As the weather begins cooling down in America’s Finest City, the exciting events start heating up. For the kids, October may very well be the best month of the year. From Carlsbad to Balboa Park, kids 12 and under will receive free admission to over 100 desirable venues throughout the county. Must-visit destinations include LEGOLAND California, the San Diego Zoo & Safari Park, SeaWorld, and the Birch Aquarium in La Jolla. A number of museums will also be offering free entry including the USS Midway, New Children’s Museum, and Museum of Contemporary Art among others. A full list of locations can be found here.
As if that wasn’t enough, the Halloween celebrations start early and often at a majority of the complimentary locales. The San Diego Botanic Garden will be hosting a Fall Family Festival, LEGOLAND will once again feature their renowned Brick-or-Treat, and Birch Aquarium will be transformed for the Sea Monster Mash. Local trick-or-treating options will also be available, so be sure to check your city website.
Don’t worry adults, there is plenty for you to do this month as well:
Encinitas Oktoberfest
When: Sunday, October 1 | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Where: Mountain Vista Drive and El Camino Real, Encinitas
Website: http://encinitasoktoberfest.com/
For the 22nd consecutive year, the Encinitas Chamber of Commerce will be hosting this unbeatable October event. The free festival will feature over 200 vendors, authentic German music from a number of live bands, carnival rides, and the Keepin’ It Local Beer Garden.
Encinitas Oktoberfest
San Diego International Film Festival
When: Wednesday, October 4 – Sunday, October 8
Where: Horton Plaza Park in the Gaslamp Quarter | ArcLight Cinemas in La Jolla
Website: http://sdfilmfest.com/
In what is quickly becoming one of the most anticipated events of the year, the San Diego International Film Festival returns to America’s Finest City. The 16th annual SDIFF will feature over 120 screenings of feature films, documentaries, and shorts as well as exclusive interview sessions with industry experts. Single-day and full-weekend passes are still available so do not miss out on this noteworthy occasion.
Coronado Times
Pacific BeachFest
When: Friday, October 6 – Saturday, October 7 | 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Where: Pacific Beach
Website: https://www.pacificbeachfest.org/
San Diego’s premier beach festival is back in the quintessential coast city of Pacific Beach. While the action begins Friday night with the 2nd annual BeachFest BeerCup, the real fun doesn’t start until Saturday morning. Head down to the world-famous boardwalk to check out the Pro Volleyball Invitational and RSSS Surf Contest. The excitement continues deep into the afternoon with live music, a fish taco contest, yoga on the beach and much more! If you want to see what San Diego is all about, you don’t want to miss this awesome event.
San Diego Street Fairs
