NORTH COUNTY AND SAN DIEGO EVENTS FOR OCTOBER
North County and San Diego events for October have transformed to help keep everyone save during the pandemic. Some have gone virtual or have moved outdoors, while others have been canceled or delayed.
Here are some fun North County and San Diego events in October for you, your family and friends. Enjoy, but please stay safe!
The World of Frida
September 19 – November 15
Location: Escondido, California Center for the Arts, 340 N Escondido Blvd
Coming to the Museum from the Bedford Gallery in California, this exhibition celebrates the culture, style, and persona of visionary painter Frida Kahlo.
Frida’s work continues to inspire with her story of love, adventure, and pain. Featuring over 100 works across all media by contemporary artists, their works touch on Frida’s life and art, her love of animals, and her vibrant Mexican culture.
The World of Frida underscores the lasting impact Kahlo and her work had on generations of future artists. The work in this exhibition explores the strength of her legacy, identity, and artistic vision against the backdrop of the twenty-first century.
The Scream Zone
October 1 – 31*
Location: Del Mar, Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd
Buckle Up For A Terrifying Ride!
The Scream Zone has been tempting terror-lovers for the past 23 years, but the 2020 event will take a whole new spin. Due to COVID-19 health and safety protocols, guests will experience the frights from the dis-comfort of their own car. You will weave through a mile-long course transformed into scenes from classic horror films and the demented minds of the Scream Zone’s creators.
Drive Through
At the Drive-Thru Scream Zone: Road Kill, the only roadside assistance coming to your aid is a triple threat of zombies, serial killers, and killer clowns.
*Not open on some weekdays. Check the calendar for dates and times.
Haunted Aquarium Remix
October 1 – 31
6 – 9 PM
Location: La Jolla, Birch Aquarium
Included with Admission
Haunted Aquarium Remix takes the spooky science fun that the traditional Haunted Aquarium is known for and mixes things up outdoors. There are new animal encounters and activities geared for children ages 2 to 10, as well as fun for the whole family.
Outdoor Fun
We will use Birch Aquarium’s stunning outdoor spaces and the Education Courtyard. So even if Birch Aquarium has to close its indoor spaces, the fun will go on.
Upon entering, children — who are encouraged to wear costumes — receive a Discovery Booklet. The booklet includes self-guided explorations tied to Haunted Aquarium Remix activities. Young guests will be able to learn about and touch spooky creeps of the deep including slimy seaweed, several species of small sharks, and creepy, crawly critters like Sea Spiders. They will also enjoy the Haunted Kelp Maze, explore what happens when a whale “falls,” and get up close with nautical nutrients, some of the tiniest critters at the aquarium.
Carlsbad Oktober-Feast
October 1 – 31
12 – 9 PM
Location: Carlsbad, multiple locations
The Carlsbad Hi-Noon Rotary Club and the Rotary Club of Carlsbad proudly present the 38th Annual Oktoberfest. Due to COVID-19, the Oktoberfest will take place at local restaurants throughout the month of October.
Enjoy 15% off at participating Carlsbad restaurants or a full German meal at Tip Top Meats for only $9.98. Click on the link above to download or print your ticket for discounts.
Kids Free in October San Diego Zoo and Safari Park
Kids Free in October San Diego Museum Council
October 1 – October 31
Location: San Diego County, multiple locations
October is a great month for kids! Both the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park and the San Diego Museum Council are offering free admission to children in October!
Zoo and Safari Park
Calling all kids! October is Kids Free month at the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park presented by Mission Fed at the San Diego Zoo! All month long, children 11 years and younger receive free admission when accompanied by an adult with a valid form of admission. One adult can bring up to 5 children (ages 11 and younger) free all month long.
Click here to find out what you need to know before you arrive. We want to thank you in advance for your cooperation in practicing vital preventive measures to maintain a safe environment during your visit.
Museums
This October, kids 12 and under receive free admission at many art, cultural, and science museums and historical sites in San Diego County when they present the Kids Free in October coupon. Check out a new destination or an old favorite. Kids Free in October gives families the opportunity to enjoy new museum experiences each year. Some limitations apply.
LEGOLAND Halloween in Miniland
October 2 – 31*
Location: Carlsbad, LEGOLAND,
LEGOLAND® California Resort welcomes all families to join us for a Halloween-themed outdoor retail and dining experience every weekend in October! Enjoy festive LEGO® décor, distanced character meet-n-greets, and individual family activities that will be sure to get you into the not-so-spooky Halloween spirit.
Highlights
- Navigate a Halloween-themed Scavenger Hunt in Miniland U.S.A.
- Take a stroll to shop for the latest must-have LEGO sets at The BIG Shop, the largest LEGO retail store on the West Coast.
- Taste seasonal fall treats like Granny’s Apple Fries or Smokehouse BBQ’s ribs.
*Reservation times available on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from October 2 through October 31.
Del Mar International Horse Show
October 7 – 25
Location: Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd
The Del Mar International Horse Show takes place at one of Southern California’s finest horse show venues, the Del Mar Fairgrounds. There will be multiple weeks of world-class show jumping, attracting an elite field of internationally recognized horses and riders.
Competing for World Cup Finals
Minutes from San Diego, the ideal Del Mar area features golden beaches, luxurious resorts, upscale shopping and dining, and a mild year-round climate. The Del Mar International Horse Show is part of the prestigious Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ North American League. It hosts one of only seven World Cup Qualifiers on the West Coast of North America! The Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Del Mar attracts Olympic veterans and world class athletes, competing head to head for a spot in the World Cup Finals!
Fall Fun Festival Alta Vista Gardens
October 10
10 AM – 3 PM
Location: Vista, Alta Vista Botanical Gardens, 1270 Vale Terrace Dr
Bring your family to Alta Vista Botanical Gardens. We’re at the top of the hill inside Brengle Terrace Park. Celebrate fall at this community-centered event by creating a scarecrow at home for our contest. Scarecrow supplies can be picked up ahead of the festival.
Plant Sale
The festival includes vendors and a great plant sale. We’ll also have food to purchase.
This event is free to the public.
Escondido Grand Avenue Festival
October 18
9 AM – 5 PM
Location: Escondido, Grand Ave between Center City Pkwy and Ivy
Hundreds of vendors, live entertainment, and food from around the world have come together. The Escondido Grand Avenue Festival has been family tradition since 1989. It’s held the 3rd Sunday of May and October and is the second largest single-day festival in California.
The festival kicks off at 9 a.m. and will jump and jive all day until 5 p.m. Come and join us on historic Grand Avenue in downtown Escondido. Enjoy special attractions and great family fun!
Track or Treat
October 25
9 AM – 4 PM
Location: Vista, 2040 N Santa Fe Ave
Kids in costume get in free!
Kids get candy and other prizes all around the Antique Gas & Steam Engine grounds. We’ll have games and activities throughout the day. Plus we have our first ever pumpkin patch open! In the pumpkin patch, you can pick your own pumpkin and take family pictures.
This is a challenging time. Please enjoy your North County and San Diego events in October, but protect yourself and others at the same time.
Do you have North County or San Diego events in October or any other month that you’d like included here? Just let me know, and I’ll add them for you.