Spooktacular Events in San Diego: Halloween and Weekend Festivities

As Halloween creeps in, it’s time to embrace the festive spirit and prepare for upcoming Thanksgiving gatherings with family. San Diego is alive with an array of culinary events, including the much-anticipated San Diego Beer Week, the Ramona Art, Wine & Musical Festival, and the debut of the San Diego Coffee Festival. Alongside Halloween festivities, San Diego will also honor the vibrant traditions of Día de Muertos, inviting residents and visitors alike to participate in the city’s lively celebrations. With countless exciting activities planned for this weekend in San Diego, it’s the perfect opportunity to don your favorite costume and join in the fun.

Food & Drink | Concerts & Festivals | Theater & Art Exhibits | More Fun Things to Do

Food & Drink Events in San Diego This Weekend

San Diego Beer Week

November 1-10

Dubbed the “Capital of Craft,” San Diego prides itself on being at the forefront of Southern California’s craft brewing scene, with local artisans pushing the envelope in brews. Kicking off this Friday, the 16th annual San Diego Beer Week will feature local bars and restaurants pouring classic favorites along with exclusive limited-edition brews, such as the new Capital of Craft IPA. Notable events to look out for include the Ghost Town Tap Takeover at North Park Beer Co. and the lively Brewery Ignighter Night Market at Barley & Sword Brewing Co.

Countywide

Ramona Art, Wine & Music Festival

November 2

This Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Ramona Art, Wine & Music Festival will take place at Begent Ranch, offering a rich dive into the local arts and culture scene. Attendees can enjoy performances by an array of bands and solo artists across four stages while over 50 juried artisans display their fine artwork. Additionally, local wineries, cider, beer, and mead producers will showcase offerings that stem from the heart of the region. General admission tickets are $85, and the all-inclusive VIP experience is available for $155.

18528 Highland Valley Road, Ramona

San Diego Coffee Festival

November 2

For coffee aficionados, the inaugural San Diego Coffee Festival is a must-visit this Saturday at Broadway Pier. Attendees can indulge in unlimited tastings from over 30 local roasters and enjoy live music in a vibrant atmosphere. The festival will offer two tasting sessions, one from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and another from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. While some ticket tiers may have already sold out, general admission tickets are still available starting at $31.36, and VIP tickets for all-day access are offered at $72.91. Notably, kids 13 and under can attend for free!

1000 North Harbor Drive, Embarcadero

Concerts & Festivals in San Diego This Weekend

Downtown Chula Vista Día de los Muertos Celebration 

November 2

Embrace community spirit at Downtown Chula Vista’s 4th annual Día de los Muertos Celebration, where attendees can immerse themselves in musical performances, folk dances, a colorful ofrenda competition, and a lively mercado from Las Jefas Market. This free event runs from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., allowing community members to honor loved ones with personal tributes, dress up for the Catrín & Catrina Ensemble Competition, and admire the beautifully adorned altars and lowriders from Impalas Car Club SD.

Downtown Chula Vista 

Fall Back Festival 

November 3

This Sunday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., families are invited to the annual Fall Back Festival in front of the Gaslamp Museum at the Davis-Horton House. This free event will feature history-themed activities, contests like the beloved pie-eating challenge, educational booths, and old-fashioned games to engage all ages while immersing guests in the rich history of San Diego.

5th Avenue and Island Avenue, Gaslamp

Carlsbad Fall Village Faire

November 3

This Sunday, the Carlsbad Fall Village Faire returns for its yearly celebration from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. with an impressive lineup of over 800 vendors along Grand Avenue. Guests can enjoy a vibrant farmers market, two bustling food courts, live music, children’s carnival rides, and a beer garden, all while finding unique antiques, clothing, and a variety of items to take home.

Grand Avenue between Carlsbad Boulevard and Jefferson Street, Carlsbad

Fleet Week Concert Series

November 3

This Sunday at 6 p.m., the sounds of the armed forces will resonate throughout Little Italy as part of the Fleet Week Concert Series. Enjoy a free performance by the Navy Band Southwest Rock Band, who will showcase a mix of contemporary rock favorites and classic patriotic tunes. Attendees can look forward to another spectacular concert on Monday featuring the Marine Band San Diego Sound Strike at the same venue and time.

