Things to do in San Diego in October

Bobby Dyer
Mark Harpur 3dMmGSdj45g Unsplash

San Diego In October Fpo

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.

October In San Diego Fpo

Top Events happening in San Diego during October:

Pacific Beach Fest

Postponed to October 2021

Pacific Beach

This is an amazing way to discover all that San Diego has to offer. You can participate in anything from 5K runs, fish taco competitions, listening to live music to sipping beers from local breweries. All of these activities, while enjoying being beside the beach. There is something for everyone at this fun, all-day festival.

San Diego International Film Festival:

October 15th-18th

UTC La Jolla

This years event will be featured at Westfield UTC showcasing films on outdoor movie screens.

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.

Padres Playoffs Games

October

Downtown

The Padres made the playoffs! Although you can’t go to the games this year, Downtown is buzzing with excitement as we root on our Padres. Bub’s Dive Bar is one of our favorite spots to go for a great time by Petco Park!

SAN DIEGO WHALE WATCHING

October

Downtown

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

Downtown

Halloween in San Diego? No need to be cold this fall. Join fellow guests in costuming up and enjoying a party over the in Downtown San Diego. There is no better way to make new friends, even if they are wearing a mask.

WCVD Village Halloween Party

Postponed to October 2021

Downtown

The biggest Halloween music festival happening in San Diego. Experience the Gaslamp Quarter with live music, haunted houses, escape rooms, spooky characters, and a cash prize for best costume.

OB Octoberfest

Postponed to October 2021

Ocean Beach

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

Everyday – Locals Ride Free – San Diego Trolley Tours

San Diego In October 2 Fpo

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.

Cofounder of ITH Hostels. I love traveling, hosting, gardening, golfing, fishing, and sailing.