TGI weekend! With Halloween around the corner, it's a good time to get in the spirit with a bunch of spooky (and some not-so-spooky) activities around San Diego. Between scares, enjoy food and drink events, live music, art, festivals and Aztecs football. Get up. Get out. Play!
Thursday, Oct. 19
Pumpkin Picking in San DiegoTimes & Locations VaryGet into the spirit of fall by picking that perfect pumpkin at one of many pumpkin patches up and running in San Diego County. From the north to south, east to west, you’ll find a local patch where you can pick a gorgeous gourd while enjoying autumn activities like hayrides, corn mazes and more. Most local pumpkin patches are open until Halloween.
Opera on the Concourse12 p.m., San Diego Civic Theatre ConcourseEnjoy a free, lunchtime recital of songs Thursday on the concourse in front of the San Diego Civic Theatre. The Pirates of Penzance artists will perform this roughly 45-minute show, which includes arias, duets, and ensembles from opera and musicals, accompanied by piano. This program has been on hiatus for a while, but two more shows like this are scheduled to return to the concourse in March 2018.
CroctoberFest5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Bay City Brewing Co.Bay City Brewing Co. (3760 Hancock St.) hosts its 5th annual “CroctoberFest,” a jungle-themed event that will raise funds and awareness to help save crocodilian species around the world. This year, the focus is on the West African Dwarf Crocodile. A joint effort between the San Diego Zoo’s Reptile Department and the American Association of Zoo Keepers San Diego Chapter, the event includes a costume contest, silent auction, raffles, local food trucks and, of course, craft brews. Tickets cost $10.
Two Scientists Walk Into a Bar5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., 25 Bars Across San DiegoThe Fleet Science Center hosts this new community program that aims to connect San Diego-based scientists with the public at local watering holes. About 50 scientists will visit 25 bars across San Diego County – from Ballast Point Brewing in Little Italy to Modern Times Beer – to enjoy good conversation. The scientists will be near a sign that reads, “We are scientists. Ask us anything!” and patrons are encouraged to approach them to chat and post photos of the fun on social media using the hashtag #2scientists. The event is free.
Taste of the Diamond6 p.m. to 9 p.m., San Diego MarketplaceThe 4th annual Taste of the Diamond goes down Thursday night at the Big Lots parking lot located at 1655 Euclid Ave. The event includes food created by the diverse restaurants and caterers representing the Southeastern Diamond Business District. Between bites, attendees will also enjoy live entertainment and drawings. Tickets cost $25.
Positive Hits Tour7 p.m., Viejas Arena at Aztec Bowl at SDSUThe “Positive Hits Tour” brings five alternative rock artists to this San Diego State University venue for one night of music: Skillet, Britt Nicole, Colton Dixon, Tauren Wells and Gawvi. Tickets start at $19.75.
Group Works to Restore Balboa Park Carousel
The Scream Zone7 p.m. to 11 p.m., Del Mar Fairgrounds (Green Parking Lot)It’s baaaack. The Scream Zone – the ultimate spooky experience – is running now through Halloween in the Green Parking Lot at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. Joining spine-tingling attractions like the “House of Horrors” and the “Haunted Hayride” this year is something called “The Running Dead,” where thrill-seekers run through an obstacle course filled with actors posing as hungry, brain-eating zombies. The Scream Zone dates: Oct. 5-8; Oct. 11-15; Oct. 18-22; Oct. 24-31. Tickets range from $20 for “The Running Dead” only, to $33 for a package called “The Triple Haunt,” which gets you into three attractions. Good luck out there.
Country Strong: Route 91 Victims Benefit Concert8 p.m., Moonshine FlatsMoonshine Flats, a music venue at 344 Seventh Ave. in downtown San Diego, will host this special concert Thursday night to benefit the victims of the Oct. 1 massacre at the Route 91 Festival in Las Vegas. There will be a $10 donation for entry at the door and 100 percent of revenue from bar sales will be donated to the
Las Vegas Victims Fund. The concert will feature The Morgan Leigh Band, Carter Winter and more. Also in attendance: Taylor Winston, the San Diego Marine veteran hailed a hero for driving wounded victims from the concert to the hospitals in Las Vegas on the night of the deadly massacre. Before the concert, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., friends will host a public celebration of life for Jennifer Irvine, a San Diego attorney killed in the shooting.
Latin Thursdays9 p.m., Harrah’s Resort Southern CaliforniaEnjoy live Latin music at Harrah’s Resort Southern California every Thursday night this month at this 21+ fiesta. The shows cost $10 and are available at the door.
