As the leaves begin to change and the air takes on a crisp edge, San Diego gears up for a month filled with exciting events and celebrations. From traditional Oktoberfest festivities to foodie extravaganzas and cultural celebrations, October offers something for everyone. At LuxeAlly Real Estate, we not only help you find your dream home in San Diego but also keep you updated on the vibrant local scene. Join us as we explore the best events happening in San Diego this October.
San Diego Restaurant Week (Sept. 24 – Oct. 1)
Kickstart your October with a culinary adventure during San Diego Restaurant Week. Over 100 participating restaurants across the city are offering three-course prix-fixe dinner menus starting at just $20. From casual dining to exquisite 5-star meals, there’s a dining experience for every palate. While tickets are not necessary, we recommend making reservations to secure your spot at these delectable tables. For more details, visit www.sandiegorestaurantweek.com
La Mesa Oktoberfest (Sept. 29 – Oct. 1)
La Mesa Oktoberfest has become a cherished tradition for San Diegans of all ages. Join the festivities for Prost-ing with friends, games, dancing, German beer, dachshund races, and an array of delicious food options. This vibrant celebration takes place in La Mesa Village. For more information, visit www.lamesaoktoberfest.org
El Cajon Oktoberfest (Sept. 29 – Oct. 1, Oct. 6 – 8)
For an authentic German experience, head to El Cajon Oktoberfest. Indulge in German cuisine, beers, liquors, and soft drinks. The Guggenbach-Buam band from Baden-Württemberg, Germany, will have you dancing to traditional folk tunes. Don’t miss the games, contests, vendor booths, and the Kids’ Zone. Join the fun at 1017 S. Mollison Ave. For details, visit www.germanclubsandiego.org
Ocean Beach Oktoberfest (Oct. 6 – 7)
Ocean Beach Oktoberfest promises both family-friendly and adult activities. In the 21+ beer garden, enjoy classic German brews or local beer, wine, and spirits. Groove to live music by local and nationally touring artists, participate in contests, explore vendor stalls, and win exciting giveaways. This event takes place at the foot of the Ocean Beach Pier. For more information, visit www.oboktoberfest.com
Oktoberfest in Julian (Oct. 7)
Escape to Julian for a charming Oktoberfest celebration. Enjoy live music, watch Oktoberfest Dancers and Singers, try your luck at Bingo, let your creativity flow at Sip and Paint, and savor delicious food and drinks in the Beer Garden. The St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church hosts this event. For details, visit www.stelizabethjulian.org
Taste of North Park (Oct. 7)
Foodies, mark your calendars for Taste of North Park. Sample over 40 food offerings from San Diego’s finest restaurants. Craft beer enthusiasts will also delight in this event, with craft brewers offering 4-ounce samples of their best releases. Non-alcoholic beverage options are available too. The event takes place on 29th Street. For more information, visit www.northparkmainstreet.com
Carlsbad Oktoberfest (Oct. 7)
Carlsbad hosts its own Oktoberfest with real German meals, kids’ and adult activities, live German music, and, of course, a Bier Garten! The Bier Garten features an assortment of beers on tap, including an Oktoberfest varietal and various wines. Join the fun at Carlsbad Strawberry Company. For details www.rotaryoktoberfest.org
Pacific BeachFest (Oct. 7)
Experience a free, full-day, family-friendly, music-packed event at Pacific BeachFest. Enjoy live music, delicious food, and a range of activities from 11 am to 7 pm on the Pacific Beach Boardwalk. For more information, visit www.pacificbeachfest.org
San Diego Spirits Festival (Oct. 7 – 8)
Indulge in a weekend of unlimited tantalizing sips at the San Diego Spirits Festival. Reconnect with familiar brands and discover new ones from over 60 brands, offering everything from high-end spirits to ready-to-drink cocktails and seltzers. This event takes place at the Museum of Contemporary Art, La Jolla. For details, visit www.sandiegospiritsfestival.com
La Jolla Art & Wine Festival (Oct. 7 – 8)
Experience the best of art, regional and international wines, craft beer, and spirits at the La Jolla Art & Wine Festival. This family-friendly event runs from 10 am to 6 pm on Girard Ave. & Prospect St. For more information, visit [La Jolla Art & Wine Festival](www.lajollaartandwinefestival.com).
Taste of Rancho Santa Fe (Oct. 8)
Hosted by the Rancho Santa Fe Rotary Club, the Taste of Rancho Santa Fe offers a delightful evening featuring scrumptious bites from San Diego’s finest restaurants and award-winning wines from vintners along the California Coast. This event runs from 4 pm to 7 pm at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe. For details, visit [Taste of RSF](www.tasteofrsf.org).
