Woodward Center Howl-O-Ween Harvest Family Festival

The Helen Woodward Center Halloween Harvest Family Festival will be held Oct. 10, 17, 24 and 31 at 9 a.m.-1 p.m. each day.

Howl-O-Ween Harvest Family Festival is a community celebration filled with hands-on animal encounters, festive fall crafts, themed games, face painting, trick-or-treat stations, and other sponsored booth activities throughout the Woodward Humane Education Campus, its website states. Meet animal ambassadors, pick out a mini pumpkin to take home, and enjoy a not-so-spooky day of discovery that’s perfect for preschool through elementary-aged kids. Costumes encouraged. For more information and tickets go to:animalcenter.org/programs-services/education/kid-events/

RSF Book Cellar Half-Off Sale

The Book Cellar at the Rancho Santa Fe Library is holding its Half-Off Sale on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 2 and 3. Store hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Please note: Book Sellers’ shopping hours are Friday and Saturday, 12 p.m.-3 p.m.

Volunteers needed to help prep sandwiches to help feed people in need

On Sunday, Oct. 18, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m., the La Jolla Golden Triangle Rotary Club will host its annual PB&J Project, bringing together Rotarians, families, friends and community members with an ambitious goal: making 5,000 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches in just three hours.The sandwiches will be distributed through Father Joe’s Villages and Interfaith Community Services to help feed people facing food insecurity throughout San Diego County.The club will provide peanut butter, jelly and other supplies. Attendees are encouraged to bring loaves of bread, which is traditionally the ingredient the group needs most as sandwich-making gets underway.The event will beheld at 8540 Via Mallorca, La Jolla.

Village Church Blood Drive

The Village Church in Rancho Santa Fe is hosting a blood drive on Sunday, Oct. 18, from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the church’s Fellowship Center at 6225 Paseo Delicias. In partnership with the American Red Cross, the church is urging community members to donate blood for patients in local hospitals, a news release stated.

Donors must be at least 16 years old, and all blood types are needed especially O negative, A negative and B negative. Every donor will receive a $15 e-gift card.

To book an appointment: https://villagechurch.org/blood-drive or email: Kathy Collins kathysc77@gmail.com.

Harvest Festival at Horizon Church

Horizon Church’s annual Harvest Festival will be held on Saturday, Oct. 31 from 5 p.m.-9 p.m. at 6365 El Apajo, Rancho Santa Fe.All are welcome to join the event for a fun-filled evening for the whole family. Enjoy free games and carnival rides, plus food trucks will be on site with food available for purchase. Bring family and friends and enjoy a great night together, a news release stated.

20th Annual SES Tennis Center Pro-Am fundraising tournament

The 20th Annual Sean Eduardo Sanchez (SES) Tennis Center Fundraising Pro-Am Tennis Tournament will take place on Sunday, Oct. 11, at Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa in Rancho Santa Fe.

Celebrating two decades of tennis, community and giving back, the annual event brings together amateur players, local tennis professionals, sponsors and spectators to raise funds benefiting the SES Tennis Center in Tecate, Mexico, as well as Empty Cradle, a San Diego nonprofit organization that supports parents and families coping with the loss of an infant before, during or after birth.

Player and professional registration begins at 12 p.m., with warm-up beginning at 12:30 p.m. In addition to tournament play, guests can enjoy a mini silent auction, followed by a family-friendly barbecue dinner and trophy presentation.

Those who are not competing are encouraged to attend as spectators and take part in the celebration.

For registration, spectator information, sponsorship opportunities and additional event details, visit www.sestenniscenter.org.

Beach & Country Guild 57th Dia Del Sol

The Beach & Country Guild will present the 57th Dia Del Sol, “Wicked for Good”, on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at Park Hyatt Aviara in Carlsbad.  For tickets and more information, visit www.beachandcountry.org  or email reservations@beachandcountry.org with questions regarding the event. All proceeds from the event benefit United Cerebral Palsy of San Diego.

DreamKeepers Project Inc. event

DreamKeepers Project Inc. will hold 21st annual Membership Appreciation Event “A Morning of Coffee, Food & Friends” on Monday, Oct. 19 from 10 a.m. to noon at La Valle Coastal Club (formerly Morgan Run) in Rancho Santa Fe. The event’s special guest Chef from Paseo RSF will present a creative bistro-style cooking demonstration.

There will also be exciting shopping with merchandise from favorite vendors featuring jewelry and artful items for the home. And, of course, the Famous Opportunity Drawing for fabulous gift baskets will conclude the morning of fun, a news release stated.

DreamKeepers Project Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization that supports the Family Recovery Center in Oceanside, which assists women in breaking the cycle of substance abuse. The FRC treats the needs of families through residential and outpatient treatment and continuing care. Their goals are to improve the well being of children while promoting family unification, and to assist families to achieve economic and social self-sufficiency.

