CARLSBAD
Genealogy buffs host talk
The nonprofit North San Diego County Genealogical Society hosts a free talk on “Tracking Your Eastern European Ancestors“ led by Pam Vestal from 10 to 10:30 a.m. Oct. 27 at City of Carlsbad Faraday Center, 1635 Faraday Ave. Register only if attending via Zoom. Visit nsdcgs.org.
Día de los Muertos at Carrillo Ranch
A Día de los Muertos celebration with arts and crafts, face painting, storytelling and a community ofrenda is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 31 at Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park, the historic hacienda of Hollywood legend Leo Carrillo, at 6200 Flying Leo Carrillo Lane. Highlights include a ballet folklórico performance at 11 a.m. and Grupo Bella concert at 12:30 p.m. A traditional ofrenda dedicated to the Carrillo family and colorful decorations will remain at the ranch through Nov. 2. Admission is free. Food will be sold. Visit carlsbadca.gov/departments/parks-recreation/programs-and-events/special-events/dia-de-los-muertos.
Class on tools for a family historian
A fall seminar on “Technical Tools for the Family Historian,” hosted by the North San Diego County Genealogical Society, is from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 7 online. The speaker is Mark Thompson, who will discuss artificial intelligence, photo analysis and digitization. Fee is $25. Register by Oct. 31 at reservations@nsdcgs.org.
CHULA VISTA
Día de los Muertos celebration with market
The annual Día de los Muertos celebration is from 3 to 7:30 p.m. Nov. 1 in downtown Chula Vista. The free community event includes a Catrín & Catrina Ensemble contest, an ofrenda contest, live music and dance performances, a car show, kids crafts and artisan vendors at Mercado by Las Jefas Market along with treats, food and photo ops. Visit downtownchulavista.com.
DEL MAR
Rose enthusiasts discuss El Nino storms
The Del Mar Rose Society will host horticulturist John Clements for a presentation on “Prepping Your Garden for the El Niño Storms” at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 29 at the Del Mar Powerhouse Community Center, 1658 Coast Blvd. A reception will be followed by the meeting and presentation. The public is welcome. Visit delmarrosesociety.com.
ENCINITAS
Salute to Paws run
Local nonprofit Shelter to Soldier will put on its third annual Salute to Paws 5K & Gratitude Festival for Dogs starting with a dog-friendly 5K run/walk at 9:30 a.m. Nov. 7 at Fox Point Farms. The event features a festival from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. with live music, food, local vendors, a silent auction and adoptable dogs from Thrive Animal Rescue. Proceeds benefit Shelter to Soldier, which rescues dogs from local shelters and trains them to be service animals for post-9/11 veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and related injuries. The 5K registration starts at $50; $25 for kids 12 and younger; festival-only tickets are $25. Visit bit.ly/SaluteToPaws3.
Fall camps at animal shelter
The Rancho Coastal Humane Society will run Animal Camps with hands-on learning for ages 6-11 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 26-30, Nov. 11 and Nov. 23-25. Scholarships are available. Register at sdpets.org.
ESCONDIDO
Día de los Muertos festival
The free annual Día de los Muertos festival at the California Center for the Arts Museum, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., is from 4 to 9 p.m. Nov. 1 with an art walk, live music, food, folklórico dance groups, community ofrendas and a catrina contest along with retail vendors, kids crafts and face painting. Performances in the Concert Hall start at 5 p.m. There will be a marigold bar serving drinks and dancing to the tunes of DJ Zuni. The museum will be open with free admission. Visit artcenter.org/dia-de-los-muertos.
Library bookstore runs half-price sale
The Friends of the Escondido Library bookstore is holding its monthly half-price sale from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 31 at the library, 239 S. Kalmia St. Items in the store will be 50% off (25-cent minimum), including a wide variety of fiction, nonfiction, collectors books, DVDs, CDs and an extensive children’s section. Call 760-839-4832 or visit library.escondido.org.
