Surf Del Mar Festival
The Surf Del Mar Festival, a four-day extravaganza presented by the Del Mar Historical Society, will be held Oct. 8 – 11 in downtown Del Mar to bring together surfing legends, ocean enthusiasts, musicians, artists, historians, and climate activists, according to a news release.The event will include a Surfing and Sustainability Climate Symposium, Art Walk, Film Festival, Surfwriters’ Book Fair, Women on Waves Speaking Engagement, live music, Woody Wagon Parade and display, showing of Endless Summer, interactive panels, and more.
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.”
All events featured in the four-day program are free to the public. Events will take place between Del Mar Plaza, St. Peter’s Parish Hall, L’Auberge Hotel, and Powerhouse Park. The full festival schedule is available at surfdelmarfestival.com.
Free community Halloween event on Oct. 17 in Carmel Valley
Wear your costume to the free Halloween event at Piazza Carmel in Carmel Valley on Saturday, Oct. 17 from 12 p.m. – 3 p.m. Children will get a free Halloween bucket to use for trick or treating at participating merchant locations at the open-air shopping center, located just north of Highway 56 and east of I-5 at 3810 Valley Centre Drive in Carmel Valley.Bring a smartphone or camera to take pictures with FrankenStilt, a very tall and friendly costumed character and in front of the Halloween backdrop. Everyone in the family will enjoy music and the Magic Show. No reservations needed.
Horticulturist John Clements to speak at Del Mar Rose Society event
The Del Mar Rose Society will welcome renowned horticulturist John Clements to an upcoming meeting for an informative presentation on “Prepping your garden for the El Niño storms” The event will be held on Thursday, Oct. 29, 6:30 p.m. at the Del Mar Powerhouse Community Center, 1658 Coast Blvd. The public is welcome. A reception will be followed by the meeting and presentation. For more information, call 760-809-6860 or visit http://delmarrosesociety.com.
Del Mar Library celebrates 30th anniversary
A celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Del Mar Library in its current building is from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 10 at the library. The event features a chamber gamelan ensemble, an mbira musical performance and an instrument petting zoo. Address: 1309 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar. This program is made possible by a partnership with the Center for World Music and the generous support of the Del Mar Foundation, the library’s website states. For more information, visit shorturl.at/nNSUy
Concerts at Calvary features Finest City Brass Ensemble
Concerts at Calvary presents Finest City Brass Ensemble on Saturday, Oct. 17, 7 p.m. at Calvary Lutheran Church (424 Via de la Valle, Solana Beach).Finest City Brass, a symphonic ensemble of 25-30 musicians, will perform works by J.S. Bach, John Mackey, Anthony Plog and Giovanni Gabrieli. After the concert, mingle with the musicians and enjoy free refreshments.Admission: Adults $15, Seniors $10, youth and students are free. Purchase tickets at the door or at calvarylutheranchurch.org/events. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Camino Concert Series to present Left Coast Quintet
On Saturday, Oct. 17, the Camino Concert Series will feature Left Coast Quintet, a premier performance ensemble, bringing classical masterpieces, cinematic hits, and custom pop arrangements to events and celebrations all over Southern California, a news release stated.The event will be held at St. James Parish Community Hall, 625 S. Nardo Ave., Solana Beach. Doors open at 6:15 p.m., the concert begins at 6:30 p.m.Admission is free and open to the public, no RSVP needed. Suggested donation is $45 per person (based on performance group size) to support the performers and concert series program. Concessions will be available for purchase. For more information, visit stjamesandleo.org/concert-series/
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/
‘Hocus Pocus’ movie night at One Paseo
On Saturday, Oct. 10, One Paseo’s Moonlight Cinema will screen the Halloween classic “Hocus Pocus”. The free movie event under the stars will be held from 5 p.m.-8 p.m. on the Lawn at One Paseo. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets or chairs, snacks will be available on-site. Address: 3725 Paseo Place, Carmel Valley.
Family Trunk-or-Treat
The Village Church in Rancho Santa Fe 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, Rancho Santa Fe. Church-friendly costumes are welcome. Visit https://villagechurch.org/trunk-or-treat.
Wildlife Rescue 101 topic of talk
A presentation on “Wildlife Rescue 101” will be at 10 a.m. Oct. 10 hosted by the Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation. Guest speaker Erika Hoffman, wildlife rehabilitation associate at the San Diego Humane Society’s Project Wildlife, will talk about ways to co-exist with wild animals using safe and respectful behavior. The free event is open to ages 7 and older. Meet at the Nature Center, 7380 Gabbiano Lane. Visit Batiquitoslagoon.org.
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.
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
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.
North Coast Rep features “Good Night Oscar”
“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
La Jolla Art & Wine Festival
The 18th annual La Jolla Art & Wine Festival is from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 10-11. The free festival along Girard Avenue features more than 170 juried artists, live music and entertainment and hands-on activities for kids at Geppetto’s Toys Family Art Center. Guests 21 and older can also visit the Wine & Beer Garden featuring three ticket levels: general admission with five tastings, general admission-plus with eight tastings or VIP with 10 tastings plus in-and-out privileges, VIP entrance and a festival tote. Visit ljawf.com.