All are welcome to attend, come and bring a friend. RSVP by Monday, Oct. 12 to: contact@dreamkeepersproject.org or 858-756-6993 for details.

‘Art and Wine in the Garden’

Rancho Santa Fe residents will be among those participating in the “Art and Wine in the Garden” event on Saturday, Oct. 3, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at 1230 Birmingham Dr. in Encinitas. The event will feature 14 San Diego artists, live music, food and wine. It is free and open to the public. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Oceanside Museum of Art’s Youth Arts Education Programming.

Worship at the Beach with the Village Church

Come join the Village Church for a beautiful afternoon of worship, fellowship, and community at the beach on Sunday, Oct. 4 from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m.

The event will be held at Cardiff State Beach, near the lifeguard tower and Pacific Coast Grill. Parking is available on-site or on the street.

Bring your own picnic lunch, a beach chair or blanket, and a heart ready to worship. Attendees will gather together by the shore, enjoy some good food and fellowship, and lift their voices in praise, a news release stated. Invite a friend, everyone is welcome!

For more information visit barbarah@villagechurch.org

The Village Church to host new member luncheon

Everyone is welcome to join pastors and leaders from The Village Church for lunch and conversation on what it means to become a member of the church. The gathering is set for Sunday, Oct. 11 from 11:45 a.m. until 1:45 a.m. in the church parlor at 6225 Paseo Delicias in Rancho Santa Fe.

Participants will learn about the church’s vision, mission and values while discovering the benefits of membership. Opportunities to join will be available, but everyone is welcome to just come and explore being part of a congregation that follows Jesus for life, a news release stated.

For more information, contact davidh@villagechurch.org

RSVP required for lunch: https://villagechurch.org/new-members-class

20th Annual Horse Heritage Festival

The Horse Heritage Conservancy, in partnership with the Twin Oaks Valley EquestrianAssociation, will hold the 20th Annual Horse Heritage Festival and Ride & Stride onSunday, Oct. 18. This family friendly fundraiser will be held at one of San Marcos’s favorite gathering places, the Walnut Grove Park from 10 a.m.to 2 p.m. Horse lovers, families, and community members are invited to enjoy a fun-filled day of equestrian traditions, activities, and community spirit.For more information or to register visit: www.keepitequestrian.org/ride-stride-2026Participants will be able to purchase coffee from Rise & Brew and lunch from Richie’s Burgers.

Abbey Road’s Christmas with the Beatles

Abbey Road’s Christmas with the Beatles returns to the Belly Up on Wednesday, Dec. 23 at 8 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m. This special night is filled with Abbey Road’s mash-ups of Christmas classics and Beatles faves. Tickets are $20 – $35 and may be purchased online at www.bellyup.com, by phone at 858-481-8140 or at the venue box office. The Belly Up is located at 143 South Cedros Avenue, Solana Beach. The show is 21+.

Judgment of Paris wine event

On Oct. 1, The Del Mar Wine & Food Festival and Grand Del Mar will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Judgment of Paris, when a Napa Valley chardonnay from Chateau Montelena winery beat out France’s top wines in a blind international taste test in 1976. Hosted by Ernie Hahn and the Hahn family, the multicourse dinner prepared by Fairmont Grand Del Mar Executive Chef Bryn McArthur and James Beard Award-winning chef Mawa McQueen of Aspen, Colo., will feature wine parings from Chateau Montelena. 6-9 p.m. Oct. 1. $638.75. 5300 Grand Del Mar Court, San Diego. delmar.wine/events

North Coast Rep to present benefit reading

North Coast Repertory Theatre will hold a special benefit reading of King of the Wild Frontier on Monday, Oct. 5 at 7:30 p.m.

Emmy Award-winning actor Joe Spano (“NCIS”, “Hill Street Blues”) and acclaimed screenwriter, television writer, playwright, and producer John Romano (“The Lincoln Lawyer”) bring this one-night-only reading to the NC Rep stage, directed by Jenny Sullivan and set against the backdrop of a 1960s New Jersey country club, exploring faith, family, and power.

Stay after the reading for a conversation with Joe Spano, Jenny Sullivan, and John Romano, followed by a reception with light refreshments.

