Don’t miss these 40+ top San Diego events this October.
Edited by Lisa Kelley
CRSSD Festival
Oct. 1-2. The two-day electronic music festival features more than 50 performers at San Diego Waterfront Park. Enjoy noshing from gourmet food trucks, sipping on craft beer and dancing along to the music. 1600 Pacific Hwy, San Diego Marina. crssdfest.com
Pacific Beachfest 5K
Oct. 1. One of Pacific Beach’s most popular runs offers oceanfront views along the beach and boardwalk. Every finisher receives a tank top, medal, sunglasses and a complimentary beer. Race starts at Thomas Ave. and Ocean Blvd., Pacific Beach. pacificbeachfest5k.com
CRAFToberfest
Oct. 1-9. Liberty Public Market is going all out with a nine-day CRAFToberfest celebration showcasing German-specific beers from Bottlecraft as well as the best Bavarian bites and sips the market has to offer. Enjoy patio games, customized market beer mugs, beer pairings and tastings and more throughout the market. libertypublicmarket.com
MCRD Boot Camp Challenge
Oct. 1. Handle obstacles like a marine at the MCRD BootCamp Challenge. The three-mile run features over 50 obstacles including hay bale jumps, tunnel crawls, log hurdles, six-foot vertical climbing wall, trenches, cargo net crawls and push-up stations. Marine Corps drill instructors are at each station to make sure you’ve completed each obstacle. 3800 Chosin Ave., Bldg. 5 West, Midway District. bootcampchallenge.com
Maker Faire San Diego
Oct. 1-2. Head to Balboa Park for an event that gathers everyone from engineers and artists to scientists and crafters. This “show & tell” event is a family-friendly showcase of inventions, experiments and technology. Tickets include entrance into 12 Balboa Park venues and museums, each with unique displays. Various locations, Balboa Park. sandiego.makerfaire.com
Carlsbad Oktoberfest
Oct. 1. North County’s longest running Oktoberfest features costume contests, music, games, rides, food and craft beers. Enjoy favorite foods like apple strudel, pretzels, kettle korn, pumpkin pie and more. Tickets include meal and admission. 12 noon-10 p.m. $15/pp. Holiday Park, Chestnut Ave., Carlsbad. rotaryoktoberfest.org
Oktoberfest in El Cajon
Through Oct. 9. Join the crowd for German festivities at El Cajon’s annual Oktoberfest celebration. The first two weekends in October feature games, food, beer, crafts and even live music by German band Guggenbach-Buam. $10/pp. 1017 S. Mollison Ave., El Cajon, 619.442.6637. germanclubsandiego.org
Brick-or-Treat
Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29. Legoland California hosts a weekly Halloween celebration every Saturday in October. Guests will watch as the park transforms into a not-too-spooky Halloween party featuring a Ghost Cruise adventure, fall festival with a pumpkin patch building activity, treat stations and more. One Legoland Dr., Carlsbad, 760.918.5346. legoland.com
Boomont Park Fall Festival and Haunt
Oct. 1-31. Enjoy family-friendly Halloween festivities each weekend in October. The spooky-themed park features free trick-or-treating, zombie laser tag, pumpkin patch and pumpkin painting, costume contests and more. 3146 Mission Blvd., Mission Beach, 858.228.9286. belmontpark.com
ART
Oct. 1-Nov. 6. Of all the issues that have torn apart friendships—small infidelities, big fat lies, unpaid loans and betrayed confidences-who knew that modern art would prove to be the most divisive? Intrepid Theatre Company presents a play focused on three men whose friendship is tested when one of them buys an expensive modern painting. Horton Grand Theatre, 444 Fourth Ave., downtown. intrepidtheatre.org
The Lion
Through Oct. 30. Benjamin Scheuer uses his guitar—actually six guitars—in this original musical experience that tells one man’s gripping coming-of-age story and his discovery of the redemptive power of music. White Theatre at the Old Globe, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, 619.234.5623. theoldglobe.org
Oktoberfest Encinitas
Oct. 2. The 21st annual Encinitas Oktoberfest features fun for the entire family. Celebrate all day long with more than 200 vendors, authentic German cuisine, a ceremonial parade, live entertainment and craft beer garden with local brews. Nosh on Tarantino gourmet sausages, then tap your feet along to the music and dances performed by Hammerstein Musik Bavaria and The Gemütlichkeit Alpine Dancers. 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Mountain Vista Dr. and El Camino Real, Encinitas. encinitasoktoberfest.com
La Mesa Oktoberfest
