With the last few weeks of summer in San Diego including a major heat wave, cooler temperatures and fall activities could not be more welcome.
From autumn-inspired beer to trick-or-treating, there are events for all ages and interest this fall in San Diego County.
Check out this list and get ready to get spooky.
Bonsall
Bearcat BOO! Halloween Tours: Meet spooky and not-so-spooky animals during hourlong early evening flashlight tours with candy stations and apple cider. Feel free to wear your costume. 5:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. Oct. 22-23 and Oct. 30-31. Wild Wonders, 5712 Vía Montellano. Tickets are $39 for adults (ages 12+) and $20 for children (ages 5-11). wildwonders.org
Carlsbad
Oktoberfest and Family Fall Festival: This event will include German food and drinks, live music and a variety of activities for kids and adults. There will be a German costume contest, pumpkin patch, petting zoo, kid zone and corn maze. Noon to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1. Carlsbad Strawberry Company. 1050 Cannon Road. Tickets range from $5 to $55. rotaryoktoberfest.org
Brick-Or-Treat: On weekends this fall, LEGOLAND will offer special shows, new LEGO character sightings and other activities at its Brick-Or-Treat events. Unique to Saturdays, a “Monster Party” will take place with monster characters taking over the park. There will also be trick-or-treating, a costume contest, and limited-time attractions. Now running: 3 to 9 p.m. Saturdays, 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sundays. Through Oct. 29. LEGOLAND, One Legoland Drive. Tickets and more information can be found at legoland.com/california/
Trick-or-Treating at The Shoppes at Carlsbad: Families can bring kids and participating stores and restaurants will hand out goodies, while supplies last. There will be photo opportunities. 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Oct. 31. The Shoppes at Carlsbad, 2525 El Camino Real. theshoppesatcarlsbad.com/en/events/trick-or-treat–29344.html
Pumpkin Plunge: Enjoy Halloween-themed pool activities, games with prizes, a bounce house and a floating pumpkin patch for families. The movie “Monsters Inc.” will be shown as the sun goes down on the giant outdoor movie screen while participants float in the water. Food and beverages will be sold. 5 to 9 p.m. Oct. 15. Alga Norte Aquatic Center at 6565 Alicante Road. Cost is $10; free for children 3 and under. carlsbadconnect.org.
Chula Vista
Owl-O-Ween: The Living Coast Discovery Center is hosting an after-hours Halloween event with night hikes, a haunted graveyard, a Folklorico performance, animal encounters, Dia de Muertos stories, a costume parade, arts and crafts and more. There will be a mad science lab, trick-or-treating and other spooky activities. 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Oct. 29. Tickets are free for children under 2-years-old; $25-30 for general ission. 1000 Gunpowder Point Drive. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/owl-o-ween-tickets-421442404577?mc_eid=b20266931a&mc_cid=471a05795f
Día de los Muertos: Chula Vista will celebrate loved ones who have ed with entertainment, food and altars to honor families with a free event along Third Avenue. Dress in full Catrína attire or other cultural outfits and bring a copy of a photo of a loved one to post on a public display at the corner of Third Avenue and Davidson Street. A ticketed event called La Ofrenda will offer samples and discounts from local businesses and a free treats and sweets area will offer goodies to kids from participating business. 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29. thirdavenuevillage.com/dia-de-los-muertos-celebration
The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular: For several weeks this fall, Sesame Place will be transformed for Halloween. There will be an interactive scavenger hunt, games, photo opportunities, trick-or-treating around the park and special Halloween-themed shows. On Oct. 30, a costume contest will take place at the Sesame Street Theater for children at noon and families at 1 p.m. Sign up online. Now running through Oct. 30. 2052 Entertainment Circle. Park ission starts at $59.99. sesameplace.com
Coronado
Haunted Happenings Tour: Hotel Del Coronado is hosting official tours to tell the haunting story of the infamous Kate Morgan. Learn about her mysterious visit and death as well as other ghostly stories from the historic hotel. Dates and times vary from September to November. Hotel Del Coronado, 1500 Orange Ave. $30 per person. Must be older than 12. hoteldel.com/events/haunted-happenings-tours
HalLOEWSween: For the first time, Loews Coronado Bay Resort will host a free HalLOEWSween event for hotel guests and visitors alike. There will be a trick-or-treat trail through spooky gardens with themes like “Star Wars,” “Toy Story” and “Encanto,” and kids can meet some of their favorite characters. There will be food and snacks available, and for adults, there will be Halloween cocktails. At 8 p.m. watch “Hocus Pocus” in the hotel’s ballroom with snacks and drinks available for purchase. 6 p.m. Oct. 29. Loews Coronado Bay Resort, 4000 Coronado Bay Road, Coronado. Free. loewshotels.com/coronado-bay-resort/halloween?chebs=PARTNER_CORTIMES_OCT2022
Del Mar
Pumpkin Station: Festivities include a carousel, rides, giant slides, Ferris wheel, train jump
petting zoo and play center along with pumpkin patch. 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sundays to Thursdays and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sept. 30 through Oct. 31 at 15555 Jimmy Durante Blvd. Free ission and parking. Visit pumpkinstation.com.
