San Diego in October
“October is a fallen leaf, but it is also the wider horizon more clearly seen. It is the distant hill once more in sight, and the enduring constellations above that hill once again.”
— Hal Borlan
San Diego is such a beautiful city with so much to see and so much to do!
In San Diego, October is almost picture-perfect. Clear skies and comfortable temperatures signal the beginning of autumn. You can take in all the attractions during the slower tourist season without having to fight your way through the masses.
October in San Diego is a month that is packed with fun family events. Popular Halloween festivities include events where kids can safely trick-or-treat, dress up in costumes, or at least see some decor.
Each month I have special fun events I want to show you so that you get the most out of this beautiful city!
Haunted Hotel / Scream Zone / Haunted Trail
It wouldn’t be October without San Diego’s best Halloween attractions. Location: The Haunted Hotel Disturbance in Mission Valley, Scream Zone at Del Mar Fairgrounds, and Haunted Trail in Balboa Park. Info: hauntedhotel.com, thescreamzone.com, hauntedtrail.net Various dates & times
San Diego Restaurant Week
This beloved culinary tradition features discounted menus from many of the best local restaurants. Location: participating restaurants in San Diego. Info: www.sandiegorestaurantweek.com 9/25 – 10/2 restaurant hours
Steampunk Expo
Our theme for our 2022 event will be Haunted Holidays. Location: Mission Valley Marriott Hotel. Info: www.gaslightexpo.org 9/29 – 10/2 12 – 5 pm
La Mesa Oktoberfest
Highlights include traditional German dishes, plenty of German bier, sing-alongs, glucklich games, a Kinder Garten, and markets. Location: Downtown La Mesa Info: www.lamesaoktoberfest.org 9/30 – 10/2 Fri 4 – 10 pm, Sat 10 am – 10 pm, Sun 12 – 8 pm
El Cajon Oktoberfest 2022
Enjoy authentic German food, German beers and liquors, and the German band, the Guggenbach- Baum! Watch traditional dancing, compete in games and contests, check out vendor and craft booths, and treat your kids to their own Kids’ Zone! Location: 1017 S. Mollison Ave. Info: www.germanclubsandiego.org/ portfolio-list/oktoberfest-2022 9/30 – 10/2, 10/7 – 10/9 Fri 4 – 10 pm, Sat 12 – 10 pm, Sun 12 – 9 pm
Pacific Beachfest
Enjoy this free, full-day, family-friendly, music-packed event! Location: Garnet Avenue (along the boardwalk from Felpar to Thomas St.). Info: www.pacificbeachfest.org 10/1 11 am – 7 pm
Mira Mesa Street Fair
Enjoy crafters, vendors, info booths, entertainment, and a Fun Zone, and food from around the world. Location: Camino Ruiz from Mira Mesa Blvd to New Salem St. Info: www.miramesatowncouncil.org 10/1 10am–5pm
Stockzilla!
The annual Mega Catfish Stock Event – 3,500 pounds of catfish! Location: Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve. Info: www.santeelakes.com 10/1 – 10/2 6 am – 5 pm
Ocean Beach Oktoberfest
Festivities include both family-friendly and adult activities at San Diego’s wildest Oktoberfest! Location: OB (pier parking lot at Newport Ave. & Abbott St.) Info: www.oboktoberfest.com 10/7 – 10/8 various times
Harvest Festival Del Mar
Shop from artisans of American handmade and embellished art & crafts! Location: Del Mar Fairgrounds. Info: www.harvestfestival.com/del-mar 10/7 – 10/9 Fri & Sat 10 am – 5 pm, Sun 10 am – 4 pm
TwitchCon
Meet streamers, play games, watch esports, and tons more! Location: San Diego Convention Center Info: www.twitchcon.com 10/7 – 10/9 9 am – 6 pm
Taste of North Park
Sample, sip, and shop at the Annual Taste of North Park. Location: various in North Park. Info: northparkmainstreet.com/taste-of-north-park 10/8 11 am – 3 pm
La Jolla Art & Wine Festival
Enjoy prestigious art, regional and international wines, craft beer and spirits, and family-friendly fun! Location: Girard Ave. Info: www.ljawf.com 10/8–10/9 10am–6pm
Blended Festival
Enjoy wine and music, with performances by Galantis, T.I., Mariah Angeliq, and more! Location: Spanish Landing Park. Info: www.blendedfestival.com 10/8 – 10/9 Sat 2 – 11 pm, Sun 1 – 10 pm
Mission Bay Triathlon
Choose from triathlon, duathlon, aquabike & youth races! Location: Mission Bay. Info: www.missionbaytriathlon.com 10/9 6:40 am
Grand Ave Festival – Escondido
Shop from hundreds of vendors, enjoy international cuisine, local entertainment, and much more! Location: Grand Ave., from Escondido Blvd. to Ivy. Info: www.escondido.org/grand-avenue-festival 10/16 9 am – 5 pm
Not So Scary Eco Festival
Discover hoots + howls at our nature-themed Halloween Family Day. Location: San Dieguito County Park. Info: thenaturecollective.org 10/16 10am–1pm
San Diego International Film Festival
Our region’s premier film event and one of the leading stops on the independent festival circuit. Location: various. Info: www.sdfilmfest.com 10/19 – 10/23 various
HauntFest on Main
There will be costume contests, carnival rides and games, car show, Kidz Zone, face painting, and more! Location: East Main Street, from Magnolia to Avocado/Ballatyne. Info: www.hauntfest.org 10/21 4 – 9 pm
San Diego Triathlon Challenge
Choose from full tri, swim, bike, run only or select multiple segments. Location: Mission Bay. Info: www.challengedathletes.org/events/sdtc 10/23 various
Oceanside Dia de los Muertos
Celebrate Dia de Los Muertos with altars, music, dancing, cultural eateries, Por Siempre Car Show, arts and crafts, and more. Location: downtown Oceanside. Info: www.friendsofoceansidediadelosmuertos.org 10/23 10 am – 5 pm
Trick or Treat on India Street
Little ghouls and goblins of all ages are encouraged to dress up in their best costumes and do some authentic trick-or-treating. Location: Piazza della Famiglia on India & W. Date Streets. Info: www.littleitalysd.com 10/28 5:30 – 7:30 pm
Old Town Dia de Los Muertos
Celebrate the lives of loved ones that have passed on but return to be remembered on this important holiday. Location: Old Town. Info: www.dayofthedeadsd.com 10/29 – 11/2 various times
San Diego Padres at Home
Are you ready for baseball season? See the Padres Location: PetCo Park. Info: www.mlb.com/padres
FARMERS MARKETS SAN DIEGO
Farmer’s Markets are mostly all open! If you are looking to get out and get some fresh air and fresh produce and food, check out one of the many farmer’s markets in San Diego. Most likely the one in your neighborhood is open. Check out a full list here >> https://www.sdfarmbureau.org/farmers-market/
As always, if you or anyone you know needs assistance buying or selling or if you have any real estate questions, please feel free to contact me by phone, text, or email!
So much to do, so much to see!
If you want to see a home sometime this month, check out all my Featured Listings, and message me or contact me here.