BORREGO SPRINGS
Borrego Days Desert Festival
The 60th Borrego Days Desert Festival hosted by the Borrego Springs Chamber of Commerce is from 8:45 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Oct. 17 and 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 18 at Christmas Circle Community Park, Palm Canyon Drive. The event features free entertainment, including a Saturday morning flyover, parade, car show, live music, beer garden, kids zone, food and a variety of booths with everything from art to community information. Visit borregodays.com.
BONSALL
Animal refuge runs Halloween tours
The Wild Wonders animal refuge, 5712 Vía Montellano, runs its annual Boo at the Zoo Halloween-themed flashlight tour Oct. 17, Oct. 24-25 and Oct. 30. The hourlong tours are at 6 p.m. and have treat stations. Wear your costume. Tickets are $45 for adults and youths ages 12 and older, and $25 for children under age 12. Visit wildwonders.org.
CARDIFF
Concert in Glen Park
Music in Glen Park, a new community event with music, art and food, is from 4:30 p.m. to sunset Oct. 20 at Glen Park. The event features live music by Jesse Ray Smith, a small selection of local artisan vendors and food delivery. Attendees are encouraged to walk or ride their bikes to the park and bring a picnic blanket. Admission is free. Visit Cardiff101.com/events.
Volunteers sought at ecological reserve
A Volunteer Restoration Event at the San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve is from 9 a.m. to noon Oct. 17 hosted by the nonprofit Nature Collective. Volunteers are needed to remove invasive plants so more native plants can grow. The event is open to ages 6 and older. Minors should be with guardians; registration required. RSVP at naturecollective.org/event/volunteer-restoration-event-october-17-2026-2.
CARLSBAD
Concert highlights music from movies
The Coastal Communities Concert Band with more than 70 musicians from throughout San Diego County will put on a concert, “A Night at the Movies,” at 2 p.m. Oct. 17 at Carlsbad Community Church, 3175 Harding St. The program features music from movies, ranging from songs like “Unchained Melody” from “Ghost” and an arrangement from “Silverado” to medleys from Pixar movies and “The Wizard of Oz,” directed by conductor Mitch Fennell and associate conductor Bruce Mansfield. Tickets are $20, $15 for seniors, free for students and active-duty military at the door or cccband.com.
Comedy Night
The nonprofit Impact Coastal Alliance hosts a Comedy Night at New Village Arts from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Oct. 18 featuring comedians Jesse Egan, winner of San Diego’s Funniest Person Contest, and Bob Hansen, a frequent performer at The Comedy Store. Tickets are $20 in advance at impactcoastalalliance.org or $30 at the door, if available. Impact is a local, volunteer-run nonprofit helping local students, victims of sexual and domestic abuse and the community.
Genealogy buffs hold talks
The North San Diego County Genealogical Society will host a free talk on “Using Microsoft One Note to Organize Your Genealogy Files” from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Oct. 13 at City of Carlsbad Faraday Center, 1635 Faraday Ave. The Society’s DNA Interest Group will host a free talk, “All About Segments,” from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Oct. 17 at the Georgina Cole Library, 1250 Carlsbad Village Drive. Registration is required only if attending via Zoom. Visit nsdcgs.org.
CARMEL VALLEY
Trick-or-treating at Piazza
Children can wear their costumes and get a free Halloween bucket (while supplies last) to use for trick-or-treating from noon to 3 p.m. Oct. 17 at Piazza Carmel, 3810 Valley Centre Drive. There will be a free magic show and appearance by FrankenStilt.
CHULA VISTA
Breast cancer awareness event
Otay Ranch Town Center will put on a “Breathe & Believe, United in Pink” event for Breast Cancer Awareness Month from 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 20 in the center’s main outdoor food pavilion with free Yoga Flow classes, decorate-and-take T-shirts, treats and educational resources. There will be a “Warrior Wall” honoring breast cancer patients and survivors. Free admission. Donations to the Helen Knoll Foundation appreciated. Visit otayranchtowncenter.com/en/events/53711.
Hilltop High School Reunion
Chula Vista’s Hilltop High School Class of 1996 30-Year Reunion is from 6 to 10 p.m. Oct. 17 at the Chula Vista Golf Course, 4475 Bonita Road in Bonita. Dinner is at 7 p.m. There will be no-host cash bar. Tickets are at reunion-specialists.com/reunion/Hilltop-High-School-Class-of-1996.
DEL MAR
Fall nature festival
A Fall Festival is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 18 hosted by the Nature Collective at San Dieguito County Park, 1628 Lomas Santa Fe Drive. Highlights include a costume parade, hands-on nature crafts and live animal encounters. RSVP at naturecollective.org/event/fall-festival-october-18-2026.
