DMF Young Del Mar Halloween Seaside Spooktacular

The Del Mar Foundation’s Young Del Mar Committee and Del Mar Plaza invites all to dress up the kids and join them on the Plaza’s Seaside Deck for an afternoon of Halloween fun. There will be treats, activities, and more.

The event will take place on Saturday, Oct. 25, from 2:30 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. at the Plaza. No registration is needed. The Del Mar Plaza is located at 1555 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar.

DM-SB Rotary Club to host blood drive

Del Mar-Solana Beach Rotary Club will host a blood drive on Saturday, Oct. 25, from 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. at the parking lot between Vons and Strabucks in Solana Beach, address is 931 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach.All donors will be awarded a free tall coffee, iced tea or iced coffee (good for the day of the drive only) from Starbucks, in addition to pizza from Pizza Nova and a Char Burger or the equivalent from The Habit Burger Grill.Walk-ins are welcome or schedule an appointment at sandiegobloodbank.org/donate or call 619-400-8251. Photro ID required, arrive hydrated.The event is held in conjunction with the San Diego Blood Bank.

UC San Diego School of Global Policy and Strategy to hold economic roundtable

The Korea-Pacific Program at the UC San Diego School of Global Policy and Strategy presents “Economic Statecraft in a Divided Peninsula,” a roundtable discussion of how the United States and South Korea are tasked with aligning their economic policies and finding strategies to deter North Korea, at 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30, in UCSD’s Great Hall, 9810 International Lane, La Jolla. Free, though registration is required. bit.ly/4n8plWb

33rd Annual The Red Nose Run

The Del Mar Foundation will be the “Rudolph” sponsor in 2025 for the 33rd Annual The Red Nose Run (TRNR) 5K Run/Walk on the beach on Saturday, Dec 13. Non-profit beneficiaries continue to be Semper Fi/America’s Fund and San Dieguito River Park. It’s the only sanctioned holiday run/walk on the beach in San Diego, and open for registrations. The Red Nose Run is a family- and dog-friendly event (on leash), according to a news release.This year awards will be given to the fastest runners, best individual/group costumes, best dog costume, and others. All participants (aka “Rundeers) will receive a runner’s gift of a 20-oz insulated red travel tumbler and a TRNR-branded holiday beanie for their donation.The post-finish line celebration is a showcase of Del Mar’s finest and will include a hot buffet provided by Poseidon Restaurant, artisanal ice cream from Saffron & Rose, and craft beer from Viewpoint Brewing Co. (must be 21+ with a valid ID) to be enjoyed while dancing to the “yacht-rock” genre music of Dos Echos.Sign up using the website: www.therednoserun.com

Community Dance Party features Octoberfest theme

The Sandpipers Square Dance Club hosts its monthly Community Dance Party on Saturday, Oct. 25 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at San Dieguito United Methodist Church, 170 Calle Magdalena Street, Encinitas. Participants will learn square dancing basics at this fun event. Singles, couples and families all welcome. Casual attire. Partner and dance experience not needed. Oktoberfest bratwurst, sauerkraut, German potato salad and apple pie served following the Dance Party. Donation $10 and free for children. Learn more at SandpipersSquareDanceClub.org.

Howl-O-Ween festival at animal center

Helen Woodward Animal Center hosts its Howl-O-Ween Harvest Family Festival from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Oct. 25 and 26, featuring hands-on animal encounters, trick-or-treat stations, a free pumpkin patch, festive games, crafts, face painting and photo booth. Reserve a spot at https://animalcenter.org/programs-services/education/kid-events. There are also Howl-O-Ween Harvest Adventures with up-close animal encounters, fall crafts and STEM-aligned lessons, for groups by appointment through Nov. 10; email education@animalcenter.org.

Del Mar Pumpkin Station

Festivities include a carousel, rides, giant slides, a Ferris wheel, a train jump, a petting zoo and a play center, along with a pumpkin patch from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sundays to Thursdays and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays Sept. 26 through Oct. 26 at 15555 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar. Ticketed attractions include mechanical rides, giant slides, a jumpee activity, petting zoo and antique carousel. Tickets are $5. Free admission and parking. Visit pumpkinstation.com.

Halloween Carnival Solana Beach

The 68th annual event is set for 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Oct. 26 at Solana Vista Elementary School, 780 Santa Victoria, hosted by the Solana Beach Schools Foundation for Solana Beach School District families. Highlights include games, bounces houses, a petting zoo, pony rides and treats. Costumes are encouraged. Proceeds benefit Discovery Enrichment at Solana Vista and Skyline elementary schools. Visit sbschoolsfoundation.org.

