Events
“HalGLOWeen” at San Diego Zoo
Through Oct. 29. The San Diego Zoo comes aglow at night, with the return of its Halloween-themed spectacular—running Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in October. Enjoy interactive family fun—including “Boolamoves” with physical activities to get the kiddos moving; performances by the Skeleton Band (pictured); the Boo Crew scarecrow stilt-walkers; performances by acrobatic spider performer “The Spider’s W.E.B.” at Wildlife Explorers Basecamp; “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
“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 multiple haunted houses; “scare zones” and “roaming haunts” (watch your back, literally!); live performances from sinister dancers and zombie DJs; creepy cocktails and treats; and a chance to ride SeaWorld’s most thrilling coasters and attractions after dark. “Howl-O-Scream” takes place on select dates through October, beginning at 7 p.m.; check website in advance for schedule and admission info. 500 SeaWorld Drive, Mission Bay, 619.222.4732. seaworld.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 two Mr. Jack O’Lanterns locations in San Diego: La Jolla and Belmont Park. Visitors can pick out their perfect pumpkin and partake in family-friendly activities and games, including a bounce house and pumpkin bowling; 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. Free admission and parking at both locations. See website for hours and addresses. 844.452.2567. More Info
Food + Drink
Steak 48
Opens Oct. 13. Known for its steaks and extensive seafood selection, swanky chain Steak 48 debuts its first San Diego location at Del Mar Highlands Town Center. Outfitted in glam, low-lit decor, the 12,500-square-foot, standalone restaurant (formerly Searsucker) is huge—boasting nine dining rooms, private dining suites and a giant open kitchen. On the menu: prime steaks, A5 Japanese wagyu, caviar, a full raw bar, seafood entrees and salads; plus an impressive inventory of wine, whiskey, bourbon and scotch. See website for hours and reservations. 12995 El Camino Real, Suite #121, Del Mar Heights. steak48.com
Ballast Point Little Italy’s 10-Year Anniversary
Oct. 14. In celebration of its 10th year in business, Ballast Point Little Italy invites you to an all-day soiree at its 9,000-square-foot taproom, kitchen and beer garden. Guests can enjoy some of Ballast Point’s most popular dishes from over the last decade—including those classic pretzel bites, duck confit nachos and kale salad—plus pours of five, exclusive small-batch beers by Ballast Point alumni brewers; along with commemorative glassware and merchandise. 11 a.m.-midnight (kitchen open until 10 p.m.) Event is open to the public; free entry. 2215 India St., Little Italy. ballastpoint.com
“The Mad Hatter Experience” at The US Grant
Through Oct. 31. In the spirit of Halloween, The US Grant is offering some fun Mad Hatter-themed programming. Pop into the hotel’s Grant Grill Lounge, where a special bar menu offers “smoking cocktails” like the Skull Popper prepared in a crystal skull (pictured); and “twisted bites” such as the “Soil and Bones” marrow and root vegetables, smoked braised lamb with nutty mole, and meatball sliders. And make reservations now for The Mad Hatter Dining Experience on Oct. 28—when just 13 diners will get to partake in a 13-course tasting menu at Grant Grill (at 8:13 p.m.). 326 Broadway, downtown, 619.744.2077. grantgrill.com
Arts + Culture
San Diego Italian Film Festival
Through Oct. 14. Now in its 17th year, the “festivale” celebrates Italian history, culture, community and great cinema. This year’s festivities center on the theme of “FORWARD” and include eight in-person film screenings at MOPA@SDMA; as well as 13 virtual short films. Selections include dramas, documentaries and independent films never seen before in San Diego. Don’t miss Ristretto Shorts Night on Oct. 10 at Digital Gym Cinema; and screenings of Il colibrì (pictured) on Oct. 12 and Beata te on Oct. 13 at MOPA@SDMA. See website for full lineup of films and tickets. More Info
Cabaret at The Old Globe
Closes Oct. 15. Asolo Repertory Theatre’s production of the Tony Award-winning smash musical runs at The Old Globe’s Shiley Stage through Sunday. In it, we travel to 1931 Berlin—where an American writer meets a British nightclub singer who performs at the Kit Kat Klub—as the city’s hedonistic nightlife scene amid the twilight of the Jazz Age begins to change amid Nazi occupation. The musical features an epic score by John Kander and Fred Ebb; with direction and choreography by Josh Rhodes. See website for showtimes and tickets. 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, 619.234.5632. theoldglobe.org
Dishwasher Dreams at The Old Globe
Closes Oct. 15. Catch it before it closes! In the West Coast premiere of Alaudin Ullah’s autobiographical one-man show, Dishwasher Dreams—at The Old Globe’s White Theatre through Sunday—we explore the American Dream through the comedian’s eyes and immigrant experience. Ullah (pictured) takes us from 1930s India (now Bangladesh) to 1970s Spanish Harlem to today’s Hollywood, accompanied by music by Avirodh Sharma and plenty of laughs. Chay Yew directs. The Hartford Courant hails it as “memorable and meaningful.” See website for showtimes and tickets. 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, 619.234.5623. theoldglobe.org
San Diego International Film Festival
Upcoming | Oct. 18-22. The city rolls out the red carpet for a showcase of more than 70 features, documentaries and short films by independent filmmakers. Produced by the San Diego Film Foundation, the festival marks its 22nd anniversary—“celebrating the power of film” with curated submissions from 3,000-plus filmmakers from 82 countries. The fun includes the Opening Night film premiere and reception at MOPA@SDMA; film screenings at AMC UTC 14 at Westfield UTC; Culinary Cinema, with a cuisine-themed movie followed by food tastings from local chefs; and more. See website for details and tickets. sdfilmfest.com
Photo credits: Cabaret / The Old Globe by Jim Cox. Dishwasher Dreams / The Old Globe by Rich Soublet II. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.
