October in San Diego is one of the most exciting times of the year — from Oktoberfest celebrations and cultural festivals to family-friendly Halloween fun and spine-tingling haunted attractions. Here’s your complete guide to what’s happening this month across the county.

🍂 October Holidays

• 10/1 – Yom Kippur begins

• 10/13 – Indigenous Peoples’ Day

• 10/31 – Halloween

👻 Halloween & Fall Fun

• Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld – Sept–Nov 1
  Haunted mazes, scare zones, and eerie entertainment after dark. More info

• Jurassic Fright at Carlsbad Strawberry Company – Sept 19–Nov 2
  Dinosaurs + corn maze = a prehistoric scare you won’t forget. More info

• Brick-or-Treat Monster Party at LEGOLAND – Sept 20–Nov 1
  A kid-friendly Halloween celebration full of LEGO fun. More info

• The Haunted Trail at Balboa Park – Sept 26–Nov 1
  Two haunted attractions, including a mile-long spooky trail. More info

• Trunk-or-Treat at Belmont Park – Sundays in October
  Candy quests + car show on Oct 26. More info

• HalGLOWeen at San Diego Zoo – Weekends Oct 3–31
  A light-up-the-night spectacular for families. More info

• Haunted Corn Maze at Carlsbad Strawberry Co. – Oct 3–31
  A spooky nighttime maze adventure. More info

• Great Annual Pumpkin Festival (Alpine) – Oct 3–31, Thu–Sun
  Olive tree maze + pumpkin patch at the Children’s Nature Retreat. More info

• 11th Annual Pumpkin Patch at Waterfront Park – Oct 19
  Free pumpkin patch party with activities for kids. More info

• Día de los Muertos Festival (Oceanside) – Oct 26
  Celebrate life with cultural traditions, food, and a car show. More info

• Trick-or-Treat on India Street (Little Italy) – Oct 26
  Costumed kids collect candy from local businesses. More info

• Nightmare on Normal St. (Hillcrest) – Oct 31
  A lively street party with costumes, music, and entertainment. More info

🍺 Oktoberfest & Cultural Celebrations

• El Cajon Oktoberfest – Sept 26–28 & Oct 3–5
  German food, beer, and music. More info

• La Mesa Oktoberfest – Oct 3–5
  Bavarian festivities for all ages. More info

• Ocean Beach Oktoberfest – Oct 10–11
  Beachfront brews, live music, and games (21+). More info

• Hispanic Cultural Heritage Celebration – Oct 3
  Food, dance, and cultural performances at the Kroc Center. More info

🎨 Arts, Food & Festivals

• Harvest Festival Del Mar – Oct 3–5
  Shop local makers and artisans. More info

• Pacific Beachfest – Oct 4
  Free, family-friendly, music-packed event by the beach. More info

• Mira Mesa Street Fair – Oct 4
  Entertainment, food, and a fun zone for kids. More info

• Taste of North Park – Oct 4
  Sample local bites, art, and music. More info

• Taste of Coronado – Oct 8
  A culinary walk with tastings from island restaurants and shops. More info

• La Jolla Art + Wine Festival – Oct 11–12
  Prestigious art + wine, craft beer, and family-friendly fun. More info

• San Diego International Film Festival – Oct 15–19
  Celebrate the power of film with screenings and panels. More info

• Escondido Grand Avenue Festival – Oct 19
  Food, music, and community in downtown Escondido. More info

🏃 Sports & Wellness

• Mission Bay Triathlon – Oct 12
  Races for all levels at Bonita Cove Park. More info

• Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk – Oct 19
  Join the movement at Snapdragon Stadium. More info

🎶 Music, Tech & Lifestyle

• San Diego Bay Festival – Oct 17–19
  Featuring Slightly Stoopid, Sublime, Rebelution & more. More info

• TwitchCon – Oct 17–19
  Gaming, cosplay, fan art, and community at the San Diego Convention Center. More info

• Home & Garden Show (Del Mar Fairgrounds) – Oct 18–19
  Learn from home-improvement experts. More info

📬 Stay Connected

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