Taste of Coronado (Oct. 11)
Don’t miss the self-guided Taste of Coronado event, bringing together 800 guests from Coronado and beyond for an evening of excellent food and drinks while supporting the local community and businesses. The event runs from 5 pm to 9 pm at Rotary Park & The Ferry Landing. For more information, visit [A Taste of Coronado](www.atasteofcoronado.com).
Carmel Valley Trail 5K, 10K and 15K (Oct. 14)
Get active at the Carmel Valley Trail races, which include 5K, 10K, and 15K courses. The 15K even features the locally famous “Puke Hill.” The event starts at 6 am at Torrey Highlands Community Park. For
details, visit [Endurance Race Series](www.enduranceraceseries.com/carmel-valley).
Ladies at the Lake Fall Market (Oct. 14)
Explore a variety of vendors with uniquely selected items, from health and beauty products to clothing, jewelry, holiday gifts, and more at the Ladies at the Lake Fall Market. Food trucks will also be available at the Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve from 10 am to 3 pm. For more information, visit [Santee Lakes](www.santeelakes.com).
Escondido Grand Avenue Festival (Oct. 15)
The Escondido Grand Avenue Festival offers a traditional street fair format along with professional live music, a beer and wine garden, and art in the garden. Shop from hundreds of vendors, including unique hand-crafted gifts and international cuisine. The event runs from 9 am to 5 pm on Grand Avenue. For details, visit [Downtown Escondido](www.downtownescondido.com).
XTERRA Wetsuits Mission Bay Triathlon (Oct. 15)
Benefitting the Life Sports Foundation, the XTERRA Wetsuits Mission Bay Triathlon offers races for adults and kids, from beginners to seasoned professionals. The event takes place at Bonita Cove Park. For more information, visit [Mission Bay Triathlon](www.missionbaytriathlon.com).
San Diego International Film Festival (Oct. 18 – 22)
Film enthusiasts, prepare for the San Diego International Film Festival. The event features film premieres, tributes, culinary cinema, studio premieres, and a diverse selection of independent films. Enjoy parties, food, drinks, panels, and networking events. For more information, visit [SD Film Fest](www.sdfilmfest.com).
USA Ultimate National Championships (Oct. 19 – 22)
Witness the top 16 teams in Men’s, Mixed, and Women’s divisions from the United States and Canada compete for the USA Ultimate Championship at Surf Cup Sports Park in Del Mar. For details, visit [USA Ultimate](https://tct.usaultimate.org).
HauntFest on Main (Oct. 20)
Embrace the Halloween spirit at HauntFest on Main in Downtown El Cajon. The event includes costume contests, carnival rides and games, a car show, candy challenges, a kid’s zone, face painting, and more. Explore craft and game booths and enjoy an outdoor dance floor. For details, visit [HauntFest](www.hauntfest.org).
San Diego Triathlon Challenge (Oct. 20 – 22)
Participants from around the world take on a challenging course consisting of a one-mile bay swim, a 35-mile bike ride, and a 10-mile run during the San Diego Triathlon Challenge. New adaptive sports and community events promote inclusivity and support. The event takes place in Mission Bay. For details, visit [Challenged Athletes](www.challengedathletes.org).
Rancho BEERnardo Festival (Oct. 21)
Raise a glass at the Rancho BEERnardo Festival. General admission includes unlimited 2-ounce pours, local wines, food for purchase, free parking, and live music. VIP admission offers exclusive benefits. This 21+ event takes place at Webb Park from 2 pm to 5 pm. For more information, visit [Rancho BEERnardo Festival](www.ranchobeernardofestival.com).
Haunted Hangar Halloween Bash (Oct. 21)
Get into the Halloween spirit at the Haunted Hangar Halloween Bash at the USS Midway Museum. Enjoy family-friendly activities, contests, tasty treats, magic potion cocktails for adults, crafts, magic shows, and more from 6 pm to 9 pm. For details, visit [USS Midway](www.midway.org).
Borrego Days Desert Festival (Oct. 21 – 22)
Experience the Borrego Days Desert Festival with live bands, a comedy hypnosis show, art exhibits, a kids’ zone, food vendors, artisans, education, an adult beer garden, a free car show, and more. This family-friendly festival takes place at Christmas Circle Park. For more information, visit [Borrego Days](www.borregodays.com).
