It’s the final weekend leading up to Halloween, and the spooky events around San Diego certainly don’t disappoint. From Monster Bash in downtown San Diego to kid-friendly festivities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in America’s Finest City. Add some live music, fitness and food, and your weekend is covered.
Thursday, Oct. 27
San Diego's Family-Friendly Halloween Activities
Beach Spin
7 a.m., Hotel Del Coronado
Get that morning workout in early while overlooking the Pacific Ocean on the Paseo Lawn at the Hotel Del Coronado. This 50-minute Beach Spin class includes upbeat music and inspiring views. The class is $25 per person; $15 for San Diego residents. Reservations are required ahead of time; sometimes walk-ins are welcome, if there’s space in the class.
CyberFest 2016
8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines
Professionals and leaders from the cyber industry and technologists will lead this one-day conference in San Diego that will include influential speakers discussing how life is impacted by our cyber choices. One notable speaker includes former lead for the U.S. Central Intelligence and director of the CIA, R. James Woolsey.
QuiGong Fitness Class
8:45 a.m., Santee Branch Library
Get a burst of morning energy with this fitness class at the Santee Branch Library on Carlton Hills Boulevard focused on QuiGong, an ancient practice of “meditation in motion” that aims to improve circulation and reduce stress. The one-hour class is free.
Julian Apple Tasting Dinner
5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., Grant Grill
Downtown San Diego’s Grant Grill celebrates the fall season with this multi-course Julian Apple Tasting dinner, which highlights apples in every course. The first course, for example: Caramelized Apple Butter, Grilled Radicchio, Pomegranate and Baby Fennel Walnuts, with an optional pairing of Julian Harvest Apple Hard Cider. For dessert: Apple Shortbread with Brown Butter Ricotta and Apple Rum Raisin Compote. This apple-centric dining event runs each evening through Oct. 29. The dinner is priced at $82 per person; optional pairings of cocktails are $39 per person.
Small Batch Release: Pumpkin Spice Red
2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Duck Foot Brewing Company Tasting Room
In the spirit of the fall season, San Diego craft brewer, Duck Foot Brewing Company, will unveil its small-batch pumpkin beer at its tasting room on Kenamar Drive. Duck Foot took its Red Ale and everything that makes you think of autumn – ginger, allspice, clove and cinnamon – to come up with the Pumpkin Spice Red beer. Cheers!
The Freak-Inn Show
5 p.m. to 9 p.m., The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe
The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe will host this Halloween event Thursday evening which includes a haunted house and a kids zone. Admission is free; concession stands will sell goodies from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 28
EverWalk
7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Oceanside to Del Mar
Diana Nyad, the first person in history to swim the 111 miles from Cuba to Florida non-stop, and her Cuba swim expedition leader, Bonni Stoll, will host this fun fitness and walking event in San Diego Friday that includes a 25-mile walk from Guajoma Park in Oceanside to the Del Mar Fairgrounds. The all-day event includes a lunch break in Carlsbad and a closing rally and campfire stories at the Del Mar Fairgrounds at 6:30 p.m. EverWalk is a series of walks across the U.S. meant to get people away from their screens and into the great outdoors to walk it out and get healthy – one city at a time.
Boomont Park Fall Festival and Haunt
(Oct. 28-Oct. 30) 5 p.m., Belmont Park
Looking for some early Halloween fun for the whole family? Now in its fourth year, this family-friendly festival filled with spooks and scares transforms the iconic seaside park in Mission Beach into a fall wonderland. The festival runs the last two weekends of October, after 5 p.m., and will include free Trick-or-Treating for the little ones from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., zombie laser tag ($8 per person), a pumpkin patch and face-painting, costume contests, live entertainment and the Spooky Coaster ($6 per ride) – Belmont Park’s iconic Giant Dipper roller coaster, ready for the Halloween holiday.
Trick-or-Treat on India Street
5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Little Italy
Little Italy businesses will open their doors to little monsters in costume for a fun night of safe trick-or-treating in the cool urban neighborhood. Piazza Basilone (on the corner of India and W. Fir streets) will have a list of businesses participating in the event, plus trick-or-treating maps.
Haunted Tales Aboard the Star of India
6 p.m. to 10 p.m., The Star of India
Is San Diego's iconic Star of India haunted? Hop aboard the famous ship for a night of spooky stories. Every 15 minutes this night, from 6 p.m. to 9:15 p.m., kids can enjoy lantern-led tours of the Star of India and hear eerie tales, including how the spirit of a young man named John Campbell may lurk on board.
Stars at Mission Trails
7 p.m., Mission Trails Regional Park – Kumeyaay Lake Campground Lot
Weather permitting, join the San Diego Astronomy Association for this free, three-hour star-gazing party at the Kumeyaay Lake Campground day use parking lot at Mission Trails. Telescopes will be available so you can view the stars and planets like a pro.