Through Oct. 2. This 43rd annual family-friendly event brings the best of German culture, food, dance and more to Diego. The event is free to the public and features a street festival atmosphere with over 100 vendors, activities and live entertainment. La Mesa Blvd., between Spring St. and Fourth St., La Mesa. thelamesaoktoberfest.com
Shanghai Acrobats of the People’s Republic of China
Oct. 2. One of China’s most influential and competitive acrobatic companies takes the stage in San Diego. Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave., downtown, 619.570.1100. sandiegotheatres.org
San Diego Chargers vs. New Orleans Saints
Oct. 2. The New Orleans Saints travel to America’s Finest City to compete with the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. 9449 Friars Rd., Mission Valley. chargers.com
The Bitter Game
Oct. 4-9. The Bitter Game blends verse, prose and “shit-talkin,” into a stirring commentary that begs the question, what does it mean to survive while black in America? Contains strong language and adult content. La Jolla Playhouse Without Walls Presentation. Writerz Blok, 5010 Market St., Lincoln Park. lajollaplayhouse.org
Sia
Oct. 5. As part of her Nostalgic for the Present Tour, Sia takes the stage with special guests, Miguel and AlunaGeorge. Viejas Arena, 5500 Canyon Crest Dr., College West. as.sdsu.edu
San Diego Italian Film Festival
Oct. 5-16. The San Diego Italian Film Festival celebrates its 10th anniversary with screenings of 10 Italian films at the Museum of Photographic Arts and the La Paloma Theatre. See the website for individual tickets and events. sandiegoitalianfilmfestival.com
Mumford and Sons
Oct. 6. Folk rock/alternative rock group headed up by Marcus Mumford, arrives in San Diego for a performance at Sleep Train Amphitheatre. The British group is currently traveling internationally on their Austin 5000 Tour. 2050 Entertainment Circle, Chula Vista. livenation.com
Friday Night Liberty
Oct. 7. Stay late in Liberty Station for their monthly Friday Night Liberty event, which features the grand opening of MK Envision Galleries, Key of She concert in the North Chapel, food, dance performances and more. Various locations throughout NTC Liberty Station. libertystation.com
Ocean Beach Oktoberfest
Perhaps San Diego’s wildest Oktoberfest celebration, the Ocean Beach festivities feature live bands, bratwurst-eating and stein-holding contests, a sausage toss and more. For beer garden access, a ticket includes unlimited tastings and a signature mug. Newport Avenue and Abbot St., near the Ocean Beach Pier, Ocean Beach, 619.224.4906. oboktoberfest.com
La Jolla Art & Wine Festival
Oct. 8-9. The eighth annual juried art show and fundraiser benefits arts and physical education programs at local schools. Take in works by more than 150 artists, plus live entertainment, a silent auction, gourmet marketplace and beer and wine garden. Girard Ave., between Prospect Ave. and Torrey Pines St. ljawf.com
Little Italy Festa
Oct. 9. Celebrate Italian heritage and cuisine at the largest Italian-American festival on the West Coast. Festivities include cooking demos, three stags of live entertainment, a kids fun zone and more. India St., between Ash and Grape Streets, Little Italy, 619.615.1092. littleitalysd.com
Del Mar International Horse Show
Oct. 12-30. Equestrian athletes showcase two weeks of world-class competition show jumping. Horses and riders compete head to head for a spot in the World Cup Finals. 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar. westpalmsevents.com
A Taste of Coronado
Oct. 12. Spend an evening on Coronado Island, strolling along Orange Avenue, as more than 30 participating eateries showcase favorites from their menus. Restaurant stops include Stake Chophouse & Bar, Lobster West, Candelas, Tavern, Vigilucci’s, Peohe’s and more. $40/pp. Various locations. atasteofcoronado.com
La Costa Film Festival
Oct. 13-16. The fourth annual La Costa Film Festival brings the magic of Hollywood to La Costa with a combination of films and exciting events. Enjoy world premieres of feature films, filmmaker Q&A’s, free panels with leading film industry experts and red carpet gala events. Various locations, La Costa. 760.652.9751. lacostafilmfestival.org
San Diego Symphony’s Opening Weekend
Oct. 14-16. Enjoy watching and listening to incredible talent as the San Diego Symphony kicks off its opening weekend with Gil Shaham (violin). The concert opens with William Schuman’s American Festival Overture and closes with Joannes Brahm’s Third Symphony. Copley Symphony Hall, 750 B St., downtown, 619.235.0804. purchasing.sandiegosymphony.org
Equivocation
Oct. 14-Nov. 20. The classic drama explores telling the truth in difficult times. Lamb’s Players Theatre, 1142 Orange Ave., Coronado, 619.437.6000. lambsplayers.org
Taste of North Park