El Cajon
Oktoberfest: You can celebrate Oktoberfest for two weekends this fall in El Cajon. It all begins with the crowning of the 2022 Oktoberfest Queen on Sept. 30 at 6:30 p.m. This Oktoberfest includes live music from a band from called Guggenbach Buam as well as German food, beers, a raffle trip to and other entertainment. Sept. 30-Oct.2 and Oct. 7-9. 4 to 10 p.m. Fridays. Noon to 10 p.m. Saturdays. Noon to 9 p.m. Sundays. German American Societies of San Diego, 1017 South Mollison Ave. Tickets range from $5 to $44. germanclubsandiego.org
HauntFest: El Cajon holds its annual HauntFest downtown and packs it with games, crafts, a movie, activities, rides, a costume contest, live entertainment, food, a candy trail and a pumpkin patch. 4-9 p.m. Friday. East Main Street from Magnolia to Avocado/Ballatyne. Free. hauntfest.org
Encinitas
Día de los Muertos: This celebration will include everything from face painting to mariachi bands to the Callejeros de Encinitas Car Club. Check out art-making workshops, student exhibits and more. A community “ofrenda” remembrance altar will be on display indoors and visitors are invited to bring a photograph to share to honor a loved one. Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29. Encinitas Community Center, 1140 Oakcrest Park Drive. Free. encinitasarts.org/programs/encinitas-dia-de-los-muertos-celebration
Encinitas Oktoberfest: Enjoy German food and refreshments, live Bavarian music and dance troupes, carnival rides, exhibits and more at this Oktoberfest. It will include 175 vendors, and attracts attendees from all over San Diego County. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Sept. 25. Located on Mountain Vista Drive off El Camino Real between Wandering Road and Rambling Road, this festival spans one-third of a mile along Mountain Vista Drive. Free. encinitasoktoberfest.com
Ghost Town Spooktacular: This Haunted Ghost Town will feature a 25-minute spine-chilling tours of the pranks and secrets of the departed. Family-friendly “less spine-tingling” tours are 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., and “horrifyingly frightening tours” are 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. led by student actors from Ovation Theatre. Oct. 21-23 and Oct. 28-30. Heritage Ranch. 450 Quail Gardens Drive. Tickets are $20; $10 for kids age 10 and under. SDHeritage.org
Fallbrook
Scarecrow Days: This drive-by viewing of scarecrows runs through Oct. 31. New attractions include “Wizard of Oz” characters, Pillow Fight Kids and Ring Around The Rosy along with the Field of Silent People and the Pumpkin Heads. Scarecrow Fall Fun Kids Zone at the Fallbrook Main Avenue Farmers Market is on Saturdays through Oct 15. Viewing directory is at fallbrookchamberofcommerce.org.
