Events

Ocean Beach Oktoberfest

Oct. 11-12. No community does Oktoberfest quite like Ocean Beach, which marks its 22nd annual installment this year with an even bigger and better party than ever before. Enjoy two days of seaside merriment—including family-friendly vendors and activities; a beer garden (21+); live music by locally and nationally touring artists; the crowning of Mr. and Mrs. Oktoberfest; brat-eating and stein-holding contests; a pretzel toss; arts and crafts vendors; and plenty of festive German fare. F 4-11:30 p.m.; Sa noon-11:30 p.m. See website for tickets (VIP tickets available). Along Newport Avenue, Ocean Beach. oboktoberfest.com

“Nightmare on E Street” Pop-Up

Oct. 12. Be warned: “Nightmare on E Street, a Halloween Speakeasy” is not for the faint of heart or those who are afraid of the dark. The 85-minute, “immersive horror movie experience like no other” pop-up unfolds in a creepy Gaslamp Quarter basement. There you’ll find your favorite horror movie characters (including iconic villains and monsters) roaming about, eerie dancing and photo ops, horror movie-themed board games, Halloween-inspired cocktails and snacks, immersive soundscapes, and spooky decor. 6:30-11:45 p.m. See website for ticket pricing (21+). 919 Fourth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter. More Info

Scream Diego 2024

Oct. 12-13. Calling all horror pop culture enthusiasts! San Diego’s inaugural Halloween and horror convention promises to make you SCREAM. Head to the Sheraton Mission Valley Hotel and be immersed in all things Halloween—including themed art; vendors selling collectibles and rare items; panels of experts, fans and artists; a Halloween costume contest; a Kids Scream Zone; the Fright for Future haunted maze; screenings of short horror movies; and more. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. See website for tickets. (Admission is free for kids ages 8 and under.) 1433 Camino del Rio South, Mission Valley. More Info

“HalGLOWeen” at San Diego Zoo

Through Oct. 27. The San Diego Zoo comes aglow at night, with the return of its Halloween-themed spectacular—running Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in October. Enjoy plenty of interactive family fun—including “Boolahoops” with physical activities to get the kiddos moving; performances by the Skeleton Band (pictured); the Boo Crew scarecrow stilt-walkers; performances by acrobatic spider performer “The Spider’s W.E.B.” at Wildlife Explorers Basecamp; the eerily glowing “Python Path” through the Reptile House; and much more. Festivities start at 5 p.m. 2920 Zoo Drive, Balboa Park, 619.231.1515. sandiegozoo.org

Mr. Jack O’Lanterns Pumpkin Patch

Through Oct. 31. It’s pumpkin season! Pick your preferred pumpkin patch experience with a variety of offerings at Mr. Jack O’Lanterns. Visitors can pick out their perfect pumpkin and partake in family-friendly activities and games, including a bounce house, haunted house, “boosketball,” mini putt putt, pumpkin bowling and candy corn hole; as well as shop for Halloween costumes and decorations such as hay bales and corn stalks; along with pumpkin-carving kits and decorating kits available for purchase. Open daily. See website for hours. Free admission and parking. 3901 Clairemont Drive, Clairemont, 844.452.2567. More Info

“Howl-O-Scream” at SeaWorld

Through Nov. 2. Are you afraid of ghosts? SeaWorld San Diego invites you face your fears, as the park transforms into a haunted wonderland after sundown. This means multiple haunted houses; “scare zones” and “roaming haunts” (watch your back, literally!); live performances from sinister dancers and zombie DJs; creepy cocktails and treats; the all-new Monster Stomp rock and rhythm spectacular; and a chance to ride SeaWorld’s most thrilling coasters and attractions after dark. “Howl-O-Scream” is a separately ticketed nighttime event; see website for admission info. 500 SeaWorld Drive, Mission Bay, 619.222.4732. seaworld.com

Food + Drink

Comedor Nishi

Now Open. La Jolla Village welcomes casual daytime eatery Comedor Nishi, serving up Mexican-inspired breakfast and lunch plates with subtle nods to Japan and Europe. This means breakfast dishes such as lamb-barbacoa sopes, cured-salmon tostadas with yuzu-kosho guacamole, huevos rancheros with roasted turkey breast and green beans, and the Croque Madame; and half-duck carnitas and short-rib braseada with veggies for lunch. The cozy-cute space is outfitted in warm woods, pops of turquoise and orange, and white brick walls. Open daily 8 a.m.-3 p.m. (Walk-ins only.) 1109 Wall St., La Jolla, 858.412.4269. comedornishi.com

Yakitori Tsuta

Now Open. Now open on Convoy Street, Yakitori Tsuta is touted as San Diego’s first omakase yakitori restaurant. Indulge in a multicourse menu crafted by chef Tatsuro Tsuchiya, devoted primarily to yakitori—which translates to “grilled chicken,” consisting of bite-sized pieces served on bamboo skewers. Expect to sample various chicken parts (from gizzards to hearts to wings); as well as smoked duck, chicken meatballs, sesame tofu, grilled rice balls, soups and more—all at the chef’s discretion and served at a small 10-seat counter. See website for reservations. 3860 Convoy St., Suite 100, Kearny Mesa. More Info

Arts + Culture

Del Mar Harvest Festival

Oct. 11-13. Head to the Del Mar Fairgrounds for the annual Harvest Festival—the ultimate arts & crafts show celebrating all things autumn for the last 52 years. This hand-curated artisanal shopping experiences comprises one-of-a-kind works of art, crafts, jewelry, specialty foods and gourmet pantry items, homewares, vintage wares, festive fall decorations and more. Food and beverage vendors will also be on hand while you shop. F-Sa 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Su 10 a.m.-4 p.m. See website for tickets and admission info. 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar. harvestfestival.com

San Diego International Film Festival

Upcoming | Oct. 16-20. The city rolls out the red carpet for the San Diego International Film Festival, showcasing more than 70 features, documentaries and short films by independent filmmakers across the globe. The festival marks its 23rd anniversary, “celebrating the power of film” with curated submissions from 3,200 filmmakers from 85 countries. Events include the Opening Night film premiere and reception at MOPA@SDMA, Oct. 16; Night of the Stars Tribute at The Conrad, Oct. 17; film screenings at the AMC Theatres at Westfield UTC, Oct. 17-20; and Culinary Cinema on Oct. 20. See website to purchase passes. sdfilmfest.com

Photo credits: All images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.