Events

Fright Nights at AleSmith

Oct. 22-24. Care for a beer with a side of fear? AleSmith Brewing Company invites you on a haunted tour through its brewery—from its shipping docks and facilities all the way back to the Zien Family Farm. Learn firsthand what makes the company’s famous Evil Dead Red ale so intriguing; just beware of the “Red Harvest” as you stroll through the wheat fields. The faint of heart are welcome to wait for the rest of their party in the main tasting room (not recommended for young children). 7-11 p.m. $7-$30. 9990 AleSmith Court, Miramar, 858.549.9888. Tickets

Fall Festival at San Diego Botanic Garden

Oct. 23-Nov. 1. Celebrate the autumn season—from the changing colors of foliage to pumpkins and scarecrows—at North County’s 37-acre urban oasis of gardens and trails. Guests can enjoy fall decorations throughout the property, live music, fall-themed classes, hands-on crafts and more. Come this Saturday (10 a.m.-4 p.m.) for special offerings, such as face painting and performances by kids band Hullabaloo and Mariachi Real de San Diego. (And save the date for more special events on Oct. 31.) See website for hours and ticket pricing. 230 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas, 760.436.3036. sdbgarden.org

Rancho BEERnardo Festival

Oct. 23. Sip some beer in the sun for a good cause. Rancho Bernardo’s Webb Park transforms into a campus for beer lovers for this 10th annual festival—featuring more than two dozen local breweries. Sample suds from Stone Brewing, Karl Strauss, Societe, Second Chance, Harland, Lake Arrowhead Brewing and more; along with several wineries, food trucks and live entertainment. Proceeds from event sponsorships and ticket sales will benefit several local and international charities. 2-5 p.m. $65-$90 (plus $10 “designated driver” tickets). 16826 Bernardo Center Drive, Rancho Bernardo. More Info

SoCal Taco Fest

Oct. 23. Waterfront Park becomes heaven for taco lovers, with 25 local eateries on hand—including City Tacos, Sandbar, Ponce’s and Tahona. The fun includes live lucha libre wrestling and a margarita tent; plus special performances by Flo Rida, The Cured (tribute band to The Cure), Arena (a Duran Duran tribute), The B-Side Players and more. On the cuteness-overload front, Chihuahua Rescue of San Diego has partnered with the festival to host a Chihuahua beauty pageant and races to encourage pet adoptions. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. $45-$150. 1600 Pacific Hwy., downtown. socaltacofest.com

Mr. Jack O’Lanterns Pumpkin Patch

Through Oct. 31. Pick your preferred pumpkin patch experience this year with a variety of offerings. Visit in-person to pick out your own 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. Or order items online (at wholesale prices in bulk) for delivery or pickup—including pumpkin-carving kits and decorating kits. Open daily (see website for hours). Free admission and parking. 6710 La Jolla Blvd., La Jolla, 844.452.2567. mrjackolanterns.com

Food + Drink

Pacific Catch

Now Open. The Bay Area’s famed fish house makes its SoCal debut in San Diego at Westfield UTC. Known for its “wave-to-table” Pacific Rim dishes incorporating sustainable seafood, Pacific Catch serves up ceviche, tacos, ahi-poke bombs, daily fresh catches, sushi and shellfish platters; plus bowls, salads, vegetarian plates and tiki-style cocktails. (Try the Painkiller or classic mai tai.) The California-coast-inspired decor is pretty, too—featuring ocean-blue booths, rattan light fixtures, nature-inspired murals and an open kitchen. Open daily 11 a.m.-9 p.m. 4575 La Jolla Village Drive, Suite 1160, La Jolla. pacificcatch.com

Semola

Now Open. The minds behind Milan-style pizzeria Ambrogio 15 bring us a culinary haven devoted to contemporary Italian cuisine and gastronomy. Dine on the patio beneath strung twinkle lights and let seasoned chefs Daniela Martinez and Silvio Salmoiraghi spoil you. The menu of elegant dishes includes purple-pesto gnocchi; wagyu carpaccio with cured egg yolk and lemon-pepper caviar; and saffron risotto with herb goat cheese; plus Italian wines and decadent desserts. For an extra splurge, book the private chef’s table. Tu-Su 5-10 p.m. 7556 Fay Ave., La Jolla, 858.412.3432. semolalajolla.com

Arts + Culture

Creativity Event at New Children’s Museum

Oct. 23. It’s nonstop educational entertainment for the kiddos at the museum’s “Mass Creativity Day.” Enjoy performances by the Grossmont High School band’s Royal Blue Regiment, San Diego Ballet, Maraya Performing Arts (featuring Joseph “Dyno Rock” Corrales, pictured), San Diego Guild of Puppetry, Los Maniacos of La Maestra, San Diego Opera and Monarch School Dance Group. Activities include hat making, an interactive “color toss” and a drawing circle; plus, an appearance by the San Diego Padres’ “Friar” mascot. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. 200 W. Island Ave., downtown, 619.233.8792. thinkplaycreate.org

Stephanie Blythe in Concert

Oct. 23. San Diego Opera opens its new season with the first of three intimate concerts across three venues. Mezzo-soprano opera star Stephanie Blythe, accompanied on piano by Ryan McCullough, takes the stage at Balboa Theatre to perform Johnny Mercer: America’s Lyricist. Blythe created the concert as a “musical and historical look at the words and songs of Johnny Mercer (1909-1976) and those who influenced and partnered with him—from the early years of jazz to NYC’s Tin Pan Alley to Hollywood.” 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $45. 868 Fourth Ave., downtown. sdopera.org

Shutter Sisters at The Old Globe

Through Nov. 7. Meet Mykal (Terry Burrell) and Michael (Shana Wride). The two women (pictured L-R) discover they have a connection in this Globe-commissioned world premiere. Shutter Sisters is staged at the White Theatre—the intimate, “theater-in-the-round” where all eyes are on the two actors for the entire 90-minute duration. We follow the women on the hardest days of their parallel lives: Michael attends her adopted mother’s funeral; while Mykal kicks her adult daughter out of her home. See website for ticket pricing. 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, 619.234.5623. theoldglobe.org

Photo credits: Shutter Sisters / The Old Globe by Rich Soublet II. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.