The Best Things to Do in San Diego: October 2025
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!
Food & Drink | Concerts & Festivals | Theater & Art Exhibits | More Things to Do
Food & Drink Events in San Diego This Month
Taste of Oceanside
October 3–4
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.
La Jolla Art and Wine Festival
October 11–12
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.
La Mesa Oktoberfest
October 3–5
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.
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.
San Marcos Harvest Fest
October 12
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 Celeberation
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.
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 Race will 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.
Dracula at Innovation Family Community Theatre
October 24–November 1
Sink your fangs into a tale of undead terror at the Innovation Family Community Theatre in Clairemont, where the classic horror story of Dracula will play out live onstage.
More Fun Things to Do in San Diego This Month
Pacific Beach Half Marathon & 5K
October 4–5
The Pacific Beach Half Marathon & 5K treats runners to coastal views and concludes in the most PB way imaginable: with a barhop.
San Diego Wave FC Final Home Game vs Chicago Stars
October 18
See San Diego Wave FC face the Chicago Stars at Snapdragon Stadium in the final home game of the regular season and snag a free tee as part of fan appreciation night.
Movies in the Moonlight at Escaya Park
October 24
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 post The Best Things to Do in San Diego: October 2025 appeared first on San Diego Magazine.
Categories
Recent Posts
GET MORE INFORMATION
