Here are some of the best things to do this weekend in San Diego from Friday, Oct. 16 to Sunday, Oct. 18.
Friday
Museums
Nat at Night: Nat a Night, the San Diego Natural History Museum’s after-hours event, is continuing weekly on most Fridays through the fall. The museum’s popular summertime activity was slated to switch to monthly dates, but the popular demand led to a change of plan, according to an announcement from The Nat. On these Friday nights, visitors can stay inside exploring the museum until 11 p.m., enjoying food and drinks on the rooftop and music. Other activities may vary from week to week. 5 to 11 p.m. most Fridays through Dec. 18. San Diego Natural History Museum, 1788 El Prado, San Diego. $8.50 for youth, $12.50 for adults. sdnhm.org/calendar/nat-at-night
Seasonal
Fright for Future: Described as a place of “true terrors,” this haunted maze presents topics impacting people, animals and planet Earth. Visitors will face attractions such as Killer Dinner, Mad Scientist, Poacher Camp and The Dead Sea. This haunted maze is intended for San Diegans ages 10 years and older. Online reservation required. 5 to 9 p.m. Friday through Sunday, Oct. 23-25. 37ECB, 3720 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego. Free. frightforfuture.org
Haunted Amusement Park: This haunted experience is a one-mile haunted trail featuring a haunted manor, spinning vortex tunnel, graveyard and witch’s cottage along with a rollercoaster creeper, spider’s cave and 3-D black light bumper cars among other spooky attractions. Opens at 7 p.m. Fridays through Sundays and certain other days through Nov. 1. Not recommended for children under 10; children 5 and under not admitted. Closed shoes required. Tickets are $25-$35. scaretrail.com.
Haunted Hotel: The historic grounds of the Olivenhain Meeting Hall will be transformed into a Haunted Hotel. New this year is Candy Mystery Trail and Monster Hunt. There will be spooky scenes ranging from a Haunted Swamp, Dr. Frankenstein’s laboratory and a Witches’ Lair to a Candy Mystery Trail. Actors are Scouts ages 11 to 17. There will be a carnival with prizes, live entertainment, crafts and food. 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday and Oct. 23; and 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Oct. 17, 24 and 30 at 423 Rancho Santa Fe Road. Admission is free. Tickets for Haunted Hotel tour are $8 at the door. Additional costs for concession, carnival, and candy mystery trail. The event is a fundraiser for Scout Troop 2000. For questions, email troop2kcommunityoutreach@gmail.com. Visit facebook.com/HauntedHotel2.
Haunted Trail: One of San Diego’s largest spooky season experiences takes place in Balboa Park presenting the eXperiment Maze, the Haunted Trail and the Dark Carnival. Visitors will brave a range of scary areas, including a Mutant Maze, Chainsaw Cathedral and the Ghoul Bus. Times vary. Oct. 13-18, Oct. 20-Nov. 1. Balboa Drive and Juniper Road, San Diego. $28.98-$49.99. hauntedtrail.net
The Haunted Forest: Banner Ranch invites brave souls to participate in its half-mile Halloween walk. The ranch advertises the experience in its old orchard area as “decorated with graveyards, ghosts and ghouls galore.” Visitors can also purchase snacks, beer, cider and other drinks to consume on the trail. 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. every Friday, Saturday and Sunday in October. 36342 California 78, Julian. $14.36-$16.48. eventbrite.com/e/the-haunted-forest-tickets-186401791777
Haunted Corn Maze: The Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation and The Carlsbad Strawberry Company are teaming up once again for a haunted corn maze. With separate admission, visitors can also walk through the strawberry company’s pumpkin patch and find other fall activities. 7 to 10 p.m. Every Friday and Saturday from Oct. 2 to Oct. 31. 1050 Cannon Road, Carlsbad. $45. aguahedionda.org/haunted-corn-maze
Entertainment
DroneArt Show: The Del Mar Fairgrounds will be the scene of a drone show in the sky this weekend. The one-hour show will feature more than 12,000 drones and have a “Harry Potter” theme and music. Guests are asked to arrive two hours early to find seating. Film merchandise will be for sale. 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., San Diego. $46.71. thedroneartshow.com/san-diego/harry-potter
Dance
