From golden sand to silver screen stars, California’s Beach City invites you to spend the weekend enjoying the San Diego International Film Festival and these top things to do.
San Diego International Film Festival
When: October 15-20, 2019
The region’s premier film event and one of the leading stops on the independent festival circuit. SDiFF offers world premieres, never before seen studio releases, the best in independent filmmaking and a full schedule of glamorous parties and intimate events with filmmakers. 200+ filmmakers attend from around the world to show their films and audiences have the unique opportunity to meet and ask questions of filmmakers after screenings and informally meet-up with filmmakers at a variety of parties and events. The most glamorous evening is the annual Night of the Stars Tribute recognizing actors and filmmakers who have made a mark on the film industry with their professional contributions.
Without Walls Festival 2019
When: October 17-20, 2019
Without Walls (WoW) Festival is an exhilarating weekend of immersive and site-based work designed to break barriers by moving beyond the boundaries of a traditional four-walled theatre space and the physical confines of the Playhouse’s facilities.
The Path of the Mystic
When: October 18, 2019 – April 19, 2020
The Path of the Mystic: Art and Theosophy at Lomaland features a selection of artworks, objects, photographs and archival documents from the San Diego History Center’s collections that bring to light the remarkable legacy of art and cultural production at Lomaland, and how Tingley’s utopian experiment profoundly shaped San Diego’s cultural landscape.
Lowriders: The Art of Low and Slow
When: October 18, 2019 – February 1, 2020
Lowriding – A Global Phenomenon. Lowriding is a celebration of life in relation and connection to cars and the community. It allows for relationships to be made for the love of cars and for extended family. We invite you to relish the vehicles, artwork, and the culture of Lowriding.
Borrego Days Desert Festival
When: October 18-20, 2019
Expanding on our mega wildflower bloom last spring, our theme this year is Bloom In Borrego. The festival will again be held at Christmas Circle but has expanded to include a car show at The Mall on Saturday. The weekend will be full of fun for the entire family. Explore our retail shops on Friday, and check out a few of the vendors at Christmas Circle.
Haunted Tales Aboard Maritime Museum Star of India
When: October 19-26, 2019
Maritime Museum of San Diego invites you to the annual Halloween Haunted Tales aboard Star of India, the world’s oldest active sailing ship. The evening will be full of ghostly tales presented by our award-winning and theatrical Living History Education staff. They will recount tales of the Star of India’s past including the tale of a young crewman falling to his death.
Villains in the Village!
When: October 19, 2019
We dare you to try and keep your wits about you while strolling through the treelined streets of Third Avenue Village. Over 20 nefarious characters and uncanny activities will torment and trick thrill seekers of all ages.
Aspen Medical Products San Diego Triathlon Challenge
When: October 20, 2019
Join 200 physically challenged athletes, 550 able-bodied athletes, celebrities, and sports legends as they complete a 1 mile ocean swim, 44 mile bike and 10 mile run on one of the most breathtaking courses in the country, all in support of Team CAF.
Escondido Grand Avenue Festival
When: October 20, 2019
Since 1989, the Escondido Grand Avenue Festival has brought live entertainment, over 400 vendors, children’s rides and activities, and food from around the world to the downtown tree-lined streets of Escondido.
SaltDog Classic
When: October 20, 2019
Coastal and crafty, SaltDog Classic brings a wonderful lineup of musicians, artists, and local businesses together for a day of community fun.
17th Annual Celebrate the Craft
When: October 20, 2019
This annual event will feature the finest food artisans from across California’s broad culinary spectrum, demonstrating, discussing, and tasting their way through the vast array of premium food and wine products available.
LEGOLAND Brick-or-Treat Party Nights
When: Thru October 26, 2019
Brick-or-Treat Party Nights at LEGOLAND® California Resort is back with more Halloween excitement and extended Park open hours!
Halloween Spooktacular
When: Thru October 27, 2019
SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular is our biggest fall festival, with weekends brimming with family fun and top things to do. Catch spooky live shows, join in on Halloween activities and let the little ones trick-or-treat throughout the park in a safe, family-friendly environment.