Scripps Breast Cancer Support Group set for Oct. 28
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Scripps Cancer Center will offer a free virtual support group on Oct. 28 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. The group is a safe space to find emotional support, understanding, new coping skills and encouragement, according to a news release. Group members share experiences, knowledge, hopes, fears and strengths in a relaxed and confidential setting. This group is for patients with stages 0-3 breast cancer, including newly diagnosed patients and those having completed treatment. The Scripps Breast Cancer Support Group is virtual through Microsoft Teams and phone. Register by calling 760-492-5899; emailing vestevich.jeanne@scrippshealth.org; or visiting www.scripps.org/events/stages-0-3-breast-cancer-support-group-october-28-2026
Del Mar Seacoast Republican Women event to feature 2 guest speakers
All are welcome to join Del Mar Seacoast Republican Women for its Oct. 28 membership luncheon, as the event showcases two incredible female guest speakers, a news release stated.
Carina Powers, CA State chairwoman of the Republican National Hispanic Assembly (RNHA), lobbies for Hispanic rights and creates community and grassroots coalitions. She mobilizes new Hispanic voters and possesses an authentic voice for national Hispanic conversation on economic opportunity, the news release stated. Also presenting is Cooper Rodenburg, representing the Foundation for Liberty & American Greatness (FLAG USA), who was appointed CEO at age 21 in 2024 by founder Nick Adams. FLAG USA provides civics and American history resources to over 2.5 million K-12 students in all 50 states. Additionally, Rodenburg works with the White House and the Secretary of Education to restore patriotism in the school systems, the news release stated.
The event will be held at Lomas Santa Fe Country Club, 1505 Lomas Santa Fe Dr., Solana Beach. RSVP at www.delmarseacoastclub.com by Oct. 23.Meeting time: 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Presentation and lunch: Members $40; Non-members $45.
North County Republican Women’s October meeting features guest speaker
The North County Republican Women (NCRW) will hold its October meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 21 at LaValle Coastal Club, 5690 Cancha de Golf, RSF. Doors open at 9:15 a.m. for a 9:30 a.m. breakfast meeting. The event speaker will be Cooper Elle Rodenburg, CEO of FLAG USA (The Foundation for Liberty and American Greatness), who at the age of 21 is one of the youngest CEOs in American history. FLAG is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and providing high-quality civics education that informs students and families about the greatness of America and the power of the American Dream, a news release stated. The cost is $25/members; $30/non-members. RSVP at www.ncrwsd.org by Friday, Oct. 16 if you plan to attend.
Birch Aquarium’s Halloween programming
A pair of events at Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego in La Jolla Shores will mix Halloween fun and spooky science.
The first of which, “Oceans at Night: Halloween,” is hosted exclusively for guests 21 and older. Scheduled for 6:30-9:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 22, the special event offers adults the opportunity to explore the Halloween-themed aquarium after normal operating hours. Oceans at Night offerings include interactive games, science demonstrations, drinks available for purchase and photo opportunities. Guests are encouraged to don costumes.
The second event, “Halloween Aglow,” invites guests of all ages to the Adam R. Scripps Living Seas Gallery for trick-or-treating and live science demonstrations (including underwater pumpkin carving), as well as a visit the “Boo and Goo Lab,” where guests can see and touch critters that can regenerate parts of their bodies. Halloween Aglow takes place 6-8:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 23 and Saturday, Oct. 24.
Nature Collective to hold Fall Festival
Nature Collective will hold its Fall Festival for all ages on Sunday, Oct. 18 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.at San Dieguito County Park (1628 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Del Mar).RSVP: https://naturecollective.org/event/fall-festival-october-18-2026/Get ready for an exciting and family-friendly Fall Festival full of adventure and discovery. Dive into the fun by joining the event’s exciting costume parade, get creative with hands-on nature crafts, and experience live animal encounters that will wow everyone.Plus, explore the fascinating Nature Collective Discovery Booths, with highlights including native plants and tide pools.Sponsored by San Diego Parks and Recreation and supported by Nature Collective, this event is perfect for nature lovers and families alike. Remember to bring reusable bottles and cups to help keep the event eco-friendly.Parking (on-site) is $5 with free streetside parking also available. The event is free, but donations are always welcome at www.naturecollective.org/donate.
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.
Nice Guy of the Year Gala
The 46th annual Nice Guy of the Year Gala will be from 6-11 p.m. Oct. 10 at the Marriott Marquis San Diego, 333 W. 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 sdniceguys.com/events.
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+.
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
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
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
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
Free admission for kids in October at San Diego Zoo and Safari Park
Kids ages 11 and younger receive free admission throughout the month of October to enjoy HalGLOWeen at the San Diego Zoo and Autumn Festival at the San Diego Zoo Safari ParkHalGLOWeen at the San Diego Zoo will offer exciting, Halloween-themed entertainment, including acrobatic spider performers, the all-new Professor Glowington’s Fab Lab, and the opportunity to meet unique wildlife every Friday, Saturday and Sunday in October. At the San Diego Zoo Safari Park’s Autumn Festival, guests can meet scarecrows, enjoy live music, and wander through the A-MAZE-ing Autumn Adventure select Saturdays and Sundays in October.The San Diego Zoo is open from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. on HalGLOWeen dates, with activities beginning at 5 p.m. Autumn Festival activities and entertainment are scheduled on select Saturdays and Sundays in October, only at the Safari Park. The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is open from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. on Autumn Festival Dates.San Diego Zoo is located north of downtown San Diego in Balboa Park, at 2920 Zoo Drive. The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is located in Escondido, Calif., at 155oo San Pasqual Valley Road.LEARN HalGLOWeen: https://zoo.sandiegozoo.org/halgloweenMORE: Autumn Festival: https://sdzsafaripark.org/autumn-festival
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
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
• “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