September 26–October 22
Sumo
The La Jolla Playhouse takes audiences straight to the mat with Sumo, which follows a group of sumo wrestlers as they strive to make a name for themselves through high-stakes competition. Featuring live taiko drumming and an immersive story from playwright Lisa Sanaye Drang, Sumo, directed by Ralph B. Peña, is a fascinating journey into the sport of sumo wrestling and the heritage of Japanese martial arts. | 2910 La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla
September 28
A Queen Bey Rooftop Party: Movie & Silent Disco
As the superstar singer, actress, and entrepreneur finishes up her already-iconic Renaissance Tour, Beyoncé’s artistry will be on full display during the Rooftop Cinema Club’s inaugural movie night & silent disco event. On the rooftop of the Manchester Grand Hyatt, the night begins with a DJ set from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., followed by a screening of Carmen: A Hip Hopera, the 2001 film in which Beyoncé had her first acting role. Afterward, dueling DJ sets will play Beyoncé songs for the silent disco until 11 p.m. Silent Disco–only tickets are $20 and tickets for the full event are $35 and come with bottomless popcorn. All tickets include a complimentary beverage. | 1 Market Place, Embarcadero
September 28–October 1
Oktoberfest
San Diego’s Oktoberfest celebrations continue this weekend with two festivals and a beer crawl. This Thursday, Black Plague Brewing, Bottlecraft, The Original 40 Brewing Co. and Second Chance Beer Co. host the second annual North Park Oktoberfest Beer Crawl from 5 to 9 p.m., offering beer and food specials, plus the chance to win $600 in prizes. This Friday through Sunday, the La Mesa Oktoberfest brings three days of German music, food, games, vendors, and craft beer as San Diego’s biggest Oktoberfest party celebrates its 50th year. Last but not least, Quartyard and the East Village Association throw the seventh annual East Village Oktoberfest from 1 to 7 p.m. with Polka music, a classic car show, interactive games, and plenty of beer. | La Mesa Oktoberfest – La Mesa Boulevard, La Mesa | North Park Oktoberfest Beer Crawl – University Avenue and 30th Street, North Park | East Village Oktoberfest – 1301 Market Street, East Village
Select Nights from September 29–October 31
SeaWorld Howl-O-Scream
Spooky season has arrived at SeaWorld San Diego, and anyone interested in a festival of frights can get their horror fix during the month-long Howl-O-Scream celebration. When night comes around, the park will fill with haunted houses, scare zones, live entertainment, and several Halloween-themed bars, rides, and activities around the park. Howl-O-Scream is not included with regular park admission. | 500 SeaWorld Drive, Mission Bay
Opens September 30
Doubt: A Parable
John Patrick Shanley’s 2004 play won several Tony Awards during its original Broadway run, and now audiences can see a local production of Doubt: A Parable at the New Village Arts Theatre before it returns to Broadway in February 2024. The story follows a Catholic school nun who questions the innocence of a priest accused of inappropriate behavior. She grapples with her own faith in the church and wonders whether her doubt is proof of his guilt. Doubt opens this Saturday and will run through October 22 at the New Village Arts Theatre. | 2787 State Street, Carlsbad
September 30
Baja Lifestyle and Travel Expo
With a focus on the culture of Baja California, the second annual Baja Lifestyle and Travel Expo will take place this Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m. at Crown Point Park with free admission for all ages. There will be more than 100 vendor booths at the expo, displaying the Baja region’s arts, crafts, food, and more. You can also explore live music, guest speakers, and a beer and wine garden. | Crown Point Drive, Mission Bay
CRUSH: A Wine & Culinary Showcase
Finishing off California Wine Month with a grand event, the Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association’s wine and culinary showcase at Monte de Oro Winery will take place from 7:30 to 10 p.m. this Saturday. More than 30 association wineries will be in attendance, and the wine selections will be paired with bites from 19 local restaurants and caterers (and with live music from K. Emeline). General admission tickets for the festival are $135 per person and come with wine and food tastings, plus a souvenir logo glass. | 35820 Rancho California Road, Temecula
McAlister Institute Walk for Sobriety
Stroll for a good cause this Saturday at the McAlister Institute Walk for Sobriety, taking place at Liberty Station’s NTC Park. The 11th annual 5K walk will help raise proceeds for the McAlister Institute’s programs for substance abuse treatment, mental health counseling, and more, assisting individuals and families battling addiction. Check-in for the 5K begins at 8 a.m., and registration costs $35 for adults and $5 for children. | 2455 Cushing Road, Liberty Station
September 30–October 1
San Diego International Dragon Boat Race
Paddling teams of 16 to 20 people will duel their dragon boats in Mission Bay during the 12th annual San Diego International Dragon Boat Race this Saturday and Sunday at Tecolote Shores Mission Bay. There will also be an opening ceremony and silent auction, as well as a vendor village complete with food trucks, clothing, jewelry, paddling gear, and much more. Funds raised from the festival will support the UC San Diego Dragon Boat Team and Team Survivors Sea Dragons. | 1500 East Mission Bay Drive, Mission Bay
October 1
Guns N’ Roses
Rock legends Guns N’ Roses are taking the stage at Snapdragon Stadium with Alice in Chains this Sunday night. The “Welcome to the Jungle” singers have carved out a palace in music history with more than three decades of head-banging ruckus, and any classic rock fan will not want to miss this stacked stadium show. | 2101 Stadium Way, Mission Valley
October 1–31
Kids Free San Diego
Throughout the month of October, kids ages 12 and under receive free admission with a paid adult to more than 50 San Diego County museums, aquariums, gardens, and more from La Mesa to Liberty Station and nearly everywhere in between. In addition, there are several deals, discounts, and coupons for many of San Diego’s greatest attractions with savings that promise fun at a low price for the whole family. For the full list of coupons and discounts for Kids Free San Diego 2023, visit here. | Countywide
Mr. Jack O’Lanterns Pumpkin Patch
Marking the start of fall with gourds galore, this family-owned pumpkin patch includes a maze, plus several games, activities, and more. Mr. Jack O’Lanterns Pumpkin Patch stands out for its many family-friendly Halloween activities. They also sell a plethora of Halloween-related items, including decorations, costumes, pumpkin carving sets, and novelty items for a full spooktacular experience. | 6710 La Jolla Boulevard, La Jolla