Mobile home group meets
The Escondido Mobile Home Positive Action Committee meets at 11 a.m. Oct. 31 at the Imperial Mobile Home Estates, 2300 E. Valley Parkway. There will be a discussion on a proposed Senior Park Overlay Ordinance that will prevent park owners from turning senior citizen parks into family parks.
Aztec dancers at the Dia de los Muertos event at Mira Costa College in Encinitas
(Jon Clark)
IMPERIAL BEACH
Celebration with folklórico dance
The annual Día de los Muertos Community Celebration is from 3 to 6 p.m. Nov. 2 at Veterans Park, 1075 Eighth St. Highlights include a folklórico performance, a mariachi band, a community ofrenda, face painting, sugar skull decorating, Ribbons of Remembrance and food trucks. Visit imperialbeachca.gov/672/Dia-de-los-Muertos.
LA JOLLA
Community Ofrenda
A Día de los Muertos Celebration with a community ofrenda is from 3 to 5 p.m. Nov. 2 at the La Jolla Community Center, 6811 La Jolla Blvd. Members are encouraged to create an ofrenda with pictures of their loved ones. Pan de muerto (Mexican sweet bread), coffee and Mexican hot chocolate will be served. Cost is $15; free for community center members. Visit ljcommunitycenter.org.
Blessing of animals at church
The Congregational Church of La Jolla will hold a Blessing of the Animals in remembrance of St. Francis of Assisi’s love for all God’s creatures at 10:30 a.m. Oct. 25 outdoors in the church’s courtyard at 1216 Cave St. as part of the Sunday worship service led by Pastor Tim Seery. Decker’s Dog and Cat, a family-owned pet store across from the church, will offer treats to pets. Visit lajollaucc.org.
Windansea gallery ofrenda
Community members can add photos of their loved ones who died to an ofrenda, themed “Collage of Color and Light,” from noon to 6 p.m. Oct. 27 to Nov. 2 at the storefront window of Vortice Artesana & Design, 504 Nautilus St. The ofrenda, designed by the gallery’s co-founder Marian Toscano is a “sacred space where the community can celebrate the legacy of life, love and light that our departed loved ones left behind.” A community celebration is from 2 to 5 p.m. Nov. 1 at the gallery with pan de muerto (Mexican sweet bread) and Mexican hot chocolate. Visit vorticeartesanadesign.com.
Community Trunk or Treat
A community Halloween Trunk or Treat event is from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Oct. 28 on Draper Avenue between La Jolla Presbyterian Church and La Jolla Recreation Center. Highlights include chili with toppings, apple cider and pie in a cup. For questions, email lizzetf@ljpres.org.
LA MESA
Parkinson’s support group meets
The San Diego East County Parkinson’s Support Group will meet from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Oct. 28 at the United Church of Christ of La Mesa, 5940 Kelton Ave. The meeting is open to people living with Parkinson’s disease, as well as their care partners, family members and friends. There will educational resources, including information about free movement dancing classes and free singing classes. For questions, email altamura13@myyhoo.com.
Trunk-or-Treat with first responders
American Medical Response, a medical transportation provider, will hold a Trunk-or-Treat Halloween event from 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 28 at La Mesita Park, 8855 Dallas St. Highlights include Halloween activities, treats and an AMR trick-or-treat bag along with a chance to meet first responders and explore Hallowen-themed ambulances. Admission is free.
OCEANSIDE
All Saints Day concert
A free concert for All Saints Day is at 3 p.m. Nov. 1 at St. Margaret’s Church, 4300 Oceanside Blvd. The Greater San Diego Chamber Orchestra & Chorus, directed by Dr. Angela Yeung, will present a concert featuring selections by Schubert, Fauré, Mahler, Gorecki and Vaughan Williams. Call 760-941-5560 for more information. Parking is free. Voluntary cash donations at the door are appreciated. Visit gsdmusicoterie.org.
Halloween Spooktacular event
A free Halloween trick-or-treating event is from noon to 3 p.m. Oct. 31 at Mission Marketplace, 427 College Blvd. Children will get a free bucket to decorate and use for trick-or-treating at participating Mission Marketplace businesses during the event, which includes a chance to meet FrankenStilt. Costumes are encouraged. Visit missionmarketplaceoceanside.com.