HalGLOWeen at the San Diego Zoo
When: Thru October 27, 2019
Stay until 9:00 PM and have fun with a cupcake walk, an amazing bubble dance party, a “gently haunted” path, amazing acrobats, a variety of music, special treats, and more!
Kids Free San Diego
When: Thru October 31, 2019
Activate unlimited recess vibes and unbelievable family savings with Kids Free San Diego – where kids eat, stay and play for free all October long. With more than 100 deals at popular attractions, hotels and restaurants, and special savings on awesome activities, it’s the perfect time to take a sunny getaway to San Diego and activate smile mode for the whole family.
Haunted Houses and Trails
When: Thru November 2, 2019
As the days grow shorter and the weather grows colder, our dearly (and not-so-dearly) departed rise again for their unwelcome annual visit. If you’re brave or foolish enough to greet them in person, head out to one of these haunted houses and trails throughout San Diego county.
- The Scream Zone at the Del Mar Fairgrounds
- The Haunted Trail of Balboa Park
- The Disturbance created by The Haunted Hotel
More Top Things to Do in San Diego
- San Diego Italian Film Festival – October 15-27, 2019
- Staglin Wine Dinner – October 16, 2019
- Mezcal Ánimas Chef’s Table – October 16, 2019
- Rory Scovel at The American Comedy Company – October 17-19, 2019
- Mexican Spirits Talk – October 17, 2019
- Scholarshare 529 Toddler Time – October 18, 2019
- Hennessy Dinner at Amaya – October 18, 2019
- Claudia Oshry: The Dirty Jeans Tour – October 18, 2019
- Joseph W. Run River North at the Belly Up – October 18, 2019
- Fall Plant Sale at San Diego Botanic Garden – October 19-20, 2019
- 25th Annual EastLake Cycle & 5K Run and Technology & Innovation Fair – October 19, 2019
- Accessibility Mornings at The New Children’s Museum – October 19, 2019
- Archaeology Month Family Day October 19, 2019
- Ladies at the Lake Fall Market – October 19, 2019
- Witches of Westgate Tea – October 19, 2019
- Literary Tea & Champagne with Author Sarah McCoy – October 19, 2019
- La Vista Memorial Park and Mortuary Dia de los Muertos – October 19, 2019
- The Capitol Steps – October 19, 2019
- Kurt Elling Sings: A Century of Heroes – October 19, 2019
- Live Music with Riley Hoover – October 19, 2019
- YMCA of San Diego County Tour de Cove – October 20, 2019
- Bow Wow Brunch Cruise – October 20, 2019
- Pure Project Mac N’ Cheese Throwdown – October 20, 2019
- Martial Arts Day – October 20, 2019
- “The Composer is Dead” by Nathaniel Stookey – October 20, 2019
- Live Music: The Moneymen – October 20, 2019
- A Night with Janis Joplin – October 20, 2019
- Peter & Brendan Mayer at Belly Up – October 20, 2019
- Acoustic, Ales & Art Night – October 20, 2019
Long Term Top Things to Do in San Diego
- Christ: Life, Death, and Resurrection – Thru December 13, 2019
- Belmont Park’s 8th Annual Beachside Fall Fest – Thru November 30, 2019
- Little Chefs Little Learners Club at The New Children’s Museum – Thru November 11, 2019
- The Great Annual Pumpkin Festival – Thru October 31, 2019
- 39th Annual International Exhibition at San Diego Watercolor Society – Thru October 31, 2019
- Cajon Classic Cruise – Thru October 30, 2019
- Man of La Mancha at San Diego Musical Theatre – Thru October 27, 2019
- Classic Movie in the Garden – Thru October 27, 2019
- Del Mar International Horse Show – Thru October 27, 2019
- Pumpkin Express – Thru October 27, 2019
- Julian Autumn Jubilee – Thru October 27, 2019
- Haunted Harvest – Thru October 26, 2019
- Almost Famous at The Old Globe – Thru October 20, 2019
- Noura at The Old Globe – Thru October 20, 2019
> Find more Top Things to Do on the San Diego Event Calendar