CONTRA-TIEMPO Activist Dance Theater: The Los Angeles-based contemporary dance company presents the world premiere of Ana Maria Alvarez and Holly Johnston’s “Roots of Loving Us,” which will explore themes of connection and belonging through the lens of adoptees, foster families and support systems. 7:30 p.m. Friday. Epstein Family Amphitheater, 9480 Innovation Lane, UCSD, La Jolla. $30 to $55. artpower.ucsd.edu
Classical music
San Diego Symphony presents Ravel and Debussy: Conductor Ludovic Morlot and trombone soloist Jörgen van Rijen join the symphony for works by Debussy, Ravel, Poulenc and resident composer Jimmy López. 11 a.m. today; 2:30 p.m. Saturday. Jacobs Music Center, 750 B St., downtown. $43-$129. sandiegosymphony.org
Theater
‘The Wild Party’ opens Friday at SDSU: SDSU’s School of Theatre, Television, and Film kicks off its 100th season Friday with Andrew Lippa’ jazzy 1997 musical “The Wild Party.” Based on a 1928 poem by Joseph Moncure March, it’s the story of Prohibition-era party where a woman’s attraction to another man leads her lover to an act of violence. 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday; 7:30 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday. Main Stage, Theatre District, SDSU, 5500 Campanile St., San Diego. $15-$25 ttf.sdsu.edu/calendar
“Ripcord”: The Roustabouts Theatre Co. presents David Lindsay-Abaire comedy about two very different roommates in an escalating battle of wills at a senior living community. 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays (no performance on Halloween). Through Nov. 1. The Roustabouts at Scripps Ranch Theatre, 9873 Avenue of Nations, San Diego. $10-$45. theroustabouts.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. Friday; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday; 2 and 7 p.m. Sunday. 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. Friday; 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. Friday; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday; 7 p.m. Sunday. Old Globe Theatre, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, San Diego. $66 and up. 619-234-5623, theoldglobe.org
Saturday
Festivals
La Jolla Art & Wine Festival: The 18th festival will feature more than 170 participating artists selling their work along Girard Avenue between Prospect Street and Torrey Pines Road. There will be paintings, sculpture, photographer and glasswork, as well as live entertainment and food and drink for sale. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Downtown La Jolla. Free. ljawf.com
Seasonal
Palomar Mountain Apple Festival: For the 16th time, locals can celebrate the fall season at this apple festival. There will be games, apple cider, a pie-eating contest, live bluegrass music, jewelry-making and other activities. Participants are encouraged to wear late 1800s attire.11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Silvercrest Picnic Area, Palomar Mountain. Free. $10 parking. instagram.com/p/DdzytmwGF1J
Dia de los Muertos at Rancho Guajome Adobe: The County of San Diego Department of Parks and Recreation will host a Dia de los Muertos event with live enter entertainment, arts and crafts, community altars and food. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Rancho Guajome Adobe, 2210 North Santa Fe Ave., Vista. $6 for ages 13 and older, $3 for ages 4-12, free for 3 and under. tockify.com/sdparkscalendar/detail/933/1792256400000
Boo at the Zoo: Meet spooky and not-so-spooky animals in a flashlight tour at Wild Wonders animal refuge. The hourlong Halloween-themed tours are at 6 p.m. with treat stations. Wear your costume. Saturday, Oct. 24-25 and Oct. 30. 5712 Vía Montellano, Tickets are $45 for adults and youths ages 12 and older and $25 for children under age 12. Visit wildwonders.org.
Sip & Scare Trains: Campo Railroad Museum will run Sip & Scare Trains for adults over age 21. Tickets include one cocktail, a journey through the haunted attraction, The Lost Train of Dr. Deadtrack, and entrance to the Karnevil afterparty, featuring live music, food, drinks, and vendors. 6 p.m. Saturdays through 31. Campo Railroad Museum, 750 Depot St., Campo. $49.95-$64.95. Reserve at psrm.org/sipnscare.
Pumpkin Plunge: A floating Pumpkin Patch, bounce house and games will be featured at Pumpkin Plunge. Also, the Splash Pad will be open. Food will be sold. Tickets are $15; free for kids ages 3 and younger, but they still need to be registered. Pick up wristbands in advance at Alga Norte Aquatic Center. 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday. Alga Norte Aquatics Center, 6565 Alicante Road. carlsbadca.gov/departments/parks-recreation/programs-and-events/special-events/pumpkin-plunge.
