Things To Do in October 2023 Around San Diego

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“October is crisp days and cool nights, a time to curl up around the dancing flames and sink into a good book.”

 – John Sinor

Oktoberfest in La Mesa
La Mesa Blvd, La Mesa
Sept 29 4PM – 10PM, Sept 30, 10AM – 10PM, Oct 1 12PM – 8PM

Celebrating its 50th year, La Mesa Oktoberfest continues to top its traditions and present Bavarian festivities that San Diegans of all ages can partake in! La Mesa Oktoberfest is the perfect.. Learn more

Guns N’ Roses
Snapdragon Stadium
Oct 1, 2023, 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Guns N’ Roses return to the road on a massive 2023 World Tour produced by Live Nation, headlining stadiums, festivals, and arenas throughout the summer and fall. The powerhouse rock band launch this jaunt on June 5 in Tel Aviv, Israel at Park Hayarkon and will continue across… Learn more

Breast Friends Night Out
The Shout House
October 1, 7:00 PM

At The Shout! House, we are more than just a venue – we’re a family. Breast cancer hit close to home when our very own piano player, James Martinez’s wife, Britney, faced and conquered her battle with this relentless disease. In solidarity… Learn more

Les Miserables
Civic Theatre
Oct 3 – Sun, Oct 15, 2023

Cameron Mackintosh presents the acclaimed production of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg’s Tony Award-winning musical phenomenon, Les Misérables.

This brilliant staging has taken the world by storm and has been hailed as “Les… Learn more

Ocean Beach Oktoberfest
Foot of Ocean Beach Pier
Oct 6 – Oct 7, 2023

Mark your calendars! The WILDEST Oktoberfest in San Diego is coming back on Fri, Oct 6th & Sat, Oct 7th, 2023 in Ocean Beach, where Newport meets the beach. Our festivities include both family-friendly and adult activities. The family-friendly…  Learn more

Taste of North Park 2023
North Park
Oct 7, 2023, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Home to culinary innovation and cutting-edge brew-masters, North Park is a go-to San Diego destination for everything food and drink. On Saturday, October 7th, from 11AM to 3PM, the Taste of North Park invites culinary enthusiasts to… Learn more

Carlsbad Oktoberfest
Carlsbad Strawberry Company
Oct 7, 2023, 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Come join us at our 41st 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 an assortment of beers on tap including an Oktoberfest varietal and various… Learn more

La Jolla Art & Wine Festival
Girard Avenue and Prospect Street
Oct 7 – Oct 8, 2023, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

The La Jolla Art & Wine Festival (LJAWF) will be returning to downtown La Jolla on Saturday, October 7, and Sunday, October 8, 2023, showcasing prestigious art, regional and… Learn more

A Theatrical Cirque & Science Festival
Encore Event Center
Oct 7, 2023, 12:00 PM

Infinite Energy is an entertainment showcase, a dance party, and a fundraiser for Climate Change all wrapped up into one spectacular evening of visual and audible inspiration! Guests… Learn more

Pacific BeachFest
Pacific Beach Boardwalk
Oct 7, 2023, 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Come see what all the excitement is about. Pacific BeachFest is San Diego’s premier beach festival located in the heart of beach town: Pacific Beach.
Enjoy this free, full-day, family-… Learn more

Taste of Coronado
Rotary Park & The Ferry Landing
Oct 11, 2023, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM

This self-guided event will bring 800 guests from Coronado and beyond together for an evening of socialization, excellent food, and drink, to experience all that Coronado has to offer all while supporting our community and local businesses. Learn more

Escondido Grand Avenue Festival
Grand Avenue
Oct 15, 2023, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

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… Learn more

San Diego International Film Festival
Citywide
Oct 18 – Oct 22, 2023

The 22nd Annual San Diego International Film Festival is ‘Celebrating the Power of Film’ with curated screenings that inform, inspire and entertain. Festival events include…  Learn more

HauntFest on Main
Downtown El Cajon
Oct 20, 2023, 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM

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!

The annual HauntFest on Main is an exciting family-friendly event in Downtown El Cajon. Learn more

Haunted Hangar Halloween Bash
USS Midway Museum
Oct 21, 2023, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Get ready for a “Boo-tiful” evening with a fun lineup of family-friendly activities, contests, tasty treats, magic potion cocktails for mom and dad, crafts, magic and more! Learn more

4th Annual Lobsterfest
Market Pier
Oct 21, 2023, 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM

The San Diego Fisherman’s Working Group presents the 4th annual Lobster Fest on Sunday, October 8th starting at 8:00 am. Come down to the pier and buy some fresh, locally caught, whole lobster. It’s a free, family-friendly event with t-shirts &… Learn more

Fall Sunset Concert – Sue Palmer’s Motel Swing
Seaport Village
Oct 21, 2023, 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM

Seaport Village will host a free sunset concert on the outdoor stage in the Lighthouse District courtyard on Saturday, September 23rd from 4:30-7:30 featuring Sue Palmer’s Motel Swing Orchestra. Learn more

2023 International Air & Space Hall of Fame Gala
San Diego Air & Space Museum
Oct 21, 2023, 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Jessica Meir, distinguished NASA astronaut, biologist, and a pivotal member of the groundbreaking Artemis program, which intends to land the first woman and next man on the Moon, and General Atomics – Aeronautical Systems… Learn more

Rancho BEERnardo Festival
Rancho Bernardo’s Webb Park
Oct 21, 2023, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM, VIP opens at 1PM

Rancho Bernardo’s Favorite Beer Festival is Back! Learn more

Oceanside Dia de los Muertos Festival
Downtown Oceanside
Oct 22, 2023, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

22nd Annual Dia de los Muertos in Downtown Oceanside will be held on October 22, 2023, with altars, arts & crafts, por siempre car show, a chalk cemetery and more! Learn more

Art & Spirit: Dia de los Muertos
California Center for the Arts, Escondido
Oct 27, 2023, 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM

In celebration of Día de los Muertos, join us on the Museum Courtyard for an evening of art, music, and remembrance. Participants will create a personal ofrenda with a nicho box, inspired by… Learn more

Halloween Cruise on Mission Bay
Bahia Resort Hotel
Oct 27, 2023, 9:00 PM, Boarding begins at 8:50 p.m

Get ready for a wicked good time on a Halloween cruise on Mission Bay! Show off your spine-chilling style at the onboard costume contest – there are exciting prizes up for grabs, such as… Learn more

Trick-or-Treat on India Street
Piazza della Famiglia
Oct 27, 2023, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM

We are welcoming back our favorite Halloween tradition, Trick-or-Treat on India Street! On Friday, October 27th from 5:30pm to 7:30pm. Little ghouls and goblins of all ages are encouraged to dress up in their best costumes and… Learn more

Santee Lakes Spooktacular & Trunk-or-Treat
Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve
Oct 28, 2023, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Let’s boo this – every ghoul welcome!

This will be a ghoulish day of games, a GIANT Halloween maze, face painting, creepy crafts, photo opportunities, and much more. The Sanderson Sisters from Hocus Pocus… Learn more