🎃 A haunted highway, vintage reggae and Halloween train rides: Things to do in San Diego Oct. 22-28
This week, San Diegans can celebrate Black LGBTQ+ literature, enjoy a Halloween art market and learn how wetland restoration can help protect communities from flooding.
Written by Yanelli Zavina Robles Edited by Lauren J. Mapp
Editor's note: We have used AI to help us extract information from event flyers, but humans have selected, adjusted and reviewed each entry.
Spooky season is bringing plenty of opportunities to connect across San Diego County this week.
Book lovers can settle in for a Halloween-themed reading party at Polished Pigeon, while families can explore Adams Avenue's Halloween Haunt with trick-or-treating and costume contests. Those looking to get outdoors can help protect local waterways during a cleanup at Lamar County Park or join Queer Crafting SD for an afternoon of creativity at Morley Field.
For food distribution events and other no-cost grocery options, check out our online map to find one near you.
Do you know an event we missed? To submit an event for consideration to be added to this list and our community calendar, send us the details in our online form.
Oct. 22
Animation Workshop: Access and Media Arts Center is hosting a free animation workshop for young adults ages 18 to 24 at the Elementary Science Institute. Participants can explore the basics of animation, create their own animated projects and learn about the organization's Filmmaking Workforce Readiness program, which introduces young creatives to opportunities in media production.
⏰ 3 - 6 p.m.
🌎 Elementary Science Institute, 608 51st St., San Diego, CA 92114
🎟️ Free; RSVP online
Happy Hour Club: Walkabout is bringing neighbors together for its Thursday Happy Hour Club at 619 Spirits in North Park. Attendees can meet new people, enjoy happy hour specials and explore a local neighborhood spot while receiving 10% off their total bill. The gathering is organized through the free Walkabout app, which connects community members through shared experiences. This is a 21+ event
⏰ 5 p.m.
🌎 619 Spirits, 3015 Lincoln Ave., San Diego, CA 92104
🎟️ RSVP on the Walkabout app
Cultural Night All Souls Day Paper Flower Making: The Sycuan Cultural Center is hosting a cultural night exploring the history and relationship between the Kumeyaay people and All Souls Day. Attendees can learn about cultural traditions while making crepe tissue paper flowers and floral headstone arrangements. The evening will also include a community potluck, with guests encouraged to bring a dish to share.
⏰ 5:30 - 8 p.m.
🌎 Sycuan Cultural Center, Classroom/Multi-Purpose Room, 910 Willow Glen, El Cajon, CA 92019
🎟️ For more information, email hsigler@sycuan.gov.
Paper Mates: Tender Hooligan hosts a weekly art night with open turntables organized by DJ Mane One every Thursday. Guests can sign up for open table slots. The bar will have Tribal Lager beer specials.
⏰ 6 - 10 p.m.
🌎 Tender Hooligan, 221 Third Ave., Suite 101, Chula Vista, CA 91910
LEZRUNSD Thursday Run Club: A run and walk club welcomes all paces, people and pups every Thursday, starting and finishing at Little Bird Brewing Co. Participants can choose a 3-mile or 1.75-mile route.
⏰ 6 p.m.
🌎 Little Bird Brewing Co., 3176 Thorn St., San Diego, CA 92104
Open Mic Night: Rocko's Modern Taphouse hosts a weekly open mic night on Thursdays. Singers and musicians can sign up to share their music. Sign-ups start at 6 p.m.; the show starts at 6:30 p.m.
⏰ 6 p.m.
🌎 Rocko’s Modern Taphouse, 3940 4th Ave., Second Floor, San Diego, CA 92103
The Haunted Library: The Haunted Library is bringing a spooky twist to its signature reading party at Polished Pigeon in San Diego. Attendees can enjoy two cozy reading sessions, connect with fellow book lovers and sip zero-proof drinks while browsing surprise vendors. The evening will also feature a costume contest, with guests encouraged to dress as their favorite literary characters.
⏰ 6:30 p.m.
🌎 Polished Pigeon, 1450 Market St., A1, San Diego, CA 92101
🎟️ Tickets starting at $25; available for purchase online
Other World, Other Sounds: El Marchante returns to Part Time Lover in North Park for a night of Latin soul and MPB, Brazilian popular music. Music curator Osmar Keri and Grammy-winning producer and record collector Emile Haynie will spin a mix of familiar favorites, rare records and overlooked sounds.