Community discussion on loneliness
Brother Benno’s, a nonprofit that provides food, clothing, addiction recovery and other services to the area’s homeless and working poor, will host a community panel discussion on “The Loneliness Crisis” from 2 to 4 p.m. Oct. 23 at the Brother Benno’s Center, 3260 Production Ave. Panelists will discuss how the community can help folks facing difficult times find a sense of connection and belonging. Admission is free. Visit brotherbenno.org.
POWAY
Concert features Brahms requiem
St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church hosts a community concert featuring Brahms’ “A German Requiem” at 4 p.m. Nov. 1 at 16275 Pomerado Road. The requiem offers “a message of comfort and hope to the living rather than mourning for the dead” and will be presented with Brahms’ four-hand piano accompaniment. Tickets are $20, $10 for students at stbartsmusic.org.
Trunk-or-Treat at church
Incarnation Lutheran Church holds a communitywide Halloween Trunk-or-Treat event from 4 to 6 p.m. Oct. 25 at 16889 Espola Road. There will be food, games, treats and music. Visit godamong.us.
RANCHO BERNARDO
Event highlights Oasis programs
The nonprofit Oasis, which offers programs for older adults, will put on a “Catalog Pick up Party” from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 29 at San Diego Oasis, 17170 Bernardo Center Drive. The event will highlight upcoming Oasis activities and catalogs of winter classes and programs will be available. Highlights include free food, beverages and opportunity drawings. No RSVP needed. Visit san-diego.oasisnet.org.
World affairs discussion group hosts speaker
The North County Chapter of the San Diego World Affairs Council will host Sally Gordon at 10 a.m. Oct. 29 for a presentation, “In Its 250-year History, the United States has not had a National Sovereign Wealth Fund Until Now,” at the Remington Club retirement community, 16916 Hierba Drive. The mission of the World Affairs Council is to foster global understanding and friendships. Visit northcountyworldaffairs.org.
RANCHO SANTA FE
Family Trunk-or-Treat
The Village Church hosts a free family-friendly Halloween event with trick-or-treating, games and crafts from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 25 at the church playground parking lot, 6225 Paseo Delicias. Church-friendly costumes are welcome. Visit villagechurch.org/trunk-or-treat.
Howl-O-Ween at animal shelter
The Helen Woodward Animal Center will host hands-on animal encounters, trick-or-treat stations, mini pumpkins, crafts and face painting for kids in preschool through elementary school from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 31 at 6447 Helen Woodward Way. Tickets are $10. Visit animalcenter.org/kid-events.
Harvest festival with carnival
Horizon Church will host a harvest festival with family-friendly games, hot-air balloon rides, carnival rides, candy and food trucks from 5 to 8 p.m. Oct. 31 at 6365 El Apajo Road. Rides are free. Visit horizon.org/events/2026/10/31/harvest-festival.
SAN DIEGO
SAN DIEGO: Lucky Duck Foundation raises $50 million to help homeless community members…
The Lucky Duck Foundation, which turns 21 this year, held its annual Showcase Soirée and celebrated the milestone of raising $50 million to help folks in need across San Diego County. The event at Estancia La Jolla featured stories told by community members who are no longer homeless thanks to help from the foundation. Speakers included youths who benefited from the nonprofit’s new employment programs and transitional housing. Since the foundation began focusing on homelessness in 2017, it has distributed more than 2.4 million meals, helped more than 2,500 homeless San Diegans get job training and get jobs, sheltered over 325 homeless people per night at its bridge shelters and rescued 1 million pounds of food through its employment programs, among other milestones. The Monarch School was awarded $250,000 at the event as Lucky Duck Foundation’s “Father Joe Hustler of the Year,” an annual award recognizing an individual or group that “embodies the late Father Joe Carroll’s spirit and ability to help those experiencing homelessness.” Pictured are gold medal winners of the event’s Olympics-themed competition. Visit https://www.luckyduckfoundation.org/
(Photo courtesy of Lucky Duck Foundation.)
