From Trick-or-Treating to Art and Wine Walks, These Are San Diego’s Top Happenings
San Diego may not see the transition of leaves from verdant green to crimson red, but that doesn’t mean we’re not falling for spooky season in a hundred other ways. As September begins, it seems like nearly every corner of the city is embracing the fall season. Wine tastings, autumn markets and ghoulish pub crawls are all on this year’s calendar. Plus, you won’t want to miss major events like East Village’s Oktoberfest and The Forum Carlsbad’s Fall Art & Wine Walk. With that said, here’s a complete list of the best fall events in San Diego!
Fall Art & Wine Walk at The Forum Carlsbad
Date: Sept. 14
The Forum Carlsbad meets every need of North County locals—whether it’s a new fall workout fit from Alo or a fresh-pressed juice from Parakeet Café. But it’s not all food and shopping at this luxury lifestyle center. Celebrate the change in seasons at The Forum Carlsbad’s Fall Art & Wine Walk on Sept. 14 from 3-6 p.m. Make your way through the center and admire the artistic masterpieces displayed inside participating shops and eateries.
Need to squeeze in a sweat sesh? Pencil in a pre-walk vinyasa flow class at YogaSix, starting at 2 p.m. (participating yogis will even leave with a special gift)! Then, toast the occasion with a complimentary fine wine tasting in The Forum Carlsbad’s Wine Garden, sponsored by Jimbo’s, San Diego’s favorite organic grocer. Small bites from Mirabelle Charcuterie and live acoustic music by Shea Givens round out the event to create a perfect outdoor fall festivity.
Location: Carlsbad
Super Girl Surf Pro Festival
Dates: Sept. 20-22
Just as the waves and palm trees are branded into this city’s beach scene, it’s impossible to separate San Diego from its surf culture. And it’s no surprise the annual Super Girl Surf Pro Festival is held right here in Oceanside. Having featured some of surfing’s top championship names, like Bethany Hamilton and Coco Ho, the largest annual female surf contest is returning Sept. 20-22. Creatives from all backgrounds can connect with their niche through a female content creator’s showcase, a mentorship program for aspiring surfers and a celebrity meet-and-greet with icons like Loren Gray and Monica Medellin.
Location: Oceanside
San Diego Restaurant Week
Dates: Sept. 22-29
This one’s for the foodies! Mark your calendars for San Diego Restaurant Week from Sept. 22-29, which showcases more than 100 local eateries. Eat your way from Chula Vista to Oceanside on this colorful culinary trail that highlights the best and brightest of San Diego’s edible art scene. Highlighting flavors from around the world, this year’s restaurant lineup is as diverse as the city itself. Dig into tacos and tapas from Cafe Sevilla or Blanco Cocina + Cantina before moving on to carbonara from Rusticucina or seared scallops from George’s at the Cove. This culinary fest tends to draw out even the most unsociable food-loving locals, so reservations are highly recommended.
Location: Across San Diego
Halloween Spooktacular at The Forum Carlsbad
Date: Oct. 26
The Forum Carlsbad isn’t just home to some of the ritziest retailers—it’s also where little ones will stumble upon some of the best trick-or-treating. With spooky season right around the corner, the community is preparing for another year of frights and frolic at the annual Halloween Spooktacular from 2-6 p.m. Throw on your witch’s hat and follow the smell of Skittles and Snickers along this trick-or-treat trail that winds through participating retailers and restaurants (and may just lead you to a Sanderson Sister or two). Of course, all those treats have to be stored somewhere! Before dashing off to find their first candy bowl, trick-or-treaters can stop by the Garden Area to receive an exclusive Halloween tote bag! When your littles’ baskets are brimming, return to the Garden Area to indulge in some ghoulish fun with carnival games, treats and live music.
Location: Carlsbad
Autumn Festival at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Dates: Weekends in October
Take a walk on the wild side this fall at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park’s Autumn Festival. Bats, owls and wolves aren’t the only entertainment at this wild animal park when fall rolls around. Keep an eye out for not-so-scary scarecrows and an ear tuned for the Barn Owls band, spreading the sound of down-home, bluegrass tunes. Not to be corn-fused with your typical corn maze, the labyrinth of hay bales in Nairobi Village is a fall favorite, sheltering scarecrows and clues leading to Southwest wildlife. As dusk settles in, watch as the eerie park grounds come to life in a kaleidoscope of colors during the annual lantern ceremony.