FIDLAR: “Too Much Tour” with SWMRS and The Frights
8 p.m., The Obsevatory in North Park
Kick off Halloween weekend with a monster show from FIDLAR at The Observatory, where San Diego-based The Frights will kick off the night, along with SWMRS. Tickets are $25.
Emmanuel
8 p.m., Balboa Theatre
Mexican singer and songwriter Emmanuel is currently on his final tour and on Friday night, he drops into Balboa Theatre to sing the many ballads spanning his 40-year career. Tickets start at $51.50 per person.
Cinderella
8 p.m., San Diego Civic Theatre
An Italian opera version of the classic “Cinderella” fairytale, Gioachino Rossini’s production will prove that virtue triumphs and kindness can make dreams come true – even without a fairy godmother. For those who don’t speak Italian, English opera text will be projected above the stage. Tickets start at $47.
Dead Feather Moon, The Midnight Pine and Trouble in the Wind
9 p.m., Music Box
Get in on some local grooves at this 21+ show as Dead Feather Moon, Trouble in the Wind and The Midnight Pine take the stage at Music Box. Tickets range from $10 to $25.
Spend the Night with Alice Cooper
9 p.m., Harrah’s Resort Southern California
The king of shock rock, Alice Cooper, headlines at The Events Center at Harrah’s Resort Southern California Friday night with a show fit for Halloween weekend. Tickets start at $45.
The Lion
8 p.m., The Old Globe Theater
Don't miss this musical's last weekened! A gripping coming-of-age story is told with six guitars in The Lion, a new, original musical playing at The Old Globe. Award-winning songwriter Benjamin Scheuer combines wit and emotional depth as he takes audience members on a trip from boyhood to manhood. Tickets start at $29. The new musical runs until Oct. 30
Saturday, Oct. 29
SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular
10 a.m. (Saturday & Sunday), SeaWorld San Diego
Going strong each weekend in October, SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular invites kids to visit the park in their Halloween costumes for a trick-or-treating adventure at 12 stops around SeaWorld San Diego. The park is also hosting some Halloween-themed shows, including Clyde & Seamore’s “Big Halloween Bash” at the Sea Lion and Otter Stadium and Sesame Street’s “Who Said Boo?” at the Mission Bay Theater. Another area of the park celebrates Dia De Los Muertos with lots of colorful décor and activities dedicated to the traditional Mexican holiday which comes just after Halloween. Entry into Spooktacular events is included with paid admission into the park.
The Pumpkin Express
10 a.m., 12:15 p.m. & 2:30 p.m. (Saturday & Sunday), Campo Depot
The Pacific Southwest Railway Museum Association is hosting its 11th annual Pumpkin Express Halloween Celebration, a chance to ride decorated, vintage railcars through the San Diego County mountains in Campo. The train departs from the Campo Depot at 10 a.m., 12:15 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. and winds through scenic parts of the historic San Diego and Arizona Railway. Tickets range between $5 and $18, depending on your age; reservations are required in advance. At the Campo Depot’s display building, visitors can explore two haunted trains, a pumpkin patch and meet some ghouls and ghosts.
Brick-or-Treat Party Nights
5 p.m. to 9 p.m., LEGOLAND California Resort
Brick-or-Treat Party Nights return to LEGOLAND on Oct. 22 and Oct. 29 during extended park hours, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. The Halloween-themed event includes live entertainment, new shows, costume contests, treat stations with more than 1 million pieces of candy, a pumpkin patch, crafts and dance parties. Admission to Brick-or-Treat only is $40 or you can pay $70 to visit the park all day long and stay for the extended Brick-or-Treat hours.
Monster Bash
6 p.m. to Midnight, Gaslamp Quarter to East Village
San Diego’s biggest 21 and up Halloween block party returns to downtown San Diego Saturday night, taking over more than eight blocks from the Gaslamp Quarter to the East Village. The bash includes five stages, 20 DJs, a costume contest with a $5,000 cash prize and more. Put on that costume and dance the night away.
Nightmare on L Street
7 p.m. to Midnight, Mission Brewery
Mission Brewery (1441 L St.) will host this Halloween-themed brew bash in the brewery’s recently expanded 5,000-square-foot party space. Attendees can enjoy pours from 54 taps in the main tasting room, 12 taps in the cellar and four taps in the loft area, plus a food vendor, a photo booth, live music and a costume contest. Tickets are $15 per person.