EOS Fitness Tour De Cove (Oct. 22)
Join the EOS Fitness Tour De Cove at Bonita Cove, Mission Bay. Over 100 stationary bikes will be on the lawn overlooking Mission Bay for a 4.5-hour ride, either as an individual or as part of a 3-person relay team. For more information, visit [Challenged Athletes](www.challengedathletes.org).
Oceanside Dia de los Muertos Festival (Oct. 22)
Celebrate Dia de los Muertos in Oceanside with altars, arts and crafts, a car show, a chalk cemetery, and more from 10 am to 5 pm in Downtown Oceanside. For details, visit [Friends of Oceanside Dia de los Muertos](www.friendsofoceansidediadelosmuertos.org).
Trick-or-Treat on India Street (Oct. 27)
Join little ghouls and goblins in Little Italy for Trick-or-Treat on India Street. Dress up in your best costumes and enjoy an evening of authentic trick-or-treating with your family from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm at Piazza della Famiglia. For more information, visit [Little Italy](www.littleitalysd.com).
Lions Tigers & Bears Spooky Campover (Oct. 27 – 28)
Experience a Spooky Campover at Lions Tigers & Bears. Enjoy campfire songs, pumpkin carving, a Halloween costume contest, animal trivia challenges, s’mores by the campfire, and more at 24402 Martin Way, Alpine. For details, visit [Lions Tigers & Bears](www.lionstigersandbears.org).
San Diego Zombie Crawl (Oct. 27, 28 & 31)
Step into Zombie Land with Barbie and Ken during the San Diego Zombie Crawl. Explore the thrills and perils of living among the UNDEAD in the Ghoulish Gaslamp. Enjoy progressive pre-planned routes and FREE admission to top bars along 5th Avenue. This 21+ event runs from 6 pm to 2 am in the Gaslamp Quarter. For more information, visit [San Diego Zombie Crawl](www.facebook.com/SanDiegoZombieCrawl).
Nightmare on Normal Street (Oct. 28)
Experience Nightmare on Normal Street with late-night live entertainment, costume competitions (including a special pet contest), outdoor bars, food trucks, and an outdoor dance floor. This 21+ event takes place from 5 pm to 11 pm at Normal and University in Hillcrest. For more information, visit [Fabulous Hillcrest](www.fabuloushillcrest.com).
Santee Lakes Spooktacular/Trunk-or-Treat (Oct. 28)
Santee Lakes Spooktacular offers a day of games, a giant Halloween maze, crafts, photo opportunities, and more. The Sanderson Sisters from Hocus Pocus will entertain guests. Local businesses will host a trunk-or-treat for all participants. This event takes place at Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve from 10 am to 2 pm. For details, visit [Santee Lakes](www.santeelakes.com).
Bubble RUN San Diego (Oct. 28)
Join the Bubble RUN in Chula Vista, clad in white t-shirts. Run, walk, dance, and play across 3 miles of absolute fun! Registration includes a Bubble Run Finishers Medal, Bubble RUN tee shirt, temp tattoo, race bib number, and entry into the Bubble 5K celebration. The event starts at 6 am at NICU Amphitheatre. For more information, visit [Bubble RUN](www.bubblerun.com).
Chula Vista Dia de los Muertos Celebration (Oct. 28)
Celebrate Dia de los Muertos in Chula Vista with a community altar, an Altar Contest, Catrín/Catrína Ensemble Contest, music and dance performances, kids’ crafts, treats, delicious food, vendors, themed photo ops throughout the neighborhood, and a special screening of Guillermo del Toro’s Book of Life. This event takes place from 3 pm to 8 pm at Memorial Park. For more information, visit [Downtown Chula Vista](www.downtownchulavista.com).
Encinitas Dia de los Muertos Celebration (Oct. 29)
Celebrate life at the Encinitas Dia de los Muertos Celebration with live performances, art-making workshops, and a student-created community altar. Enjoy this cultural event from 12 pm to 4 pm at the Encinitas Community Center. For details, visit [City of Encinitas](www.encinitasca.gov).
So Much to Enjoy in San Diego
October in San Diego promises a cornucopia of events and celebrations to enjoy with family and friends. Whether you’re savoring the flavors of San Diego Restaurant Week, dancing the polka at Oktoberfest, or immersing yourself in film at the San Diego International Film Festival, there’s no shortage of excitement this fall. So, embrace the season and make the most of these fantastic events happening in our beautiful city.
At LuxeAlly Real Estate, we are your ally in finding the perfect home in San Diego. If you’re considering buying or selling a home here, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to make your real estate journey as enjoyable as San Diego’s October festivities. Happy fall, San Diego!