Food and Wine Festival
The San Diego Food + Wine Festival, a cross-border culinary and cultural festival at the waterfront, will be held Nov. 1-8. The event features everything from intimate dinners to a Grand Tasting and Grand Fiesta. There will be Michelin and James Beard honorees, legendary winemakers and tastemakers from both sides of the border and across the country. Visit sandiegowineclassic.com.
Old Town Día de los Muertos
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park hosts a Día de los Muertos community celebration from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 31 to Nov. 2. Highlights include live mariachi music and folklórico dancers, traditional and contemporary Día de los Muertos altars, sugar skull painting, artisans, face painters, art demonstrations, food, shopping and catrinas at the plaza. Visit parks.ca.gov/?page_id=31340.
Art group holds drawing workshop
The North County Society of Fine Arts holds a drawing workshop with markers, pens, watercolor and acrylic, led by award-winning artist Noreen Ring, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 28 at the Carmel Mountain Ranch/Sabre Springs Recreation Center, 10152 Rancho Carmel Drive. The workshop fee is $55; $45 for members. Visit ncsfa.org.
Gem & Mineral Show
The nonprofit San Diego Mineral & Gem Society is putting on Gem Diego, a gem and mineral show, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 7 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 8 at the Liberty Station Conference Center, 2600 Laning Road, in Point Loma. There will be gem art demonstrations, more than two dozen showcases, and about 30 dealers of custom jewelry, gemstones, minerals, fossils, rough material, books and slabs. Free gem identification will be offered. Admission and parking are free. No pets allowed, except service animals. Visit sdmg.org.
Trick-or-treat symphony concert
The San Diego Symphony presents Trick-or-Treat Symphony as part of the family concert series for kids ages 6-12 at 11 a.m. Oct. 31 at the Jacobs Music Center, 1245 Seventh Ave. Highlights include Halloween-themed orchestral music, along with crafts, costumes and trick-or-treating for kids. For tickets, visit sandiegosymphony.org/performances/trick-or-treat-symphony-fam.
Halloween at the zoo
The San Diego Zoo hosts HalGLOWeen, a Halloween-themed family extravaganza with entertainment, food and interactive festivities, at 5 p.m. Oct. 30-31. Highlights include the Skeleton Band, Boo Crew, Python Path, Boolahoops, acrobatic spider performer, Día de los Muertos Mariachi and Dr. Zoolittle’s Tricks & Treats among other attractions. Admission for kids is free in October. Visit zoo.sandiegozoo.org/halgloween.
Sound of Two Cities concert
A free community concert, Sound of Two Cities, is at 7:30 p.m Oct. 30 at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, 222 Marina Park Way. The San Diego Symphony Orchestra welcomes the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal for a performance led by Rafael Payare, music and artistic director of both orchestras. The program includes music by Bartok, Ravel, Prokofiev and Respighi. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Visit sandiegosymphony.org/performances/sound-of-two-cities-rady-shell.
Barrio Logan’s Día de los Muertos celebration
Barrio Logan holds its annual Día de los Muertos celebration, “Honoring our ancestors, traditions and community,” from noon to 7 p.m. Nov. 1 in the Cultural Corridor near Logan Avenue and National Avenue. Highlights include performances, ofrendas, art, a lowrider showcase, a food and craft market, and kids activities. Admission is free. Visit allforlogan.com.
Trains & Treats
A Halloween Family Day with arts and crafts, games, costumes and candy is from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 at the San Diego Model Railroad Museum in Balboa Park. Admission is $10-$20, including activities. Visit sdmrm.org/halloween.
Candlelight procession in Old Town
Old Town’s Immaculate Conception Church hosts a candlelight procession at 6 p.m. Nov. 2 for Día de los Muertos. The procession will start with blessings and traditional dances by Danza Azteca Atlachinolli. The free event begins in front of the church, 2540 San Diego Ave., heading down San Diego Avenue and ending at El Campo Santo Cemetery. Visit oldtownsandiego.org/ddlm.