Fall home show at fairgrounds
The 36th annual San Diego Fall Home/Garden Show is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 17 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 18 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. The event features hundreds of exhibitors, demonstrations, garden marketplace, show specials and consultations with home and garden experts. The first 1,000 attendees daily receive a free tote bag. Admission is free. Visit fallhomegardenshow.com.
ENCINITAS
Musical magic concert
The North Coast Symphony will put on a program of “musical magic” at 2:30 p.m. Oct. 17 at San Dieguito United Methodist Church. The concert features clarinet soloist Max Opferkuch performing Carl Maria von Weber’s Clarinet Concerto No. 1, along with The Sorcerer’s Apprentice by Dukas and Mussorgsky’s Night on Bald Mountain along with Gabriela Frank’s Jungle Jaunt. Admission is $20; $17 for seniors, students and military, and free for children 18 and younger. Visit northcoastsymphony.com.
Haunted Hotel opens
The historic grounds of the Olivenhain Meeting Hall will be transformed into a Haunted Hotel from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 16 and Oct. 23; and 5:30 to 9 p.m. on Oct. 17, 24 and 30 at 423 Rancho Santa Fe Road. New this year are a Candy Mystery Trail and Monster Hunt. There will be spooky scenes, including a Haunted Swamp, Dr. Frankenstein’s laboratory and a Witches’ Lair. Actors are Scouts, ages 11 to 17. There will be a carnival with prizes, live entertainment, crafts and food. Admission is free. Tickets for the Haunted Hotel 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.
ESCONDIDO
Magical Circle art celebrations
The city of Escondido will hold free events to mark the 23rd anniversary of Queen Califia’s Magical Circle, an iconic public art space in Kit Carson Park, 3333 Bear Valley Parkway, created by international artist Niki de Saint Phalle. A new community art project, Fiber Expressions, will cover the tree trunks at the Magical Circle with handmade fiber creations, and can be viewed through Oct. 24. Family Creativity Days are from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 10, Oct. 17 and 24. A Twilight Poetry night is from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 10. The Magical Circle is open to the public from 9 a.m. to noon Tuesdays and Thursdays and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month. Visit VisitEscondido.com.
Other Places Art Fair
The Other Places Art Fair will feature artists and installations from local, regional and international participants, along with performances, readings, talks, and the OPaf Workshop Tent, a community space offering free, family-friendly art-making workshops taught by local artists, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 17 at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd. The event, OPaf South, is co-presented with Harvest & Gather. Free; $5 donation suggested. Visit opaf.info.
Pumpkin Patch and Fall Festival
The Farm Stand West is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Oct. 31 at 2115 Miller Ave. and Fran’s Pumpkin Patch is open noon to 5 p.m. at 1980 Summit Drive, through Oct. 31. A Fall Festival is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 10-Oct. 11 at Farm Stand West with local artisans and vendors, hayrides, pumpkin patch, face painting, beer and wine garden and kids play area. Free admission and parking. Visit thefarmstandwest.com.
LAKESIDE
Halloween campout
Spooky Camp-o-Ween is Oct. 16-18 and Oct. 23-25 at Lake Jennings, 10108 Bass Road. Check in Friday and pick up creepy crafts, then share spooky stories around the campfire. There will be campground trick-or-treating, a scavenger hunt and a campsite decorating contest. Bring your costumes. Camping fees apply. The two weekends are for registered campers and campsites fill up fast. Reserve a campsite at 619-390-1623. Visit business.eastcountychamber.org/events/details/spooky-campoween-at-lake-jennings-10-16-2026-22985.
LA MESA
History presentation cancelled
The history presentation scheduled for Oct. 10 giving a preview of the Nov. 7 La Mesa History Center’s 20th annual Home Tour is cancelled. The tour is still slated for Nov. 7. Visit lamesahistory.com.
NORTH COUNTY
Widows and Widowers Club holds meetups
The North County Widows and Widowers Club is holding numerous events in October:
Oct. 12, Monday Night Football Watch Party at Oggi’s, 425 S. Melrose Drive, Vista.
Oct. 14, Happy Hour at The Green Dragon Tavern, 6115 Paseo Del Norte, Carlsbad.
Oct. 23, Dinner/Dance at Oceanside Elks Lodge, 444 Country Club Lane.
Oct. 24, “The Music Man” at Ocean Hills Country Club, 4701 Leisure Village Way, Oceanside.
Oct. 28, Happy Hour at Cocina del Charro, 1020 W. San Marcos Blvd., San Marcos.
To RSVP or get information, call 760-716-9000.