Julian
Oktoberfest: Enjoy live music, bingo, a beer garden, activities for children, food, dancing and more at this Oktoberfest event. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1. Town Square and Town Hall. 2123 Main Street. stelizabethjulian.org/oktoberfest-2022
La Mesa
La Mesa Oktoberfest: Enjoy live music, German food and beer at this Munich-inspired festival. Get a biergarten for $5 and bring your kids for free. There will also be games including beer stein races, a keg haul and tug-o-war. A “Craft Faire” will feature local artisans and vendors and the “German Kinder Karneval” will feature a Ferris wheel, inflatables, a scavenger hunt and more. All pets are welcome. 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sept. 30. 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Oct. 1. Noon to 8 p.m. Oct. 2. Free. LaMesaOktoberfest.org
Lemon Grove
Giardino, Zest plan Halloween bash: Giardino Neighborhood Cucina and adjacent Zest Wine Bistro will host a ticketed Halloween party for ages 21 and up featuring multiple bars, tarot card readings, horror films, speakeasy rooms, DJs and light bites. 6 to 10 p.m. Oct. 31. 8131 Broadway, Lemon Grove. For tickets, visit giardinosd.com
National City
Día de los Muertos: Westfield Plaza Bonita will host a Día de los Muertos event with face painting and appearances by characters from the Pixar movie “CoCo.” Mayor Sotelo-Solis will give a speech to open the event on the dining terrace at 1:45 p.m. and will be followed by a Mariachi band, Foklorio dancers and Aztec dance entertainment. 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 29. 3030 Plaza Bonita Rd. Suite 2075. Free. eventbrite.com/e/dia-de-los-muertos-celebration-tickets-410116458367
Oceanside
Día de los Muertos Festival: See altars honoring local families or apply to submit and create your own at the festival. Chalk cemeteries will be available throughout the area for memorializing loved ones. There will be kids activities including a bookmobile, arts and crafts, live music and dancers and plenty of food and activity vendors. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 23. Downtown Oceanside at the corner of Pier View Way and South Tremont Street. Free. friendsofoceansidediadelosmuertos.org
Trunk or Treat Halloween: Trick or treaters will find treats hidden behind the “Halloween Tower” in the parking lot at North Coast United Methodist Church. Stay for an outdoor movie, “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” starting at dark. 6 p.m. Oct. 15. 1501 Kelly St. NorthCoastUMC.org or (760) 439-4099.
San Diego
PoeFest: Write Out Loud presents a festival of fully-staged short stories and poetry, featuring literary legends like Edgar Allan Poe and Mary Shelley. The performances will take place at the Villa Montezuma where visitors can explore the mansion through interactive experiences. Oct. 14-16, Oct. 21-23, Oct. 27-30. Times vary. 1925 K St., San Diego. $30. writeoutloudsd.com/poefest
Ocean Beach Oktoberfest: Family friendly and adult activities are available at this event, including a beer garden, live music and giveaways. 4:20 p.m. to 11p.m. Oct. 7. 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Oct. 8. In Ocean Beach where Newport Avenue meets the pier. $10. oboktoberfest.com
Spooky Halloween cruise: The William D. Evans sternwheeler will be hosting a Halloween Cruise with two Djs, dancing, drink specials and a photo booth. 9 p.m. to 12 a.m. Oct. 28. $40 per person, must be 21 or older. Bahia Resort Pier. bahiahotel.com
Halloween at the Station: Liberty Station will host a family-friendly Halloween celebration with crafts, live music, a costume contest and other activities. All ages and pets are invited to attend, and many of the area businesses will be open for trick-or-treating. Halloween at the Station will take place from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 30. North Promenade at Liberty Station. 2848 Dewey Road. Free. https://libertystation.com/events/halloween-at-the-stationCheck out Halloween trivia on Oct. 25 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Liberty Public Market.
