September 26 – November 1, The Scream Zone

Your worst nightmare has come true! The Scream Zone is considered among the goriest, scariest, and screaming-est fright fests in the darkened corners of Southern California. Some features include the horrifying House of Horror,

along with The Chamber, and the Haunted Hayride.

Time: Refer to website for specific schedule

Location: Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar

For more information visit www.thescreamzone.com

September 26 – November 1, Haunted Hotel

This is where horror movies come to life with terrifying special effects and illusions. Experience the terror from the inhabitants of your favorite horror movies. The haunted hotel is waiting for you!

Time: Refer to website for specific schedule

Location: The Haunted Hotel, 424 Market St., San Diego

For more information visit www.hauntedhotel.com

September 26 – November 1, The Haunted Trail of Balboa Park

When the sun goes down–run for your life! Red eyes glow and creepy fingers reach out to get you. Don’t miss the outdoor terror that is simply too big to house indoors.

Time: Refer to website for specific schedule

Location: Balboa Park, San Diego

For more information visit www.hauntedtrail.net

October 3 – 5, Oktoberfest in El Cajon

This Oktoberfest offers authentic German food and beer, folk dancing, a kids’ zone, numerous games and contests, vendor and craft booths and live music by a band from Germany.

Time: See website for specific times

Location: 1017 S. Mollison Ave., El Cajon

For more information visit www.germanclubsandiego.org

October 3 – 5, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show

This annual aviation expo will feature many different military performances. Experience formation flying by The Patriots Jet Team and the US Navy Blue Angels! Don’t miss this family fun event.

Time: Refer to website for specific schedule

Location: MCAS Miramar, San Diego

For more information visit www.miramarairshow.com

October 3 – 5, Oktoberfest 2014

The La Mesa Oktoberfest is among the largest celebrations of its kind on the West Coast. This is a traditional German celebration featuring dancing, food, beer gardens, Bavarian bands, arts and crafts, commercial booths, and a kids’ carnival.

Time: Fri/Sat: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm, Sun: 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Location: Downtown La Mesa

For more information visit www.lmvma.com

October 4, Annual Pacific Beachfest

A beach party with entertaining music, sand dancing, surf contest, 5K run, kids fun run, beach volleyball tournament, skateboarding, food court, beer garden, arts and crafts, and shopping on the beachfront!

Time: 11:00 am – 7:00 pm

Location: Pacific Beach Boardwalk and Beach

For more information visit www.pacificbeach.org

October 4 – 5, Julian Apple Days Festival

A special weekend full of fun for the whole family! Featuring apple displays, music and dancing, an antique tractor display, children’s games and activities, gold panning demonstrations, a beer and wine garden, food and merchandise vendors, contests, and of course apple pie!

Time: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Location: Menghini Winery, 1150 Julian Orchards Dr., Julian

For more information visit www.julianappledays.com

October 10 – 11, Annual Ocean Beach Oktoberfest

 

A celebration of German culture and fun! There will be traditional Oktoberfest contests, a cash prize in the sausage toss competition, food and craft vendors and an all-ages stage with dancing.

Time: Fri: 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm, Sat: 9:00 am – 10:00 pm

Location: 5091 Niagara Ave., San Diego

For more information visit www.oceanbeachsandiego.com

October 11, Children’s Fall Fun Festival

This festival includes face-painting, bobbing for apples, a beanbag toss, arts and crafts, decorating pumpkins, garden flags, fall crafts, games and relays. There will also be a live scarecrow parade, scarecrow contest and much more!

Time: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

Location: Alta Vista Botanical Gardens, 1270 Vale Terrace Dr., Vista

For more information visit www.altavistagardens.org

October 12, 20th Annual Little Italy Festa

The Little Italy Festa is known to be one of the largest single-day Italian American festivals west of the Mississippi. Enjoy a wine and beer garden, music on 3 stages, Italian food and craft booths, sidewalk chalk art, kid’s fun zone and much more.

Time: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm

Location: India St., San Diego

For more information visit www.littleitalysd.com

October 17 – 19, Harvest Festival Original Art & Craft Show

Shop 24,000 handmade American arts and crafts in hundreds of booths offering jewelry, clothing, specialty foods, photography, hand-turned wood, ceramics, and more. Refer to website for admission information.

Time: Fri/Sat: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm, Sun: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Location: Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar

For more information visit www.harvestfestival.com

October 11 – 12, La Jolla Art & Wine Festival

This is a two-day juried art show and fundraiser, which is one of the most prestigious art and wine festivals on the west coast. The event includes a silent auction, roving entertainment, a gourmet marketplace, and a wine and beer garden. This festival is free and open to the public.

Time: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm

Location: La Jolla Village, Lower Girard Ave between Prospect & Kline

For more information visit www.lajollaartandwinefestival.com

October 19, Escondido Downtown Street Faire

This street fair will have over 500 vendors, live entertainment, and food from around the world. This is the second largest street fair in California.

Time: 9:30 am – 5:30 pm

Location: Grand Ave., Escondido

For more information visit www.kennedyfaires.com/escondido

October 19, 2014 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer

You can make strides against breast cancer by participating in this 4-mile walking event. Individuals with a personal commitment to the breast cancer cause can organize teams to raise funds that will be used to fight against this terrible disease.

Time: 7:00 am

Location: Balboa Park, San Diego

For more information visit makingstrides.acsevents.org

October 25, Annual Boulevard Boo! 

A Halloween-themed parade with ghoulish floats, vintage cars, unique costumed characters, bands and more! After the parade enjoy live music, carnival rides, games, cold drinks and food trucks. Refer to website for the parade route.

Time: Parade: 10:00 am, Festival: 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Location: College Ave. Baptist Church, 4747 College Ave., San Diego

For more information visit www.booparade.com

October 25, Wacky Wonky Walk & Kids Festival

This is a walk and festival to help raise funds for life changing programs through the San Diego Center for Children. The event features music, exhibits, food, and games.

Time: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm

Location: Waterfront Park, 1600 Pacific Hwy., San Diego

For more information visit www.wackywonkywalk.com

October 26, Spooktacular Half Marathon, 10k/5k Run-Walk

This is a Halloween run, so sport a spooky costume and join in the fun! The race takes place along the scenic San Diego shores of America’s Finest City.

Time: 7:30 pm

Location: NTC Park, Cushing Rd. and Dewey Rd., San Diego

For more information visit www.spooktacular10k.com

October 26, Annual Dia de los Muertos

Celebrations at this historic location include gathering at the cemetery to clean and decorate graves of loved ones. There will also be over 90 vendors and live entertainment throughout the day. Attendees are encouraged to dress up and paint their faces in the spirit of Dia de los Muertos.

Time: 10:00 – 5:00 pm

Location: Mission San Luis Rey, 4050 Mission Ave., Oceanside

For more information visit mslrdiadelosmuertos.com