October 3-8
San Diego Filipino Film Festival 2023
The San Diego Filipino Film Festival returns to theaters around San Diego this week with screenings being held at The LOT Liberty Station, Southwestern College and AMC Plaza Bonita 14. The 3rd annual edition of the festival hopes to continue its mission of showcasing diverse stories and empowering Filipino filmmakers during Filipino American History Month. Attendees can buy general admission tickets for individual films, day festival passes, or the all-inclusive fest pass ($157 for San Diego Filipino Cinema members, $197 for non-members) which grants access to all narrative and documentary features, shorts, and special events throughout the six-day festival.
Citywide
October 3-14
San Diego Italian Film Festival
The Museum of Photographic Arts will host the 17th annual San Diego Italian Film Festival with a lineup of eight in-person feature films and 13 visual short film screenings revolving around Italian culture, community, and heritage. The festival’s premier event is the 2023 feSta on October 14 where guests will enjoy food and wine from local Italian restaurants and be in the audience for the Ristretto Short Film Award Ceremony, marking the end of the festival. There are five unique ticket options ranging from the $20 Turbo Drive pass which grants online access to the 13 short films to the $250 Full Throttle ticket which comes with early access to panel discussions, admission to 2023 fest and much more.
1649 El Prado, Balboa Park
October 3-15
Les Misérables
Broadway San Diego’s 46th season begins with a production of one of the most acclaimed, quotable and popular musicals of all time, Les Misérables. Taking place across multiple decades in 1800s France and tackling issues like imprisonment, war and famine, this tragic tale unfolds into a story of determination and belief that can connect with anyone in the audience. With an iconic soundtrack and many successful adaptations worldwide, theater fanatics will not want to miss this stunning production on stage through October 15.
1100 Third Avenue, Downtown
October 5-31
The Scream Zone
Those searching for a scary time will have three chilling choices to explore at the Del Mar Fairgrounds throughout the month of October: the Haunted Hayride, Stars of the Silver Scream and Labyrinth Manor. Scream Zone 2023 will also feature the new Midway Madness carnival with clown-themed axe throwing, virtual reality zombie apocalypse, zombie archery, plus plenty of food and beverage vendors getting in on the Halloween theme. All tickets come with entry to the three haunt experiences with timed general admission ($33) and scream pass (express line) admission ($48) options.
2260 Jimmy Durante Boulevard, Del Mar
October 6-8
Oktoberfest
As El Cajon Oktoberfest prepares for its second weekend of authentic Oktoberfest fun, San Diegans can also get a Bavarian festival experience at the Carlsbad Oktoberfest with bona fide German food, music and beer. Or, locals can venture into East County this Saturday for Julian Oktoberfest, which will feature Oktoberfest dancers and singers, a silent auction, raffles and more, and craft beer of course. And don’t forget Ocean Beach Oktoberfest, a two-day beach festival with a packed live music lineup headlined by Afroman and a variety of Oktoberfest-themed contests and more for just $10.
El Cajon Oktoberfest – 1017 South Mollison Avenue, El Cajon | Carlsbad Oktoberfest – 1050 Cannon Road, Carlsbad | Julian Oktoberfest – 2814 B Street, Julian | Ocean Beach Oktoberfest – 5099 Newport Avenue, Ocean Beach
October 7
Taste of North Park 2023
From Michelin Guide must-tries to Sunday brunch favorites, more than 40 restaurants, breweries, and cafes will be a part of this delectable day of dining. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. this Saturday during the 12th annual Taste of North Park, residents can enjoy food and (adult or non-alcoholic) beverage tastings from the area’s culinary tastemakers as they tour the neighborhood. Ticket options include all tastings ($65), plus food-only ($45) and beverage-only ($30) options.
3812 29th Street, North Park
Pacific Beachfest
See the best of Pacific Beach at this free Saturday afternoon festival along the boardwalk featuring live music, shopping, and activities from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Attendees can enjoy a 5K run, fish taco contest, volleyball tournament, more than 60 community art, craft and lifestyle vendors, and performances from on three music stages.
Boardwalk between Felspar Street and Thomas Street, Pacific Beach
KAB x Fall Brewing Breast Cast Exhibition Opening Party
Keep A Breast Foundation (KAB) and Brewbies are celebrating Breast Cancer Prevention Month with an event in their Breast Cast Exhibition series which combines art and educational material for breast cancer prevention. Saturday’s exhibition and auction at Fall Brewing Company from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. will include 20 breast sculptures created by breast cancer survivors, along with local artists, musicians and curators available for purchase. The event will also include a food truck and the debut of Fall Brewing Co.’s “Check Yourself” a limited edition pink lager that pays homage to a KAB motto.
4542 30th Street, North Park
Casa Fest 2023: Casa Familiar’s 50th Anniversary Celebration
Local nonprofit Casa Familiar is celebrating five decades of uplifting low-income residents in South San Diego with a massive 21+ celebration this Saturday at Waterfront Park from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. There will be live music from local artists, art vendors, food, drinks and more. General admission tickets are $60 while $150 VIP passes come with three free drinks and food, plus VIP seating at the main stage.
1600 Pacific Highway, Embarcadero
How We Gather: Exhibition Opening
The newest exhibition at UC San Diego’s Mandeville Art Gallery takes a magnifying glass to the impact that the pandemic had on artists. “How We Gather” gets several artists’ perspectives on how cracks in the societal foundation inspired them to search for and cultivate a platform of solidarity across contemporary art forms. The group exhibition will be on display through December 9, beginning with a free opening party this Saturday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. with taco catering, an open bar and a performance from the San Diego New Verbal Workshop. Those interested in attending the opening party can RSVP here.
9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla
October 7-8
La Jolla Art & Wine Festival
Entry is free to this 21+ festival in Downtown La Jolla as more than 160 artists from the U.S. and Mexico specializing in painting, sculpture, photography and more will get to show off their work from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. this Saturday and Sunday. In addition to art, there will be a wine and beer garden where attendees can purchase five or 10 tastings from 35+ wineries, breweries and craft distilleries in attendance and enjoy a lineup of local musicians rocking the stage throughout the weekend. There will also be gourmet food, a two-day silent auction and 15 pet adoption stations as the La Jolla Art & Wine Festival Foundation fundraises for the community’s public schools.
Girard Avenue and Prospect Street, La Jolla
San Diego Spirits Festival
Go cocktail crazy at the 14th annual San Diego Spirits Festival featuring more than 65 premium spirits and craft cocktail options at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego’s La Jolla location. Local eateries like Beeside Balcony, Lobster West and The Alcove will be serving up bites and there will be live entertainment including flamenco, samba, belly dancing and more this Saturday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at MCASD. Tickets range from $50 to $100 and can be purchased here.
700 Prospect Street, La Jolla
October 8
2023 San Marcos Harvest Fest
From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. this Sunday, the San Marcos Harvest Fest returns for its 31st edition with more than 200 local businesses taking part in the free day of fun. Via Vera Cruz, between San Marcos Boulevard and Grand Avenue, will transform into a bustling community arts and crafts market with a kids festival that features carnival faire, plus two stages of live music and a wine and beer garden.
Via Vera Cruz, San Marcos
