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Top October Events

The Perfect Month for Families

Come soak up some Vitamin D in California's Beach City this October, all while enjoying 80+ Kids Free San Diego offers, Halloween happenings, Dia de los Muertos celebrations and more awesome events.

Don't miss these exciting events happening in San Diego this October.

Featured October Events

Kids Free San Diego

When: Oct. 1-31, 2023
Kids Free San Diego is calling you back this October, where kids eat, stay, and play for free. With more than 80 deals on activities, attractions, meals and more, unforgettable family memories are waiting to be made in San Diego. Plan your trip today!

LEGOLAND Brick-or-Treat Party Nights

When: Thru Oct. 29, 2023
Every Saturday night, LEGOLAND® California Resort creates Halloween excitement with live entertainment, character meet-and-greets, costume contests, and treat stations during extended Park open hours!

SeaWorld's Halloween Spooktacular

When: Thru Oct. 29, 2023
For weekends brimming with family fun, SeaWorld's Halloween Spooktacular thrills with spooky live shows, Halloween activities and trick-or-treating for the little ones throughout the park in a safe, family-friendly environment.

SeaWorld Howl-O-Scream

When: Thru Oct. 31, 2023
There's a new terror in town, and it's got a killer smile. For the second year, Howl-O-Scream has arrived to transform the peaceful SeaWorld San Diego park you once knew into something sinister. When night falls and a carnival of horrifying creatures surrounds you, just try to put on a happy face.

HalGLOWeen at the San Diego Zoo

When: Oct. 6-31, 2023
Plan to join the San Diego Zoo for musical entertainment, special performances, Dr. Zoolittle, and more family friendly fun will light up the night every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening in October. Kids 11 and younger are free, and can come in costume for even more seasonal excitement.

Autumn Festival at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park

When: Oct. 7-29, 2023
Come and join in all the autumn festive fun as the San Diego Zoo Safari Park celebrates the season of color with special activities, entertainment, and culinary comforts.

San Diego International Film Festival

When: Oct. 18-22, 2023
SDiFF offers world premieres, never before seen studio releases, the best in independent filmmaking and a full schedule of glamorous parties and intimate events with filmmakers.

Día de los Muertos

When: Oct. 22 - November 5, 2023
Honor your lost loved ones and immerse yourself in traditional and authentic Mexican Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrations throughout San Diego.

Halloween Happenings

When: Thru Oct. 31, 2023
From family-friendly fright fests and historically-haunted tours, to terror-filled scream zones and wild, trick-or-treat parties, Halloween in San Diego is crazy fun for ghouls and kids of all ages.

More Awesome October Events

Beachside Fall Fest

When: Thru Oct. 31, 2023
The magic of the season will transform the 97-year-old seaside Belmont Park into a vibrant taste of fall! Get into the festive spirit with FREE Trick-or-Treating every Sunday in October, live acoustic performances and festive beer garden Friday nights, specialty treats from your favorite stops, iconic rides and attractions and MORE!

La Mesa Oktoberfest

When: Thru Oct. 1, 2023
3 days of festive live music, including Oompa bands, tons of top-notch German food, and of course, steins filled to the brim with German & Craft beer!

Mr. Jack O' Lanterns Pumpkin Patch

When: Oct. 1-31, 2023
The perfect pumpkin awaits at this family-owned pumpkin patch, along with a spooky maze, games, and activities that make for an unparalleled family experience.

San Diego Italian Film Festival

When: Oct. 3-14, 2023
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.

The Scream Zone at the Del Mar Fairgrounds

When: Oct. 5-31, 2023
The Scream Zone is considered among the goriest, scariest, and screaming-est fright fests to be found in the dark corners of Southern California. We invite you to be our guests, that is, if you have the nerve!

Ocean Beach Oktoberfest

When: Oct. 6-7, 2023
The Ocean Beach Oktoberfest is a two-day, eclectic, beachside festival with a variety of exciting activities, contests and entertainment.