Fall Flicks + Sips: Each Sunday this October, Monkey Bar will host outdoor movie screenings featuring Halloween favorites like “Hocus Pocus” and “Beetlejuice.” These free screenings will come with complementary popcorn, and Monkey Bar food, cocktails and local beer will be available for purchase. Special spooky cocktails on the menu include the “Poison Apple Martini,” and “Witches Brew” and “Pumpkin Spiced Mule.” 8 p.m. each Sunday in October. Free. Monkey Bar at Town and Country Resort. 500 Hotel Circle North. towncountry.com/dine/monkey-bar
Halloween concert: The Spreckels Organ Society will host a special Halloween concert and silent movie. The Spreckels Pipe Organ will be played to accompany a showing of the 1925 silent film version of “Phantom of the Opera.” Before the film, Victoria Robertson, soprano, and Bernardo Bermúdez, tenor, will sing excerpts from the “Phantom of the Opera” Broadway show. 6 p.m. Oct. 29. Free with donations accepted. spreckelsorgan.org
City Heights Day of the Dead Celebration: This 25th annual event will include community altars, mask-making and other free entertainment. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29. Officer Jeremy Henwood Memorial Park, 3795 Fairmount Ave. Free. facebook.com/cityheightsdiadelosmuertos
Secret Society: This event, for ages 21 and above, features hands-on science, crafts, music, rooftop views, craft beers, cocktails and more. Make sure to wear your costume for this nocturnal event. 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21. San Diego Natural History Museum. 1788 El Prado. Tickets are $15 for and $25 for non-. Learn more at sdnat.org/events
Fall Fest at Belmont Park: Belmont Park will transform into a fall experience with special food, games and drinks. There will be free trick-or-treating every Sunday in October and live music and a beer garden on Friday nights. Kids can participate in a pumpkin plunge at the Plunge Pool on select dates and race at the go-kart track throughout October. During regular park hours through Oct. 31. Belmont Park. 3146 Mission Blvd. Go to belmontpark.com/fallfest for tickets and more information.
Rooftop Cinema Club Embarcadero: Throughout October, Rooftop Cinema Club will be showing movies representing everything from the slightly spooky to the deeply horrifying. The lineup includes “The Ring,” “I Know What You Did Last Summer,” “The Addams Family,” “The Blair Witch Project,” “Halloween” and “Hocus Pocus.” Times and dates vary. Manchester Grand Hyatt. 1 Market Place. 4th Floor Sport Terrace, Harbor Tower. Standard tickets range from $17.50–$25. rooftopcinemaclub.com/san-diego
Haunted Tapper’s Mini Golf: Throughout the month of October, The Loma Club will be the scene for “Haunted Tappers” takeover of the Gopher Course hosted by Tappers Mini Golf & Cocktails every day of the week. For $20 adults can have one round of putt-putt and one housemade fall sangria. 2960 Truxtun Road. tappersgolf.com
SeaWorld’s Howl-O-Scream and Spooktacular: Through Oct. 31, SeaWorld will host a separate- ticket nighttime Halloween event. It will feature scare zones, haunted houses, a live performance show and a variety of spooky food and drink options. This event is intended for a mature audience and tickets range from $39.99 to $114.99. Event days and times vary throughout the season. Info at seaworld.com/san-diego/events/howl-o-scream/tickets. For a less frightening fun, SeaWorld’s Spooktacular will take place on Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 31 with candy, costumes, trick-or-treating, a hay maze and more. These family activities are included with regular park ission. 500 SeaWorld Drive. seaworld.com/san-diego
Eppig’s Oktoberfest on the Harbor: Put on your best Bavarian attire and enjoy a stein-holding contest, fresh “Festbier,” food trucks and more. Today through Sunday. Eppig’s Point Loma Waterfront Biergarten. 2817 Dickens St. ppigbrewing.com/-events-1
San Diego Symphony Día de los Muertos celebration: On Oct. 26, the San Diego Symphony will unveil a ofrenda alter in the Sycuan Community Plaza at The Rady Shell, which will remain open until Oct. 31. of the public are invited to add photos of their loved ones. Then on Oct. 28, a family night will take place there from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. with crafts, a performance by Mariachi Villa Musica, food, drinks and a calavera contest. On Oct. 30, the San Diego Symphony performance lineup includes the Grammy Award-winning Mariachi Los Camperos and skilled dancers of Grupo Folclórico Chiquina Palafox and festive food, drinks and activities will take place on site. 6 p.m. Oct. 30. The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, 222 Marina Park Way. $20 to $75. theshell.org/performances/d%C3%ADa-de-los-muertos-celebration
Boo Bash: “The queerest free Halloween party for youth and families” will take place during a block party-style event in Hillcrest. There will be games, a costume contest, a drag show and trick-or-treating. This inaugural event is a collaboration between TransFamily Services and Fabulous Hillcrest. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29. 1500 University Ave., San Diego. Free. transfamilysos.org/boobash
North Park Oktoberfest Beer Crawl: Several North Park taprooms are teaming up for an Oktoberfest event with drink specials and a punch card that, when completed, allows the beer drinkers to enter a raffle for a $600 prize package. Second Chance Beer, Original 40 Brewing, Rouleur Brewing and Mike Hess Brewing are participating and punch cards will be distributed at each location. 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 22.
