Events
Ocean Beach Oktoberfest
Oct. 10-11. No community does Oktoberfest quite like Ocean Beach, which marks its 23rd annual installment this year. Enjoy two days of seaside merriment—including family-friendly vendors and activities; a beer garden (21+); live music by local and nationally touring artists; the crowning of Mr. and Mrs. Oktoberfest; brat-eating and stein-holding contests; a pretzel toss; arts and crafts vendors; and plenty of festive German fare. F 4-11:30 p.m.; Sa noon-11:30 p.m. See website for tickets (VIP tickets available). Along Newport Avenue, Ocean Beach. oboktoberfest.com
Ivey Ranch Park Western Hoedown
Oct. 11. Yeehaw! Ivey Ranch Park presents its 15th annual Western Hoedown—raising funds for the nonprofit’s children’s programs, activities and operating costs. The family-friendly fun includes BBQ fare, raffles, a kids’ corral, an ROTC flag presentation, hay rides, a dunk tank, face painting and horseback riding demonstrations. Plus: a silent auction, ranging from weekend getaways to concerts to fine dining to art to jewelry. 3-7 p.m. See website for tickets and sponsorship opportunities. 110 Rancho del Oro Drive, Oceanside. More Info
Mr. Jack O’Lanterns Pumpkin Patch
Through Oct. 31. It’s pumpkin season! Pick your preferred pumpkin patch experience with fun offerings at Mr. Jack O’Lanterns. Visitors can pick out their perfect pumpkin and partake in family-friendly activities and games, including a bounce house, haunted house, “boosketball,” mini Putt-Putt, pumpkin bowling and candy corn hole; plus shop for Halloween costumes and decorations; along with pumpkin-carving kits and decorating kits. Open daily. See website for hours. Free admission and parking. 3901 Clairemont Drive, Clairemont, 844.452.2567. Details
Beachside Fall Fest at Belmont Park
Weekends. Taking place every weekend in October, Belmont Park’s annual celebration of all things autumn includes seasonal treats like caramel apples from Sweet Shoppe and pumpkin-spice churro fries from Snackin’ Kraken; Kids Free October (see website for details); Belmont BeerFest (Oct. 26); the Trunk or Treat Car Show (Oct. 26); live music; and free trick-or-treating every Sunday (5 p.m.). Stay and dine at the park’s restaurants, such as Cannonball and Draft. Open daily (see website for hours). 3146 Mission Blvd., Mission Beach. belmontpark.com
Food + Drink
Tacos El Franc
Opens Oct. 8. First opened in 1996, Michelin-recognized Tijuana taquería Tacos El Franc opens its second U.S. location—lauded for its award-winning adobada (marinated pork) and sizzling carne asada cooked mesquite-style on charcoal grills. The counter-service eatery will serve its popular staples, including tacos, tostados, vampiros (toasted corn tortillas with cheese), quesadillas, mulitos (sandwich tacos) and fries. Try the San Diego-inspired beef tallow fries served with a variety of proteins. See website for hours. 528 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter. tacoselfranc.com
Madi PB
Now Open. Normal Heights’ beloved hangout Madi has a new sister. Welcome to Madi PB, a daytime dining destination just steps from the sand—offering indoor seating, two patios and a beach view. The casual restaurant serves breakfast and lunch fare, creative coffee drinks and cocktails. Menu stars include the Mediterranean Breakfast with poached eggs, hummus, avocado, grilled pita and tangy cucumber salad; the G.O.A.T. breakfast sandwich; and Surf Shack poke bowl. M-Th 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m.; F-Su 8 a.m.-2 p.m. 910 Grand Ave., Pacific Beach. brunchlikemadi.com
New Flavors at Stella Jean’s & Pop Pie
Now Available. The Sweet & Savory Collective unveils new fall flavors at its two local chains. With six locations across San Diego. County, Stella Jean’s Ice Cream offers new flavors like Apple Butter + Crumble, Goat Cheese + Cranberry, Greek Yogurt + Passionfruit, and Salted Maple + Banana Bread. With five S.D. locations, Pop Pie Co. is serving seasonal treats like Pumpkin Cream Cheese pie with pumpkin custard and whipped cream-cheese frosting; and Chocolate Pecan Chess pie with a butter crust. See website for addresses and hours. stellajeans.com | poppieco.com
Arts + Culture
La Jolla Art & Wine Festival
Oct. 11-12. The 17th annual festival raises funds for the San Diego Unified School District—comprising an expansive wine and craft beer garden, with dozens of wineries, breweries and distilleries. At least 160 artists will showcase paintings, sculptures, jewelry, fine glass, ceramics, woodwork, mixed media and photography. Plus: gourmet fare from local vendors; a silent auction; live music; pet adoptions; kids activities; and more. Sa-Su 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free general admission; tickets for wine and beer garden are $60-$80. Along Girard Avenue, La Jolla. ljawf.com
S.D. Botanic Garden Fall Festival
Oct. 11. San Diego Botanic Garden hosts a fall festival packed with family-friendly fun. Highlights include a papermaking workshop in which you’ll create handmade paper from raw materials harvested onsite; bubble art with bubble designer Alan Ker; a magic show; hoola-hoops; live music; and more. Plus: a beer and wine garden featuring a special beer brewed in collaboration with Fox Point Brewing Co., honoring the Garden’s 55th anniversary. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. See website for full schedule and ticket pricing. 300 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas, 760.436.3036. sdbg.org
San Diego International Film Festival
Upcoming | Oct. 15-19. The city rolls out the red carpet for this 24th annual festival—“where culture, coast and cinema collide”—showcasing 100-plus features, documentaries and short films by independent filmmakers from across the globe. Events include the Opening Night film premiere and reception at The Lot La Jolla, Oct. 15; Night of the Stars Tribute at The Conrad, Oct. 16; Party with a Purpose at Belly Up Tavern, Oct. 17; and Culinary Cinema at AMC UTC 14 at Westfield UTC, Oct. 19. See website for full schedule, addresses and passes and tickets. sdfilmfest.com
Ocean Beach Oktoberfest by Sydney Valiente. Madi PB by Diana Rose. Stella Jean’s Ice Cream by Camila Badaro. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.