Walk supports breast cancer research
Susan G. Komen, a nonprofit working to end breast cancer through research, advocacy and patient support, will host the More Than Pink Walk, which brings together breast cancer survivors, those fighting breast cancer, families and supporters starting with an opening ceremony at 7:20 a.m. Nov. 1 at Balboa Park. The event raises money and awareness. Register at komen.org/sandiegowalk.
Ghost Light Masquerade
The Ghost Light Masquerade for Halloween continues at 7:30 p.m. through Oct. 25 and Oct. 28-30 by The Rosin Box Project at Nocturne Theatre, 3246 Imperial Ave. The masquerade, inspired by the classic theater tradition of the “ghost light,” brings dance, theater and storytelling together, and audiences become part of the performance and wear masks. Visit therosinboxproject.com/ghost-light-masquerade.
City Heights Day of the Dead festival
The annual City Heights Día de los Muertos celebration honoring those who have died is from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 31 at Officer Jeremy Henwood Memorial Park, 3795 Fairmount Ave. There will be entertainment, community altars, a catrina outfit contest, face painting, mask making and raffle prizes. Admission is free. Visit facebook.com/groups/freeeventsinsandiego/posts/2028511657822967.
SAN DIEGO COUNTY
Breast cancer support group meets
Scripps Cancer Center offers a free virtual Breast Cancer Support Group from 1 to 2 p.m. Oct. 28 for patients with stages 0-3 breast cancer, including newly diagnosed patients and those who have finished treatment. Register at 760-492-5899 or vestevich.jeanne@scrippshealth.org or scripps.org/events/stages-0-3-breast-cancer-support-group-october-28-2026.
County accepting community grant applications
The county is accepting applications for the 2027-28 Community Development Block Grant program. The grants support community needs, ranging from community facilities, infrastructure improvements and affordable housing to neighborhood enhancement and a limited range of public services. The deadline to apply is 3 p.m. Oct. 30. Visit sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/sdhcd.html.
SPRING VALLEY
Halloween event for special needs community
The social club Noah’s PERCH will be decorated for Halloween and will host trunk-or-treating with candy for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities at 4 p.m. Oct. 28 at Noah Homes, 12526 Campo Road. Wear a costume. Admiission is free; RSVP required at vdavis@noahhomes.org.
VISTA
Fright Night features haunted house
The annual Halloween annual event, Fright Night, is from 5 to 9 p.m. Oct. 30 in historic downtown and features a haunted house at the Avo Playhouse, trick-or-treating and a costume contest. Haunted house admission is $8; $5 for kids 10 and younger at the Avo Playhouse ticket box office on the day of the event. Visit discovervista.com/fright-night.
Muscles on Main Trunk or Treat Car Show
Pride of Vista Lions Club hosts its annual Muscles on Main Trunk or Treat Car Show with a Halloween twist from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 25 at 25 Main St. Highlights include a costume contest, kids game area, DJ and music, and classic cars and motorcycles. Check-in starts at 7 a.m. Car registration entry fee is $40. Proceeds support the Lions community service programs. Visit musclesonmain.square.site.
For a guide to Halloween events, visit https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2026/10/09/where-to-go-for-halloween-in-san-diego-from-haunts-of-balboa-park-and-howl-o-scream-to-bayside-boo-and-creepy-candy-crawl/
For a guide to Dia del los Muertos events, visit https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2026/10/15/dia-de-los-muertos-day-of-the-dead-festivities-in-san-diego-county-from-dancing-skeletons-to-community-ofrenda/
If your nonprofit would like to submit an event listing or photos of events that have happened recently, please email linda.mcintosh@sduniontribune.com. Include the name of the group, date and time of event, address, cost and contact information for readers within the email text. Event listings should be submitted at least two weeks in advance. Photos should be sent as JPEGs. Include the names of those in the photos from left to right along with the photo credit and permission from the photographer to use the photo in The San Diego Union-Tribune.