Events

Mustache Madness at Mavericks Beach Club

Oct. 17. Head to Mavericks Beach Club on Thursday for the ninth annual SDFD Mustache Madness fundraising extravaganza—with 100% of proceeds benefitting FirefighterAid and the injured firefighters of California Task Force 8 and their families. Join 400 of your favorite men and women of the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department for an evening of live music, drink specials, raffles, a silent auction, a mustache competition and prizes. Oh, and ‘80s costumes are encouraged! 5-11 p.m. General admission is $20 and goes directly to the cause. 860 Garnet Ave., Pacific Beach, 858.999.0348. More Info

Rancho BEERnardo Festival

Oct. 19. Sip some beer in the sun for a good cause. Rancho Bernardo’s Webb Park transforms into a campus for beer lovers for this 12th annual festival—featuring more than 35 local breweries, wineries and distilleries. Sample suds from AleSmith, Karl Strauss, Gravity Heights, Maui Brewing, Eppig, Lake Arrowhead Brewing and more; along with food trucks and live entertainment. Proceeds from event sponsorships and ticket sales will benefit several local and international charities. 2-5 p.m. $65-$90 (plus $10 “designated driver” tickets). 11666 Avena Place, Rancho Bernardo. More Info

“Howl-O-Sprint” 5K Race at SeaWorld

Oct. 20. Infuse your Sunday morning with fright and fitness at SeaWorld San Diego’s inaugural “Howl-O-Sprint” 5K race. Walk or run your way through the SeaWorld’s 3.1-mile course, which will be decked out in festive Halloween decorations, spooky surprises, photo ops and creepy characters popping up along the way—all before the park officially opens to guests. The kiddos can join in as well, via the Kids 1K Fun Run. All participants will receive an official race shirt and finisher medal. Costumes are encouraged (masks not permitted). See website to register. 7 a.m. 500 Sea World Drive, Mission Bay. Details

Food + Drink

Witches of The Westgate Tea

Oct. 18-20; Oct. 25-26. What better way to celebrate spooky season than with high tea in the haunted Regency Room at The Westgate Hotel? Feel free to dress the part in your most bewitching costume for The Witches of The Westgate Tea experience, and enjoy the hotel’s renowned afternoon tea service—featuring gourmet teas, sandwiches, house-made pastries and creepy cocktails (for purchase). Adults also get a glass of Champagne; while the kiddos receive a take-home gift. See website for reservations (book quickly as seatings are filling up fast!). 1055 Second Ave., downtown, 619.238.1818. westgatehotel.com

Ace Porter

Now Open. Located within steps of Petco Park, Omni San Diego debuts a new baseball-inspired restaurant and bar, Ace Porter. Grab a seat on the patio facing the San Diego Convention Center, on a comfy couch inside, or around the chic U-shaped bar, and relax with a cocktail and bite. The baseball-inspired menu features “Designated Hitters” like fried pickles, mac ‘n’ cheese balls, birria sliders and crispy chicken oysters; “Fields of Green” salads; “On Deck” focaccia dishes; “In the Glove” burgers and bao bun tacos; and “Clubhouse” entrees. Open daily 4-11 p.m. 675 L St., downtown, 619.231.6664. More Info

Tortuga

Now Open. Another new dining destination at Omni San Diego is located sixth floors up: Tortuga. The rooftop pool bar and restaurant serves Baja-influenced California cuisine that pays homage to executive chef Wenceslao Zavala’s upbringing in Rosarito. Start with the refreshing Pontoque Paloma with Casamigos blanco tequila, Aperol, jalapeño and grapefruit juice—created in celebration of Omni’s new flagship resort in Punta de Mita, Mexico. To dine, choose from ceviche, salads, burgers, bowls, tacos and blood-orange cheesecake for dessert. Open daily noon-6 p.m. 675 L St., downtown, 619.231.6664. More Info

New Menu at Lionfish

Upcoming | Launching Oct. 21. Chef JoJo Ruiz is at it again, dreaming up new dishes for Pendry San Diego’s flagship restaurant, Lionfish Modern Coastal Cuisine. The refreshed menu boasts creations like the Ibérico Pork Secreto (pictured) with Spanish chorizo, Navy beans, braised greens and mustard demi; Peking duck with scallion pancakes; whole roasted truffle chicken with truffle butter; pan-roasted Alaskan halibut; the Geisha sushi roll with albacore, avocado, serrano pepper, spicy tuna and crunchy garlic; new vegan dishes; and more. See website for hours. 435 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.738.7200. lionfishsd.com

Arts + Culture

Bella Vita Fest in Little Italy

Oct. 19-20. Little Italy’s first chalk art festival since 2016, Bella Vita Fest is a celebration of Italian Heritage Month. Peruse chalk art paintings on asphalt (an artform dating back to the 16th century) by more than 30 expert artists; along with tastings from 20-plus Italian winemakers offering vino spanning 13 regions of Italy; plus Italian-themed live music, entertainment and merchants; and food available for purchase from local Italian eateries and vendors. Sa 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Su 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free general admission; see website to purchase wine-tasting tickets. India Street, Little Italy. bellavitafest.com

“Big Birthday Block Party” at The Nat

Oct. 19. It’s party time at the San Diego Natural History Museum! “The Nat” marks its 150th anniversary this month, and the public is invited to a block party on Saturday in celebration. The fun includes free admission to the museum all day; interactive games and activities on the new Nature Trail; a first look at the 8,000-square-foot Paleontology Center and the new collections exhibition being built in the basement; cocktails on the rooftop; snacks from new cafe vendor The Craft Taco; and much more. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. 1788 El Prado, Balboa Park, 619.232.3821. sdnhm.org

A “Pirate Adventure” at Maritime Museum

Oct. 19. Ahoy! San Diego Pirate Adventures presents a one-of-a-kind, family-friendly sailing experience: “BOARDED! A New Pirate Adventure.” Staged aboard the Maritime Museum of San Diego’s 16th century Spanish galleon, San Salvador, the 90-minute show immerses guests in hilarious pirate theatrics along San Diego Bay. Be sworn in as part of the ship crew, swab the deck, navigate, escape from the King’s Jail, sword fight and more. Two showtimes are available; see website for all details, pricing and to book. (Dates are also available Nov. 30 and Dec. 28.) 1492 N. Harbor Drive, downtown embarcadero. sdmaritime.org

Photo credits: Lionfish by Robert Reyes. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.