North County and San Diego Events for October
North County and San Diego events in October include haunted houses, Oktoberfest and Día de los Muertos celebrations, along with food, wine, film and music festivals. We also have golf, trail races, bike rides, family Halloween events and more.
LEGOLAND Brick-or-Treat Monster Party
Sept. 19 to Nov. 1
Our signature Halloween event is better than ever this year! Brick-or-Treat will bewitch LEGOLAND® California Resort with tons of candy, not-so-scary shows, and silly monster LEGO® characters!
See website for days and hours. / LEGOLAND
Brick-or-Treat Monster Party
The Haunted Trail of Balboa Park
Sept. 25-Nov. 1, closed some weekdays
The Haunted Trail of Balboa Park returns with two haunts in one: the 3,500-square-foot eXperiment Maze and the mile-long Haunted Trail winding through the twisted pines and gnarled oaks of historic Marston Point. Named in CNN’s Top 5 best Haunted Attractions in America, and one of the “Top 3 Halloween Destinations in the U.S.” by America Haunts.
See website for days and hours. / Balboa Dr & Juniper Rd
hauntedtrail.net
Julian Autumn Jubilee
Sept. 26-Oct. 25
Homegrown pumpkin patch, hayrides, hoedowns and jug band shows, cider pressing, candle dipping, crafts, farm animals, interactive reptile shows, treasure hunt, archery, tomahawk throwing, ghost town slingshot range, spooky maze, and more!
See website for schedule. / Fort Cross, Santa Ysabel
951-847-1904 / www.fortcross.com
Del Mar Wine & Food Festival
Sept. 30-Oct. 4
This lively gathering features food from Southern California’s top chefs and restaurants, opportunities to engage with international culinary celebrities, fine wines presented by renowned winemakers, and personalities from sports, surf, and social communities.
See website for events and schedule. / Surf Sports Park
delmar.wine
San Diego Italian Film Festival
Sept. 30-Oct. 10
The San Diego Italian Film Festival celebrates its 20th year with this year’s theme, Legacy. The festival honors the stories, people, and passion that have shaped it over the past two decades while looking ahead to an exciting future.
See website for schedule and locations.
sandiegoitalianfilmfestival.com
San Diego Zoo, Safari Park & San Diego Museums: Kids Free in October
Oct. 1-31
Throughout October, youths 11 years and younger receive free admission to the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park when accompanied by an adult with a valid form of admission.
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
zoo.sandiegozoo.org/kids-free
All month long, kids 12 and under receive FREE admission with a paid adult to more than 70 of San Diego County’s favorite museums, historic sites, aquariums, gardens and more. Offers vary by participating institution, but some are even free for the whole family!
San Diego Museum Council
sandiegomuseumcouncil.org
Carlsbad Fall and Halloween Events
Throughout October
Carlsbad has fall and Halloween events happening throughout the month, including pumpkin patches, haunted attractions, seasonal workshops, costume events, food tours and family activities. Check the website for individual events, dates, times and locations.
visitcarlsbad.com
Heroes of Oceanside and Camp Pendleton Luncheon
Oct. 2
The event serves to recognize representatives from Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Oceanside Police Department, Oceanside Fire Department, Oceanside lifeguards, healthcare professionals and educators from the local school districts for their outstanding contributions to the well-being and advancement of our city. The event is open to everyone. You must register.
12-2pm / The Seabird Ocean Resort & Spa
760-722-1534 / www.oceansidechamber.com
Haunted Corn Maze
Oct. 2-31
Test out your puzzle-solving skills and take a trip through our corn maze. With 1.5 miles of trail you can be sure that you’ll be challenged. Admission is $25.
7-10pm Fridays & Saturdays / Carlsbad Strawberry Company
760-603-9608 / www.carlsbadstrawberrycompany.com
San Diego Donut Dash 5K
Oct. 3
This donut-themed event combines running with plenty of treats, including a finisher medal, event shirt, free donut bar and the Donut Mile.
7am / Kit Carson Park, Escondido
www.racesandiegollc.com
Older & Bolder Expo
Oct. 3
The expo will feature 40+ health-related businesses, non-profits and senior-related organizations with tips and resources on the latest products and services designed to make the most of life beyond retirement. The event is free to the public. There will be workshops covering important topics that affect all of us as we age.
9:30am-1:30pm / Pine Avenue Community Center, Carlsbad
carlsbad.org
Rancho Peñasquitos Wildfire Safety Forum
Oct. 3
Learn about wildfire preparedness, home protection and the new Home Hardening & Zone Zero Grant Program for Rancho Peñasquitos residents. The event also includes a fire truck, free drinks and hot dogs.
11am-3pm / St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church, 10125 Azuaga St
www.rpcouncil.com
Taste of Oceanside
Oct. 3
Get ready for some FUN at MainStreet Oceanside’s annual Taste of Oceanside. VIP First Taste is 12:30-1:30pm.
1:30-5pm / Downtown Oceanside
mainstreetoceanside.com
Rancho BEERnardo Festival
Oct. 3
Enjoy live music, more than 35 local breweries, wineries, and distilleries plus great food vendors. 21+ event. Feel free to bring lawn chairs.