All proceeds benefit the artists of North Coast Repertory Theatre. For tickets go to shorturl.at/roMM1

Del Mar Wine & Food Festival

The Del Mar Wine & Food Festival (DMWFF), benefiting Feeding San Diego, returns Sept. 30–Oct. 4 with a packed lineup of celebrity chefs, acclaimed winemakers, professional athletes and new events that showcase why DMWFF has quickly become one of Southern California’s most dynamic food and cultural weekends. Co-founded by sports icons Alex Morgan, Drew Brees and Rob Machado with Food Network host Troy Johnson, DMWFF was built around San Diego’s unique collision of food, drink and active culture. The festival spans eight events.For the full schedule, tickets and more information, go to: delmar.wine

San Diego international Film Festival

Celebrating 25 years in 2026, the San Diego International Film Festival celebrates filmmaking from around the world. It kicks off with an opening night film and premiere party on Oct. 14. To celebrate the big anniversary, Belly Up will host a 25 Years After Dark party. Throughout the event, more than 100 films will be presented. Oct. 13-18. AMC 14 at Westfield UTC and other venues. Single screening or festival tickets available. sdfilmfest.com

River Valley Fest 2026 celebrates Conservancy’s 40th anniversary

River Valley Fest 2026, an extra-special event to recognize San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy’s 40th anniversary, will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Oct. 11 at La Valle Coastal Club in Rancho Santa Fe. The evening includes a silent auction, seated dinner, program and live auction. Attendees will raise glasses to celebrate four decades’ worth of conservation, education and recreation. For tickets, go to www.sdrvc.org

Nice Guy of the Year Gala

The 46th Annual Nice Guy of the Year Gala will be from 6 to 11 p.m. Oct. 10 at the  Marriott Marquis San Diego, 333 West Harbor Drive. Honorees include Emmy Award-winning journalist Kimberly Hunt and the late Billy Ray Smith, Jr.  The Master of Ceremonies for the evening will be Scott Kaplan. Visit https://www.sdniceguys.com/events/

Pumpkin Station

Locals can walk through this pumpkin patch for free or purchase one to take home. Giant slides, an antique carousel, a petting zoo and other carnival rides are available for entertainment. Sept. 25-Oct. 31. Del Mar Fairgrounds, 15555 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar. $5 per ride and activity. pumpkinstation.com/del-mar-pumpkin-station/

Haunted Corn Maze

The Carlsbad Strawberry Company will be the scene of a terrifying corn maze. The spooky experience is recommended for teens and adults only. Fridays and Saturdays in October. 1050 Cannon Road, Carlsbad. $25-45. aguahedionda.org/haunted-corn-maze

Kids Free in October

For the 15th time, San Diego County museums, attractions and cultural institutions are joining together to provide free admission for kids with an accompanying paying adult. There are more than 60 participants this year, including Living Coast Discovery Center, WorldBeat Cultural Center, USS Midway Museum, Bonita Museum and Cultural Center, Oceanside Museum of Art and Birch Aquarium at Scripps. See the San Diego Museum Council’s online guide for details. Oct. 1-31. sandiegomuseumcouncil.org/specials/kidsfree

Boots & Brews

The Boots & Brews Country Music Festival makes its Del Mar debut Oct. 2 as part of Surfer’s Point LIVE, featuring country music by Billy Currington and Dylan Scott. The evening will include favorites such as Currington’s “People Are Crazy” and “Good Directions,” along with Scott’s “My Girl” and “Can’t Have Mine (Find You a Girl).”Doors open at 5:30 p.m. at the Del Mar Arena at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd. Tickets start at $44.99, plus fee. Visit https://www.surferspointlive.com/.

Veterinary Care program for seniors

The “Veterinary Care Assistance Program for Seniors” at Rancho Coastal Humane Society offers financial assistance, resources and support to senior pet parents (60 years and older) with limited income for their pets’ veterinary care. Financial documentation and a written estimate and treatment plan from an accredited San Diego County veterinarian is required. For more information call 760-579-2426, visit www.sdpets.org or email Vetcareprogram@sdpets.org

Oktoberfest with local brews

Olivenhain Oktoberfest presented by the Olivenhain Town Council features local brews, German dishes and live music from noon to 4 p.m. Oct. 4 at the Olivenhain Meeting Hall Grounds, 423 Rancho Santa Fe Road. The band will play German melodies, European harvest anthems and American pop hits. Guests are encouraged to wear a dirndl or lederhosen and bring their lawn chairs. The menu includes bratwurst and red cabbage, hot dogs, potato salad, sauerkraut, soft pretzels and dessert. The beer and wine garden offers craft beer from local breweries and a variety of wines. Food and drink tickets are $25-$50; $10 for children. Event volunteers receive a $10 discount. Visit olivenhain.org/oktoberfest.