555 West Date Street, Little Italy

Theater & Art Exhibits in San Diego This Weekend

“Midnight at the Never Get” at Diversionary Theatre

Through November 17

Catch Mark Sonnenblick’s captivating musical “Midnight at the Never Get,” which artfully narrates a queer romance set against the backdrop of the 1965 Greenwich Village scene. The narrative unfolds in an underground club called The Never Get, as it navigates the vibrant onset of the gay rights movement in New York City. After select shows on Thursday and Sunday, attendees can engage in interactive happy hours with director Stephen Brotebeck and the artistic team. Tickets range from $11.50 to $41.50 for performances running Thursdays through Sundays.

4545 Park Boulevard, University Heights 

Art San Diego 

November 1-3

Art enthusiasts can explore the expansive Art San Diego event held at the San Diego Convention Center, showcasing a stunning collection of artworks spanning the globe. The three-day art extravaganza not only highlights local visual talents in the Local Talent program but also features affordable treasures within the Discoveries Collection. General admission tickets ($20) permit access to all three days, including the special Collectors’ Saturday Soiree from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., while a $30 ticket encompasses complimentary drinks at the soirée.

111 West Harbor Drive, Downtown 

“La bohème” at the Civic Theatre

November 1-3

The San Diego Opera is proudly launching its 60th season with a performance of “La bohème” by Giacomo Puccini at the Civic Theatre. This opera tells the timeless romantic tale of two artists navigating love and life in 19th century Paris. Notably, Lidiya Yankovskaya will make her debut conducting the San Diego Symphony Orchestra. Ticket prices range from $23 to $285 for the performances running through this weekend.

1100 Third Avenue, Downtown

Cross-Border Gallery Exchange at Sparks Gallery

Opens November 2

This Thursday, the Sparks Gallery welcomes a collaborative exhibition featuring works by San Diego-based artists Kathleen Kane-Murrell and Alexander Arshansky, along with Tijuana’s artists Jessica Sanchez and Aida Urbina. This unique exhibition will celebrate the vibrant artistic exchange between Southern California and Baja California, running through November 30. An opening reception for the exhibition is set for Thursday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

530 Sixth Avenue, Gaslamp

More Fun Things To Do in San Diego This Weekend

Monster Movie Mixer 

October 31

Transforming its cozy atmosphere into a spine-tingling haunt, Books & Records hosts the Monster Movie Mixer this Thursday from 8 p.m. to midnight. Bring your best monster-themed attire for a chance to win in the costume contest, and indulge in themed drinks, bites, and live entertainment. Tickets are available for $27.50, which includes a food item and one drink ticket per guest.

2202 Fourth Avenue, Bankers Hill

Oceanside Haunted Market

October 31

This Thursday evening, the vibrant Sunset Market in Oceanside will adopt a haunted theme for Halloween. From 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., visitors can explore the Oceanside Haunted Market, which promises a variety of retail and food vendors along with enticing Halloween fun. Families can partake in kids’ trick-or-treating for those twelve and under (while supplies last), a lively costume parade, and enjoy live DJ music and vendor costume contests—all for free!

Pier View Way and South Tremont Street, Oceanside

Mask-O-Raid IV

November 2

Get ready to don your most creative masks as the Comic-Con Museum presents its annual costume gala, Mask-O-Raid, this Saturday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. The event will feature raffles for exclusive Funko prototypes, an art sale where guests can bid on pieces from talented creators and Comic-Con staff, as well as trick-or-treating for impressive prizes. Guests can also participate in a costume contest, dance to the eerie tunes spun by DJ Chino, and shop Halloween-themed items and exclusive merchandise from the gift shop. Tickets for this exciting evening are priced at $130 and can be secured through Eventbrite.

2131 Pan American Plaza, Balboa Park

More Than Pink Walk

November 3

Stand in solidarity with metastatic breast cancer survivors by joining the More Than Pink Walk this Sunday. Participants will kick off with a warm-up session led by Orangetheory Fitness and can explore the many partnering nonprofits and advocates at Hope Village before marching 2.2 miles through Balboa Park. Following the walk, attendees can enjoy live musical performances, food options, activities, and partake in a San Diego Mascot dance-off. Registration for the More Than Pink Walk is free and can be completed here.

Corner of 6th Avenue and Laurel Street, Balboa Park

San Diego Wave FC vs. Racing Louisville FC

November 3

As the season draws to a close, the San Diego Wave aims to finish strong as they take on Racing Louisville at Snapdragon Stadium this Sunday. The first 15,000 fans to enter will receive a unique pinstriped Wave baseball jersey during the special Fan Appreciation Day, reminiscent of last year’s popular basketball jersey giveaway. Tickets are available starting at $14.40 for this captivating afternoon match.

2101 Stadium Way, Mission Valley

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