If you want to experience some great climate without the normal crowds, then come visit San Diego in October!
The weather has been absolutely beautiful recently and San Diegans are loving it. With winter and an annual Fall time change quickly approaching, you want to enjoy all the endless summer vibes while you still can. Visiting San Diego in October is both affordable and will get you in the right state of mind heading into the winter.
Top Events Happening in San Diego in October:
HalGLOWeen at the San Diego Zoo
Celebrate Halloween with a wild twist at HalGLOWeen! On weekends, the San Diego Zoo comes alive with special Halloween-themed events, glowing decorations, and fun activities for kids and adults alike. It’s a perfect way for travelers to enjoy the zoo while soaking in the seasonal fun.
La Jolla Art & Wine Festival
October 11-12
Enjoy a sunny day in La Jolla at the Art & Wine Festival, where you can browse works from local and national artists, sip local wines, and sample delicious food from various vendors. Live music fills the air, creating a lively and relaxing vibe that’s perfect for travelers looking to explore art, culture, and cuisine all in one place.
Pacific Beach Fest
October 4th
Experience the vibrant energy of San Diego at Pacific Beachfest, the city’s premier beach festival, happening on Saturday from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM along the Pacific Beach boardwalk, stretching from Grand Ave. to Felspar St.
This free, full-day, family-friendly event offers a mix of activities, such as:
- Live Music on Three Stages: Enjoy performances from local bands and artists throughout the day.
- Sports and Races: Participate in or cheer on competitors in the 5K Run, Kids 1K, and the new Half Marathon on Sunday, October 5.
- Beach Volleyball Tournament: Join the fun in the Volo Beach Volleyball Tournament, featuring coed teams and costume contests.
- Fish Taco Contest: Taste and vote for the best fish taco from local vendors between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM.
- Kids Action Alley: A dedicated area with games, rides, and activities for children.
- Arts and Crafts Village: Browse over 60 local vendors offering unique arts, crafts, and goods.
San Diego International Film Festival:
October 15th-19th
At the San Diego International Film Festival, you get days of immersion into other cultures through the film medium. Find out what other cultures are saying through their films, gain some new perspectives, meet people from all around the world. This is the ultimate experience for someone that enjoys art, diversity; and of course, a few celebrity sightings.
SAN DIEGO WHALE WATCHING
Hop aboard our world-famous sailing yacht and cruise around the local waters to see migrating gray whales. is the best place in the world to see whales, they are just off our coast year-round. Gray Whales traveling south to warm Baja Lagoons from the nutritious Alaskan waters.
ITH Hostels Halloween Party
October 31st
This fall, San Diego offers a lively Halloween experience perfect for travelers and hostel guests. Join fellow visitors for parties across our three hostel locations, each offering music, friends, and themed activities for a fun night out. Plus, hopping between locations makes it easy to experience the full Halloween vibe. Costumes are encouraged, adding to the festive energy and making it a memorable way to celebrate the season while connecting with fellow travelers—even if everyone is wearing a mask!
OB Octoberfest
October 10-11
Celebrate Octoberfest in Ocean Beach with a San Diego bohemian vibe. Expect the authentic German experience; sausages, kraut, pretzels, and schnitzel. There will be local beer and spirit vendors throughout the festival. Wear a costume to match the theme OktoBEERfest, and join into dancing to upbeat music provided by DJ’s merging German music with Top 40s hits. Each year this event gets better because the word continues to spread; join this OktoBeerFest for a tasty, fun-filled day.
Weekly Local Events During September in San Diego:
Tuesdays: Pacific Beach Farmers Market
Wednesdays: Ocean Beach Farmers Market and Drum Circles
Saturdays: Little Italy Farmers Market
Sundays: Hillcrest Farmers Market
San Diego is a great destination year-round. Many other extraordinary events are happening and listed on the San Diego Events website.
For October’s live music scene, the San Diego Reader has a great list of upcoming shows.
If you have any questions about other events happening in San Diego, please contact our receptionist at any of our local hostels.
