Halloween, Día de los Muertos and Election Day: Things to do in San Diego Oct. 29 - Nov. 4
From Día de los Muertos festivals in Barrio Logan and Old Town to midterm election events in Pacific Beach and City Heights, here’s what’s happening this week.
Written by Lauren J. Mapp, Edited by Kate Morrissey
Editor's note: We have used AI to help us extract information from event flyers, but humans have selected, adjusted and reviewed each entry.
San Diego is gearing up for a weekend full of Halloween celebrations and Día de los Muertos remembrances.
There will be community ofrendas and festivals throughout the county, and San Diego Ballet is performing two shows set to mariachi and mambo music in Balboa Park.
With Election Day around the corner, it’s also time to drop off ballots or vote in-person. Vote centers are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Monday, and 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday.
Ask Ashlyn is hosting a Halloween-themed gathering to help voters understand the measures this Thursday, and Viet Voices is hosting an Election Night watch party in City Heights.
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. 29
ICE Out of San Diego: A coalition of local organizations hosts a protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity every Thursday in front of the Edward J. Schwartz Federal Building, which holds the San Diego ICE Field Office.
⏰ 10 a.m.
🌎 Edward J. Schwartz Federal Building, 880 Front St., San Diego, CA 92101
🎟️ RSVP online
Keep Our Communities Safe!: The San Diego Education Association, Association of Raza Educators and City Heights Defense Committee are hosting a training for educators and community members to organize in response to increased immigration enforcement and help protect school communities. Dinner and childcare will be available.
⏰ 5 p.m. (dinner), 5:30 - 7 p.m. (training)
🌎 Location provided upon RSVP
🎟️ Free, RSVP required
Ancestor Night: The Block Club is hosting a free, family-friendly celebration of Día de los Muertos and Halloween featuring music, games, prizes, face painting, candy and a costume contest. Attendees are encouraged to bring photos of loved ones who have died to contribute to a community altar.
⏰ 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
🌎 The Block Club, 6403 Imperial Ave., San Diego, CA
🎟️ Free, RSVP online to reserve a spot
Artists & Designers in Real Time: San Diego State University's School of Art and Design is hosting San Diego-based interdisciplinary artist Victor Castañeda H. for a discussion about his work in sound, video, virtual reality, installations and live performances. His art explores memory and everyday experiences through creative uses of technology and found materials.
⏰ 5:30 - 6:45 p.m.
🌎 SDSU Hepner Hall, Room 221, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA 92182
Halloween Ballot Party: Ask Ashlyn founder and journalist Ashlyn Lipori-Russie is hosting a Halloween-themed gathering to help voters understand the measures on the November midterm election ballot. Attendees can get a free nonpartisan voter guide, ask questions and, at 7:45 p.m., participate in a costume contest.
⏰ 6 - 8 p.m.
🌎 SD TapRoom, 1269 Garnet Ave., San Diego, CA 92109
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 Fourth Ave., Second Floor, San Diego, CA 92103
iLL Function Vol. 25: This recurring dance party is coming back to AC Lounge featuring DJs yo bee!, Candi Cane, Ivan Gregory and resident DJ Waterparkjones at AC Lounge in North Park. Costumes are encouraged but not required.
⏰ 9 p.m.
🌎 AC Lounge, 4673 30th St., San Diego, CA 92116
🎟️ Free before 10 p.m., $5 after
Oct. 30
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
Viva, libre, poderosa y feliz: Rosa María Lemus is leading a three-day personal development workshop in Spanish, sharing her life story and helping participants explore personal growth and empowerment. The event concludes with a graduation ceremony on Sunday. Space is limited, and interested participants can register through WhatsApp at 619-250-6910.
🗓️ Oct. 30 - Nov. 1
⏰ Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
🌎 San Diego, exact location provided upon registration
🎟️ $350
North County Abolish ICE Protest & March: Colectiva del Pueblo and community organizations are leading a march in Oceanside opposing Immigration and Customs Enforcement and showing solidarity with immigrant communities. The event includes a community ofrenda honoring people who have died in ICE custody and victims of genocide. Attendees are encouraged to bring signs and water.
