Oktoberfest in El Cajon Sept. 28-30 & Oct. 5-7
German culture, including entertainment provided by our popular band Guggenbach-Buam. Enjoy folk dances, games, and contests, vendor booths and craft stands, and let your youngsters go crazy in the Kids’ Zone!
Time/Place: 1017 South Mollison Avenue
Contact: 619-442-6637 / www.germanclubsandiego.org
Gaslight Steampunk Expo Oct. 5-7
A weekend of interactive maker workshops, special presentations, vendors, tea pot racing, tea dueling, fashion shows, games, music, movies and more.
Trolley Dances Oct. 5-7
Hop on and off the trolley on a guided tour to see 6 dances created in unique public spaces.
Time/Place: 10am-3pm / Hazard Center Trolley Station - Starting Point
Contact: 619-225-1803 / www.sandiegodancetheater.org
Pacific BeachFest Oct. 6
Fish taco contest, surf competition, beach volleyball, craft beer, kids activities and music!
Time/Place: 8am-7pm / Pacific Beach Boardwalk
Contact: 858-273-3303 / www.pacificbeachfest.org
Carlsbad Oktoberfest Oct. 6
The Carlsbad Rotary Oktoberfest, a fall tradition, will bring thousands of people to enjoy German food (and beer!), live music, and entertainment for children.
Good Food Community Fair Oct. 6
Culinary demos, family-friendly activities, expert panel discussions, garden activities, and of course...food!
Time/Place: 11am-4pm / World Beat Center, San Diego
Contact: www.slowfoodurbansandiego.org
Solo Italiano - Dinner in Rosso Oct. 6
A one-of-a-kind curated dining experience featuring flowing Italian food all evening, sips of Italian beverages, live entertainment, an Italian fashion show, an exotic car show, Gesso Italiano (Italian Chalk) and interactive performances.
Time/Place: 5-10pm / Piazza della Famiglia, Little Italy
Contact: 619-233-3898 / www.littleitalysd.com
La Jolla Art & Wine Festival Oct. 6-7
Combines the best parts of the chic coastal town of La Jolla for a weekend of fine art, delectable wines, craft beers, scrumptious food, and live music.
Time/Place: 10am-6pm / Girard Avenue & Prospect Street
Contact: 858-228-6542 / www.ljawf.com
Maker Faire San Diego Oct. 6-7
A celebration of technology, arts, crafts, science, many more projects and the Do-It-Yourself (DIY) mindset. Over 250 local and regional makers display their creations.
Taste of Rancho Santa Fe Oct. 7
Over 500 guests will enjoy an incredible feast from more than 40 vendors featuring Rancho Santa Fe’s and beyond most celebrated restaurants, Napa Valley and Sonoma wineries, breweries and other beverage vendors!
Time/Place: 4-7pm / The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe
Contact: 858-756-1131 / www.tasteofrsf.org
A Taste of Coronado Oct. 10
Take a culinary trip around the world sampling from our local bistros. Meander along Orange Avenue or take a ride on the complimentary trolley.
Time/Place: 5-9pm / Orange Avenue
Contact: 619-437-8788 / www.atasteofcoronado.com
Taste of Mission Hills Oct. 10
25 participating purveyors of delicious tastes, including long established and very new arrivals in Mission Hills are participating. Included in the price of each ticket is Old Town Trolley guest transportation to within steps of each participating venue.
Time/Place: 5-9pm / See website for list of participating restaurants.
Contact: 619-559-9502 / www.missionhillsbid.com/taste
San Diego International Film Festival Oct. 10-14
A totally unique film experience; including world premieres, never before seen studio releases, the best in independent filmmaking and a full schedule of glamorous parties and intimate events with filmmakers.
Contact: 619-818-2221 / www.sdfilmfest.com
Ocean Beach Oktoberfest Oct. 12-13
Eclectic, beachside festival with a variety of exciting activities, contests and entertainment. Beer garden and live music.
Time/Place: Fri 3-11pm, Sat 11am-11pm / Ocean Beach Pier
Contact: www.oboktoberfest.com
Fashion Week San Diego Oct. 12-14
We are bringing new designers from around the world to show their never seen before collections on the FWSD Runway.
