Events

“HalGLOWeen” at San Diego Zoo

Beginning Oct. 3. San Diego Zoo glows at night with the return of its Halloween-themed spectacular—Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in October. Enjoy plenty of interactive family fun—including “Boolahoops” to get the kiddos moving; performances by the Spooky Revue; the Boo Crew scarecrow stilt-walkers; acrobatic spider performer “The Spider’s W.E.B.” at Wildlife Explorers Basecamp; the glowing “Python Path” through the Reptile House; and more. Festivities start at 5 p.m. See website for admission info. 2920 Zoo Drive, Balboa Park, 619.231.1515. Details 

La Mesa Oktoberfest

Oct. 3-5. Prost! Now in its 52nd year, the festival comprises multiple biergartens, German fare and international food stations, live music—from rock and oompah bands to DJs to traditional German and Bavarian music—dancing, kids activities, a Ferris wheel, an artisan market, games and more. Oh, and the Dackeldorf Dachshund Village is back, complete with Wiener dog races and a fashion show. See website for daily hours, full event schedule and ticket pricing (free and low-cost activities also available). Along La Mesa Boulevard, La Mesa. Details

Pumpkin Patch at Carlsbad Strawberry Co. 

Beginning Oct. 3. This family farm’s fall wonderland is fun for all ages. After picking your perfect gourd from the ample pumpkin patch, wander through an enchanting corn maze; take a tractor ride; meet Shetland sheep and Nubian goats; explore fields of marigolds; and even race a tricycle. There’s also a haunted corn maze for teens and adults; bouncing fun at Bounceland; and the new Jurassic Fright experience; plus fall treats and beverages. Open daily at 9 a.m. $15 general admission (ages 3 and under free). 1050 Cannon Road, Carlsbad, 760.603.9608. Details

Fashion Week San Diego

Oct. 4-5. Returning for its 18th annual installment, Fashion Week San Diego presents its official 2025 runway show and trunk show at UCSD Park & Market. On Saturday, check out collections by seven emerging fashion designers as models work the catwalk—including GFASH, MSTR STAG, Comeunity, Maison Andoni, Angel Tan, Beatta J Collection and Melanie Maclin. Return on Sunday for a trunk show and opportunity to meet the designers; as well as an awards ceremony. See website for full schedule and ticket pricing. 1100 Market St., downtown. fashionweeksd.com

Yoga at The Rady Shell

Oct. 4. Breathe your way through October with this popular event by the bay. Presented by Fit Athletic, Yoga at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park welcomes yogis and novices alike for an hour-long “bootcamp yoga” session along the bayfront, led by seasoned instructor Viktoria Talbot. Behold the therapeutic powers of holding a Downward Dog pose while surrounded by sea breezes and views. And the best part? Admission is free but space is limited; register online in advance to reserve your spot. (Bring your own mat.) 9:30 a.m. 222 Marina Park Way, downtown. theshell.org

The Haunted Trail at Balboa Park

Through Nov. 1. Test your fears of the dark and unknown by experiencing two “haunts” at one location. The eXperiment Maze turns your cherished childhood fairytales into adulthood “scarytales.” (You’ll never think of Pinocchio in the same way again!) And The Haunted Trail—named by CNN as one of the “Top 5 Best Haunted Attractions in America”—takes you on a mile-long path of terror through twisted pines, oaks and unpleasant surprises. See website for hours, tickets and parking tips. Corner of Balboa Drive and Juniper, Balboa Park. hauntedtrail.net

“Howl-O-Scream” at SeaWorld

Through Nov. 1. SeaWorld San Diego invites you face your fears, as the park transforms into a haunted wonderland after sundown. This means haunted houses; “scare zones” and “roaming haunts” (watch your back, literally!); live performances from sinister dancers and zombie DJs; creepy cocktails and treats; the 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 pricing and admission info. 500 SeaWorld Drive, Mission Bay, 619.222.4732. seaworld.com

Food + Drink

Taste of Oceanside

Oct. 3-4. Now in its 11th year, Taste of Oceanside promises a fun weekend of food, libations and live entertainment. There’s the VIP Experience on Friday at Pacific Garden at Mission Pacific Resort (5-8 p.m.)—showcasing chefs Roberto Alcocer of Valle, Davin Waite of Wrench & Rodent, and William Eick of Matsu; and the main event on Saturday, when guests can explore downtown Oceanside on foot or hop on the free “Taste Trolley” to sample and sip their way through town (1:30-5 p.m.) See website for addresses and ticket pricing. Downtown Oceanside. Details

Taste of North Park 

Oct. 4. North Park is home to myriad culinary and imbibing outposts, and this 14th annual event is your chance to try bites and sips from most of them. Take a self-guided tour through the ‘hood and sample offerings from more than 50 restaurants, breweries and cideries; along with local art activations, vendors and live music. Participating businesses include Original 40 Brewing Co., Bivouac Ciderworks, Shank & Bone, Thai Time, URBN Coal Fired Pizza, Mabel’s Gone Fishing, Working Class and more. 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. $55-$65. Across North Park. Details

Arts + Culture

Broadway San Diego: Suffs

Through Oct. 5. Broadway San Diego brings us the Tony Award-winning musical, Suffs, at the Civic Theatre through Sunday. With music, lyrics and a book by Shaina Taub (pictured: Taub also portrays Alice Paul in the musical’s Broadway Company), Suffs centers on the American women’s suffrage movement of the early 20th century, and the tireless women who fought for the right to vote. Variety hails it as “thrilling, inspiring and dazzlingly entertaining.” See website for showtimes and ticket pricing. 1100 Third Ave., downtown. broadwaysd.com

Broadway San Diego / “Suffs” by Joan Marcus. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.