⏰ 6 - 8 p.m. (march begins at 6:30 p.m.)
🌎 Mission Avenue and San Diego Street, Oceanside, CA 92057
Artistic Practice: Roxana Velásquez in Conversation with Artist Betsabeé Romero: The San Diego Museum of Art is hosting a conversation between Mexican artist Betsabeé Romero and museum CEO Roxana Velásquez as part of its Día de los Muertos celebration. Romero will discuss how memory, migration, identity and cultural heritage influence her work, including a site-specific installation at the museum. A docent-led tour will follow the conversation.
⏰ 6 p.m.
🌎 Museum of Photographic Arts at The San Diego Museum of Art, Joan and Irwin Jacobs Theater, 1649 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
🎟️ Reserve tickets online starting at $15 for students and members
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
🎟️ Reserve space online on a pay-what-you-can basis
Que Bonito Amor and Mambomania: San Diego Ballet is celebrating Día de los Muertos with two performances at the San Diego Museum of Art. The program features "Que Bonito Amor," a romantic ballet set to mariachi music, and "Mambomania," an energetic production inspired by colorful mambo record covers. Both works by artistic director Javier Velasco pay tribute to his parents and their love of music.
🗓️ Oct. 30-31
⏰ 8 p.m.
🌎 San Diego Museum of Art, James S. Copley Auditorium, 1450 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
🎟️ Reserve tickets online starting at $45
Rocky Horror Picture Show: Crazed Imaginations hosts a screening and shadowcast performance of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" at La Paloma Theatre in Encinitas on the second, fourth and fifth Fridays of each month, and every Friday in October. The second Friday performance is lingerie night, and fifth Friday shows have a special mashup theme.
⏰ 10:30 p.m.
🌎 La Paloma Theatre, 471 S Coast Highway 101, Encinitas, CA 92024
🎟️ Tickets can be reserved online and prop bags can be purchased at the theater for $5
Oct. 31
2026 USA Pickleball National Championships: The USA Pickleball National Championships are returning to San Diego for nine days of competition featuring junior, collegiate, amateur, wheelchair and professional players. Spectators can watch matches throughout the tournament, including professional semifinals Nov. 7 and championship medal matches Nov. 8. General admission is free, with VIP and Championship Court upgrades available for purchase.
🗓️ Tournament runs Oct. 31 - Nov. 8
⏰ Match times vary
🌎 Barnes Tennis Center, 4490 W. Point Loma Blvd., San Diego, CA 92107
🎟️ Free general admission with upgrades available; reserve tickets online
Spooky Compost & Mulch Giveaway: I Love A Clean San Diego and the City of San Diego Environmental Services Department are hosting a free Halloween-themed compost and mulch giveaway for city residents. Families can also enjoy decorating trick-or-treat bags, planting seeds and exploring a spooky compost graveyard. Costumes are encouraged! Bring gloves, a shovel and containers to collect and load your own compost and mulch.
⏰ 8 a.m. - noon
🌎 Los Peñasquitos Ranch House, 12122 Canyonside Park Drive, San Diego, CA 92129
🎟️ Free, registration online is encouraged
Feeding San Diego Halloween Open House: Feeding San Diego is inviting the community to celebrate Halloween while learning about its work to fight hunger. The morning includes a food-sorting volunteer shift, costume contest, Halloween crafts, treats and information booths. Attendees are encouraged to wear costumes and bring food donations to help stock shelves for the holiday season. Ages 6 and older are welcome.
⏰ 9 - 11 a.m.
🌎 Feeding San Diego Volunteer Center, 9477 Waples St., Suite 100, San Diego, CA 92121
City Heights Community Paint Day: ArtReach San Diego and community partners are hosting a free mural painting event in City Heights. Designed by artist Mister Esteban, the mural explores migration and the journeys that bring people together. Participants of all ages and abilities can help paint during one of three sessions, with all materials provided.