Time/Place: LUX Art Institute, Encinitas
Contact: 858-270-9466 / www.fashionweeksd.com
Polish Festival Oct. 12-14
A wonderful cultural celebration in Pacific Beach all about Polish culture, traditions and cuisine.
Time/Place: St. Maximilian Kolbe Polish Roman Catholic Mission
Contact: 858-272-7655 / www.polishmission.org
Carmel Valley Trail 5K, 10K and 15K Oct. 13
Participants, regardless of distance, will experience one of the hillier courses you will find without heading to the mountains.
Time/Place: 6-10:30am / Torrey Highlands Community Park
Row for the Cure Oct. 13
Grab your oars and paddles to row your way through a 4.5 kilometer course through Mission Bay. All entry fees and donations benefit Susan G. Komen San Diego.
Time/Place: 7am-12pm / North Ski Beach, Mission Bay
Ladies at the Lake Fall Market Oct. 13
There will be a variety of vendors with uniquely selected items. HUGE raffle, Food, Spa Services and More!
Time/Place: 9am-2pm / Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve
Contact: 619-258-4759 / www.santeelakes.com
Taste of North Park Oct. 13
Enjoy 50+ food tastes from some of San Diego’s best restaurants and craft beer samples from 15 local brewers.
Time/Place: 11am-3pm / University Ave & 30th St
Contact: 619-294-2501 / www.northparkmainstreet.com
Latin American Art Fair Oct. 13-14
Outdoor exhibits, painting, sculpture, photography and printmaking as well as folk art, crafts, performance and culinary arts of Latin American countries.
Time/Place: 11am-6pm / Bread & Salt, San Diego
Contact: 619-752-6118 / www.latinamericanartfairsd.com
HauntFest on Main Oct. 19
A pumpkin patch, costume contest, kidz zone, rides, car show, entertainment and more!
Borrego Days Desert Festival Oct. 19-21
Inspiring art, entertainment, delicious food and drink, and so much more! Borrego Days Parade at 10am on Friday.
Time/Place: Christmas Circle Community Park
Contact: 760-767-5555 / www.borregodays.com
Ye Scallywag! Festival Oct. 20
Music, food and craft beer festival. Live music throughout the day featuring Rancid, Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Hepcat, Less Than Jake, and The Interrupters.
Monster Dash and Bash Oct. 20
Beer garden, food trucks, costume contest, silent auction and medal ceremony.
Time/Place: 7-11am / Palomar College, San Marcos
Contact: 760-744-1150 x2732 / www.palomar.edu
La Vista Memorial Park and Mortuary Dia de los Muertos Oct. 20
World renown programs of music, folk dancing, entertainment, food and hand-crafted items.
Time/Place: 2-10pm / 3191 Orange Street, National City
Contact: www.lavistamemorialpark.com
Bulls of Sant’Agata Charge Little Italy Oct. 20
40 classic and rare “Italian bulls,” better known as Lamborghinis. An evening with souped up rides and musical entertainment for the whole family to enjoy.
Time/Place: 6-11pm / India St & W Fir St
San Diego Kids Expo & Fair Oct. 20-21
Expect to see 150 local and national companies that have products and services catered to kids and families. The inflatable Playland is the place for them, filled with lots of jumpies, mini Xorbing Balls and an obstacle course!
Time/Place: 10am-5pm / Del Mar Fairgrounds
Contact: 619-269-9441 / www.sandiegokidsexpo.com
Escondido Grand Avenue Festival Oct. 21
Live entertainment, over 400 vendors, children’s rides and activities, and food from around the world.
Time/Place: 9am-5pm / Grand between Center City & Ivy
Contact: 760-839-4880 / www.escondido.org
YMCA of San Diego County Tour de Cove Oct. 21
Join Challenged Athletes Foundation at beautiful La Jolla Cove for a fun and sweat-drenching 4.5 hour stationary cycling marathon with 100 riders and over 50 challenged athletes.
Time/Place: 9am-1:30pm / Ellen Browning Scripps Park
Contact: 858-866-0959 /