
Cost: $30
Location: Encinitas Community Park
425 Santa Fe Dr
Encinitas, CA 92024
928-533-1277
https://arunaproject.com/events/6504/
Haunted Tales aboard the Star of India
It is time again for all aspiring ghosts, goblins, pirates and princesses to gather on the Star of India for some ghostly tales of enormous proportions. Enjoy as our storytellers reveal the eerie legends of our seafaring past.
Date: Oct 21 – Oct 28, 2017
Time: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Cost: Included with Admission
Location: Maritime Museum of San Diego
1492 N Harbor Dr
San Diego, CA 92101
619-234-9153
https://sdmaritime.org/visit/public-events/haunted-tales/
Giro di San Diego GranFondo
Southern California meets Italy at the Giro di San Diego Gran Fondo, a celebration of cycling, food, and San Diego’s North Inland region.
Date: Oct 22, 2017
Time: 5:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Cost: $40-$125
Location: Kit Carson Park
3333 Bear Valley Pkwy.
Escondido, CA 92025
http://www.girodisandiego.com/
Spooktacular 15k,10k/5k Run/Walk
The Spooktacular 15k,10k/5k Run/Walk is for men, women, and children.
Date: Oct 22, 2017
Time: 7:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Cost: $15-$80
Location: Hospitality Point Park
2510 Quivira Ct
San Diego, CA 92109
619-491-0677
https://www.spooktacular10k.com/san-diego
A Night with Janis Joplin
Like a comet that burns far too brightly to last, Janis Joplin exploded onto the music scene in 1967 and, almost overnight, became the queen of rock & roll.
Date: Oct 25 – Oct 26, 2017
Time: 8:00 PM – 10:15 PM
Cost: Starting at $36
Location: Historic Balboa Theatre
868 Fourth Ave
San Diego, CA 92101
619-570-1100
http://sandiegotheatres.org/category/home-page/?cat=57
Spooky Camp-O-Ween
Come join us for fun, spooky activities at the campground! Make your camping reservations today.
Date: Oct 27 – Oct 29, 2017
Time: 1:00 PM – 12:00 PM
Cost: refer to website
Location: Lake Jennings
10108 Bass Road
Lakeside, CA 92040
Trick-or-Treat on India Street
This fun and safe Halloween event makes it possible for urban families to enjoy authentic trick-or-treating fun as Little Italy businesses along historic India Street open their doors to give out candy and Halloween treats.
Date: Oct 27, 2017
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Piazza Basilone and participating businesses along India Street
621 W Fir Street
San Diego, CA 92101
http://www.littleitalysd.com/events/trick-or-treat-on-india-street
San Diego Zombie Crawl Gaslamp Takeover Halloween
If you love Halloween, dining and the nightlife, do not miss one of San Diego’s best Halloween Celebrations! Your San Diego Zombie Crawl ticket includes a guided route, 25+ premier club admissions, welcome shots + food and beverage specials in the Gaslamp!
Date: Oct 27, 2017
Time: 6:00 PM – 1:30 AM
Cost: $25-125 (depending on package and purchase time)
Location: Trailer Park After Dark (Will Call + Check-in)
835 5th Avenue
San Diego, CA 92101
619-944-8900
http://sandiegozombiecrawl.com/
Old Town San Diego’s Day of the Dead
Date: Oct 28 – Nov 2, 2017
Time: refer to website
Cost: free
Location: Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
2613 San Diego Ave
San Diego, CA 92110
http://www.dayofthedeadsd.com/
The Boulevard Boo! Parade
The Boulevard BOO! Parade, a family event, features a spellbinding parade with ghoulish floats, unique vintage cars, costumes characters, bands and more!
Date: Oct 28, 2017
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Cost: Free
Grandstand Seating: $10-$20
Location: El Cajon Boulevard
Roland and El Cajon Boulevard
San Diego, CA 92115
http://collegeareabid.com/boo/
Nightmare on Normal Street
Guaranteed to be a Fang-tastic evening filled with ghouls, goblins and spine chilling scares. You won’t want to miss this year Nightmare on Normal St.
Date: Oct 28, 2017
Time: 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Cost: $15-$55
Location: Normal Street at University Avenue
San Diego, CA 92103
https://www.fabuloushillcrest.com/events
Trick or Trot 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run
The fourth annual Trick or Trot 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run promises spooktacular fun for the whole family. Costumes encouraged! Prizes will be awarded for race winners as well as best costumes.
Date: Oct 29, 2017
Time: 8:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Cost: $10-$30
Location: Morley Field
2221 Morley Field Dr
San Diego, CA 92104
Halloween Paranormal Investigation!
Legend has it that the boundary between this world and the next is thinnest on Halloween night. Join the Gaslamp Museum and the San Diego Ghost Hunters for an extra special Paranormal Investigation and see for yourself!
Date: Oct 31, 2017
Time: 10:00 PM
Cost: $40
Location: Gaslamp Museum at the Davis-Horton House
410 Island Ave
San Diego, CA 92101
619-233-4692