Ghost Tour in History: Old Town9 p.m., Old Town San DiegoTake a guided, 90-minute walking “Ghost Tour” in Old Town, exploring all of the history, haunts and tales that make this landmark unique. The tour includes a visit to the famous Whaley House and the El Campo Santo Cemetery; both sites are said to be home to visitors from beyond. The tour meets at 9 p.m. at Café Coyote on San Diego Avenue; it costs $32.
Friday, Oct. 20
World Champagne Day + Oysters11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., CUCINA Enoteca Del MarCelebrate World Champagne Day (yes, that’s a thing) with some bubbly and grub at CUCINA Enoteca Del Mar (2730 Villa De La Valle). The eatery is running a champagne special all month long and, this weekend (Friday through Sunday), special oyster pairings will be offered. CUCINA’s locations on Laurel Street (CUCINA Urbana) and Adams Avenue (CUCINA Sorella) will also partake in the champagne shindig. Cheers!
San Diego Central Library Architecture Tour2 p.m. to 3 p.m., San Diego Central LibraryFrom its dome and lobby to the Helen Price Reading Room, courtyard and sculpture garden, take a free tour of the San Diego Central Library and learn about the architecture and materials used in the design of the civic building. The tour meets in the Garden Courtyard in front of the auditorium at 2 p.m.; you must register ahead of time to attend this free event.
San Diego's Top Breweries
You & Yours Distilling Co. Tour5 p.m. & 8 p.m., You & Yours Distilling Co.You & Yours Distilling Co. – a small, chic distillery in San Diego’s East Village (1495 G St.) – recently launched tours of its tasting room, available at certain times Wednesday through Sunday. The 45-minute tours are led by a member of the distillery’s team who leads visitors to the production floor, explaining every step of the distilling process – down to the bottling of each product. The tour is followed by a question and answer session and, of course, a spirits tasting flight of the distilleries flagship gin and vodka. Tours cost $25 per person; you also get $10 off a bottle of vodka or gin. To learn more about You & Yours Distilling and its owner, Laura Johnson,
read this story.
Salsa Under the Stars6 p.m. to 9 p.m., The Headquarters at SeaportHit the courtyard at The Headquarters at Seaport for this Friday night salsa dancing session under the stars. Manny Cepeda and his orchestra will provide the toe-tapping tunes; no partner or experience necessary to join this fun, free event.
The Haunted Hotel6 p.m. to 1 a.m., Market Street in Gaslamp QuarterHalloween haunts of epic proportions lurk in every corner at The Haunted Hotel located at 424 Market St., near Fourth Avenue, in downtown San Diego. For the past 25 years, this spooky fall attraction has invited brave patrons to make their way through a creepy hotel while trying to flee from all kinds of monsters and ghouls. The Haunted Hotel runs most nights now through Oct. 31; general admission tickets cost $19.
Cooking Class: Taste of the Amazon6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., Lazy AcresLazy Acres in Encinitas will host this cooking class in its Moonlight Room focused on the exotic, nutrient-rich food of the Amazon. Students will whip up palmito – or hearts of palm salad – followed by chicken and veggie juanes, a traditional Amazonian rice tamale. The meal ends with lucuma crunch, a fruit from the cacao family.
Wild Life! An Animal Masquerade7 p.m. to 9 p.m., San Diego Museum of ManParty animals are invited to this after-hours masquerade party at the San Diego Museum of Man, inspired by the museum’s ongoing “Living with Animals” exhibition. Masks will be provided, which attendees can decorate into an animal of their choice. Attendees can also walk on the wild side and hold hissing cockroaches, slithering snakes and tarantulas, among the many activities. A ticket to this 21+ event includes admission to the museum, one customized cocktail, two street tacos and access to all activities inside.
Things to Do in Old Town
The Haunted Trail7 p.m. to 11 p.m., Balboa ParkAs Halloween nears, The Haunted Trail at Balboa Park is a sure-fire way to have a frightening fall. Open now through Oct. 31, this mile-long trail is a stroll through the park you’ll never forget. Those who dare enter through a twisted grove of pines and gnarled oaks. After that, all bets are off as scary surprises lurk around every corner. The Haunted Trail also hosts an additional maze dubbed "The eXperiment," described as “3,500-square-feet of freak-infested terror.” Tickets cost $25 per person, including entry into "The eXperiment."
Things to Do at Balboa Park
Chris Hardwick7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. (Friday and Saturday), The American Comedy Co.Host, actor, writer, producer and comedian Chris Hardwick brings his stand-up talents to the stage at The American Comedy Co. this weekend, performing twice on both Friday and Saturday nights. Hardwick currently hosts the NBC game show, “The Wall,” and also runs the media empire, Nerdist Industries. Tickets to his comedy show cost $35.
