Sept. 30–Oct. 31, Haunted Trail Balboa Park – Experience an outdoor terror that is simply too big to house indoors. You’ll enter the mile-long Trail through a twisted grove of pines and gnarled oaks. Visitors, watch your back, you’ll never know which way the terror will hit you. This year, The Haunted Trail is Conjuring up Stranger Things so terrifying that you may get a Krampus as you scramble to escape the Game of Thrones. Not for children under 10 or the faint of heart. – Time: Refer to website – Location: Balboa Park, San Diego – www.hauntedtrail.net
Oct. 1–31 (Weekends), Boomont Park – Celebrate Halloween with family-friendly festivities all month long! Activities include trick-or-treating, Zombie Laser Tag, The Spooky Coaster, Pumpkin Patch & Painting, Superhero Zip Line & Rock Wall, and costume contests. Entry is free, with small fees for some rides and activities. – Time: 5–10 pm – Location: Belmont Park, Mission Beach – www.belmontpark.com/BoomontPark
Oct. 1–31, Kid Kingdom San Diego – Receive great deals at more than 100 participating partners: during the entire month of October, kids eat, stay and play for free throughout San Diego. Locations include the San Diego Zoo, Sea World, USS Midway Museum, the Air & Space Museum, and many, many more. – Time: Refer to website – Location: Refer to website – www.sandiego.org/promotions/kids-free.aspx
Oct. 1, Pacific Beachfest – Discover the action this year at the annual Pacific Beachfest. This one-day event is perfect for visitors looking to enjoy all that San Diego beaches have to offer. The ‘fest has something for everyone, including a “Best of the Beach” Fish Taco Contest, live music, Kids Action Alley, PB Craft Beer Garden, local vendors, and the inaugural Beachfest BeerCup contest! This is a free event. – Time: 8 am–Sunset – Location: Pacific Beach Boardwalk, Pacific Beach – www.pacificbeachfest.org
Oct. 2–25 (Weekends), RISE of the Jack-O’-Lanterns – See more than 5,000 hand-carved illuminated jack-o’-lanterns created by professional artists and sculptors, arranged in creative ways along a scenic walking trail in the Safari Park’s parking lot. The RISE experience is safe and exciting for visitors of all ages. Tickets available online only. – Time: Refer to website – Location: San Diego Safari Park, 15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd., Escondido – www.sdzsafaripark.org/therise
Oct. 8, Fifth Avenue Auto Showcase – Rev up to the Gaslamp Quarter for this car show featuring high-performance, luxury, contemporary, classic, and rare cars and motorcycles along six blocks of downtown. While enjoying this family-friendly event, you can also explore the district’s unique shops and galleries or enjoy a delicious meal on a Gaslamp open-air patio. This is a free event. – Time: 11 am–4 pm – Location: On 5th Ave. between G St. and J St., San Diego – www.gaslamp.org/gqaevents/fifth-avenue-auto-showcase
Oct. 8–9, La Jolla Art & Wine Festival – Featuring work from over 150 established artists from San Diego and beyond, the LJAWF features something for everyone. In addition to the art, there will be a silent auction, roving entertainment, a gourmet marketplace, a family art center, and a wine and beer garden. All profits will benefit programs for local public elementary and middle schools. This is a free event. – Time: Saturday 10 am–7 pm, Sunday 10 am–6 pm – Location: Girard Ave., La Jolla – www.ljawf.com
Oct. 9, Little Italy FESTA! – Experience the largest Italian cultural festival on the West Coast! The streets of San Diego’s Little Italy neighborhood will fill with visitors from all over the world to celebrate the Italian heritage and culture that created this iconic neighborhood. FESTA! features Italian food, Italian music on three stages, a Sicilian flag procession, street stickball and bocce ball tournaments, Gesso Italiano (Italian Chalk) and more! This is a free event. – Time: 10 am–6 pm – Location: India St., Little Italy – www.littleitalysd.com/events/little-italy-festa
Oct. 12, Taste of Coronado – Spend an evening on Coronado Island indulging your senses and enjoying amazing bites prepared by local chefs. Meander along Orange Ave. or take a ride on the complimentary trolley. This will be a night to remember, so come and bring your family and friends! – Time: 5–9 pm – Location: Refer to website – www.atasteofcoronado.com
Oct. 15, Taste of North Park – Grab a ticket and take a self-guided walking tour as you sample food from over 50 restaurants and sip craft beer from 15 local breweries. For one afternoon, this delightful event gives foodie fanatics and beer enthusiasts the perfect opportunity to find that new dinner spot or favorite new brunch hangout. North Park chefs specialize in highlighting unique ingredients and flavors, and many offer vegetarian and farm-to-table creations served at the finest restaurants. In between courses, stop in to participating galleries and boutiques to complement your palate with rich brews from local breweries. – Time: 11 am–3 pm – Location: Refer to website – www.northparkmainstreet.com
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