Pumpkin Express

When: Oct. 7-29, 2023
Join the Pacific Southwest Railway Museum Association in the Pumpkin Express Halloween Celebration complete with a train ride, pumpkin patch and more.

Pacific Beachfest

When: Oct. 7, 2023
Pacific BeachFest has something for everyone including a fish taco contest, beach volleyball, craft beer, kids activities and music!

Julian Oktoberfest

When: Oct. 7, 2023
Enjoy live music with Oktoberfest Dancers and Singers, Bingo Hours, Sip and Paint an Icon, Children's Activities, Silent Auction, Raffles, Great Food and a Beer Garden.

Carlsbad Oktoberfest

When: Oct. 7, 2023
Come join us at our 40th Annual Oktoberfest Fall Festival event with real German meals from Tip Top Meats, kids and adult activities, live German music, and of course a Bier Garten! The Bier Garten will feature a variety of Oktoberfest beer on tap and wine.

Taste of North Park

When: Oct. 7, 2023
Enjoy over 40 food tastes and 15 craft beer/craft cider sips from North Park’s best restaurants and breweries while exploring the sites and sounds of this electric North Park neighborhood.

La Jolla Art & Wine Festival

When: Oct. 7-8, 2023
Enjoy 150+ juried artists from around the globe, 3D chalk art displays, interactive art murals, non-stop live music, family art center, roving entertainment, gourmet food court, and a wine, craft beer, and spirits garden featuring local brews, distilleries and global wineries.

San Diego Spirits Festival

When: Oct. 7-8, 2023
The two-day Signature Event is set to delight everyone’s palate and promises to be a feast for ALL your senses, with a weekend of unlimited tantalizing sips as you reconnect with brands you know, and discover new ones from over 60 brands from High end Spirits to ready to drink cocktails and seltzers.

Haunted Harvest

When: Oct. 7-28, 2023
Haunted Hayride, Pumpkin Seed Spitting Contest, Apple Bobbing Contest, Harvest Hoedown with Jug Band, Apple Cider Pressing and Tasting.

Oktoberfest in El Cajon

When: Thru Oct. 8, 2023
San Diego County's most traditional Oktoberfest - fun for the whole family! Live German Oom-Pah music, awesome German food, German beers on tap, and so much more!

Lobsterfest

When: Oct. 8, 2023
Celebrate the opening of California's Lobster Season with local fishermen selling fresh lobsters and dockside meals.

A Taste of Coronado

When: Oct. 11, 2023
Take a culinary trip around the world sampling from Coronado bistros. Meander along Orange Avenue or take a ride on the complimentary trolley. This will be a night to remember so come and bring your friends!

Secret Society of Adultologists: Old Hollywood

When: Oct. 13, 2023
The Secret Society returns to the Natural History Museum on the year's spookiest night—Friday, October 13. Dress in your best hauntingly glamorous costumes for this 21+ event, featuring hands-on science, music, rooftop views, craft beers and cocktails, and more.

Del Mar Harvest Festival

When: Oct. 13-15, 2023
Each Harvest Festival features hundreds of artisans exhibiting American handmade items, strolling entertainment, festival food and a Kidzone.

Carmel Valley Trail 15k, 10k and 5k

When: Oct. 14, 2023
On the Carmel Valley Trail 15K, 10K and 5K, participants will experience a combination of single track and dirt service road trails through beautiful open spaces.

Escondido Grand Avenue Festival

When: Oct. 15, 2023
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.

XTERRA Wetsuits Mission Bay Triathlon

When: Oct. 15, 2023
Join us at the birthplace of the sport for the Mission Bay Triathlon! Competitors from around the country will return to Mission Bay to celebrate the triathlon.

USA Ultimate National Championships

When: Oct. 19-22, 2023
The USA Ultimate National Championships represent the pinnacle of elite ultimate in North America and crowns champions in three divisions: men’s, mixed and women’s.