Felipe Esparza8 p.m., Humphreys Concerts by the BayActor and comedian Felipe Esparza brings his stand-up act to Humphreys Friday night. Tickets cost $30.
Saturday, Oct. 21
Family-Friendly Halloween ActivitiesTimes and Locations VaryTreat your little ghouls to some safe, family-friendly Halloween activities around San Diego County. From Belmont Park’s “Boomont Park” Fall Festival and Birch Aquarium’s “Sea Monster Mash,” to a ride on the Pumpkin Express in Campo, there are plenty of ways to celebrate the holiday with your little ones. Most Halloween-themed events take place on the weekends, ending Oct. 29.
DogFest Walk 'N' Roll8 a.m., NTC Park at Liberty StationIt’s all about man’s best friend at the DogFest this Saturday. The national event of Canine Companions for Independence kicks off Saturday at 8 a.m. and raises money to provide highly-trained assistance dogs for people with disabilities. Take a scenic 1.2-mile walk with your pooch, followed by music, games, and dog demonstrations. Registration is free, but donations are encouraged.
Borrego Days10 a.m., Christmas Circle in Borrego Springs (Saturday and Sunday)Don’t miss the 52nd annual Borrego Days Desert Festival, a nice weekend getaway for families this fall. The free festival runs Saturday and Sunday. You’ll get a chance to enjoy beautiful weather, desert blooms, star gazing and more – and that’s on top of a parade through town, rows and rows of unique booths, handmade goods, beautiful artwork, delicious food and more.
Coronado Art Walk10 a.m. (Saturday and Sunday), Coronado Ferry LandingExplore artwork with a view this Sunday, right across the San Diego Bay. The Art Walk is part of the Coronado Museum of History & Art’s juried art show. The walk will feature artists and their handmade work in addition to the juried art show. You’ll find ceramics, textiles, photography, mixed media and more. The event is free.
Howl-O-Ween Canine Carnival10 a.m., Dusty Rhodes Park (Sunset Cliffs Boulevard)What’s better than dogs dressed up in costume? We can’t think of much. Get into the Halloween spirit in Ocean Beach with the Kiwanis Club of Ocean Beach’s annual carnival. The event has games, prizes, costume contests and food. The event is free to attend.
Fall Harvest Festival10 a.m., The Centre EscondidoCelebrate the seasons changing in Escondido this weekend at the Fall Harvest Festival. Bring the whole family to enjoy fall classics: bobbing for apples, pumpkin decorating, face painting, train rides and more.
San Diego Aruna 5K Run/Walk11 a.m., Encinitas Community ParkThe inaugural San Diego Aruna 5K Run and Walk will benefit the Aruna Project, a United States-based nonprofit whose mission is to bring freedom, through employment marked by holistic care, to sexually enslaved women in India. Registration for the race starts at 10 a.m., and the race at Encinitas Community Park begins at 11 a.m. Registration is $30.
WOW Festival (La Jolla Playhouse)All day, multiple locationsTheater lovers, this one is for you. La Jolla Playhouse’s acclaimed weekend of immersive theater, dance and music come to locations across this city this weekend. The festival also features several special events, including WOW Festival Club. Performances range from free to $35.
Bayside Brew & Spirits Festival1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Pepper Park in National CityThe first-ever Bayside Brew & Spirits Festival takes over Pepper Park (3299 Tidelands Ave.) in National City Saturday, highlighting more than 40 local breweries and spirits companies. The event will also feature food vendors, live bands, a photo booth and a VIP area that includes access to specialty craft beers and a meet-and-greet with a master brewer. General admission tickets cost $35, while VIP tickets cost $75. By the way, the NBC 7 and Telemundo 20 street team will be at this event; drop by our set-up and say hello!
Modern Masters From Latin America: The Perez Simon Collection12 p.m., San Diego Museum of ArtThe San Diego Museum of Art unveils its big fall exhibition this Saturday, “Modern Masters From Latin America: The Perez Simon Collection,” which is part of the Getty Foundation’s “Pacific Standard Time: LA/LA” initiative showcasing works by great modern masters from Latin America. The Museum of Art’s exhibition features nearly 100 pieces illustrating the history of Latin American modernism including works by artists like Frida Kahlo, Fernando Botero Diego Rivera, Rufino Tamayo, Joaquín Torres-García and much more. For children, the museum is hosting “Frida and Me,” and interactive exhibition exploring Kahlo’s work in a way that little ones will remember. “Modern Masters From Latin America” is included with admission to the museum, which costs $15 for adults. Children age 17 and under get in free.