Dog Fest Walk ‘n Roll
7 a.m., NTC Park
It may be Halloweekend, but it’s always a perfect day for a walk through San Diego, especially for a good cause! This family (and dog!) friendly walk and festival kicks off early Saturday morning. After the walk, trick-or-treat through the booths lining the street – or enter your pup in the costume contest. The walk supports Canine Companions for Independence, which provides highly trained assistance dogs to people with disabilities for free.
Scare Away Hunger
9 a.m., Feeding America San Diego
This Halloween, skip the trick or treating for a bit and instead help sort, bag and box food for those in need. The whole family can come out to help out at the event. Plus, don’t forget to dress up and show off your costume for a shot at some prizes. Donations of healthy, non-perishable foods are encouraged. Register in advance by clicking here. https://feedingsandiego.org/events-campaigns/scare-away-hunger/
The Boulevard BOO! Parade
10 a.m., The College Area Business District near Rolando Village
Come out to the College Area this year for the annual BOO! Parade. The parade, now in its 12th year, will be bigger and spookier than ever, with goblins, music, treats, surprises and more – Oh my! San Diego’s only Halloween parade kicks off at 10 a.m. and features more than 70 live entertainment entries marching down El Cajon Boulevard.
Halloween Family Day 2016
11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Balboa Park
This free event at Balboa Park invites families to celebrate Halloween in a cool, safe and fun way as more than two dozen museums offer free admission to kids 12 and under with a paying adult. Throughout the day, participating museums will host free craft projects for kids, costume parades and contests, gallery tours and treasure hunts. Attendees can also expect some mini carnival games, a doggie costume contest in the Spanish Village Art Center and a rooftop pumpkin drop at the San Diego Air & Space Museum. Food trucks and free activity booths will line the Prado and Plaza de Panama, and some critters from the San Diego Zoo will even make a cameo. Wear your costumes!
Sunday, Oct. 30
Halloween Family Day 2016
11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Balboa Park
This free event at Balboa Park invites families to celebrate Halloween in a cool, safe and fun way as more than two dozen museums offer free admission to kids 12 and under with a paying adult. Throughout the day, participating museums will host free craft projects for kids, costume parades and contests, gallery tours and treasure hunts. Attendees can also expect some mini carnival games, a doggie costume contest in the Spanish Village Art Center and a rooftop pumpkin drop at the San Diego Air & Space Museum. Food trucks and free activity booths will line the Prado and Plaza de Panama, and some critters from the San Diego Zoo will even make a cameo. Wear your costumes!
Daytime Halloween Party
11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Liberty Station (North Promenade)
The San Diego Comic Art Gallery and Comickaze: Comic Books and More in Liberty Station will host this fun, family-friendly Daytime Halloween Party on the North Promenade featuring free comics, trick-or-treating at participating businesses, a car show, live music and an all-ages costume contest with prizes.
Trick or Trot 5K and 1 Mile Trail Fun Run
8 a.m., Morley Field Sports Complex
Whether you’re running a 5K or a 1 mile fun run, bring the whole family out this Sunday morning for a spook-tacular morning – and don’t forget to dress up! The 3rd annual race takes you through Balboa Park as you get a head start on Halloween.
Howl-O-Ween Harvest Family Event
9 a.m., Helen Woodward Animal Center
Get up close and personal with creepy critters at this family-friendly Halloween event at the Helen Woodward Animal Center. It’s not all about the creepy critters though – there will also be trick or treating stations, face painting, crafts, pumpkin picking and more! The cutest animal-themed pumpkin or most adorable animal-themed costume will win a prize! The event is free.
Toxic Zombie Festival
12 p.m., Lilac Oaks Campgrounds and R.V. Park
Don’t miss the final day of this three day festival, featuring live music, fishing, camping, an outdoor movie theater, and of course, a toxic zombie trail!
Monday, Oct. 31
For a full round up of Halloween events, click here.
Annual Trick-or-Treating and Scavenger Hunt
11 a.m., Flower Hill Promenade in Del Mar
Start the treat-or-treating adventure early this Monday! Head to the Flower Hill Promenade and pick up a map from Geppetto's Toys. The map will lead kids to the stores filling baskets, through a series of clues. Wander through a festive atmosphere as your kids pick up candy and treats along the way. The event is free.
Trick-or-Treating at Carlsbad Premium Outlets
3 p.m., Carlsbad Premium Outlets
Bring your little ones - dressed in costume, of course! - to the Carlsbad Premium Outlets in Carlsbad to trick-or-treat this Halloween.
San Diego Halloween PubCrawl
5 p.m., Taste & Thirst
Whether you're dressing up in an elaborate costume or just going for a more laid back look, all costumes are welcome at this Halloween PubCrawl this Monday. The event, which runs Friday, Saturday and Monday, is for those over the age of 21 years old. Tickets start at $10.
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