Events
“Halloween Aglow” at Birch Aquarium
Oct. 24-25. Looking for some family-friendly Halloween fun? The Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography is hosting two evenings of festivities. The kiddos can trick-or-treat; watch scuba divers transform the aquarium into an underwater pumpkin patch; play games and dance to live music; and learn about the interesting research happening at Scripps Oceanography. Family-friendly costumes are encouraged. (Hot tip: You get bonus points if your costume is ocean-themed!) 6-8:30 p.m. See website for ticket pricing. 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, 858.534.3474. Details
San Diego Zombie Crawl
Oct. 24-25; Oct. 30-31; Nov. 1. Can you handle FIVE days of partying with the undead? Get ready for one hell of a bonanza that blends booze, ghouls and graveyards in the Gaslamp. San Diego Zombie Crawl is the city’s premier “Halloween meets Día de los Muertos” bar hop. The chaos kicks off at American Junkie and ends with finales at Parq, Vin de Syrah and Bang SD. Tickets include access to 25 bars, clubs and restaurants, all within walking distance; welcome shots; dining and drink discounts; and more. 6 p.m.-2 a.m. Tickets start at $39. 628 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter. Details
Trick-or-Treat on India Street
Oct. 26. 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, which will be transformed into The Nightmare Before Christmas—complete with a 13-foot-tall Jack Skellington; Halloween decor, music and stacks of pumpkins; shopping for “ghoulish goodies” among local vendors; and a costume contest hosted by Shake Shack Little Italy. 3:30-7:30 p.m. Along India Street, Little Italy. littleitalysd.com
“A Haunting in Venice” Gondola Cruises
Oct. 26-31. 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 and Halloween-themed libations such as “Blood on the Vine – A Cabernet Tale.” Make a party of it and book The Haunting Caorlina Cruise, accommodating up to 14 guests on a single gondola. See website for pricing. 503 Grand Caribe Causeway, Suite C, Coronado, 619.429.6317. Details
Food + Drink
Halloween Pop-Up at Captain’s Quarters
Through Nov. 2. Captain’s Quarters—Pacific Beach’s nautical-themed bar (modeled after a 17th-century sailing ship)—has been transformed into the ultimate Halloween pop-up. The “Haunted Ship Takeover” comprises scary decorations, exclusive cocktails with clever names, dark twists on signature drinks and festive bites. Try the Spooky Island, made with Ron del Barillito rum, Montenegro, pandan, peanut and lime; and Toil & Trouble, with Argonaut brandy, Peruvian pisco, Purple Magic, coconut, pineapple and citrus. 910 Grand Ave., Pacific Beach, 858.412.5237. Reservations
Nobu Del Coronado
Now Open. Hotel del Coronado has undergone a $550 million overhaul, complete with new dining options. Its newest superstar: Nobu Del Coronado, by chef Nobu Matsuhisa and Robert De Niro. Dine on its signature black miso cod, rock shrimp tempura and yellowtail jalapeño; while taking in ocean views from the elegant restaurant’s covered patio. A dedicated sushi bar churns out sashimi and maki creations; while the kitchen delivers hot plates like ribeye with truffle butter, wagyu dumplings and umami chicken. 1500 Orange Ave., Coronado, 6149.435.6611. Details
Veranda
Now Open. Another new dining destination awaits at Hotel del Coronado. Grab a bite on the Veranda, the Del’s breezy restaurant with seating indoors, a covered dining porch, and an ample umbrella-shaded patio with ocean views. Offering a daily breakfast buffet and dinner, Veranda serves classic American fare. Breakfast includes Eggs Benedict, chilaquiles, steel-cut oatmeal and libations like the Honeybee Bellini. For dinner, try the California Halibut Veracruz, blacked Pacific swordfish, and the double-cut Heritage pork chop. 1500 Orange Ave., Coronado, 619.435.6611. Details
Arts + Culture
City Ballet of San Diego: Giselle
Oct. 25-26. City Ballet of San Diego presents a full-length production of Giselle—one of the most beloved romantic classic story ballets of all time—at Concert Hall at California Center for the Arts, Escondido. Composed by Adolphe Adam, the ballet centers on a young peasant girl who falls in love with a nobleman disguised as a villager. After dying from a broken heart upon discovering his true identity, the spirit of Giselle reemerges… Sa 8 p.m.; Su 2 p.m. Tickets range from $39 to $99 (see website). 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido. cityballet.org
La Jolla Playhouse: Working Girl
Upcoming | Oct. 28-Dec. 7. Inspired by the 1988 film, the world-premiere musical, Working Girl, debuts at La Jolla Playhouse. It’s based on the book by Theresa Rebeck; with music and lyrics by Cyndi Lauper (whose first musical, Kinky Boots, won Tony Awards for Best Musical and Best Original Score); and directed by Tony winner Christopher Ashley. The story centers on Tess McGill, a Staten Island secretary determined to prove herself as a businesswoman. See website for showtimes and ticket pricing. 2910 La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla, 858.550.1010. lajollaplayhouse.org
Maritime Museum: “Haunted Star Tales”
Ongoing. Maritime Museum of San Diego dares you to set foot aboard the haunted decks of its legendary Star of India—the world’s oldest active sailing ship, docked along the Embarcadero. The ship’s creaking decks and dark corners will no doubt get you into the Halloween spirit, as its “Haunted Star Tales” seasonal experience reveals stories of its real history (including mysterious sightings); and how it became one of the city’s most haunted landmarks. Open daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m. See website for pricing. 1492 N. Harbor Drive, downtown. sdmaritime.org
Cyndi Lauper / La Jolla Playhouse by Sophy Holland. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.