Pickleball tournament benefits Feeding San Diego

The Drew Brees Celebrity Pickleball Tournament, hosted by Brees, an NFL legend who was recently inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, is returning to the Del Mar Wine & Food Festival to bring together athletes, chefs, and hunger-relief supporters for an afternoon of pickleball. The charity event is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 2 at the Barnes Tennis Center in Point Loma. New this year, the public can register in intermediate and advanced tournaments, with the winning team in the intermediate division taking home a $2,000 purse and the advanced division, $3,000. The event is a fundraiser for Feeding San Diego. Tickets are $125-$600. A “Spotlight on Baja” dinner benefitting Feeding San Diego is from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Oct. 2 at a residence in Rancho Santa Fe.  Visit https://delmar.wine/event/celebrity-pickleball-tournament-benefitting-feeding-san-diego/

Voices for Children seeks volunteers

Local nonprofit Voices for Children is looking for volunteers to serve as Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) and stand up for foster children in need.  Volunteers are trained and supported by the nonprofit to speak up for children in foster care in court, school and medical settings to make sure their needs are met. CASA volunteers often become an important adult for a child in foster care as they face court hearings, social workers, attorneys and new homes. Visit speakupnow.org.

Cory Littleton Matador Golf Classic

The Mt. Miguel High School Foundation holds its 3rd Annual Cory Littleton Matador Golf Classic on Oct. 3 at Loma Santa Fe Executive Golf Course, 1580 Sun Valley Rd. Tee time is 11 a.m. The event supports the Mt. Miguel High School Foundation and its efforts to help Mt. Miguel students. Registration is $160. Visit https://mmhsfoundation.com/.

Registration open for 6th Annual Del Mar BodySurf Festival

Registration is now open for the 6th Annual Del Mar BodySurf Festival, returning to Powerhouse Park in Del Mar on Sunday, Nov, 1.Hosted by the Del Mar BodySurfing Club (DMBC), the festival has grown from a local competition into a fall tradition that brings together experienced competitors, first-time racers, families and members of the Southern California ocean community for a day devoted to one of surfing’s simplest and oldest forms: riding waves using only the body and a pair of swim fins.Registration is available now through the STACT app.All registered contestants and event volunteers will receive an official festival shirt and lunch provided by Jake’s Del Mar. For more information, visit www.delmarbodysurf.com

Kayaking event

The Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation will put on its 20th annual Kayak Fundraiser & Cleanup event Oct. 3-4. The event allows the public to go kayaking in waters usually closed to boating, while helping preserve the lagoon habitat by removing trash. The cost is a $160 donation per two-person tandem kayak for two-hour event, including personal flotation device, water safety instructions and 90-minute kayaking. Visit www.batiquitoslagoon.org.

Surf Del Mar Festival

The Surf Del Mar Festival, hosted by the Del Mar Historical Society is Oct. 8-11 celebrating the sport and culture of surfing. Highlights include a free screening of Bustin’ Down the Door and Q&A with surfing legend Shaun Tomson at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 9 at St Peter’s Parish Hall, 334 14th St.; a picnic and free screening of Bruce Brown’s classic film, The Endless Summer, at about 6:30 p.m. Oct. 10 on the lawn at Powerhouse Park and book signing by surf photographer Jeff Devine featuring his newest book “Divine Surf!” at 11 a.m. Oct. 11 at L’Auberge Hotel. There will be a tribute to “Don Hansen, entrepreneur, athlete and adventurer.” Visit https://surfdelmarfestival.com/

Theater events

• “A Black-billed Cuckoo”: La Jolla Playhouse presents the world premiere of Mat Smart’s new play about a group of bird-watchers at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden, whose members are desperate to spot a rare and highly elusive species. 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; 1 and 7 p.m. Sundays. Through Oct. 11. Mandell Weiss Forum, 2910 La Jolla Village Drive, UC San Diego, La Jolla. $30-$69. 858-550-1010, lajollaplayhouse.org

• “Good Night, Oscar”:North Coast Repertory Theatre presents the West Coast premiere of Doug Wright’s Broadway drama inspired by the real-life 1958  broadcast of the mentally troubled, but brilliant, composer-pianist Oscar Levant’s appearance on Jack Paar’s TV talk show. 7 p.m. Wednesdays-Fridays; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; 2 and 7 p.m. Sundays. Through Oct. 18. 987 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach. $63.50-$66.50.858-481-1055, northcoastrep.org

• “Topdog/Underdog”: The Old Globe presents Suzan-Lori Parks’ Pulitzer Prize-winning tragicomedy about two Black brothers, Lincoln and Booth, who struggle to make a living through humiliating jobs and card games. Despite their intense sibling bond, their rivalry becomes a destructive force. 7 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; 2 and 7 p.m. Sundays. Through Oct. 18. Sheryl & Harvey White Theatre, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, San Diego.$97-$119. 619-234,5623, theoldglobe.org

• “Begin Again”:The Old Globe presents the world premiere of John Carney, Jenna Clark Embrey and Molly Beach Murphy’s film-inspired musical about a singer and a songwriter who meet at an open-mic night and change each others’ lives, featuring a score by the band Train. 7 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; 7 p.m. Sundays. Through Oct. 18. Old Globe Theatre, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, San Diego. $66 and up. 619-234-5623, theoldglobe.org