Events
Pumpkins & Ponies at Sweetwater Farms
Through Nov. 1. What’s not to love about this charming countryside property—surrounded by tranquil willow, cottonwood and eucalyptus trees—located just outside the city? Dating back to the early 1960s, the 16-acre horse farm is offering all kinds of family-friendly fall fun—pumpkins, pony rides, hayrides, cute farm animals, horseshoe painting and more. Most activities are ideal for kids age 7 and younger, but all ages are welcome. (Sweetwater also offers riding lessons, camps, boarding, training and more.) See website for advance reservations (required) and safety guidelines. Tickets start at $7. 3051 Equitation Lane, Bonita. More Info
Gaslamp Fall Back Festival
Nov. 1. Presented by the Gaslamp Quarter Historical Foundation, this 20th annual street faire celebrating the Gaslamp’s culture and rich history goes virtual this year. The family-friendly festivities include a virtual tour of the Victorian-era, Davis-Horton House Museum; a lesson on how to make your own Victorian-style fan; a puppet show about the adventurous Bum the Dog; and a virtual scavenger hunt that takes participants around downtown. (The latter requires advance reservations and a fee of $40 for a team of up to five players. See website for details.) 11 a.m. gaslampfoundation.org
Komen San Diego Virtual Race for the Cure
Nov. 1. The epic annual event—which raises funds for breast cancer research—goes virtual for the first time this year. Instead of the traditional large gathering at Balboa Park, participants are encouraged to “race where you are!” This means social distancing and walking or jogging in your neighborhood or local park. Virtual finisher medals will be awarded to those who walk at least 6,000 steps. Opening ceremonies begin at 8:30 a.m. via Komen San Diego’s social media channels (@komensandiego on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter); and the race starts at 9 a.m. komensandiego.org
Halloween Weekend
Mavericks Beach Club’s “Nightmare on Garnet”
Oct. 31. Don your costume and spend all day at this trendy, open-air beach bar. Mavericks is going all out for this third annual event—featuring over-the-top Halloween decorations; “haunted” food menus; six full bars, each with a different scary theme; spooky swag giveaways; and more. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. 860 Garnet Ave., Pacific Beach, 858.999.0348. maverickssd.com
“A Grand Halloween”
Through Nov. 1. The Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego is offering fun Halloween experiences for guests staying on the property. Stroll along Trick-or-Treat Trail in the hotel’s ballroom—which has been transformed for the holiday, complete with cobwebs hanging from the ceilings. Swing by the fourth-floor pool deck for Spooky Swim After Dark—entailing a scary film screening and, if you dare, a moonlit swim in the pool. Or, engage in some Halloween-inspired arts & crafts on the Grand Haunted Rooftop, while taking in views of San Diego Bay and the skyline. See website to make reservations. 1 Market Place, downtown. hyatt.com
Food + Drink
Fish Shop’s 10th Anniversary
Through Nov. 1. Serving some of the city’s best tacos for a decade at its first Pacific Beach location, Fish Shop is celebrating with some fun perks. Dine at the eatery (we suggest the pet-friendly patio) through Sunday and receive a 10-percent discount on your order; plus a raffle ticket to enter to win prizes such as free tacos, gift cards, apparel and more. Be sure to try the famous TKO tacos (pictured)—grilled mahi-mahi marinated in Fish Shop’s special seasoning, topped with tropical mango salsa. Open daily 11 a.m.-9 p.m. 1775 Garnet Ave., Pacific Beach, 858.483.1008. thefishshops.com
Grant’s Coffee Room
Now Open. A staple of South Park since 2002, Grant’s Market has reimagined itself with a new name and refreshed decor. Now a coffee shop, eatery, bakery and market, Grant’s Coffee Room is the quintessential neighborhood hangout. Stop in for breakfast and try the Morning Glory sandwich; or grab a cup of organic coffee and croissant for just $2 bucks (available Monday through Friday until 10 a.m.). Return in the afternoon for wine, beer and snacks on the patio. M-Sa 8 a.m.-6 p.m.; Su 8 a.m.-3 p.m. 2953 Beech St., South Park, 619.231.0524. grantsmarket.com
Sunday Brunch at Garibaldi
Now Open. The alfresco speakeasy and eatery at the Intercontinental Hotel San Diego has launched a new weekend brunch menu that spotlights Italian and coastal Baja flavors. This means dishes such as the prosciutto panini with sunny-side-up eggs, basil pesto and pecorino cream; Sardinian limoncello crepes with sweetened ricotta and walnuts; the fregola-and-roasted-garlic frittata with eggplant caponata; and a variety of sweet and savory pastries by local bakery/cafe Pappalecco. All pair nicely with a serving of San Diego Bay views. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 901 Bayfront Court, Suite 1, downtown, 619.436.1081. catchgaribaldi.com
Weekend Brunch at The Presley
Now Open. The open-air hotspot features an ample dining patio, three bars, classic American fare and a new weekend brunch service. Feast on classic dishes with fun twists, such as pork schnitzel with over-easy eggs and sausage; applewood-smoked-bacon-and-shrimp tacos; and mascarpone-stuffed French toast. For a lighter option, The Presley Bowl is filled with quinoa, sweet potatoes, veggies and goat cheese. We also love the fun brunch cocktails; try the Dole Whip mimosa with Champagne, pineapple juice, coconut milk and whipped cream. Sa-Su 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 2855 Perry Road, Point Loma, 619.877.1800. thepresleysd.com
Enoteca Buona Forchetta
Reopened. This quaint bottega, cafe and eatery all in one has reopened its doors with an expanded sidewalk dining patio and a new menu by acclaimed chef Joe Magnanelli. Stock up on house-made baked goods and sauces, imported cheeses, Italian cured meats and more; or stay for a cup of coffee or glass of wine paired with a panini. We also suggest the burrata with roasted figs, prosciutto and pistachios. Don’t miss happy hour every Sunday beginning at 4 p.m., when you can enjoy bruschetta and wines by the glass for $5. W-Su 4-9 p.m. 3011 Beech St., South Park, 619.432.1649. buonaforchettasd.com
Arts + Culture
San Diego Repertory Theatre’s The Displaced
Oct. 30-Nov. 2. Warning: This body of work is not for the faint of heart. That said, don’t miss this riveting tale that explores the perils and pain brought on by the timely issues of class, gentrification, relationship woes, money troubles and stress. San Diego Rep and Amigos Del Rep present an online reading of playwright Isaac Gomez’s dark, psychological thriller, centered on a struggling young couple who move into a fixer-upper apartment and soon discover a mysterious item in the attic—left by the unit’s previous tenants. Shock and terror ensue. Admission is “pay what you can.” 619.544.1000. sdrep.org
San Diego Botanic Garden
Reopened. This 37-acre North County oasis has reopened several more gardens and venues. Visitors can once again explore the Hamilton Children’s Garden, including the famous Toni’s Tree House; as well as the Seeds of Wonder Children’s Garden. Also now open: the the Junior Quail Trail, a new garden space in the former Eucalyptus Grove; and the new, glass-enclosed Dickinson Family Education Conservatory—home to a 15-foot living wall and “floating plant islands.” See website to purchase advance tickets (required). W-Su 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 300 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas, 760.436.3036. sdbgarden.org
Photo credits: San Diego Botanic Garden by Rachel Cobb. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.
