Events

Fashion Week San Diego 

Oct. 2-4. Fashion Week San Diego presents its 2026 Fall Runway Show and trunk show. Highlights: Opening Night on Friday, Oct. 2 at San Diego Automobile Museum, where guests can meet the designers and enjoy fashion installations; the official Runway Show on Saturday, Oct. 3 at UCSD Park & Market, where models will strut the catwalk showcasing collections by local and global fashion designers; and a trunk show and awards ceremony, Sunday, Oct. 4 at Andaz Rooftop by STK. See website for full schedule, addresses and ticket pricing. Details

La Mesa Oktoberfest

Oct. 2-4. Prost! Now in its 53rd year, La Mesa Oktoberfest comprises 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, a fashion show and doggy goodie bags. See website for daily hours, full schedule and ticket pricing (free and low-cost activities also available). Along La Mesa Boulevard, La Mesa. Details

“HalGLOWeen” at San Diego Zoo

Oct. 3-31. San Diego Zoo glows at night with its Halloween-themed spectacular—Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in October. Enjoy interactive family fun such as “Boolahoops” with physical activities 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 eerily glowing “Python Path” through the Reptile House; and much more. Festivities start at 5 p.m. See website for admission info. 2920 Zoo Drive, Balboa Park, 619.231.1515. sandiegozoo.org

Autumn Festival at S.D. Zoo Safari Park

Select Dates. San Diego Zoo Safari Park presents its Autumn Festival on select dates: Oct. 3-4, 10-11, 17-18 and 24-25. The fun includes fall treats at Safari Coffee Outpost, such as the pumpkin spice latte and roasted fall harvest salad; guitar and mandolin duo Ash Meadows; the Autumn Festival Jamboree; the “A-Maze-ing” Autumn Adventure walk-through maze (pictured); the Not-so-Scary Scarecrow jugglers; and the Reflections lagoon lantern ceremony. See website for hours and admission info. 15500 San Pasquel Valley Road, Escondido. sdzsafaripark.org

October Happenings at La Valencia Hotel

Select Dates. La Valencia Hotel is offering some fun happenings throughout October. Its annual Pink Tea Series—Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 ($95 per person)—honors Breast Cancer Awareness Month, with a portion of proceeds benefitting Susan G. Komen San Diego. Book a seating and enjoy fine teas, scones, finger sandwiches, pink-inspired pastries and ocean views. La Valencia also launches its Fall Poolside Movie Series on select dates beginning Oct. 7, screening films such as Practical Magic and Hocus Pocus. 1132 Prospect St., La Jolla, 855.476.6870. lavalencia.com

Food + Drink

Del Mar Wine & Food Fest Grand Tasting

Oct. 3-4. Bringing together top San Diego and Baja chefs, celebs and pro athletes, the Del Mar Wine & Food Festival runs through Sunday. Its biggest event: the two-day Grand Tasting, Oct. 3-4. Head to the pristine lawns of Surf Sports Park, where you’ll enjoy bites and sips by more than 100 chefs and restaurants; and 150 wineries, breweries and other beverage purveyors; plus live music. 1-4 p.m. (general admission). See website for pricing, which includes two-day passes; and Early Entry (noon) and VIP (11:30 a.m. entry). 14989 Via de la Valle, Del Mar. delmar.wine

Rancho BEERnardo Festival

Oct. 3. Rancho Bernardo’s Webb Park transforms into a campus for beer lovers for this 14th annual festival—featuring local breweries, wineries and distilleries. Presented by Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary Club, in partnership with Alesmith Brewing Company, the festival features 75-plus tastings; along with food trucks, photobooths and live entertainment—including a performance by The Rubber Band. Proceeds will benefit several local charities. 2-5 p.m. See website for ticket pricing (21+ only). 16826 Bernardo Center Drive, Rancho Bernardo. Details

Taste of North Park 

Oct. 3. North Park is home to myriad culinary and imbibing outposts, and this 15th annual event is your chance to explore them. Take a self-guided tour through the ‘hood and sample more than 50 bites and 15 beverage sips from local restaurants, breweries and cideries; plus local art activations, vendors and live music. Participating businesses include Original 40 Brewing Co., Bivouac Ciderworks, Shank & Bone, Bacari, A L’Ouest, Mabel’s Gone Fishing, Working Class, Alesmith Brewing Co. and more. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $50-$85. Across North Park. tasteofnorthpark.com

Taste of Oceanside

Oct. 3. Now in its 12th year, Taste of Oceanside promises a fun afternoon of food, libations, live entertainment and local art. Explore downtown Oceanside on foot or hop on a complimentary trolley to taste your way through town—including bites and sips provided by approximately 70 restaurants, wineries, cafes, breweries and themed “Taste Hubs”—with an opportunity to step inside local destinations and meet business owners, chefs and staff. 1:30-5 p.m. See website for addresses and ticket pricing (including the new VIP First Taste Experience). Details

Arts + Culture

Lamb’s Players Theatre: American Rhythm

Extended Through Oct. 24. Lamb’s Players Theatre celebrates 100 years of music with American Rhythm, extended repeatedly, now closing Oct. 24. Created by Kerry Meads and Vanda Eggington, it’s an electric, nostalgic revue spanning ragtime, jazz, swing, blues and rock music—featuring a talented ensemble cast of 10 singers and dancers, complete with dazzling costumes and quick changes; and a seven-piece live band. Consider it a fast-paced music history recap. See website for showtimes and ticket pricing. 1142 Orange Ave., Coronado, 619.437.6000. Details

Photo credits: Del Mar Wine & Food Festival is by Gabe Halvor. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.