Location: Escondido
East Village Oktoberfest
Date: Oct. 5
Beer. Food. Music. San Diego’s East Village Oktoberfest has a pretty good lineup, we’d say. Bridging the parallels between German and Mexican culture, this Bavarian tradition is making its way to Quartyard at Market Street in the heart of this eclectic, Victorian-style neighborhood. Don’t forget to come dressed in spirit! The same locals sporting Padres jerseys just a few weeks prior will soon be donning lederhosen while raising their steins and saying “Próst!” Traditional Polka beats and Banda music will fill the streets of this 60,000-square-foot event space alongside vintage craft brews and Mexican lager from the city’s finest neighborhood breweries.
Location: East Village
Trick-or-Treat on India Street
Date: Oct. 27
Everyone knows that the secret to the best trick-or-treating is quantity—and Little Italy has plenty of candy to go around! Taking the trick-or-treat scene a step beyond traditional door-to-door knocking, this neighborhood rallies retailers and storefront owners to participate in the fun. Little ones won’t want to miss out on Trick-or-Treat on India Street, with participating businesses adding their share into the melting pot of candy on Oct. 27. Stop by from 3:30-7:30 p.m. for a little pre-All Hallow’s Eve fun, starting at Piazza della Famiglia to grab your map of the candy trail. Oh, and you might even get to snap a photo or two with Jack Skellington!
Local Insight: Explore more of Little Italy with this full neighborhood restaurant guide!
Location: Little Italy
Carlsbad Village Street Faire
Date: Nov. 3
Farmers market fanatics will feel right at home at the Carlsbad Village Street Faire, a festive San Diego event held on Nov. 3. This bi-annual festival takes your traditional neighborhood market to a new level with a blend of local goods and international cuisines from over 900 vendors. As one of the largest street fairs in America, the laid-back square surrounding Carlsbad Village will transform into a vibrant labyrinth of vendors and live musicians along Grand Ave and Carlsbad Ave. Grab a cozy cup of coffee from Choice Juicery and peruse the lineup of goods that range from homemade candles and art displays to handmade cultural dishes from Central America, Asia and beyond.
Location: Carlsbad
La Jolla Art & Wine Festival
Dates: Sept. 28-29
We don’t know about you, but our perfect fall day consists of art, wine and music, which is why we’re marking our calendars for the La Jolla Art & Wine Festival! Come September, Girard Avenue will receive a fall makeover with artist booths, food carts and a wine and beer garden wedged in between Harry’s Coffee Shop and Warwick’s historic bookstore. This autumn art walk displays the work of more than 170 artists whose creative talents range from woodwork to ceramics. Festival hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. but it’s always wine o’clock somewhere. And you don’t have to be a sommelier to note the quality of each carefully curated label.
Location: La Jolla
Dia de los Muertos Celebration
Dates: Nov. 2-3
There’s no point in denying it—you know you want a nibble of the sweet, sugary pan de muerto that makes an appearance every year during Dia de los Muertos. The cheerful sound of mariachi ensembles and sights of colorful ofrendas found across San Diego’s Old Town district are making their way to Liberty Station for the annual Dia de los Muertos Celebration. While the sugar skulls and Las Catrinas might give the impression, this cultural fest has no ties to All Hallow’s Eve. Gather on Nov. 2 and 3 for a day of artistry, music, margaritas and age-old traditions during this symbolic celebration that honors the lives of those before us.
Location: Liberty Station
Bikes & Beers at AleSmith Brewing
Date: Nov. 16
Ride off that extra Halloween candy at Bikes & Beers, hosted by Miramar’s AleSmith Brewing! This cycle-loving community is returning for its 11th annual ride on Nov. 16. with 15-, 30- and 45-mile rides departing and ending at the brewery. Keeping you safe and caffeinated before the big ride, fuel up with free coffee and pastries from the crew, as well as last-minute safety checks before setting out on your GPS-marked route. Celebrate a road well cycled with complimentary beers, a pint glass and a koozie. Oh, and stick around for the after-party, featuring food trucks, live music and a charity raffle!
Location: Miramar
Halloween Pub Crawl
Dates: Oct. 25 and 26
Come one, come all on a harrowing voyage through the Gaslamp’s eeriest drinking dens. Only the brave should consider embarking on this two-day Halloween Pub Crawl, slinking through the streets in search of the city’s most spooktacular Halloween drink specials. Sip and dance your way through over 10 bars and nightclubs in the downtown district, dodging vampires, zombies and witches on this nighttime crawl. You’ll want to keep your eyes peeled for more than just a crafty costume idea before opening night. Word on the street is free drink vouchers and welcome shots are all part of this epic San Diego event!
Location: Gaslamp Quarter