⏰ Session 1: 9 - 10 a.m., Session 2: 11 a.m. - noon and Session 3: 1 - 2 p.m.
🌎 4202 University Ave., San Diego, CA 92105
🎟️ Free, online registration encouraged
Halloween Hike & Monster Mash: Groundwork San Diego is hosting a free, family-friendly Halloween celebration at Emerald Hills Park featuring hiking, games, face painting, storytelling, food and candy. Attendees can also share ideas for restoring neighborhood canyons and trails as part of the Tri-Canyon Visioning series.
⏰ 9 a.m. - noon
🌎 Emerald Hills Park, 1501 Kelton Road, San Diego, CA 92114
🎟️ Free, registration encouraged 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
🌎 Sunset Cliffs Boulevard and West Point Loma Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92107
City Heights Día de los Muertos Celebration: You can celebrate Día de los Muertos with a free, family-friendly event featuring live entertainment, food, raffles, altars, art and a Catrina costume contest. Ocean Discovery Institute will also host fish-printing activities with free tote bags for the first 30 participants.
⏰ 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
🌎 Officer Jeremy Henwood Memorial Park, 3795 Fairmount Ave., San Diego, CA 92105
🎟️ Free
Witches Brew: Love Potion 69: Mujeres Brew House is hosting a Halloween celebration featuring an art show with 50 artists, clay skulls, a guest chef and a fire performance. Skreemn Meme hosts the festivities, with a guest performance by Nightshade Navarro at 7 p.m. Bruja y brujo — witch and wizard — costumes are encouraged.
⏰ Noon - 10 p.m.
🌎 Mujeres Brew House, 1983 Julian Ave., San Diego, CA 92113
Pumpkin and Marigold Harvest Festival & Halloween Bingo: Mellano Farm Stand is hosting a Halloween celebration featuring educational workshops, a corn maze, pumpkin patch, spooky drinks, pumpkin pie eating contests and flower picking. Guests can play bingo during Saturday’s activities from 2:30 to 6:30. Ticket packages include activities such as filling a bucket with fresh marigolds and zinnias or making a botanical honey potion.
🗓️ Oct. 31 and Nov. 1
⏰ 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Bingo is 2:30 - 6:30 p.m. Saturday only
🌎 Mellano Farm Stand, 5714 N. River Road, Oceanside, CA 92057
🎟️ Parking is $5, Reserve tickets online for bingo starting at $29
Old Town Día de los Muertos Celebration: Old Town San Diego is celebrating its 16th annual Día de los Muertos festival with a weekend of live music, street performances, face painting, traditional altars, art and hands-on activities for kids. Fiesta de Reyes will be decked out with colorful skeletons, larger-than-life decorations and thousands of marigolds. Visitors can also explore the Gallery in the Garden at the Cosmopolitan Hotel, featuring artwork by local artist Robert Barros.
⏰ Saturday, 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
🌎 Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, San Diego Avenue and Twiggs Street, San Diego, CA 92110
🎟️ Free admission
Hawktober Finale: The San Diego County Department of Parks and Recreation is hosting a free, family-friendly celebration of birds of prey at El Monte County Park. The event features a raptor presentation, opportunities to meet and take photos with birds and pumpkin painting while supplies last. Bring water and sun protection for the outdoor festivities.
⏰ 2 - 4:30 p.m.
🌎 El Monte County Park, 15805 El Monte Road, Lakeside, CA 92040
🎟️ Free, $5 parking
Remember Me Vigil: Palestine Pals is hosting a Día de los Muertos vigil in Balboa Park honoring people who have died in Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody or during immigration enforcement in 2026. Attendees are encouraged to bring flowers, share stories and remember those who have died.
⏰ 1 - 5 p.m.