Oct. 15. North Park is one of San Diego’s trendiest neighborhoods, known for eclectic eateries, local boutiques and art galleries. Explore the ‘hood during the self-guided walking tour, while noshing on samples from over 50 restaurants and 15 local craft breweries. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. $35/pp. Various locations, North Park. northparkmainstreet.com
Swan Lake
Oct. 15. Tchaikovsky’s famous Swan Lake, often called the “ballet of all ballets,” combines romance with graceful dance and music. The Russian Grand Ballet Company performs the masterpiece at Spreckels Theatre. 121 Broadway, downtown. ticketmaster.com
Tater Tots & Beer Festival
Oct. 15. As the versatile, good-times seeking younger brother to the classic French fry, the tater tot is hot on the scene at San Diego restaurants. Now, you can sample unlimited gourmet tot creations plus sip from over 100 craft beers. Choose one the two offered sessions (11 a.m.-2 p.m. or 3 p.m.-6 p.m.). $40/pp. Waterfront Park, 1600 Pacific Hwy. tatertotfestival.com
Neil Simon’s Laughter on the 23rd Floor
Oct. 19-Nov. 23. Playwright Neil Simon hilariously recounts his writing and wacky antics during the days of live television. North Coast Repertory Theatre, 987-D Lomas Santa Fe Dr., Solana Beach, 858.481.1055. northcoastrep.org
Disgraced
Oct. 20-Nov. 13. This Pulitzer Prize-winning drama fearlessly investigates the 21st century clash between American culture and the Islamic faith. San Diego Rep, Lyceum Theatre, 79 Horton Plaza, downtown, 619.544.1000. sdrep.org
Flip Fabrique
Oct. 20. The Quebec-based troupe of six acrobats presents a spellbinding cirque performance, featuring swirling hula hoops, juggling, gravity-defying aerialist techniques and more. California Center for the Arts, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido, 800.988.4253. artcenter.org
Haunted Pirate Party
Oct. 22. The haunted pirate-themed party features costume contests, food, games, live music, photo booths, dancing and more, while aboard the ferryboat Berkeley. 21+. 8 p.m.-midnight. $35/pp. 1492 North Harbor Dr., 619.234.9153. sdmaritime.org
Rancho BEERnardo Festival
Oct. 22. The fifth annual beer festival features live music, food, and of course local craft brews. Enjoy over 50 local and regional IPAs from the signature tasting glasses, while restaurants and food trucks offer up delicious bites. Webb Park, Bernardo Center Dr., Rancho Bernardo. ranchobeernardofestival.com
Harvest Festival
Oct. 21-23. The 44th annual Harvest Festival returns to the Del Mar Fairgrounds featuring family fun, entertainment, shopping and more. More than 300 artists offer unique handmade crafts and gifts, kids can keep busy in the kidzone with complimentary arts and crafts and live performances. 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar. delmarfairgrounds.com
Cinderella
Oct. 22, 25, 28, 30. The San Diego Opera performs Rossini’s version of the classic fairytale, showing that virtue does triumph and kindness can make your dreams come true, even without a fairy godmother and a glass slipper. San Diego Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave., downtown, 619.570.1100. sdopera.org
Miss You Like Hell
Oct. 25-Nov. 27. Featuring compelling original songs that are as diverse and eclectic as the U.S., this new musical exudes the joy, love and frustration of being a family in a changing country. Mandela Weiss Theatre at the La Jolla Playhouse, 2910 La Jolla Village Dr., La Jolla, 858.550.1010. lajollaplayhouse.org
San Diego Zombie Crawl
Oct. 28-29. San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter gets ghoulish as the Zombie Crawl takes over. Tickets include extended happy hour specials, no cover to 20 downtown nightclubs and bars, 13 welcome shots, plus costume parties, live entertainment and more. Various locations. sandiegozombiecrawl.com
Monster Bash
Oct. 29. The annual festive street party features local bands, DJs and a costume contest. 21+. 6 p.m.-midnight. Various locations, Gaslamp Quarter. 619.233.5008. sandiegomonsterbash.com
Hallo-wine and Spirits Party
Oct. 29. Celebrate Halloween at San Diego’s famous haunted hotel with costumes, spooky surroundings, eats, drinks and dancing, plus be on the lookout for resident ghost, Kate Morgan. Hotel del Coronado, 1500 Orange Ave., 619.522.8490. hoteldel.com
Celebrate the Craft
Oct. 30. The Lodge at Torrey Pines showcases the 14th annual celebration of regionally grown ingredients, innovative cooking and wine-making. Enjoy samplings from over 20 local chefs, and 19 wineries and breweries. 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. #135/pp. 11480 North Torrey Pines Rd., La Jolla, 858.777.6607. celebratethecraft.com
