Events

“Halloween Aglow” at Birch Aquarium

Oct. 25-26. Looking for some family-friendly Halloween fun? The Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography is hosting two evenings of festivities. The kiddos can trick-or-treat around the aquarium; get hands-on with an interactive bioluminescence experience; play games and dance to live music; and learn more about the interesting research happening at Scripps Oceanography. Family-friendly costumes are encouraged. (Hot tip: You get bonus points if your costume is ocean-themed!) 6-8:30 p.m. See website for ticket pricing. 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, 858.534.3474. aquarium.ucsd.edu

San Diego Zombie Crawl

Oct. 25-26; Oct. 31; Nov. 1-2. Can you handle FIVE days of partying with the undead? Get ready for one hell of a bonanza (literally) that blends booze, ghouls and graveyards in the Gaslamp. This year’s San Diego Zombie Crawl is themed “Halloween meets Día de los Muertos.” The chaos kicks off at American Junkie and ends with “Freakish Finales Parties” at Parq Nightclub. Tickets include access to around 25 bars, clubs and restaurants, all within walking distance along and close to Fifth Avenue; hosted “welcome potions”; dining and drink discounts; and more. Tickets start at $40. 628 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter. More Info

Adams Avenue Halloween Haunt

Oct. 26. The Adams Avenue Business Association presents its inaugural Halloween Haunt. Festivities include walkabout-style trick-or-treating at 50 locations; and a costume contest with cash prizes. Categories include “Best Family or Group Costume,” “Best Children’s Costume,” “Best Adult Costume” and “Best Pet Costume.” Participating businesses are divided into three map zones and include Blackmarket Bakery (on 30th), Whiskers & Wine, Blind Lady Alehouse, Mariposa Ice Cream, Lestat’s Coffee House, The Haven Pizzeria, and Ponce’s Mexican Restaurant. Noon-5 p.m. Along Adams Avenue, Normal Heights. Details

EPIC Music Festival

Oct. 26. Head to Waterfront Park across from San Diego Bay on Saturday for the truly epic, EPIC Music Festival. The fun comprises eight hours of nonstop music, across three stages, by more than 30 local and international DJs and musicians spanning multiple genres. The lineup includes Brainrack (pictured), Clawz, Downlink, Elevven, Jaytech, Jon Bishop, Marie Vaunt, Biggie, Cade Connors, Leena Punks, Sick Individuals, Sprout and TidyBoys. 3-11 p.m. See website for full lineup, FAQ and ticket pricing, which includes general admission (18+) and VIP (21+). 1600 Pacific Highway, downtown. epicfestsd.com

Nightmare on Normal Street

Oct. 26. Eat, drink and be scary with the return Hillcrest’s infamous Halloween block party and costume competition. Highlights include outposts serving beer, wine and cocktails; local food vendors; a special VIP area; live DJ music all night long; a massive outdoor dance floor (including an all-ages dance party); and some of the best people-watching you’ll find anywhere. The evening’s famed costume competition will offer $2,000 in prizes, complete with celebrity guest judges. There’s even a pet costume contest! 5-11 p.m. See website for ticket pricing. Pride Flag Plaza, 1500 University Ave., Hillcrest. More Info

Trick-or-Treat on India Street

Oct. 27. The Little Italy Association promises a spooktacular time at Trick-or-Treat on India Street—during which Little Italy’s India Street will be closed for families and kiddos to safely stroll among local businesses to collect candy and treats. Start at the Piazza della Famiglia, whose 10,000-square-foot courtyard will be transformed into a The Nightmare Before Christmas theme—complete with a 13-foot-tall Jack Skellington; Halloween decor, music and stacks of pumpkins; a Halloween-themed farmers market; and photo ops with Oogie Boogie and the Christmas Wreath Monster. 3:30-7:30 p.m. Along India Street, Little Italy. Details

Food + Drink

Bow Wow Brunch Cruise

Oct. 26. All paws on deck! City Cruises hosts the 13th annual Bow Wow Brunch Cruise around San Diego Bay, raising funds and awareness for the San Diego Humane Society. Bring your canine bestie aboard for a two-hour cruise—comprising a gourmet brunch, dessert and bottomless mimosas; a selection of dog treats; your own private table; and a “dog relief area” on the sundeck. See website for details and to make other donations (dog food, pet supplies, etc.). Noon-2 p.m. (boarding at 11:30 a.m.). Tickets start at $92. 1800 N. Harbor Drive, downtown. More Info

Arts + Culture

Oceanside Museum of Art: “Art After Dark”

Oct. 26. Back and better than ever, “Art After Dark” is a grand after-hours party hosted by the Oceanside Museum of Art (OMA). See the museum transformed into an ocean-inspired wonderland—in celebration of OMA’s coastal-themed PST.ART exhibition, Transformative Currents: Art and Action in the Pacific Ocean—for the region’s largest Halloween costume contest. Dream up your artsiest, most creative costume ever to work the catwalk in a runway show presenting your look; plus live music, food and libations. 6-10 p.m. See website for ticket pricing. 704 Pier View Way, Oceanside, 760.435.3720. oma-online.org

Cygnet Theatre: The Rocky Horror Show

Extended Through Nov. 2. Cygnet Theatre presents Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show at Old Town Theatre. Centered on naïve lovers Brad and Janet—who encounter a mad scientist while seeking shelter from a thunderstorm in an old castle—the cult-favorite musical is a satirical tribute to the 20th century’s science fiction and low-budget horror flicks. Directed by Sean Murray—based on the book and music by Richard O’Brien—the production features musical direction by Patrick Marion and choreography by Luke H. Jacobs. See website for tickets. 4040 Twiggs St., Old Town, 619.337.1525. cygnettheatre.com

The Old Globe: Dracula, A Comedy of Terrors

Extended Through Nov. 3. Get into the Halloween spirit at The Old Globe, which presents the West Coast premiere of Dracula, A Comedy of Terrors. It’s a comedic twist on Bram Stoker’s famed 1897 novel—written by Gordon Greenberg and Steve Rosen—in which vampire hunter Jean Van Helsing chases Count Dracula across the English countryside in a race to save his victims. Featuring special effects and creative staging, the production is likely to elicit blood-curdling screams… of laughter. See website for showtimes and tickets. 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, 619.234.5623. theoldglobe.org

Photo credits: “Halloween Aglow” / Birch Aquarium by Jordann Tomasek. Cygnet Theatre / Rocky Horror by Karli Cadel. The Old Globe / Dracula by Jim Cox. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.