Halloween Carnival at Carmel Valley Recreation Center

All are invited to attend a fun, free Halloween Carnival inside the gym at the Carmel Valley Recreation Center. The carnival will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 29 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.mThe event will include arts and crafts, bounce house, carnival games, costume contest, games with the DJ, and face painters. The Carmel Valley Recreation Center is located at 3777 Townsgate Drive, Carmel Valley, 92130.For more information, call 858-552-1616 or visit www.sandiego.gov/park-and-recreation/centers/recctr/carmelvalley

Del Mar Highlands holding Halloween event

The Del Mar Highlands Town Center is hosting a family-friendly spooky Halloween event on Friday, Oct. 31 from 4 p.m.-6 p.m. The event includes character meet and greets, music, fun and more. Pick up your trick-or-treating maps by the Pop Jet Fountain. The Pop Jet Fountain will be turned off on Oct. 31 and will resume on Nov. 1. Address: 12925 El Camino Real, Carmel Valley.

Halloween festivities at The Village at Pacific Highlands Ranch

On Sunday, Oct. 26 from 3-6 p.m., the Village at Pacific Highlands Ranch will host its annual Halloween celebration with trick or treating with village tenants, live music by Kathryn the Grape in the Village Square and complimentary photos for all kids and families. 13490 Pacific Highlands Ranch Parkway, Carmel Valley.

Spooktacular Halloween at Fairmont Grand Del Mar

On Saturday, Oct. 25 at 5 p.m., the Fairmont Grand Del Mar will transform into a Halloween wonderland for its Spooktacular event. Kids can come in costume and enjoy trick or treating and interactive Halloween stations, from meeting the friendly witch in Candyland and uncovering wild experiments in the Mad Scientist’s Lab, to encountering a beloved princess and mischievous villain in their enchanted garden.

Adults are invited to come to the Grand Social, relax in a private cabana or gather around a fire pit, savoring craft cocktails and seasonal bites. A DJ will be spinning Halloween classics, culminating in a show-stopping Thriller dance performance by Scripps Performing Arts will perform the “Thriller” dance. General Admission is $50 per adult/$30 per child. 5300 Grand Del Mar Court.

Rancho Santa Fe Village Church Family Trunk-or-Treat

The Village Church hosts a free family-friendly Halloween event featuring trick-or-treating and snacks from decorated cars parked next to the church playground, along with games and crafts and stories about the love of Jesus from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 26 at 6225 Paseo Delicias, Rancho Santa Fe. Church-friendly costumes are welcome. Visit VillageChurch.org/trunk-or-treat.

Halloween in the Rancho Santa Fe village

The Rancho Santa Fe Association will host Halloween in the Rancho Santa Fe Village on Friday, Oct. 31 from 2-4 p.m. Kids are invited to come in costume and trick-or-treat at village businesses around Paseo Delicias. A pumpkin patch and corn maze will be set up for lots of fun on the Village Green in front of The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe.

Upcoming Harvest Festival at Horizon Church

Horizon Church in Rancho Santa Fe will hold its Harvest Festival on Friday, Oct. 31 from 5 p.m.-9 pm. The event offers a variety of activities for kids of all ages. This year’s line up includes hot air balloon rides, fair rides, carnival-style games, food trucks and more.Horizon Church is located at 6365 El Apajo, Rancho Santa Fe. For more information, visit www.horizon.org.

Free concert features symphonic brass ensemble

The Finest City Brass and Percussion, a symphonic brass ensemble of 25-30 musicians, will perform at 7 p.m. Oct. 25 at Calvary Lutheran Church, 424 Via de la Valle, as part of the Concerts at Calvary series for the community. The program includes De Meij’s Symphony No. 1 inspired by “The Lord of the Rings” and Respighi’s ode to the beauty of ancient Rome, “The Pines of Rome.” Doors open at 6:30 p.m. After the concert, there will be refreshments, and attendees can meet the musicians in the courtyard. Admission is free. Visit calvarylutheranchurch.org/events.

The Nativity School Christmas Boutique

The Nativity School will celebrate the 20th anniversary of its Christmas Boutique on Saturday, Nov. 8, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at The Nativity School, 6309 El Apajo Road, Rancho Santa Fe. For two decades, this cherished tradition has brought the community together in the spirit of joy, generosity, and holiday celebration, while raising vital support for students, a news release stated. All are invited to shop, celebrate, and enjoy this special milestone year. Vendors interested in participating may email TheChristmasBoutique@nativitymail.org.

North Coast Repertory Theatre presents “Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground”

North Coast Repertory Theater will present “Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground” from Wednesday, Oct. 22 through Sunday, Nov. 16. (Previews start Oct. 22, opens Oct. 25. A talkback session with the director and cast is scheduled for Oct. 31.)

Tony Award winner John Rubinstein transports audiences to Gettysburg’s hallowed ground, where an elderly Eisenhower reflects on his monumental military leadership and transformative presidency. The production is an uplifting evening of theatre that is both educational and humorous from beginning to end, according to a news release. North Coast Rep is located at 987 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach.