⏰ 8 p.m. - Midnight
🌎 Part Time Lover, 3829 30th St., San Diego, CA 92104
Oct. 23
Yoga in the Park: Odessa Wilson leads a donation-based yoga class at Harry Griffen Park in La Mesa every Friday. All levels are welcome. Participants should bring their own yoga mats and water bottles.
⏰ 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
🌎 Harry Griffen Park, 9550 Milden St., La Mesa, CA 91942
🎟️ Donation-based
Advanced Linocut with Olivia: University Heights is getting creative this Halloween season with a series of art workshops featuring local artists. Guests can kick off the weekend by exploring advanced linocut printing with Olivia Stober Studios. The workshops offer opportunities for community members to connect, learn new techniques and express their creativity.
⏰ 4 - 6 p.m.
🌎 Good Omen Coffee Co., 4590 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92116
🎟️ Free
Haunted Highway Block Party: Rat Star Oceanside, Rat Star Market and Carrillo Pottery Living are bringing Halloween festivities to Coast Highway with Haunted Highway, a night market and block party. Attendees can browse vintage finds, handmade goods and local art while enjoying food, drinks, costumes and live entertainment. The evening will feature vinyl DJ sets, live music by Juice Orange and an electronic performance by Glo Phase.
⏰ 5 - 10 p.m.
🌎 Sound by the Sea, 309, 321 and 325 S. Coast Highway, Oceanside, CA 92054
🎟️ Free
Practical Magic at Heritage Park: San Diego County Parks and Recreation is bringing the 90s film “Practical Magic” to Heritage County Park for a special Ladies Night screening as part of Summer Movies in the Park. Attendees can enjoy the film on a giant outdoor screen and bring blankets and beach chairs to settle in for a picnic on the lawn. Park rangers will also offer a nature discovery table and recommendations for nearby outdoor adventures.
⏰ 6 - 10 p.m.
🌎 Heritage County Park, 2454 Heritage Park Row, San Diego, CA 92110
🎟️ Free; for all ages
Queer Social Club Halloween Party: Queer Social Club is bringing the community together for a Halloween party at One of Us Bar in North Park. Attendees can enjoy cocktails, candy and a costume contest with prizes awarded in three categories: movie monsters, sports and pop culture.
⏰ 6 - 9 p.m.
🌎 One of Us, 3085 University Ave., San Diego, CA 92104
🎟️ RSVP online
Community Yoga: Alchemystic Studio hosts a gentle community yoga session at The Brown Building every Friday.
⏰ 6 - 7 p.m.
🌎 The Brown Building, 4133 Poplar St., San Diego, CA 92105
🎟️ Reservations available online on a pay-what-you-can basis
The Voices of Black Angels: Black Services at The San Diego LGBT Community Center is presenting The Voices of Black Angels, a concert reading of classical poetry and prose celebrating the literary contributions of Black LGBTQ+ writers. Curated and directed by Bil Wright, the performance brings the work of James Baldwin, Essex Hemphill, Pat Parker, Assotto Saint, Barbara Smith and others to life through spoken word and performance.
⏰ Doors open at 6 p.m.; performance starts at 7 p.m.
🌎 The San Diego LGBT Community Center, 3909 Centre St., San Diego, CA 92103
🎟️ Free admission
Mochilero & Amanda Portela: Mochilero and Amanda Portela are bringing a night of vintage reggae to Lou Lou's Club at The Lafayette Hotel. Attendees can enjoy soulful vocal harmonies, early dancehall rhythms and lovers rock as Mochilero performs original music from its newly released EP.
⏰ Doors open at 7; Shows at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.
🌎 Lou Lou's Club, The Lafayette Hotel, 2223 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego, CA 92104
🎟️ Tickets available for purchase online
Sapphic Spaces Halloween Party: Collective Coalition San Diego is celebrating Halloween with its Sapphic Spaces Halloween Party, bringing the sapphic community together for an evening of spooky festivities and connection. Attendees can celebrate the season in a welcoming, alcohol-free environment designed to foster community and new friendships.
⏰ 8 - 11 p.m.
🌎 Made Factory, 2031 Commercial St., #114, San Diego, CA 92113
🎟️ Tickets starting at $10; available for purchase online
Oct. 24
Beautification Day: I Love A Clean San Diego and the County of San Diego are bringing volunteers together for a tree planting and litter cleanup at Lamar County Park. As part of the Watershed Warriors program, participants can help remove trash before it reaches local waterways and the Pacific Ocean. Cleanup supplies will be provided, with volunteers encouraged to bring water, sun protection and closed-toe shoes.
⏰ 9 - 11 a.m.
