Here are some of the best things to do this weekend in San Diego from Friday, Oct. 2 to Sunday, Oct. 4.
Friday
Museums
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
Seasonal
Oktoberfest in La Mesa: Oktoberfest in La Mesa features three biergartens, international food, a kids area, Glücklich games, Bavarian bingo, a pumpkin patch and other activities. Four different ticket prices are available with perks ranging from a VIP bar and a commemorative hat to front-of-line privileges. Friday to Sunday. La Mesa Boulevard and Allison Avenue. $15-$54.89 for adults, $11.59-22.93 for under 21. lamesaoktoberfest.org
Oktoberfest In El Cajon: The German American Societies of San Diego host Oktoberfest in El Cajon. Highlights include authentic German food and beers on tap along with oompah music by the Guggenbach-Buam band from Germany. There will be traditional folk dancing along with games and contests. Other attractions include shopping booths, a kids’ zone and an air rifle shooting range. 4 to 10 p.m. Friday, noon to 10 p.m. Saturday and noon to 9 p.m. Sunday. 1017 S. Mollison Ave. Entry fees are $15 for adults on Fridays and Saturdays, $5 on Sundays and free for those younger than 21, club members with a current membership and active-duty military. OktoberfestElCajon.com.
Bring on the beer, bratwurst and German oompah bands for Oktoberfest
Community
San Diego Climate Week: From Oct. 1 to Oct. 8, local communities, scientists, tribal nations, businesses, artists, policymakers and residents will come together for dozens of events focused on climate change. Events include beach and park clean ups, workshops, panels and hikes. sdclimateweek.com
Theater
‘Dear Evan Hansen’ closing weekend: Cygnet Theatre presents the final performances of Pasek and Paul’s Tony Award-winning musical about a lonely teen who suddenly becomes social media-famous after a tragedy occurs. 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Joseph Clayes III Stage, The Joan, 2880 Roosevelt Road, San Diego. $24.50-$78. 619-337-1525, cygnettheatre.org
“Oh, Mary!”: Broadway San Diego will launch the national tour of Cole Escola’s Tony-nominated comedy which imagines what would happen if Mary Todd Lincoln was a drunkard with an unrequited dream of being a famous cabaret star. Drag queen Alaska Thunderf*ck will play Mary and 2023 Tony winner J. Harrison Ghee will play Mary’s Husband. 8 p.m. today; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday; 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sunday. San Diego Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave., downtown. broadwaysd.com/upcoming-events/oh-mary/
“This is Government”: Moxie Theatre presents Nina Kissinger’s dark comedy about a group of U.S. Congressional summer interns questioning the stability of their jobs and the government when Capitol Hill is locked down due to a bomb threat. Opens Friday and runs through Oct. 25. 7 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. 6663 El Cajon Blvd., Suite N, San Diego. $20 and up. moxietheatre.com
“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
“American Rhythm”: In honor of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Lamb’s Players Theatre has revived its high-energy musical celebration of 100 years of American music, from ragtime to swing, jazz and rock and roll. 2 and 7 p.m. Wednesdays; 7 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; 2 and 7 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. Through Oct. 24. 1142 Orange Ave., Coronado. $48-$98. 619-437-6000, lambsplayers.org
Saturday
Sports
SDSU Football: The Aztecs will look to turn their season around at Snapdragon Stadium on Saturday against Texas State. 7:30 p.m. Saturday. Snapdragon Stadium, 2101 Stadium Way, San Diego. Ticket start at $44.12. snapdragonstadium.com/events
Film
Fallbrook Bonsall International Film Festival: This festival will present 22 films from around the world, including productions in animation, documentary and student films. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday. The Historic Mission Theater, 231 N. Main Ave., Fallbrook. $20. fbiff.org
Books
North Park Book Fair: The North Park Book Fair returns “bigger, better, and with Verbatim Books at the helm from start to finish,” according to an event announcement. It will feature local bookstores and literary vendors as well as artisans, publishers and comic book artists. There will also be a costume contest, readings and other activities. Oct. 3. North Park Way from 29th Street to Ray Street. Free. verbatimbooks.com/events/#event=verbatim-books-presents-the-north-park-book-fair-2
Museums
Aerofest: The San Diego Air and Space Museum will host an open hangar day featuring family-friendly activities, docent-led tours, information on airplane history and a close look at restoration projects. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. San Diego Air & Space Museum Gillespie Field Annex, 335 Kenney St., El Cajon. $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, $6 for children under 12. Free for ages 2 and under. sandiegoairandspace.org/calendar/event/aerofest-open-hangar-museum-sale