Hauntfest on Main Street

When: Oct. 20, 2023
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!

San Diego Triathlon Challenge

When: Oct. 20-22, 2023
The San Diego Triathlon Challenge has raised the funds that have allowed 9,500+ challenged athletes around the world to make it to the starting line.

MCRD BootCamp Challenge

When: Oct. 21, 2023
The MCRD Bootcamp Challenge features obstacles used only by Marine Recruits plus USMC Drill Instructors providing direction and encouragement.

Rancho BEERnardo Festival

When: Oct. 21, 2023
Rancho Bernardo’s Favorite Beer Festival is Back!

Borrego Days Desert Festival

When: Oct. 21-22, 2023
The 56th Annual festival weekend at Christmas Circle includes live bands, an acclaimed Comedy Hypnosis Show, plus art exhibits, kid's zone, food vendors, artisans, education, adult beer garden, free to enter car show and more. This is a family friendly festival that is fun for all ages.

EŌS Fitness Tour de Cove

When: Oct. 22, 2023
Join Challenged Athletes Foundation at beautiful La Jolla Cove for a fun and sweat-drenching 4.5 hour stationary cycling marathon with 100 riders and over 50 challenged athletes.

Oceanside Dia de los Muertos Festival

When: Oct. 22, 2023
Altars, arts & crafts, por siempre car show, a chalk cemetery and more!

Art Party at The San Diego Museum of Art

When: October 26, 2023
You're invited to Art Party, a dynamic new event at The San Diego Museum of Art with music and dancing, hands-on art activities, captivating performances, delicious food, refreshing beverages, and other enchantments.

Halloween Aglow

When: Oct. 27-28, 2023
After the sun goes down, the Birch Aquarium lights up! Halloween Aglow is a family-friendly event that features live music, a costume contest, trick-or-treat stations and so much more!

Halloween at San Diego Zombie Crawl

When: Oct. 27-30, 2023
If you love Halloween, dining and the nightlife, do not miss San Diego's #1 Halloween Celebration! Your San Diego Zombie Crawl ticket includes a guided route, 25+ premier club admissions, welcome shots + food and beverage specials in the Gaslamp.

Trick-or-Treat on India Street

When: Oct. 27, 2023
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.

Downtown Chula Vista Dia de los Muertos

When: Oct. 28, 2023
Join Third Avenue Village as we take part in a traditional Mexican celebration honoring loved ones who have passed, by enjoying life, music, and good food and drink.

Lions Tigers & Bears Spooky Campover

When: Oct. 27-28, 2023
Enjoy a wild and ghoulish night under the stars with the rescued exotic animals of Lions Tigers & Bears. The annual Spooky Campover is a family favorite you do not want to miss! Enjoy pumpkin carving (don't forget your pumpkin), s'mores by the campfire, and more.

Nightmare on Normal Street

When: Oct. 28, 2023
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.

Black Pearl Halloween Yacht Party

When: Oct. 28, 2023
The Haunted Mansion on the Water with Open Bar & Complimentary Apps & amazing views makes this San Diego's Top Rated Halloween party cruise.

Titanic Masquerade & Costume Party

When: Oct. 28, 2023
Prepare for the Halloween party cruise that will be transformed into a haunting Titanic, filled with the dead of the historic Titanic that sank years ago.

Old Town San Diego's Dia de los Muertos

When: Oct. 28 - Nov. 2, 2023
Old Town San Diego will have a Mercado de Arte at the north side of the lot across from the Market, Theatre and Trolley stop on Saturday October 29-30th. On November 2nd Old Town will be hosting the traditional procession to the El Campo Santo cemetery displaying a public altar.

Encinitas Dia de los Muertos Celebration

When: Oct. 29, 2023
Celebrate life with live performances, art-making workshops, a student art exhibit, artist demos, food trucks and more at the Encinitas Dia de los Muertos.

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