Republican group hosts speaker
The North County Republican Women group meets at 9:30 a.m. Oct. 21 at LaValle Coastal Club, 5690 Cancha de Golf, Rancho Santa Fe. The speaker is Cooper Elle Rodenburg, CEO of FLAG USA. Doors open at 9:15 a.m. for the breakfast meeting. The cost is $30; $25 for members. RSVP by Oct. 16 at ncrwsd.org.
OCEANSIDE
BVAS Birdhouse and Art Auction
Buena Vista Audubon Society will hold its annual Birdhouse and Nature-themed Art Auction from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Oct. 17 at the Nature Center, 2202 S. Coast Highway. Both a silent auction and evening-culminating live auction will take place. There will be appetizers, drinks and live music. Admission is a $20 donation. Visit bvaudubon.org.
Gold Star Spouses gather
The Oceanside Chapter of Gold Star Spouses of America Inc. will meet at 11 a.m. Oct. 15 at the Veterans Association of North County, 1617 Mission Ave. The group advocates for surviving spouses of service members who died during active duty or veterans who died from military service-related conditions. Email lori@vanc.me.
Veterans Writing Group meets
The nonprofit Veterans Writing Group of San Diego meets from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 17 at the Veterans Association of North County resource center, 1617 Mission Ave. The free meeting is open to veterans, active-duty military and their families to offer a place to “express themselves through writing, share their experiences and connect with others.” Also, a Zoom link is at bit.ly/vwgsdzoom. Visit veteranswritinggroup.org.
League of Women Voters holds community event
The League of Women Voters of North County San Diego will join United We Stitch and the Resistance Quilters of North San Diego to share fabric panels “celebrating creativity, unity, democracy and civic spirit” from 10 to 11:45 a.m. Oct. 17 at the Oceanside Civic Center complex as part of the No Kings: Vote Early National Day of Action. Visit lwvncsd.org.
Thrift shop runs pop-up sale
The American Cancer Society’s Thrift Boutique, Discovery Shop, 2570 Vista Way, holds a 50% off solid black clothing pop-up sale Oct. 14. The volunteer-run store features upscale clothing, designer handbags, jewelry, furniture, artwork, antiques, collectibles and household items. Donations are appreciated. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.
Free Spooktacular Halloween event
A free Halloween community event from 2 to 5 p.m. Oct. 17 features a “Trunk-or-Treat” with trick-or-treating from trunk to trunk for kids at Mance Buchanon Park, 425 College Blvd., along with inflatable obstacle courses, temporary tattoos for kids and dessert vendors. Costumes encouraged. Hosted by Oceanside Parks and Recreation. Registration is required by 5 p.m. Oct. 12 for trunk hosts; no registration necessary for attendees. Visit ci.oceanside.ca.us.
Gags & Rags event benefits cancer society
The American Cancer Society’s Thrift Boutique, the Discovery Shop, and the Woman’s Club of Oceanside will host Gags & Rags, featuring an evening of comedy, a fashion show and live auction from 7 to 10 p.m. Oct. 17 at 1606 Missouri Ave. Proceeds support the society’s mission to improve the lives of people with cancer and their families. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased at the Discovery Shop, 2570 Vista Way. Call 760-364-5507. Visit cancer.org.
Treats in the Suites
Frontwave Arena will put on its third annual “Treats in the Suites,” a free community event from 4 to 7 p.m. Oct. 21 at Frontwave Arena’s suites, which will be transformed into a Halloween-themed experience open to the public. There will be Halloween activities, games, photo opportunities, special appearances and trick-or-treating. Visit frontwavearena.com/events/detail/treats-in-the-suites.
RANCHO BERNARDO
Free art demonstration
The North County Society of Fine Arts will put on a free art demonstration from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Oct.13 at the Rancho Bernardo Library, 17110 Bernardo Center Drive. The guest artist, Noreen Ring, will demonstrate fabric design and painting whimsically. Social hour and refreshments are from noon to 12:30 p.m. followed by the meeting and demonstration. Visit ncsfa.org.
World Affairs discussion group meets
The North County Chapter of the World Affairs Council will host a talk on “How is the US/China Relationship Evolving” led by Bill Thayer at 10 a.m. Oct. 15 at the Remington Club retirement community, 16916 Hierba Drive.
Community square dance class
The Wranglers will hold a community square dance class from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Oct. 15 at the Seven Oaks Community Center, 16789 Bernardo Oaks Drive. The class runs each Thursday from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Cost is $10 per lesson. First class is free. Visit thewranglers.org.
Ballot measures topic of talk
The Rancho Bernardo Chapter of the Brandeis National Committee hosts the League of Women Voters for a nonpartisan presentation on the state and local measures and propositions on the November ballot at 1 p.m. Oct. 13 at the Rancho Bernardo-Glassman Recreation Center, 18448 W. Bernardo Drive. Bring your election materials. Cost is $15, including refreshments. RSVP at 858-487-8041.
