Events

Ocean Beach Oktoberfest

Oct. 9-10. Ocean Beach Oktoberfest marks its 24th annual installment. Enjoy two days of seaside merriment: family-friendly vendors and activities; a beer garden (21+); live music on two stages, including the Red Not Chili Peppers, Fortunate Youth, Gene Ferris and No Duh; the Mr. and Ms. Oktoberfest Bikini Contest; brat-eating and stein-holding contests; a pretzel toss; German fare; and Y2K-themed festivities like the After Dark Neon Party. F 4-11:30 p.m.; Sa noon-11:30 p.m. See website for details. Along Newport Avenue, Ocean Beach. oboktoberfest.com

La Jolla Art & Wine Festival

Oct. 10-11. The 18th annual La Jolla Art & Wine Festival draws 45,000 attendees. Peruse works by 170-plus juried artists from across the U.S. and Mexico—showcasing paintings, sculptures, fine jewelry, glass, ceramics, woodwork, mixed media and photography. Plus: an expansive wine and craft beer garden, with dozens of local and regional wineries, breweries and distilleries; along with gourmet fare from local vendors; a silent auction; live music and dance performances; pet adoptions; kids activities; and more. Girard Avenue, La Jolla Village. ljawf.com

Mr. Jack O’Lanterns Pumpkin Patch

Through Oct. 31. It’s pumpkin season! Pick your preferred pumpkin patch experience with a variety of offerings at Mr. Jack O’Lanterns. Visitors can pick out their perfect pumpkin and partake in family-friendly activities and games, including a bounce house, haunted house, “boosketball,” mini Putt-Putt, pumpkin bowling and candy corn hole; as well as shop for Halloween costumes and decorations such as hay bales and corn stalks; along with pumpkin-carving kits and decorating kits available for purchase. Open daily. See website for hours. 3901 Clairemont Drive, Clairemont, 844.452.2567. Details

San Diego International Film Festival

Upcoming | Oct. 13-18. The San Diego International Film Festival marks its 25th anniversary, solidifying its reputation as one of SoCal’s most important film festivals—featuring world-class screenings, star-studded red carpets and community events. The festival will spotlight 90 films from 22 countries, including eight world premieres. Featured events include the Night of the Stars Tribute at The Conrad on Oct. 13; the Opening Night Film & Party at The LOT La Jolla, Oct. 14; and Culinary Cinema, Oct. 18. See website for full schedule, locations and tickets. sdfilmfest.com

Food + Drink

San Diego Coffee Festival

Oct. 10-11. Head to Broadway Pier this weekend for the third annual San Diego Coffee Festival. The immersive coffee tasting experience along the waterfront features nearly 30 curated roasters, coffee brands, cafes and restaurants, including Modern Times Coffee, Café Moto, Dry Brew: Coffee in a Bite, Earthbound Roast & Brew, Cacao Adventures, Parakeet Café and many more; plus live entertainment and food available for separate purchase. See website for details and ticket pricing (limited capacity). 1000 N. Harbor Drive, downtown. sandiegocoffeefest.com

Lost Temple Tavern at Margaritaville Hotel

Oct. 10-31. Celebrate spooky season at Margaritaville Hotel San Diego, which presents its Lost Temple Tavern pop-up experience at LandShark Bar & Grill. Step inside this “haunted jungle” hideaway, complete with shipwrecked skeletons and skulls, overgrown decor, photo ops, and Halloween-themed tropical drinks with fun names. Sip on libations such as The Black Bat with black agave, Lost Soul Punch, Rigor Mortis, and the Bloody Ghost Skull Shot. Costumes encouraged. See website for hours and details. 435 Sixth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter. More Info

“The Feast” in Little Italy

Oct. 11. Marking 40 years in San Diego, the beloved Busalacchi restaurant family presents its inaugural community celebration, “The Feast.” India Street transforms into an alfresco dining experience beneath twinkling lights—featuring a four-course, family-style dinner by Barbusa; along with libations, live music and entertainment, and grazing stations. Proceeds will benefit local nonprofits The Positive Movement Foundation and Convivio. 5-10 p.m. See website for ticket pricing (21+). Along India Street (between Grape and Fir streets), Little Italy. Details

Swells Sourdough Bakery 

Now Open. Founded by Pamela and Erik Ramos Peraza (who started selling their breads at a farmers market table in 2022), Swells Sourdough Bakery is now open in Little Italy. The bakery centers on naturally fermented, organic sourdough breads. Each loaf—made with bleach- and bromate-free, California stone-milled flour—is given 36 to 48 hours to ferment, yielding a crackling crust and flavor-rich center. Swells also makes croissants, bagels, sandwiches, cookies and coffee drinks. Th-Su 8 a.m.-2 p.m. 2254 India St., Little Italy. swellssourdough.com

New Menus at The Rooftop by STK

Now Available. Andaz San Diego welcomes new executive chef Jeremy Rosa, who has refreshed the hotel’s menus, namely at its signature rooftop restaurant, The Rooftop by STK. Start the day with plates like the SoCal Benedict, The Explorer Omelet, and Mexican French Toast. For lunch and dinner, try new dishes such as the Baja-style fish tacos; burrata with toasted pistachios; flank-steak-and-esquite tacos; and Saku tuna carpaccio; plus cocktails like the Maracuyá Spritz and Matcha Collins. See website for hours. 600 F St., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.849.1234. More Info

Arts + Culture

OMA: Kaloust Guedel Exhibit

Opens Oct. 10. At Oceanside Museum of Art (OMA), the immersive exhibition, Kaloust Guedel: Where Time Bends Softly is on view through March 14, 2027. Historical techniques (dating back to ancient Sumerian civilization) interplay with contemporary artistry in the form of colorful, tactile, fiber-centric creations by artist Kaloust Guedel. The collection becomes a multidimensional experience, using both material contrasts and complementary elements to explore the relationship between positive and negative space. See website for hours and admission info. 704 Pier View Way, Oceanside, 760.435.3720. oma-online.org

Photo credits: Ocean Beach Oktoberfest is by Andrew Middleton. San Diego Coffee Festival is by Aaron Castro. Oceanside Museum of Art (pictured: “Suspended From The Fury Thing” by Kaloust Guedel) is courtesy of the artist and the museum. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.