🌎 Balboa Park, 1549 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92102
Halloween at Anstine: San Diego Bird Alliance is hosting a free, family-friendly Halloween celebration featuring a scavenger hunt, arts and crafts and sunset walks through Anstine-Audubon Nature Preserve. Visitors are encouraged to wear costumes and explore the trails while watching birds settle in for the evening.
⏰ 4 - 7 p.m.
🌎 Anstine Nature Preserve, 2437 Hutchison St., Vista, CA 92084
🎟️ Free, RSVP online
Halloween Movie Feature at The Inn: Rancho Bernardo Inn is hosting an outdoor screening of the Halloween classic “Hocus Pocus” under the stars. Families and friends can enjoy the movie overlooking the golf course, with snacks and beverages available for purchase from the Golf Grille.
⏰ 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.
🌎 Rancho Bernardo Inn, 17550 Bernardo Oaks Drive, San Diego, CA 92128
🎟️ Free
Nov. 1
Día de Muertos in Barrio Logan: All for Logan and community organizations are hosting a free Día de Muertos celebration honoring ancestors, loved ones and the cultural traditions of Barrio Logan. Families and friends are invited to gather, remember those who have died and celebrate the neighborhood's cultural heritage.
⏰ Noon - 7 p.m.
🌎 Logan Avenue Cultural Corridor, Barrio Logan, San Diego, CA 92113
🎟️ Free
Remember Me II: Libélula Books & Co. is hosting a Día de los Muertos celebration in Barrio Logan featuring a vigil honoring people who have died because of immigration enforcement in 2026. The gathering offers a space for remembrance and community solidarity.
⏰ Noon - 6 p.m.
🌎 Libélula Books & Co., 950 S. 26th St., San Diego, CA 92113
Pumpkin Smash: The County of San Diego Department of Parks and Recreation and I Love A Clean San Diego are hosting a free, family-friendly event where attendees can smash their leftover Halloween pumpkins to help reduce landfill waste. Activities include seed planting, games, a costume donation drive and a free compost giveaway while supplies last. Bring a shovel and container if you want to take home compost. Farmers and composters interested in receiving pumpkin scraps after the event can contact jreyes@cleansd.org or (619) 342-9918.
⏰ 12:30 - 3:30 p.m.
🌎 Lakeside Community Center, 9841 Vine St., Lakeside, CA 92040
🎟️ Free, registration encouraged
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. This week is the one year anniversary of the vigil and will include a Día de los Muertos memorial.
⏰ 1:30 - 4 p.m.
🌎 Otay Mesa Detention Center, 7488 Calzada de la Fuente, San Diego, CA 92154
Memo Cavada Mural Plaque Dedication: Mundo Gardens and Solorio Film Productions are hosting a celebration honoring the life and legacy of Manuel “Memo” Cavada, a National City photographer, Vietnam veteran and storyteller who spent more than four decades documenting local history and culture. The free event includes a mural plaque dedication, live music and performances.
⏰ 2 - 5 p.m.
🌎 Morgan Square Plaza, 901 National City Blvd., National City, CA 91950
🎟️ Free, RSVP required
In Session Vol. 001: Sinners — Behind the Music: Track City Records hosts an intimate gathering exploring the connections between blues music, folklore and the supernatural in the film "Sinners." The event invites music lovers to explore the stories behind the music.
⏰ 4 p.m.
🌎 Track City Records, 4202 Convoy St., San Diego, CA 92111
🎟️ Free, RSVP required. Limited seating.
Nov. 2
Kumeyaay Flag Raising: Southwestern College and its Native American Student Success and Support Program are hosting a ceremony honoring Kumeyaay culture, heritage and community. The event features a blessing, performances by the Inter-Tribal Star Dancers and Kumeyaay Bird Singers, guest speakers and lunch.
