Events

Mission Bayfest

Oct. 16-18. Live music by the bay makes for a perfect San Diego weekend. The rock and reggae-centric Mission Bayfest will host a diverse lineup of musicians this year; headliners include Rebelution (pictured), Kolohe Kai, The Offspring and many more. Other perks: craft beer, cocktails, taco stands and food vendors. See website for schedule and ticket pricing. The festival is offering two levels of VIP tickets; Platinum VIP includes a hosted bar, exclusive backstage access, premier side-stage viewing, an exclusive lounge and more. 3119 Mariners Way, Mission Bay. bayfestsd.com

Scream Diego 2026

Oct. 17. Calling all horror pop culture enthusiasts! San Diego’s third annual Halloween and horror convention promises to make you SCREAM. Head to Doubletree by Hilton Mission Valley and be immersed in all things Halloween—including themed art; vendors selling collectibles and rare items; panels of experts, fans and artists; a Halloween costume contest; a Horror Short Film Festival; and more. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. See website for ticket pricing. (Children under age 13 must be accompanied by an adult.) 7450 Hazard Center Drive, Mission Valley. screamdiego.com

Celebrate the Craft Culinary Festival

Oct. 18. La Jolla’s premier culinary festival returns for its 23rd year, showcasing the best of SoCal’s chefs, growers, vintners and brewers. Unfolding on the lawn at The Lodge at Torrey Pines, the event will feature around 23 celebrated chefs, including Eric Bost, JoJo Ruiz, Drew Deckman, Brad Wise, Travis Swikard and Brian Redzikowski; plus myriad wineries from regions like Paso Robles, Napa and Sonoma. A portion of proceeds will benefit the San Diego Food Bank. 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. See website for ticket pricing. (21+). 11480 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, 858.453.4420. Details

“Howl-O-Sprint” Race at SeaWorld

Oct. 18. Infuse your Sunday morning with fright and fitness at Seaworld San Diego’s third annual “Howl-O-Sprint” 5K race. Walk or run your way through the park’s 3.1-mile course, which will be decked out in Halloween decorations, surprises, photo ops and spooky characters popping up along the way. The kiddos can join in too, via the Kids Fun Run. All participants will receive an official finisher medal. Halloween costumes are encouraged (masks not permitted). See website to register. 7 a.m. 500 Sea World Drive, Mission Bay. seaworld.com

Food + Drink

Global Champagne Day Pairings at Mastro’s

Oct. 16-31. In celebration of Global Champagne Day (Oct. 23), Mastro’s Ocean Club is offering a special pairing series, available Oct. 16-31. Choose from four experiences; “Très Chic,” featuring caviar and potato chips with Dom Pérignon and Delamotte; “Amour et Frites,” pairing caviar fries with Charles Heidsieck and Veuve Clicquot; “Champagne & Shells,” with caviar oysters and Nicolas Feuillatte, and “La Vie en Rose,” pairing truffle fries with Collet Rosé and Veuve Clicquot Rosé. $60-$175. 901 Bayfront Court, Suite 105, downtown, 619.272.5060. Details

New Dessert Menu at Mister A’s 

Now Available. Satisfy your sweet tooth this fall at Mister A’s, which has rolled out a new dessert menu—using local, seasonal ingredients—by pastry chef Amy Simpson. Highlights include Sweet Corn Sticky Toffee Pudding with brown-butter-popcorn ice cream; the Baked Hawaiian with passionfruit, orange and guava sorbet, coconut macarons, maple-glazed macadamia nuts and toasted Swiss meringue; honey-brie cheesecake; dark chocolate ganache; and roasted strawberry ice cream. 2550 Fifth Ave., 12th floor, Bankers Hill, 619.239.1377. asrestaurant.com

New Happy Hour at Pali Wine Co.

Now Available. Pali Wine Co. (which recently relocated its Little Italy tasting room to Hillcrest), has launched a new happy hour (Wednesday through Friday, 2-6 p.m.; and all day on Sunday)—featuring deals on tap wines, beer and frozé; select bites like marinated olives, smoked nuts and cheese; and mini versions of their charcuterie boards. Pali also presents live music every weekend, with a rotating lineup of local musicians; and Trivia Night every Thursday (7-9 p.m.), when the top three teams win prizes. 1440 University Ave., Hillcrest, 619.876.4099. paliwineco.com

“Spill the Tea” at Spill the Beans Gaslamp

Through Oct. 31. Bagel and coffee shop Spill the Beans debuts a weekday coffee and tea happy hour at its Gaslamp location: “Spill the Tea.” Available Monday through Friday (2-4:20 p.m.), patrons can enjoy 16-ounce iced drinks for $5, including the Basic Sitch with caramel, vanilla, espresso and milk; Cinna-Bee with honey, cinnamon, espresso and milk; and Blondie Mocha with white chocolate, brown sugar, macadamia, espresso and milk; plus $5 vanilla lattes, cold brews, matcha, chai, iced lattes and iced tea. 555 Market Ave., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.233.3836. spillthebeanssd.com

Arts + Culture

Bella Vita Fest in Little Italy

Oct. 17-18. Produced by ArtWalk San Diego, the Galbani Bella Vita Fest is a celebration of Italian Heritage Month. Peruse chalk art paintings on asphalt (an artform dating back to the 16th century) by local expert artists; along with an interactive Kids Chalk Zone; vino tastings from myriad Italian winemakers; Italian-themed live music, entertainment and merchants; and food available for purchase from local Italian eateries and vendors. Sa 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Su 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free general admission; wine-tasting tickets available for purchase. India Street, Little Italy. bellavitafest.com

Bernardo Winery Arts & Crafts Fair

Oct. 17-18. Bernardo Winery (SoCal’s oldest operating winery) hosts its 49th annual Fall Arts & Crafts Fair. Shop for handcrafted works by more than 125 artisanal vendors—spanning artwork, pottery, jewelry, clothing, homewares, garden items, soaps, local honey and more. Plus: outside wine bars sprinkled across the grounds; Italian food from the Kitchen restaurant; a food court with international fare; coffee from Manzanita Roasting Co.; and shopping at the winery’s village shops. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Family-friendly; free entry. 13330 Paseo del Verano, Rancho Bernardo. Details

Photo credits: Pali Wine Co. is by Kathryn Caudle. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.