Music
Daughtry: The Grammy-nominated rock group will perform at Harrah’s. 8 p.m. Saturday. 777 Harrah’s Rincon Way, Funner. Ticket start at $45.15. harrahssocal.com/entertainment/events/daughtry
Gardens
Open Air Yoga: San Diegans can enjoy the surroundings of the San Diego Botanic Garden during an outdoor yoga session. Participants should bring their own mat and sun protection. 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday. $27 for pre-registered nonmembers, $17 for pre-registered members. tickets.sdbg.org/saturdayyogafy27/2773
Beer
Rancho Beernado Festival: AleSmith Brewing Company, Black Plague, Harland Brewing Co., Chula Vista Brewery, Blowfish Tequila and Pure Project are among the participant’s in the 2026 Rancho Beernado Festival. Tickets come with unlimited 2-ounce pours, music, wine and free parking. Oct. 3. Rancho Bernardo’s Webb Park, 11666 Avena Place, San Diego. $65. ranchobeernardofestival.com
Dance
‘Trolley Dances’ returns this weekend: San Diego Dance Theater’s annual “Trolley Dances” is back with hourly guided tours on Saturday and Sunday. Choreographers Terry Wilson, Erica Buechner, Jessica Rabanzo-Flores, Spencer John Powell and Jean Isaacs have created site-specific dances along the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System’s Blue Line. Tours leave from the UTC mall transit center every hour beginning at 10 a.m. until the last tour at 3 p.m. both days. Meet at the ticketing table on the top level of the UTC mall parking structure, 4545 La Jolla Village Drive, San Diego. $46.90, general admission, $31.60, students, seniors, military, and professional artists. sandiegodancetheater.org/performance
Asian American Dance Festival Community Day: The annual festival concludes with a free, all-day program of performances by San Diego area dance companies and individual dancers. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday. City Heights Performance Annex, 3795 Fairmount Ave, San Diego. Free. tiltshiftdance.org/aadf2026
PASACAT Philippine Performing Arts Company presents “Balik Tanaw: Pulse, Breath, Legacy”: The traditional Filipino dance company celebrates its 56th season with a program of new choreography featuring 43 dancers and seven musicians in festive costumes. 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday.. Joan B Kroc Theatre, 6611 University Ave., San Diego. $30-$50. pasacat.org
Classical music
San Diego Symphony: Music and Artistic Director Rafael Payare will conduct the orchestra in a program of Strauss’s “A Hero’s Life,” Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 24 featuring Jefin Bronfman and Gubaidulina’s Fairytale Poem. 7:30 p.m. Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. Jacobs Music Center, 750 B St., downtown. $43-$129. sandiegosymphony.org
Sunday
Seasonal
Olivenhain Oktoberfest: The festival presented by the Olivenhain Town Council features local brews, German dishes and live music. 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. The beer and wine garden features craft beer from local breweries and a variety of wines. Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. Olivenhain Meeting Hall Grounds, 423 Rancho Santa Fe Road. Food and drink tickets are $25 to $50; $10 for children. Event volunteers receive $10 discount. olivenhain.org/oktoberfest.
Festivals
Multicultural Festival: Dancers, bands and singers representing Southeastern San Diego will gather and perform for a multicultural celebration. Chamorro food and dishes from Laos will be available. There will also be kids activities, resources and other activities. RSVP required. 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday. Market Creek Plaza, 336 Euclid Ave., San Diego. eventbrite.com/e/multicultural-festival-day-tickets-1999041798833
Music
Josh Turner: Country singer Josh Turner will bring the This Country Music Thing tour to Harrah’s. 8 p.m. Sunday. 777 Harrah’s Rincon Way, Funner. Ticket start at $39. harrahssocal.com/entertainment/events/josh-turner-this-country-music-thing-tour
Classical music
Le Salon de Musiques season kickoff: This La Jolla-based presenting organization will present a councert by for musicians including former Los Angeles Philharmonic concertmaster and touring violinist Martin Chalifour. 4 p.m. Sunday. The La Jolla Woman’s Club, 7791 Draper Ave., La Jolla. $69-$120. 310-498-0257, lesalondemusiques.com
Camarada presents “Poetics of the Arrabal”: Camarada Tango Quartet flutist Beth Ross, violinist David Buckley, bassist-composer Andrés Martín and pianist Dana Burnett will be joined by mezzo-soprano Gabriela Bojórquez and tenor Martín del León for works by Astor Piazzolla. 6:30 p.m.Sunday. The San Diego Museum of Art, 1450 El Prado, Balboa Park. $50-$75. 619-231-3702, camarada.org