Events
“Halloween Aglow” at Birch Aquarium
Oct. 23-24. Looking for some Halloween family fun? Birch Aquarium at Scripps is hosting two evenings of festivities. The kiddos can trick-or-treat around the aquarium; watch scuba divers transform the aquarium into an underwater pumpkin patch with actual pumpkin carving; play games and dance to live music; and learn about the cool research happening at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, including the “science of slime.” Family-friendly costumes are encouraged 6-8:30 p.m. See website for tickets. 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, 858.534.3474. Details
San Diego Zombie Crawl
Oct. 23-24; Oct. 29-31. Can you handle FIVE days of partying with the undead? San Diego Zombie Crawl is the city’s premier Halloween-themed bar hop, blending booze, ghouls and graveyards in the Gaslamp. The fun kicks off at American Junkie; and ends with “Freakish Finale Parties” at Parq, Good Night John Boy and Nova SD. Tickets include access to 25 bars, clubs and restaurants, all within walking distance; 10 welcome shots; dining and drink discounts; and more. 6 p.m.-2 a.m. See website for ticket pricing. 628 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter. Details
Poolside Putts & Pints
Oct. 24. Ready to enjoy a fall afternoon along the water? Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa & Marina teams up with Harland Brewing Co. to present Poolside Putts & Pints, in partnership with the new Harland Clubhouse at the Mission Bay Golf Course. The fun includes a one-of-a-kind poolside mini golf course, exclusive craft beer tastings, music and Mission Bay views. The event is open to resort guests and local visitors. All ages are welcome (21+ to participate in beer tastings). Noon-4 p.m. See website for ticket pricing. 1441 Quivira Road, Mission Bay. Details
Trick-or-Treat on India Street
Oct. 25. Get ready for a spooktacular time at Trick-or-Treat on India Street—during which Little Italy’s India Street will be closed for families and kiddos to safely stroll among local businesses to collect candy and treats. Start at the Piazza della Famiglia, whose courtyard will be transformed into a The Nightmare before Christmas theme—complete with a 13-foot-tall Jack Skellington. Plus: live music, local fall vendors, a kids coloring zone, and a costume contest hosted by Shake Shack Little Italy. 3:30-7:30 p.m. Along India Street, Little Italy. Details
“A Haunting in Venice” Gondola Cruises
Upcoming | Oct. 27-31. Known for its romantic tours through the Coronado Cays, The Gondola Company is adding a fun twist for Halloween, offering tours by masked, caped phantom gondoliers, inspired by the film A Haunting in Venice. Add to the fun with a Black Rose Boo-quet, select beverages and chocolates, available for separate purchase. Or make a party out of it and book The Haunting Caorlina Cruise, accommodating up to 13 passengers on a single gondola. See website for pricing. 503 Grand Caribe Causeway, Suite C, Coronado, 619.429.6317. Details
Food + Drink
“Haunted Ship” at Captain’s Quarters
Through Nov. 1. Captain’s Quarters (P.B.’s nautical-themed, speakeasy-style bar modeled after a 17th-century sailing ship) has been transformed into the ultimate Halloween pop-up. The “Haunted Ship Takeover” includes spooky decorations, exclusive cocktails with clever names, dark twists on signature classics, and festive bites. Try libations like the Siren’s Song, Dracula’s Lust, Anubis’ Curse, Banshee’s Wail, Yuki Onna’s Kiss, and Llorona’s Tears; plus “Holy Water” shots and mocktails. See website for reservations. 910 Grand Ave., Pacific Beach, 858.412.5237. Details
Mi Pan Bakery
Now Open. Popular at local farmers markets for its scratch-made baked goods and globally influenced French baking techniques, Mi Pan Bakery—founded by Alejandro Gomez and Alejandra Ruelas—has opened its first brick-and-mortar bakery. Signature items include the Oaxacan Mole Sourdough, Medialunas (Argentinian croissants), Flan Parisien, French baguettes and “Las Cukies” (brown-butter sourdough chocolate chip cookies). Plus: seasonal pastries, rotating specialties and coffee. W-Su 8 a.m.-2 p.m. 6435 Mission Gorge Road, Grantville. mipanbakery.com
Arts + Culture
A Haunted Night Aboard Star of India
Oct. 22. Maritime Museum of San Diego hosts a haunted evening aboard its 1863 barque, Star of India: “Davy Jones’ Locker: Spirits on the Star.” Enjoy a festive evening along the waterfront—including music by local DJ collective Harbor the People; The Davy Jones Mystery Hunt, with letters, codes, keys and other clues hidden throughout the event; eerie maritime tales; and Spirits on the Star, a cash bar with themed cocktails, mocktails, wine and beer. Costumes welcome. See website for details. 7-10 p.m. $29 per person (21+). 1492 N. Harbor Drive, Embarcadero. sdmaritime.org
OMA: “Art After Dark”
Oct. 24. Oceanside Museum of Art (OMA) presents “Art After Dark: Anatomy of the Surreal.” Inspired by OMA’s exhibit, David Adey: Sacrificial Bodies, the creative soiree features music, food, drinks and interactive experiences. All costumes are welcome; guests are also invited to dress as original works of art, or in costumes inspired by the Adey exhibit. There’s even a costume contest / runway show, with categories such as “Best Interpretation of the Theme” and “Best Upcycled Design.” 7-11 p.m. (21+). See website for details and tickets. 704 Pier View Way, Oceanside. Details
La Jolla Playhouse: GRIM
Upcoming | Opens Oct. 27. La Jolla Playhouse brings us the world-premiere musical GRIM, based on the book by Joey Orton (pictured) and Brad Silnutzer; with music and lyrics by Orton, Silnutzer, Petro AP and Scott Hoying. Touted as “irreverent, hilarious and heartbreaking,” the story follows the Grim Reaper, who is retiring after 300,000 years of collecting souls. The plot thickens when his daughter unexpectedly falls for a geeky human teen. See website for showtimes and tickets. 2910 La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla. lajollaplayhouse.org
Photo credits: All images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.