2-5pm / Webb Park, Rancho Bernardo
ranchobeernardofestival.com
San Marcos Halloween Spooktacular
Oct. 3
Enjoy free entry to the Halloween dance party and costume parade, plus games, crafts, Halloween activities and inflatables for just $1 per activity! Onsite food truck.
4-8pm / Williams Barn at Walnut Grove Park
760-744-9000 / www.sanmarcosca.gov
Rendezvous in Poway
Oct. 3-4
History comes to life as you walk back in time to the 1820s-1890s. Join us to experience history during this one-of-a-kind event. Interact with period correct historical encampments and meet mountaineers, cowboys, and pioneers while you pan for gold, ride the train, visit the Heritage Museum and more.
See website for times. / Old Poway Park
858-668-4576 / poway.org
Super Hero Obstacle Race
Oct. 4
Dress up like your favorite super hero at Carlsbad’s Super Hero Obstacle Race at Alga Norte Community Park. Parents and children run together through a super hero themed 2K obstacle course. Participants must be 4 years and older.
8-10am / Alga Norte Community Park, Carlsbad
www.carlsbadca.gov/departments/parks-recreation
Taste of Carlsbad Village
Oct. 8
With a curated lineup of the Village’s best restaurants, wineries, breweries and beverage artisans, Taste of Carlsbad Village offers a self-guided tour of the vibrant food and drink scene.
5-8pm / Carlsbad Village
https://www.carlsbad-village.com/
North County Cup
Oct. 9
Hosted by the Boys & Girls Clubs of North County, the North County Cup welcomes golfers of all skill levels to participate. All proceeds will benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of North County. Tickets are $250 per golfer.
Journey at Pechanga, Temecula
bgcnorthcounty.org
Carmel Valley Trail 5K, 10K and 10 Mile
Oct. 10
A San Diego event for 12 years, this is San Diego’s only trail race through beautiful Gonzales Canyon Open Space. Participants will experience a combination of single-track and dirt service road trails through beautiful open spaces.
6-10:30am / Solana Ranch Park
www.enduranceraceseries.com
Alta Vista Gardens Fall Fun Festival
Oct. 10
Our Fall Fun Festival will include a scarecrow contest, kids’ crafts and activities, pumpkin decorating, a plant sale, music and dance, amazing craft vendors and a BBQ lunch.
10am-3pm / Alta Vista Botanical Gardens
760-945-3954 / altavistabotanicalgardens.org
Oceanside Ukulele Festival
Oct. 10
Celebrate the joyful, easygoing spirit of the ukulele with live performances, hands-on workshops and opportunities to connect with artists and makers from across the region.
11am-5pm / Civic Center Plaza
www.visitoceanside.org
Julian Oktoberfest
Oct. 10
Enjoy live music, raffle baskets and cash prizes, homemade goodies, a pie walk, face painting, kids’ and family games and craft vendors.
12-6pm / St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church
www.stelizabethjulian.org
La Jolla Art & Wine Festival
Oct. 10-11
The festival showcases prestigious art, regional and international wines, craft beer and spirits, and family-friendly fun!
10am-6pm / Girard Avenue
www.lajollaartandwinefestival.com
San Marcos Harvest Fest
Oct. 11
Explore more than 200 vendors featuring local makers and unique finds, along with food, beer, wine, cider and live music on three stages.
9am-5pm / 251 North City Drive, San Marcos
www.sanmarcoschamber.com
Vista Día de Muertos Downtown
Oct. 11
This inaugural festival features community altars, cultural performances and ceremonies, food trucks, local vendors, artists, family activities, cultural displays and a Catrina contest.
11am-5pm / South Santa Fe Avenue, Vista
downtownvista.org
San Diego International Film Festival
Oct. 13-18
Festival events include an opening night film premiere and reception, night of the stars tribute, culinary cinema, studio premieres, curated features, documentaries and shorts from independent filmmakers around the world as well as parties, food, drinks, panels and networking events.
Multiple Locations
619-818-2221 / www.sdfilmfest.com
Mission Bayfest
Oct. 16-18
Mission Bayfest is a 21+ music festival that celebrates San Diego’s beach culture and lifestyle. Our focus is on these key event elements: music, location, food & beverages. This year’s lineup features Rebelution, Kolohe Kai, The Offspring and more.
Mariner’s Point Park
www.bayfestsd.com
Pumpkin Plunge
Oct. 17
Bring a swimsuit and join the Halloween fun at Alga Norte Aquatic Center with pool activities and games with prizes and floating obstacles. The Splash Pad will also be open for the little ones, plus a bounce house, lawn games and the Floating Pumpkin Patch.
5-8pm / Alga Norte Aquatic Center
442-339-2843 / www.carlsbadca.gov/departments/parks-recreation
Hoot, Howl, and Prowl
Oct. 17
Meet the canyon’s wildlife (docents dressed in animal costumes) up close and end the evening with hot chocolate! Kids are welcome to wear their costumes. Registration is required.