⏰ 11:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
🌎 Southwestern College, Mayan Hall Patio, 900 Otay Lakes Road, Chula Vista, CA 91910
🎟️ Free
San Diego API Coalition Meeting: The San Diego Asian Pacific Islander Coalition is hosting an in-person community meeting featuring highlights from the county's Employee Resource Groups. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided.
⏰ 5:30 - 7 p.m.
🌎 Location provided upon RSVP
🎟️ Email info@sdapicoalition.org to RSVP
SD Music Room: Musicians, rappers, DJs, producers and other music enthusiasts gather monthly for a conversation about inspiration, craft and life.
⏰ 6 - 9 p.m.
🌎 Marcella June's Coffee Lounge, 8513 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa, CA 91942
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🎟️ Free
Nov. 3
Election Day: San Diego County voters can cast their ballots for the Midterm Elections in person or drop off their completed mail ballots at an official ballot drop box.
⏰ Vote centers are open 7 a.m. - 8 p.m. on Election Day
🌎 Vote centers and official ballot drop boxes are available throughout San Diego County
Writing in the Garden: Garden Coffee and local writing group SD Word Nerds host free writing sessions every other Tuesday, inviting writers to connect, get creative and work on their writing projects in the café's outdoor gazebo.
⏰ Noon - 2 p.m.
🌎 Garden Coffee, 2611 Congress St., San Diego, CA
🎟️ Free
Tuesday Roll: Black Skate San Diego hosts free rollerskating 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
Viet Voices Election Night Watch Party: Viet Voices is hosting an election night gathering where community members can watch results roll in, play board games, work on crafts or just hang out. Food, water and board games will be provided, but attendees are welcome to bring their own activities and snacks. Children are welcome, and space is limited.
⏰ 6 - 10 p.m.
🌎 City Heights, address provided upon RSVP
🎟️ Free, RSVP online
Nov. 4
Arroyo Preserve Volunteer Days: The San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy is inviting volunteers to help restore ecosystems at Arroyo Preserve in Rancho Santa Fe. Volunteers will remove invasive plants on Nov. 4 and 19 and plant native species on Nov. 12. Activities involve hiking on uneven terrain and lifting moderately heavy objects. Email leila@sdrvc.org with your preferred dates to sign up and receive more information.
🗓️ Nov. 4, 12 and 19
⏰ 8 - 11:30 a.m.
🌎 Arroyo Preserve, San Diego, CA 92127
🎟️ Volunteer opportunity, email to register
Native American Heritage Month Flag Raising Ceremony: Miramar College's Native American Student Success Program is hosting a flag-raising ceremony to kick off Native American Heritage Month. The event will honor the history, culture and resilience of Indigenous communities while recognizing the Kumeyaay Nation, whose ancestral homelands include the land where the college stands. Email miramar-nassp@sdccd.edu for more information.
⏰ 12:30 p.m.
🌎 Miramar College, N-Administration Building, 10440 Black Mountain Road, San Diego, CA 92126
🎟️ Free
Women's Seed Circle: Plants, People, Community is bringing volunteers together at The Plant Lab in Oceanside to clean and organize seeds, process plants, care for tools and connect with others. This recurring gathering centers women and femmes but welcomes people of all genders. No experience is necessary, and participants ages 12 and older are welcome. The group doesn't meet every Wednesday, so check upcoming dates and RSVP online.
⏰ 1 - 3 p.m. on select Wednesdays
🌎 The Plant Lab, 3239 Roymar Road, Suite A, Oceanside, CA 92058
🎟️ RSVP online
Ascent to Prosperity Field Guide Launch Party: San Diego investment adviser Robert J. Patterson is celebrating the launch of his new field guide “Ascent to Prosperity” with an evening of conversation and networking at the San Diego Natural History Museum. The event includes a panel discussion, Q&A and interactive activities exploring Patterson's approach to wealth, success and personal fulfillment.
⏰ 6 - 9 p.m.
🌎 San Diego Natural History Museum, 1788 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
🎟️ RSVP or order the guide online