SDSU Aztecs vs. Fresno Bulldogs7:30 p.m., SDCCU StadiumThe Aztecs face off against the Fresno State Bulldogs at SDCCU Stadium this week. Fans are encouraged to arrive early for parking purposes or take public transit. Tickets start at $61.
Jimmy Buffet8 p.m., Mattress Firm AmphitheatreThrow on a Hawaiian shirt and get yourself to “Margaritaville” Saturday night as music icon Jimmy Buffet takes the stage at this Chula Vista concert venue. Tickets range from $36 to $255.
The Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkey8 p.m., Old Globe TheatreThis solo show, written and performed by James Lecensne, starts previews tonight at The Old Globe Theatre. The play follows a New Jersey detective eager for a case to get him from behind his desk, and the case that finally does it: the disappearance of teen Leonard Pelkey. Tickets start at $30. The show runs through Oct. 29.
Sunday, Oct. 22
Bow Wow Brunch Cruise10:30 a.m., Hornblower Cruises and EventsIt’s just you and your pooch during this special Bow Wow Brunch cruise this Sunday, a special event to help raise money and awareness about orphaned pets at Helen Woodward Animal Center. Enjoy delicious food with unlimited champagne and desserts. Plus, as you eat, your dog will get a chance to visit the pet buffet too. Tickets start at $90.
Beers & Schmears11 a.m., Eppig BrewingTalk about a tasty Sunday brunch option. Eppig Brewing teams up with Nomad Donuts to present this four-course craft beer and wood-fired bagel and doughnuts pairing event at the brewery. Each course includes an 8-ounce Eppig brew, such as the Eppig German Style Lager paired with pork rillette, caramelized onion, whole grain mustard and fig on a plain bagel or a 10:45 to Denver IPA paired with a blueberry basil gorgonzola doughnut. Space is limited, so if you’re serious about bagels and brews, buy your $25 ahead of time. Cheers!
Day of the Dead Festival in North Park12 p.m. to 4 p.m., Ray Street (Between University Avenue and North Park Way)The first-ever Day of the Dead Festival in North Park goes down Sunday, honoring the Mexican holiday in which the living take time to remember those who have passed. The free event on Ray Street will feature live music, a tequila tasting and cerveza cantina, food trucks, craft workshops, artisan vendors and Dia De Los Muertos-style face painting. A community altar will pay tribute to the souls who are no longer with us. The NBC 7 and Telemundo 20 street team will be at the event; stop by our set-up and say hello!
Stone Craft Beer & Cheese: The Ultimate Pairing Festival12 p.m., Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens (Liberty Station)Some of the country’s best cheeses meet some of San Diego’s best beer at this unique pairing festival. Sip on Stone’s iconic brews while tasting artisanal cheeses. A $55 ticket includes 15 three oz craft beer pours, unlimited tastes of cheeses and a commemorative glass. A designated driver’s ticket costs $25. This event is for 21 years and older only.
Benny & Joon7 p.m., The Old GlobeThe Old Globe's 2017 - 2018 season kicks off with "Benny & Joon," a delightful new world-premiere musical based on the beloved 1993 offbeat romantic comedy. The musical, with a book by Kirsten Guenther ("Breaking Through"), music by Nolan Gasser and lyrics by Mindi Dickstein ("Little Women"), follows auto mechanic Benny(his sister's sole caretaker) and his eclectic sister Joon. The musical's final show is on Sunday.
Enrique Iglesias and Pitbull7:30 p.m., Valley View Casino CenterLatin superstars Enrique Iglesias and Pitbull join forces for this concert at the Valley View Casino Center. The doors open at 6:30 p.m.; tickets start at around $40.
Carla Morrison at Humphreys7:30 p.m., Humphreys Concerts by the BayLatin Grammy Award-winning artist Carla Morrison will perform some of her most popular songs, including “Eres Tu,” “Dejenme Llorar,” and more. Tickets start at $45.
Free or Cheap Things to Do in San DiegoTimes and locations vary
Free or Cheap Things to Do in San DiegoLooking to save some cash, but still enjoy the city? In San Diego, there are still plenty of activities to enjoy for free or on the cheap. Go for a hike at Torrey Pines State Park or Cowles Mountain, stroll Balboa Park, try a new craft brewery, admire the murals of Chicano Park or read a book at a downtown park. Get out there and explore America’s Finest City.
Published at 12:29 PM PDT on Sep 1, 2017 | Updated at 11:45 AM PDT on Oct 19, 2017
Source: https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/san-diego-weekend-events-204328381.html#ixzz4w1Bg73EW