5:30-7:15pm / Blue Sky Ecological Reserve, Poway
858-668-4781 / poway.org
Fall Home/Garden Show
Oct. 17-18
This show features information and advice directly from expert representatives of various professional home-improvement and maintenance organizations.
Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 10am-4pm / Del Mar Fairgrounds
https://fall.sandiegohomegardenshows.com/
Antique Engine & Tractor Show
Oct. 17-18, 24-25
The Fall Antique Engine & Tractor Show has something for everyone in the family. Blacksmithing, weaving, woodworking, milling, processing and spinning demos, farming equipment, tractors, engines, antique watches and clocks, and more.
Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum, Vista
760-941-1791 / www.agsem.com
Grand Avenue Festival
Oct. 18
One of North County’s longest-running and most beloved festivals includes live music, food vendors, shops and crafts, art in the garden and a beer and wine garden. Shop from hundreds of vendors including unique handcrafted gifts and imports, and international cuisine. This is a free, family-friendly event.
9am-5pm / Grand Avenue in Historic Downtown Escondido
760-745-2125 / escondidochamber.org
Fallbrook Harvest Faire
Oct. 18
The autumn faire includes live music in the beer and wine garden, handmade crafts, local food and treats, tractors, vintage trucks and cars, military vehicles, pony rides, pumpkin and costume contests, a pie-baking contest, scarecrows and a Fallbrook pumpkin patch.
9am-4pm / Main Avenue
760-728-5845 / www.fallbrookchamberofcommerce.org
Nature Collective Fall Festival
Oct. 18
Join us for our exciting and family-friendly Fall Festival! Explore nature’s amazing and quirky creatures, join our exciting costume parade, get creative with hands-on nature crafts and experience live animal encounters. Plus, there’s face painting and tide pool exploration.
10am-1pm / San Dieguito County Park, Del Mar
760-436-3944 / thenaturecollective.org
Solana Beach Día de los Muertos Celebration
Oct. 18
This year’s celebration will include over 40 altars, a classic car show, live music, a costume contest, a dog costume contest, a face mask contest, piñatas and free kids’ activities.
10am-5pm / La Colonia Community Park
858-720-2453 / www.cityofsolanabeach.org
USA Ultimate National Championships
Oct. 22-25
The top 16 teams in men’s, mixed, and women’s divisions from across North America will compete for the USA Ultimate Championship.
Surf Cup Sports Park, Del Mar
719-219-8322 / tct.usaultimate.org
San Diego Zombie Crawl
Oct. 23, 24, 30, 31
Throw on your best costume and take over the Gaslamp Quarter with fellow zombies, monsters and Halloween lovers for four nights of Halloween madness. 21+ event.
6pm-2am / Gaslamp Quarter
gaslamp.org
Bike the Coast
Oct. 24
Ride along the Southern California coast and through local beach communities on five routes ranging from a family-friendly 7-mile ride to a 100-mile route along historic Highway 101.
See website for ride times and routes. / Oceanside Pier
909-399-3553 / www.bikethecoastsd.com
BarktoberFest
Oct. 24
Enjoy local craft beer tastings, live DJ music, pet adoptions with local rescues and festive contests.
1-4pm / Arrowood Golf Course, Oceanside
760-967-8400 / arrowoodgolf.com
Oside BooBash
Oct. 24
Local vendors, delicious food, crafts, pumpkin decorating, adoptable pets, kids’ costume contest and trick-or-treating along North Coast Highway.
1-6pm / 510 North Coast Highway, Oceanside
Facebook event page
Once Upon a Hallowe’en
Oct. 24
Test your bravery in the haunted house, try your skills at haunted carnival games, ride aboard the Poway Midland Railroad, enjoy tasty treats and so much more! Admission to the haunted house is $1. Not recommended for children under 5 years old.
4:30-8:30pm / Old Poway Park
858-668-4576 / poway.org
Oceanside Día de los Muertos Festival
Oct. 25
Altars, arts and crafts, Por Siempre Car Show, entertainment, and more!
10am-4pm / Downtown Oceanside
www.friendsofoceansidediadelosmuertos.org
Encinitas Día de los Muertos Celebration
Oct. 25
Celebrate life with live performances, art-making workshops, a student art exhibit, artist demos, food trucks and more.
12pm-4pm / MiraCosta College, San Elijo Campus
www.encinitasarts.org/programs
Carlsbad Día de los Muertos
Oct. 31
Celebrate Día de los Muertos with music, activities and community gatherings. A traditional ofrenda dedicated to the Carrillo family and colorful decorations will welcome guests throughout the ranch.
10am-2pm / Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park
442-339-5498 / www.carlsbadca.gov
Encinitas Safe Trick-or-Treat
Oct. 31
Trick-or-treat at local shops, enjoy live music in The Lumberyard Courtyard and find kids’ games and other Halloween activities throughout downtown Encinitas.
5-8pm / South Coast Highway 101, Encinitas
www.encinitas101.com
Enjoy North County and San Diego events in October! 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.
Please forgive me for any errors or omissions and let me know if there’s anything that needs fixing. Please check with the organizations holding these events for costs, tickets, availability, changes, limitations and important details.