🌎 Lamar County Park, 3180 Bancroft Drive, Spring Valley, CA 91977
Tree Planting Demonstration: The city of La Mesa is hosting a tree planting demonstration at Aztec Park as part of its Tree Education & Giveaway Series. Attendees can learn from an ISA-certified arborist about the benefits of trees, proper planting techniques and how to care for them to support a healthier urban environment.
⏰ 10 - 11:30 a.m.
🌎 Aztec Park, 7945 Morocco Drive, La Mesa, CA 91942
🎟️ Free; RSVP online
Water and Kindness Free Store: Every Saturday, Water and Kindness hosts a free store at Pop-Up Winona where visitors can donate items or get needed supplies. The group is seeking donations of baby formula, bags, blankets, diapers, first aid items, harm reduction supplies, hats, gloves, hygiene products, mobility aids, rolling carts or wagons, shoes, sleeping bags, socks, tarps, tents, undergarments and water.
⏰ 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
🌎 Pop-Up Winona, 4951 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego, California, 92115
Peace Vigil for Palestine: CODEPINK San Diego, Palestine Pals and other local activism groups host a weekly peace vigil to advocate for peace in Gaza and beyond every Saturday in Ocean Beach. The group invites attendees to wear pink and bring peace-themed posters. For more information, email sandiego@codepink.org.
⏰ 10 a.m. - noon
🌎 Ocean Beach, Sunset Cliffs Boulevard and West Point Loma Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92107
The Pumpkin Express: The Pacific Southwest Railway Museum is bringing Halloween festivities to the tracks with the Pumpkin Express, a seasonal train ride through San Diego's backcountry. Families can climb aboard restored 1920s railcars decorated for Halloween, with costumes encouraged for passengers of all ages. Adults can also enjoy the Sip & Scare sunset train on select Saturday evenings. Sip & Scare is a 21+ event.
🗓️ Oct. 24, 25 and 31
⏰ Departures at 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.; Sip & Scare Saturdays at 6 p.m. 🌎 Campo Depot, 750 Depot St., Campo, CA 91906
🎟️ Coach tickets start at $18.95 for children and $24.94 for adults. Tickets available for purchase online. Online ticket sales close 36 hours before departure.
Latine Pride: Latine Pride 2026 is bringing the community together at Liberty Station for an LGBTQ+ celebration of culture, identity and connection. Attendees can enjoy live music, performances, food, local vendors and community resources while connecting with organizations and neighbors in a welcoming environment. Email questions to latine@sdpride.org.
⏰ 2 - 7 p.m.
🌎 Liberty Station Central Promenade, 2641 Truxtun Road, San Diego, CA 92106
🎟️ Free
Watercolor with Chelsey: HiFi Workshop continues its Spooky Season Crafts series with a watercolor workshop led by Rose Colored Chels. Attendees can explore watercolor painting techniques and create their own artwork in a relaxed, creative setting.
⏰ 2 - 4 p.m.
🌎 Good Omen Coffee Co., 4590 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92116
🎟️ Free
Recordando los Sonidos del Pasado: San Diego County Supervisor Paloma Aguirre is hosting her annual Día de los Muertos celebration Recordando los Sonidos del Pasado — Remembering the Sounds of the Past — honoring loved ones through music, memories and Mexican traditions. Attendees can enjoy live music, mariachi, ballet folklórico, food trucks, local vendors and face painting. The celebration will also feature three community ofrendas honoring family, friends and pets, with opportunities to contribute photographs and songs in remembrance of loved ones. Submit a photo or a song for the community ofrendas online
⏰ 3 - 8 p.m.
🌎 County Administration Building Courtyard, 1600 Pacific Highway, San Diego, CA 92101
🎟️ Free
Adams Avenue Halloween Haunt: The Adams Avenue Business Association is bringing Halloween festivities to the neighborhood with its third annual Halloween Haunt. Families can trick-or-treat at participating businesses and enter a costume contest for a chance to win cash prizes. Categories include best family or group, children's, adult and pet costumes, with three prizes awarded in each category.
⏰ 3 - 6 p.m.
🌎 Map available online
🎟️ Free
Halloween Art Market: Analog Side B is bringing together local artists, music and Halloween festivities for an evening of community creativity. Attendees can browse artwork from Side B artists and guest vendors, enjoy live DJ sets by Mariiohh, get tarot readings from The Mystic M Tarot and sip coffee from C&T Collective. The market will also feature a tattoo raffle, with each attendee receiving a free entry for a chance to win $100 toward a tattoo valued at $220 or more.
⏰ 4 - 7 p.m.