An Evening with the Spirits: For one night only, Hotel del Coronado will host a guided experience with a journey “through the fascinating history of séances, spirit communication, Ouija boards and other practices that have shaped our enduring interest in the supernatural.” Participants will also learn about the famous hotel haunt, Kate Morgan. In addition, the hotel will also present a separate paranormal tour, available Saturday and Oct. 23. 8 p.m. Saturday. 1500 Orange Ave., Coronado. $128.75. hoteldel.com/experience/fall
The Garden Goes Batty: The Water Conservation Garden at Cuyamaca College will host a seasonal event featuring an educational show known as “All About Bats.” There will also be educational booths, a youth rock band and trick-or-treating stations all around the garden. 5 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday. The Water Conservation Garden,12122 Cuyamaca College Drive West, El Cajon. $15 for members, $18 general admission. thegarden.org/gardengoesbatty2026
Film
San Diego Filipino Film Festival special edition: Filipino American History Month is here and the San Diego Filipino Film Festival is celebrating with a special edition of its film event. There will be a presentation of short films and music videos made by Filipino filmmakers from Manila, San Diego and elsewhere. A red carpet will open the event and an after party will follow. 5 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday. AMC Theatre Plaza Bonita, 3050 Plaza Bonita Road. $13.75. tickettailor.com/events/sandiegofilipinocinema/2444352
Dining
Taste of City Heights: On Saturday, the City Hights Community Development Corp will host its second annual culinary walking tour, where ticket-buyers can get a taste of global cuisine at more than 30 restaurants and enjoy live entertainment along a 1.5-mile stretch of University Avenue. Tickets are $65 for general admission and $95 for VIP, for early entry and upgraded tastings, gifts and complimentary drinks. 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday. eventbrite.com/e/taste-of-city-heights-tickets-1989923308182
Celebrate the Craft: The Lodge at Torrey Pines will host its 23rd annual culinary festival showcasing Southern California restaurants, seasonal food, wines, artisan wares and farm ingredients. This year’s festival will be led by the Lodge’s new team of Executive Chef Eric Sakai and A.R. Valentien Chef de Cuisine Owen Beatty. Other featured chefs will include Eric Bost, Travis Swikard, Brad Wise, Brian Redzikowski, Drew Deckman, Joo Ruiz, Claudia Sandoval, Oscar Torres and many more. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. 11480 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla. $375. lodgetorreypines.com/celebrate-the-craft
Music
World Singing Day concert: The Choral Consortium of San Diego hosts a free community sing-along led by Kathleen Hansen, artistic director of the San Diego Women’s Chorus. 4 p.m. Saturday. Liberty Public Market front patio by the “USS Brave,” 2820 Historic Decatur Road, Point Loma. Free. sdsings.org
Art
“Painted Prayers: The Japanese Folk Art Tradition of Ema”: This weekend, Mingei International Museum will open an extensive exhibit devoted to “ema,” which are small, wooden house-shaped plaques offered as prayers in Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines. Opens Saturday and runs through April 4. 1439 El Prado, Balboa Park, San Diego. Free to $15. 619-239-0003, mingei.org
Sasha Koozel Reibstein exhibition: La Jolla’s Quint Gallery presents a solo exhibition of mixed-media works by San Diego-based artist Sasha Koozel Reibstein. The Boston native’s work has been featured at the MCASD and Mingei museums, as well as the San Diego International Airport. Opens Saturday with a reception from 6 to 8 p.m., and runs through Nov. 25. Quint Gallery, 7222 Girard Ave., La Jolla. Free. 858-454-3409. quintgallery.com
San Diego Made LIVE! at Factory Underground: Local interdisciplinary artists Cathy Carey, Miki Vale, Miguel Galvan, Joe Cantrell and Alexandra Carter are persenting painting, dance, performance, sound, installation, technology and storytelling at a series of venues this fall. Next up: 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday. San Diego Made Factory, 2031 Commercial St., #113, Logan Heights. Free. eventbrite.com/e/san-diego-made-live-tickets-2002757669101
Barrio Logan Art Crawl: The Barrio Logan Assocation hosts this free, family-friendly vintage and art market at the Mercardo Del Barrio in the Barrio Logan Cultural District. noon to 4 p.m. Saturday. 1101 Chicano Park Blvd., San Diego. https://www.barriologanassociation.org/barrio-art-crawl
Classical music
