October is here, and San Diego is coming alive with spirits and festivities. The month kicks off with lively Oktoberfest events, including large celebrations in La Mesa and Ocean Beach. Once you’ve had your beer and bratwurst fix, check out the second annual San Diego Tijuana Jazz Fest or the San Diego International Film Festival for a little a&c, or check out the grand opening of the Navy SEAL Museum in downtown. As Halloween approaches, the city will host a trick-or-treat event in Little Italy, a live theater production of Dracula, and Halloween movies in the park. Let’s get spooky, San Diego!
A free “Taste Trolley” carts ticketholders between more than 50 local businesses providing delicious samples at Taste of Oceanside. The day before the main event, culinary connoisseurs can dig into a VIP kickoff curated by Michelin-starred chef Roberto Alcocer.
Featuring work from over 170 artists from across the United States and Mexico and sips from 35 international wineries, breweries, and distilleries, the free, family-friendly La Jolla Art and Wine Festival is back for another year.
A bit of bratwurst, a pinch of polka, and a boatload of beer—the recipe for the perfect weekend at the all-ages La Mesa Okoberfest, where three biergartens, live music, a Ferris wheel, kids’ activities, a dachshund race, and more await.
OB Oktoberfest
October 10–11
In addition to live bands and DJs, the 21-plus OB Oktoberfest brings pretzel-tossing and bratwurst-eating contests, two-for-one beer specials, and a pageant to the sand in Ocean Beach.
Photo Credit: Daniela Murillo San Diego Tijuana International Jazz Fest
Concerts & Festivals in San Diego This Month
2nd Annual San Diego Tijuana International Jazz Fest
October 2–5
The San Diego Tijuana International Jazz Fest returns for its second year, offering free and ticketed performances from genre power players at venues on both sides of the border.
Fall for the San Marcos Harvest Fest’s live music and global sips and tastes. Little ones can learn about farming with a composting station, mini greenhouse, and animal visitors.
23rd Annual San Diego International Film Festival
October 15–19
The city will take on a touch of Hollywood glitz and glam for the 23rd annual San Diego International Film Festival, featuring five days of screenings, networking events, and red-carpet parties.
Barrio Logan Dia de Muertos Celebration
October 26
Barrio Logan celebrates Dia de Muertos with a free event highlighting the neighborhood’s culture, history, and creativity, featuring vendors, local art, craft activities, live performers, and more.
Courtesy Voss Events Werq the World Tour
Theater & Art Exhibits in San Diego This Month
Navy SEAL Museum Grand Opening
October 4
Downtown’s new Navy SEAL Museum opens its doors, inviting visitors to view a moving documentary, explore educational animations, and become SEALs for a day with a pulse-pounding virtual reality mission.
Ru Paul’s Drag Race Werq the World at Harrah’s Resort
October 10
Some of the most legendary alums of RuPaul’s Drag Racewill make a stop at Harrah’s Resort in Valley Center, serving sickening impressions of icons like Britney, Mariah, and Beyoncé in the Werq the World Tour.
Pack your picnic blanket and popcorn and head to Escaya Park for a stay at the monsters-only Hotel Transylvania, the final showing in Chula Vista’s Movies in the Moonlight series.
Trick or Treat on India Street
October 26
Local kids will don costumes and collect candy from Little Italy businesses at the annual Trick-or-Treat on India Street. Once they’re set on sweets, head to the Piazza della Famiglia for photo ops with Jack Skellington.
A Haunting in Venice Cruise in Coronado Cays
October 26–31
Glide through the winding canals of the Coronado Cays with a phantom gondolier lurking behind you on The Gondola Company’s Halloween-inspired A Haunting in Venice Cruise.
The Navy Seal Museum
Newly Opened
The Navy SEAL Museum San Diego just opened its doors on Kettner Boulevard, right by the Santa Fe Train Station (and just steps from the bay). Check out the immersive, hands-on experience that pulls back the curtain on the exclusive world of SEALs, with interactive exhibits, rich storytelling, and virtual reality experiences. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (closed on Tuesdays).
Sloane Moriarty is a rising Junior at the University of California, Berkeley where she studies English and Education and writes for the Daily Californian newspaper. When she is not at a coffee shop doing work, you will find her in front of a bowl of pasta and a good book.