🌎 Analog Side B, 2939 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego, CA 92104
🎟️ Free raffle entry with attendance; $100 Tattoo raffle
Pumpkin Carving & Bonfire: Girls Who Paddle is bringing Halloween festivities to the beach with an evening of pumpkin carving, s’mores and sunset views. Attendees can carve their own pumpkins before gathering around a bonfire to enjoy sweet treats and nonalcoholic drinks. Pumpkins, carving supplies and refreshments are included, with limited spots available for a small group experience.
⏰ 4:30 - 7:30 p.m.
🌎 Coronado, Exact location disclosed after ticket purchase
🎟️ Tickets are available for purchase online for $43
Pints 4 The Park: Anza-Borrego Foundation is bringing park supporters together for Pints 4 the Park, a fundraiser celebrating the conservation of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Attendees can enjoy craft beer, wine, food catered by La Casa Del Zorro and live music by Glenn Smith. Tickets include drinks, a reusable pint glass and parking, with proceeds supporting conservation, education and research efforts. This is a 21+ event.
⏰ 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
🌎 Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Visitor Center, 200 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA 92004
🎟️ Residents; $50 and Non-residents; $55. Tickets available for purchase online
Black Noise: The Block Club SD is hosting Black Noise, a creative experience blending elements of an underground concert and an open mic. Led by Hazy, the event offers attendees a space to experience live performances, discover emerging talent and connect with San Diego's creative community.
⏰ 7 - 10 p.m.
🌎 The Block Club, 6403 Imperial Ave., San Diego, CA 92114
🎟️ Free; RSVP online
Latine Pride After Party: The Latine Pride celebration continues at The Brass Rail in Hillcrest with Sábados en Fuego, an after-party celebrating LGBTQ+ Latine culture and community. Attendees can dance to Latin music throughout the night and enjoy a special performance by Andre.
⏰ 10 p.m. - 2 a.m.
🌎 The Brass Rail, 3796 Fifth Ave., San Diego, CA 92103
🎟️ Tickets available online for $14
Oct. 25
Point of Travel Day Trip to Valle de Guadalupe: Thinking While Drinking is taking its signature discussions on the road with a full-day excursion to Valle de Guadalup. Guests can explore wineries, enjoy curated tastings, have a group lunch and visit scenic stops while discussing how travel shapes personal growth and perspectives. The experience includes private round-trip transportation and lunch with wine tasting.
⏰ 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.
🌎 Anatolia, 22758 Francisco Zarco, B.C., Mexico
🎟️ Tickets available online for $373
One Year of Shore & Sage: Shore & Sage Market is celebrating its first anniversary with an afternoon of local shopping, wellness and community activities in Normal Heights. Attendees can browse handmade jewelry, lavender products, books and henna art while enjoying massages, reiki and vinyl music. The celebration will also feature an 11:30 a.m. yoga session, arts and crafts for all ages, and board games.
⏰ 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
🌎 Normal Heights Masonic Center, 3366 Adams Ave., San Diego, CA 92116
🎟️ Free admission. RSVP for the market and sign up for the donation-based yoga class online
Art & Makers Market: South Park Shop Local is bringing together local makers and small businesses for a day of shopping and community connection at Wicked Fit. Attendees can browse handmade art, jewelry, ceramics and other unique finds while enjoying baked goods and treats from local vendors.
⏰ 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
🌎 Wicked Fit, 1504 30th St., San Diego, CA 92102
Occupy Otay Demonstration: Demonstrators gather every Sunday for a vigil on the sidewalk outside Otay Mesa Detention Center to protest the Trump administration's increase in arrests and detentions related to immigration enforcement.
⏰ 1:30 - 4 p.m.
🌎 Otay Mesa Detention Center, 7488 Calzada de la Fuente, San Diego, CA 92154
Pow Wow Practice: Dancers by the Sea is hosting a powwow practice where participants can learn different Indigenous dance styles and connect with the traditions of drumming. Led by instructor Raegan Olvera, the gathering will feature drumming by Red Warrior and offer an opportunity to practice dance movements in a community setting. For more information, email dancersbytheseapi@gmail.com or call (619) 496-4105.
⏰ 1 - 3 p.m.
🌎 San Luis Rey Pow Wow Grounds, Oceanside, CA 92068
Zine Making with Murphy: HiFi Workshop wraps up its Spooky Season Crafts weekend with a zine-making workshop led by Murpho. Participants can explore the art of self-publishing through a hands-on session focused on creating their own miniature publications using illustrations, writing and personal expression.
⏰ 2 - 4 p.m.