Haunted Hoedown at Heritage Ranch

The Haunted Hoedown features a haunted house and a haunted trail (scary and not-so scary versions), carnival games, food, treats and a costume contest and farm animals along with beer garden, pumpkin decorating contest, music and dancing. The Haunted Hoedown is from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 24-25 at The Heritage Ranch, 450 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas. Entry is $10; $5 for kids. Visit olivenhainfarms.com/haunted-hoedown.

Haunted Trail

One of San Diego’s largest Halloween experiences is at Balboa Park. The Haunted Trail at Balboa Park gives visitors two different experiences. The eXperiment Maze presents 3,500 square feet of twists and turns through various spooky encounters with childhood fairy tales remixed in Halloween-themed costumes such as “Goldilocks and the Three Bears.”The Haunted Trail takes visitors outdoors through a path with dense fog and several haunting installations with zombies, a ghoul bus, a graveyard filled with ghosts, chainsaw maniacs and more. Sept. 26 through Nov. 1. Balboa Drive and Juniper Road, San Diego. $34.99-$49.99. hauntedtrail.net

SeaWorld Howl-O-Scream

Back for the fifth time is SeaWorld’s Howl-O-Scream. This Halloween activation modifies the theme park into a haunted playground with eight scare zones. Guests can expect to see spooky creatures, a graveyard, a carnival of chaos and five haunted houses. There will also be music and live entertainment stages, themed bars and speakeasies. Plus, certain amusement park rides will be open. Select nights now through Nov. 1. $44.99-$144.99. seaworld.com/san-diego/events/howl-o-scream

Halloween Spooktacular

There will be trick-or-treating in costumes, carnival-style games, spooky characters and music from 2 to 5 p.m. Oct. 25 at The Forum Carlsbad, 1923 Calle Barcelona. Children receive a bag to collect candy, while supplies last. Admission is free. Visit theforumcarlsbad.com/events.

Jurassic Fright at Pumpkin Patch

Open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays in Oct. 3 through Oct. 31 at 1050 Cannon Road, Carlsbad. There’s a haunted corn maze, marigold fields, bounceland, Jurassic Fright, a tractor ride and sheep, goats and rabbits. Admission is $15; free for kids 3 and younger plus fees for activities. Visit carlsbadstrawberrycompany.com/pumpkin.

Brick-or-Treat

LEGOLAND California holds its Brick-or-Treat Monster Party on weekends in October with entertainment, dance parties, live music, costumed entertainers and trick-or-treating. The party is included with park admission. As part of its Halloween season celebration, there will be costumed characters, décor and seasonal treats daily through Oct. 31. Visit legoland.com/california/things-to-do/seasonal-events/halloween.

Halloween Aglow at Birch Aquarium

Birch Aquarium will host trick-or-treating, live music and games from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 24 and Oct. 25 at 2300 Expedition Way. Scuba divers will transform the aquarium into an underwater pumpkin patch with their underwater pumpkin carving skills. Visitors will also have access to the new Living Seas exhibit. This is a family-friendly event and ocean-themed costumes are encouraged. Tickets are $40-$45; discount for members; free for children 2 and younger. Visit aquarium.ucsd.edu/events/halloween-aglow.

HalGLOWeen

The San Diego Zoo hosts a Halloween-themed family extravaganza with entertainment, food, dance parties and interactive festivities starting at 5 p.m. weekends in October. Highlights include Boo Crew, Spider’s W.E.B., Python Path, Spooky Spectacles, a Boolahoops dance party, featured creatures and Dr. Zoolittle’s Tricks & Treats among other attractions. Visit zoo.sandiegozoo.org/halgloween.

Haunts of Balboa Park

The spooky experience features two haunts at Balboa Park: the mile-long Haunted Trail and eXperiment Maze with frightening features from ghost-filled graveyard to ghoul bus. Open select nights through Nov. 1 at Balboa Drive and Juniper Road. Advance tickets are recommended because there is a nightly capacity limit. Visit hauntedtrail.net.

Trunk or Treat at car museum

The San Diego Automotive Museum puts on its annual Trunk or Treat from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 25 at 2080 Pan American Plaza in Balboa Park. Children collect candy from the museum’s collection of classic and exotic cars on the museum floor. Costumes are encouraged. Admission is free for children under 12 and for parents accompanying their children in costumes. Visit sdautomuseum.org.

Trick-or-treating downtown Encinitas

The free annual Safe Trick or Treat will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Oct. 31. Many downtown businesses will have goodies for kids. Costumed trick-or-treaters can stroll South Coast Highway 101, from Encinitas Boulevard to K Street. There will be Halloween-themed activities and games for kids along with entertainment. Visit encinitas101.com.