North Coast Symphony: San Diego Symphony clarinetist Max Opferkuch joins the orchestra for a concert of works by Von Weber, Dukas, Mussorgsky and more. 2:30 p.m. Saturday. San Dieguito United Methodist Church, 170 Calle Magdalena, Encinitas. $17-$20, adults; children 18 and under are free. northcoastsymphony.com
Bach Collegium San Diego’s “Salzburg Connections”: Four opera singers will perform Mozart’s Vespers and Michael Haydn’s Requiem in historically informed concerts at two locations. 7 p.m. Saturday at the Baker-Baum Concert Hall, The Conrad, 7600 Fay Avenue, La Jolla. $15.53-$72.45; and at 4 p.m. Sunday at All Souls’ Episcopal, 1475 Catalina Blvd., Point Loma. $15.53-$72.45. 619-341-1726, bachcollegiumsd.org
San Diego Symphony presents Khachaturian and Bruckner: Symphony Music and Artistic Director Rafael Payare will conduct the orchestra in a program of works by Soviet-era composer Aram Khachaturian, including his violin concerto that will be perfmred by Sergey Khachatryan, and Bruckner’s Symphony No. 8 in D minor. 7:30 p.m. Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. Jacobs Music Center, 750 B St., downtown. $43-$129. sandiegosymphony.org
Community
Queen Califia’s Magical Circle Family Creativity Days and Twilight Poetry: The city of Escondido is celebrating the 23rd anniversary of artist Niki de Saint Phalle’s whimsical sculpture garden in Kit Carson Park with a series of October events. From 10 a.m. Saturday and Oct. 17 and 24, families are invited to the sculpture garden to take place in free activities and more. Also from 6-8 p.m. Saturday, there will be poetry readings by Angela Narciiso Torres, Nancy Lynee Woo, Tammy C. Greenwood, and Darius Degher. Kit Carson Park, 3333 Bear Valley Parkway, Escondido. Free. escondido.gov/1252/queen-califias-magical-circle
Haunted Trail: County of San Diego Department of Parks and Recreation is hosting a spooky half-mile walk through Dos Picos County Park and other seasonal activities. The haunted trail will be open from 7 to 9 p.m. 4 p.m. Saturday. Dos Picos County Park, 17953 Dos Picos Park Road, Ramona. Free. $5 Parking. tockify.com/sdparkscalendar/detail/946/1792278000000
Art
“La Ruta de Nuestros Ancestros/The Path of Our Ancestors”: The Bonita Museum & Cultural Center will host a group exhibition exploring ancestry, cultural memory, identity and the connections between past and present. It opens Saturday and runs through Nov. 2.4355 Bonita Road, Bonita. bonitahistoricalsociety.org
Sunday
Community
San Dieguito’s Fall Festival: Described as a zero-waste event, this fall festival will include a costume contest and parade, live animals, a presentation on hawks and crafts. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday. San Dieguito County Park, 1628 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Del Mar. Free. $5 parking. tockify.com/sdparkscalendar/detail/945/1792342800000
Women in the Wild: In honor of Breast Cancer awareness month, this will be a free yoga class by the lake. Participants are encouraged to wear pink. 10 to 11:30 a.m. Sunday. Otay Lakes County Park – Area 3 Lawn, 22270 Wueste Road, Chula Vista. Free. sdparks.org/content/sdparks/en/participate/WomenintheWild.html
Pumpkin Patch: Kids and their families are invited to pick a pumpkin and decorate it. There will also be music, inflatables and crafts. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Waterfront Park, 1600 Pacific Highway, San Diego. Free. tockify.com/waterfrontpark/detail/150/1792346400000
Dance
Pointeworks presents “Compositions”: This dance company dedicated to female voices will feature an international cast of ballet artists performing original works set to music by resident composer Katie Jenkins. 7:30 p.m. Sunday. Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave., downtown. $27.70 to $137.25. sandiegotheatres.org
Music
Village Church 70th anniversary concert: This Rancho Santa Fe church’s adult and children’s choirs, bell choir and contemporary band will perform anthems, traditional and contemporary works at this free, open-seating concert. 4 p.m. Sunday. 6225 Paseo Delicias, Rancho Santa Fe. Free. villagechurch.org
Poiesis Quartet: La Jolla Music Society presents this award-winning chamber ensemble performing works by Prokofiev, Beethoven, Jeff Scott and Sky Macklay. 3 p.m. Sunday. Baker-Baum Concert Hall, The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, 7600 Fay Avenue, La Jolla. $40-$77. theconrad.org/events/poiesis-quartet
Opera
Opera 4 Kids presents “The Enchanted Tail”: The Spreckels Organ Society hosts a free performance of this hour-long family-friendly opera story about a clever fox and cunning princess who search the forest for a lost song. 2 p.m. Sunday. Spreckels Organ Pavilion, 2125 Pan American East Road, Balboa Park, San Diego. Free. opera4kids.com/live-shows