This Week’s Top Events » for locals by locals «
October 1-3, 2026 San Diego Best Upcoming Events
Free festivals, beachside fun and October adventures—your weekend plans start here. Explore Ukrainian culture at Liberty Station, spend Saturday at Pacific Beachfest, and discover Kids Free October offers around San Diego. Plus, plan ahead for pumpkin patches, a spooky wildlife campout and golf inside Petco Park—all handpicked by Mike and Allison McCurdy, your Point Loma neighbors.
FREE! Discover Ukraine Festival at Liberty Station
When: Saturday, October 3, 2026 | Noon–6 p.m.
Where: Ingram Plaza, Liberty Station | Point Loma
Admission: FREE
Take the family to Liberty Station for an afternoon of Ukrainian food, music and traditions. Discover Ukraine brings together live performances, artisan vendors, cultural exhibits and children’s activities in a welcoming community celebration. Come hungry, explore something new and support local Ukrainian families, artists and businesses while enjoying a free day out in Point Loma.
Kids Free October in San Diego
When: October 1–31, 2026
Where: Participating attractions, museums, restaurants and hotels throughout San Diego
October is a great time to explore San Diego with the kids—and give your family outing budget a little breathing room. Kids Free San Diego features participating attractions, museums, restaurants and hotels offering free admission, meals or other perks for children. Browse the offers before making plans: age limits, accompanying adult requirements and reservation details vary by location.
Spooky Campover at Lions Tigers & Bears
When: Friday, October 23, 2026 | Overnight into Saturday
Where: Lions Tigers & Bears | Alpine
Ages: 3 and older
Admission: Advance tickets required
Trade your usual Halloween plans for a night under the stars at a rescued wildlife sanctuary. Spooky Campover includes pumpkin carving, a costume contest, an all-ages haunted house and campfire fun. The next morning, watch the animals receive pumpkin treats during the sanctuary visit. Bring your camping gear, food and a pumpkin to carve for this memorable family adventure.
Upcoming San Diego Events to Put on Your Calendar
Your next few weekends are filling up! From neighborhood food festivals to waterfront music and family activities at Liberty Station, here’s what’s coming up around San Diego.
September 30–October 4: Del Mar Wine + Food Festival
October 3: FREE! Discover Ukraine Festival at Liberty Station
October 3: FREE! Pacific Beachfest
October 3: Taste of North Park
October 3: Rancho BEERnardo Festival
October 9–10: Ocean Beach Oktoberfest
October 10–11: San Diego Coffee Festival
October 10–11: La Jolla Art & Wine Festival
October 16–18: Mission Bayfest
October 17–18: Harvest on the Promenade at Liberty Station
October 23–24: USA Ultimate National Championships
November 7: Great Big Family Play Day at Liberty Station
November 7: Ride the Point for Pancreatic Cancer
November 18–25: The Links Golf Experience at Petco Park
Follow each event link for schedules, tickets and the latest updates.
The Links at Petco Park: Book Your Golf Adventure
When: November 18–25, 2026
Where: Petco Park | Downtown San Diego
Golf inside a baseball stadium? Yes, really. The Links returns to Petco Park this November, giving golfers a chance to experience the ballpark from a completely different perspective. Round up your golf crew and browse tee times for an outing that puts a San Diego twist on your usual day on the course.
Saturday, October 3, 2026
FREE! Pacific Beachfest
When: Saturday, October 3, 2026 | 9 a.m.–7 p.m.
Where: Pacific Beach Boardwalk, between Felspar and Thomas streets
Admission: FREE festival entry; some activities cost extra
Make a beach day of it! Pacific Beachfest brings live music, local shopping, a kids’ activity area and fish taco competition to the boardwalk. Bring the family, meet up with friends and enjoy a full day of coastal San Diego fun. Check the schedule for individual activities, including the Beachfest 5K and volleyball events.