🌎 Good Omen Coffee Co., 4590 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92116
🎟️ Free
Craft at the Park: Queer Crafting SD is bringing community members together for an outdoor crafting picnic in October. Attendees can bring their current creative projects, connect with fellow crafters and enjoy a relaxed afternoon in the park. Participants are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair and snacks to share.
⏰ 2 - 5 p.m.
🌎 Morley Field, 2221 Morley Field Drive, San Diego, CA 92104
R&B and Ribs: Quartyard is hosting R&B and Ribs, a Halloween-season day party with barbecue, music and local DJs. Attendees can enjoy food from Barrelman BBQ while listening to R&B sets by Shawn Looney, Knowpa Slaps, John Quest, Nikks and Sammie Cooper. The 21+ gathering offers an afternoon of music, food and community in downtown San Diego.
⏰ 3 - 8 p.m.
🌎 Quartyard, 1301 Market St., San Diego, CA 92101
🎟️ Tickets available online starting at $30
Halloween Movie Trivia Night: Movies with Marco is bringing a Halloween-themed trivia night to The Lancers in University Heights. Horror movie fans can test their knowledge of classic films, iconic villains and spooky movie lore while competing for prizes awarded each round.
⏰ Sign ups; 9 p.m. and Trivia; 9:30 p.m.
🌎 The Lancers, 4671 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92116
Oct. 26
Borderlands Book Club: Border Angels is bringing readers together for its bimonthly virtual book club, exploring immigration, border communities and shared histories. This month's selection is “Fresh Fruit, Broken Bodies” by Seth M. Holmes, which examines the experiences of migrant farmworkers and the social inequalities shaping their lives. Participants can join a community conversation about the book and the realities of life in the borderlands.
⏰ 6:30 p.m.
🌎 Virtual event via Zoom
🎟️ Registration available online
Noodles & Doodles: Gossip Grill hosts a sensory-friendly night featuring all-you-can-eat spaghetti, art supplies and an all-night happy hour every Monday. The event welcomes headphones and makes conversation optional. All-you-can-eat spaghetti costs $8, with add-ons for meatballs and garlic bread.
⏰ 6 - 8 p.m.
🌎 Gossip Grill, 1220 University Ave., San Diego, CA 92103
Muévelo Monday: Local dancer Valerie Moreno hosts a free weekly dance social on Mondays behind the San Diego Mission Bay Resort.
⏰ 6 - 7 p.m.
🌎 San Diego Mission Bay Resort, 1775 E. Mission Bay Drive, San Diego, CA 92109
Oct. 27
Tuesday Roll: Black Skate San Diego hosts free roller-skating lessons at Liberty Station every Tuesday night. The lessons are beginner-friendly, and skates are available to rent.
⏰ 5:30 - 8 p.m.
🌎 Liberty Station, 2620 Truxtun Road, San Diego, CA 92106
Oct. 28
Buena Vista Social Club: Le Coq Supper Club in La Jolla brings Latin rhythms to Wednesday evenings with Buena Vista Social Club, a weekly all-vinyl music series. Attendees can enjoy dinner and cocktails accompanied by classic Cuban music, bossa nova, Brazilian grooves and Latin jazz.
⏰ 5 - 8 p.m.
🌎 Le Coq Supper Club, 7837 Herschel Ave., La Jolla, CA 92037
Open Vinyl Night: DJ Loki hosts a weekly open-format vinyl night at Jaguar Paw. Contact Loki to get on the DJ list.
⏰ 6 - 11 p.m.
🌎 Jaguar Paw, 2185 1/2 Logan Ave., San Diego, CA 92113
Wetland Restoration Planning: Big Idea Night is bringing environmental planner Edgar Ramirez Manriquez to Original 40 Brewing for a conversation about wetland restoration and flood protection in San Diego. Attendees can learn about his proposal to transform city-owned land into wetlands, explore the potential benefits and tradeoffs, and discuss how urban planning could help communities prepare for future storms.
⏰ Doors at 6 p.m., discussion at 7 p.m.
🌎 Original 40 Brewing, 3117 University Ave., San Diego, CA 92104
🎟️ Tickets starting at $10; available for purchase online
Good News Bar Movie Night: Good News, Free Spirited Bar in Hillcrest is hosting a Halloween movie night featuring the Sanderson sisters on the big screen. Attendees can enjoy a free screening of “Hocus Pocus,” snack on popcorn and get into the spooky spirit with costumes encouraged.
⏰ 7 p.m.
🌎 Good News, Free Spirited Bar, 3821 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92103
🎟️ Free