Murder Mystery Beer Pairing Dinner: Second Chance Beer Company, the Carmel Mountain-based “Pups First, Drinks Second” brewery, hosts its 3rd-Annual Murder Mystery Beer Pairing Dinner 7 p.m. Oct. 27. Tickets are $60; a portion benefits The Animal Pad and Second Chance Dog Rescue. 15378 Avenue of Science, #222. secondchancebeer.com.
TREATport Village: More than 30 retailers in Seaport Village will be handing out candy amid festive decor, pumpkins and family-friendly photo opportunities. Complimentary tote bags will be provided for the candy quest. At Seaport Fudge Factory, there will be a Halloween Town Costume Party with carnival games, a costume contest and live entertainment. There will also be pizza and other treats available. Noon to 5 p.m. Oct. 30. Seaport Village, 849 W. Harbor Dive. seaportvillage.com
San Diego Zombie Crawl: This Halloween event promises “three nights of terror,” plus free entry to 22 costume parties at clubs in the Gaslamp Quarter, Welcome Potions, live entertainment, DJ, dancing and more. The Crawl offers preplanned self-guided routes to the downtown clubs, which are all along Fifth Avenue between G Street and Market. Stops include Casablanca, Double Deuce, Phantom Lounge and Onyx. Needless to say, this is a 21-and-older event. 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. Thursday through Oct. 29. Pick up club es, drink tickets and credentials at American Junkie, 628 Fifth Ave., San Diego. Tickets start at $35. SanDiegoZombieCrawl.com.
Vista
Halloween Family Fun: This trick-or-treat event will include everything from kid-friendly crafts and goodies to a display of fire engines and squad cars. 4 to 6 p.m. Oct. 27. In the parking lot of the Civic Center, 200 Civic Center Drive. Free. cityofvista.com/residents/trick-or-treat
Scarecrow Contest at Fall Fest: This free event includes a scarecrow contest, pumpkin painting, kids’ crafts and activities, a plant sale, music, craft vendors and food vendors including the Amigos de Vista Lions BBQ. Scarecrows for the contest must be made at home. and pick up scarecrow supplies at the Children’s Garden from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Oct. 8 or Oct. 15. A deposit of $10 covers the scarecrow’s armature (sticks), a head, stuffing and clothing. The $5 will be returned when the completed scarecrow is brought back to the Gardens. Bring the scarecrow to the Gardens for judging 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 14, or 9 a.m. to noon Oct. 15. Homemade scarecrows (created with your own supplies) can also be ed for the contest for $5 on those days. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15. Alta Vista Botanical Gardens, 1270 Vale Terrace Drive. altavistabotanicalgardens.org.
Track or Treat: The event takes place on the final weekend of the Fall Antique Engine & Tractor Show at the Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum. Highlights include gas engine row startup, antique equipment parade, tractor games on the parade route; demonstrations on weaving, spinning, blacksmithing and woodworking along with milling. There will also be a pumpkin pinata, candy and prizes and pumpkin patch. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 22-23. ission is $8; adults ages 65 and up, $7; kids ages 6-12, $5 and free for kids younger than 6. Free for active-duty military. 2040 N. Santa Fe Ave. Visit agsem.com.
