Events
“Howl-O-Scream” at SeaWorld
Through Oct. 31. 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 all-new “scare zones” and “angry haunts;” live dance performances and zombie DJs; six themed bars and five speakeasies; the Monster Stomp 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
The Haunted Trail at Balboa Park
Sept. 25-Nov. 1. Test your fears of the dark and unknown by experiencing two “haunts” at one location. The 3,500-square-foot 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, 619.696.7227. Details
CRSSD Festival
Sept. 26-27. Unfolding at Waterfront Park over two days, CRSSD Festival is an audiovisual candy land for electronic music lovers—spanning three stages and 50-plus musicians and performers. Headliners: Chris Lake, Disclosure (pictured), Mochakk, Kettama, ChaseWest, Boys Noize, Groove Armada, Prospa and more. In between DJ sets, guests can enjoy craft beer, cocktails, local food vendors and San Diego Bay views. See website for full lineup of artists, daily schedule and pricing for the quickly selling-out event (21+). 1600 Pacific Hwy., downtown. crssdfest.com
San Diego Spirits Festival
Sept. 26-27. The San Diego Spirits Festival is back for its 17th annual installment, returning to the oceanfront Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego in La Jolla. Join fellow cocktail aficionados and industry insiders in exploring dozens of cocktail brands—including, gin, rum, vodka, tequila, mezcal and specialty liqueurs—plus live entertainment (the famous samba belly dancers are back!); bites by at least 10 local restaurants; ocean views; and more. Dress to impress. Sa 2:30-6:30 p.m.; Su 1-5 p.m. See website for ticket pricing. 700 Prospect St., La Jolla. Details
Pumpkin Patch at Carlsbad Strawberry Co.
Through Nov. 8 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 (Fridays and Saturdays in October); the Jurassic Fright experience; Hollandia Chocolate Milk Saloon; and more. Open daily at 9 a.m. $20 general admission. 1050 Cannon Road, Carlsbad, 760.603.9608. Details
Food + Drink
Whiskey & Wine Party at Estancia
Sept. 25. Sample whiskey, wine and barbecue fare as you mingle and dance under the stars at Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa. The resort’s quaint Hacienda Lawn morphs into a southern-style soiree with comfort cuisine, live music, a bonfire and tastings of premium whiskey, bourbon and vino. Participating brands include Caymus Wine, Foley Family Wines, Wild Turkey Bourbon, Woodford Reserve Bourbon and more. 6-9 p.m. $95 per person (includes complimentary valet parking and unlimited food and drink samples; 21+). 9700 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, 858.412.0500. Details
Taste of College Area
Sept. 27. Explore the College Area Business District’s eclectic culinary scene at the third annual Taste of College Area event on Sunday. Participants can take a self-guided tour of close to 20 restaurants, casual eateries, wine bars, cafes and pubs—with each offering signature samples of their offerings. Participating businesses include Tajima Ramen, Sala Thai, Penelope’s Mexican Food, Dirty Birds, Scrimshaw Coffee and Love Letters Pizza. Complimentary Old Town Trolley rides between businesses will also be available. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. $40-$45. Check-in at 6010 El Cajon Blvd. Details
Del Mar Wine & Food Festival
Upcoming | Sept. 30-Oct. 4. Now in its fourth year, the Del Mar Wine & Food Festival brings together top S.D. and Baja chefs, celebs and pro athletes for a five-day celebration of cuisine and culture. Take your pick of eight signature events across North County, including a celebrity pickleball tournament hosted by Drew Brees; a “Spotlight on Baja” dinner; whiskey and wine pairing dinners; and the two-day Grand Tasting at Surf Sports Park. The latter showcases 100-plus chefs and restaurants; and more than 150 international beverage purveyors. delmar.wine
Arts + Culture
OMA: New Rupinder Kaloti Exhibit
Opens Sept. 26. Oceanside Museum of Art (OMA) unveils Rupinder Kaloti: The Gathering. Get to know Punjabi-American visual artist Rupinder Kaloti (pictured) via this large-scale solo exhibition that captures the immigrant experience. The collection comprises vibrant paintings resembling architectural fragments or alters, depicting imagery spanning Punjab, India to East San José, California—with recurring symbolic motifs like rainbows and a tiger figure inspired by Kaloti’s grandmother. 704 Pier View Way, Oceanside, 760.435.3720. oma-online.org
Broadway San Diego: Oh, Mary!
Upcoming | Sept. 29-Oct. 4. Broadway San Diego stages the dark comedy Oh, Mary! at the San Diego Civic Theatre. The Tony Award-winning play by Cole Escola centers on Mary Todd Lincoln—the unhappy, suffocated wife of Abraham Lincoln—in the weeks leading up to her husband’s assassination. (Pictured: Cole Escola and James Scully in Oh, Mary! on Broadway.) The New York Times hails it as “one of the best comedies in years.” Recommended for ages 14 and older. See website for showtimes and tickets. 1100 Third Ave., downtown. broadwaysd.com
Photo credits: Del Mar Wine & Food Festival is by Manos Libres Media. “Oh, Mary!” is by Emilio Madrid. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.