A Kid’s Most Memorable Sleepover
- USS Midway :: Embarcadero
- Now thru November 2026 (October Sold Out)
This is one sleepover the kids will be talking about long after breakfast. The USS Midway’s Overnight Adventure gives families a chance to explore the historic aircraft carrier after hours, spend time on the flight deck and sleep in Navy-style racks.
San Diego Fall Festivals, Pumpkin Patches + Halloween Fun
When: October through early November
Where: Point Loma, coastal San Diego and beyond
Pumpkin picking close to home, trick-or-treating in your favorite neighborhoods and a few adventures worth the drive—fall in San Diego has plenty to keep the family busy. Start with Liberty Station, then explore these seasonal events and outings.
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Now open: Goff Family Pumpkin Patch at Liberty Station — Pick out pumpkins and enjoy a seasonal outing right here in Point Loma.
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October 17–18: Harvest on the Promenade — NEW! Add this Liberty Station fall festival to your family calendar.
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October 17: FREE! University Heights Fall Festival — One of San Diego’s favorite neighborhood fall celebrations.
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October 18: South Park Trick-or-Treat Festival — Plan a festive outing in one of San Diego’s favorite walkable neighborhood.
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October 23: Spooky Campover at Lions Tigers & Bears — Spend the night at an Alpine wildlife sanctuary.
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October 24: USS Midway Fright Deck: Halloween Party & Movie Night — Enjoy costumes, Halloween activities and an outdoor screening of Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl.
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October 25: FREE! Trick-or-Treat on India Street — Take your little trick-or-treaters to Little Italy.
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October 25: FREE! Halloween at the Station — Keep the Halloween fun close to home at Liberty Station.
More Seasonal Adventures
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Fort Cross Adventures near Julian — for a fall day trip.
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Pumpkin Express Train Ride — kids love this railroad adventure
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HalGLOween at the San Diego Zoo — Glow fun for the whole family!
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San Diego Pumpkin Patches — For pumpkin picking and fall photos.
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Haunted Houses + Trails — For the thrill seekers in your group.
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Día de los Muertos Celebrations — Explore free, local cultural traditions.
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Belmont Park Beachside Fall Fest — Arcade, roller coasters + Fall fun!
Mission Bayfest 2026: Music by the Water
When: Friday–Sunday, October 16–18, 2026
Where: Mariner’s Point Park | Mission Bay
Live music, bay views and a weekend outside—Mission Bayfest is an easy one to put on your coastal San Diego calendar. Gather your concert crew for three days of music at Mariner’s Point Park, then browse the daily lineup to choose your tickets. Check the festival’s current entry policies and ticket availability before making plans.
What's Coming up Near You in San Diego
Unlock the high-energy heartbeat of San Diego and beyond. From premier stadium luxury boxes to once in a lifetime experiences, check out our guide to premium experiences for fans of the game and lovers of the craft.
- San Diego State SDSU Aztecs
- San Diego Gulls (Men's Hockey)
- San Diego Legion (Major League Rugby)
- San Diego Football Club (Men's Pro Soccer)
- San Diego Wave FC (Women's Soccer)
- San Diego Padres (MLB Baseball)
- Del Mar Horse Races
- Formula 1 (now in Las Vegas)
- Ryder Cup Limerick, Ireland Sept 2027
- 2028 Summer Olympics Los Angeles
Already done your usual beach day? Try something different! From spotting leopard sharks to exploring hidden bridges and going behind the scenes at Petco Park, these outings give locals and visitors fresh ways to enjoy San Diego…and tons of activities are family friendly and FREE!
Upcoming Music & Performing Arts
- Carruth Cellars (Urban Winery & Music)
- Madison on Park (Live Jazz)
- Candlelight Concerts
- Concerts at Snapdragon Stadium
- Concerts + Events at Petco Park
- The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park
- Humphreys Concerts by the Bay (Outdoor Music)
- Cygnet Theatre (Small Live Theater Liberty Station)
- California Center for the Arts
- North Coast Rep Theater
- San Diego Downtown Theaters
- Events at Snapdragon Stadium