RANCHO SANTA FE
Concert celebrates church’s 70th anniversary
A community concert to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Village Community Presbyterian Church of Rancho Santa Fe is at 4 p.m. Oct. 18. The concert will be presented by all music groups of the church. The program will feature some of the congregation’s favorite music of the last 70 years along with music composed specifically for the Village Church. The program will include commissioned music by Joseph Martin, Michael Burkhardt, Brandon Waddles, Sarah Rimkus, and Bud Bieber. Free-will offering. Visit villagechurch.org.
SAN DIEGO
International Film Festival
The San Diego International Film Festival is Oct.13-18. The festival kicks off with the 25th anniversary Night of the Stars Tribute in La Jolla featuring an evening of red-carpet arrivals, cinematic honors, art, entertainment and dancing and an Opening Night Film Premiere & Party followed by premieres from around the world, filmmaker conversations, panels, networking and parties. The Fest Lounge will offer live music, drinks, tastings and bites. The festival caps off with a cuisine-themed film paired with an afternoon celebration featuring dishes inspired by San Diego chefs. Visit sdfilmfest.com.
Italian heritage festival
The Galbani Bella Vita Fest during Italian Heritage Month celebrates Italian culture with chalk art, Italian wine, food and music Oct. 17-18 in Little Italy. More than 40 chalk artists will create Italian scenes on the streets of Little Italy. There will be live Italian music, La Cucina Galbani Cooking Stage with demonstrations, Italian merchants and Italian food for purchase and wine tastings. Five-taste wine ticket is $25, 12-taste ticket is $55. The event is from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Visit bellavitafest.com.
San Diego architecture group holds celebration
The Friends of San Diego Architecture will host a celebration of the 50th anniversary of Orchids & Onions, San Diego’s annual architectural awards program, at 10 a.m. Oct. 17 at the San Diego History Center, Casa de Balboa, 1649 El Prado in Balboa Park. Speakers include Kevin deFreitas and Mike Stepner, who with other architects founded the awards program in 1975. Visit friendsofsdarch.com.
Community hike at Cabrillo
A community hike, Time For Treks, is 10 a.m. Oct. 17 at Cabrillo National Monument, 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Drive to support people living with blood cancers, including chronic lymphocytic leukemia and their caregivers and supporters. The event kicks off a new campaign from AbbVie and the National Park Foundation and will include resources to help people find outdoor activities. Visit timefortreks.org.
Blood donors receive T-shirt in October
Donors who give blood at a San Diego Blood Bank donation center or mobile blood drive through Oct. 31 will receive a special-edition T-shirt featuring Thing from The Addams Family. Donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in general good health. Visit SanDiegoBloodBank.org/thingtshirt. Walk-ins are welcome.
Madison High School reunion
The Madison High Class of 1986 40-Year Reunion is from 5 to 10 p.m. Oct. 17 at Riverwalk Golf Club, 1150 Fashion Valley Road. Dinner is at 6 p.m. Ticket are at reunion-specialists.com/reunion/Madison-Class-of-1986-Forty–Year-Reunion.
Howl-O-Scream ticket for blood donors
American Red Cross of San Diego & Imperial Counties blood donors in early October can get a free Howl-O-Scream ticket at participating blood drive sites. Visit redcross.org/SoCal.
SAN MARCOS
Horse Heritage Festival
The annual Horse Heritage Festival is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 18 with Ride & Stride from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Walnut Grove Park. The festival includes demonstrations, exhibits, vendors, raffles and food. The Ride & Stride for horseback rides and walkers raises money for the Walnut Grove Equestrian Center and surrounding trails. Dogs are welcome on leash. Registration starts at $30 and is due by Oct. 14 at keepitequestrian.org/ride-stride-2026.
SANTEE
Brews & Bites Festival
The Halloween-themed Brews & Bites Festival is from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Oct. 17 at Town Center Community Park East, 550 Park Center Drive. The fundraiser, open to ages 21 and older, features music headlined by Jimmy’s Buffet, food and drinks and raises money to support Santee’s parks and programs. Tickets are $81.06. Visit SanteeSpecialEvents.com.
Animal shelter opening in Santee, closing in Bonita
County Animal Services will open its new Santee Animal Shelter on Oct. 15 at 452 Riverview Parkway. The shelter includes upgraded medical spaces, redesigned kennels, and areas built to reduce stress and improve animal enrichment, socialization and overall care. The Bonita shelter is closing and County Animal Services encourages residents to adopt or foster. This will reduce the number of animals before moving day and will ease the transition for both pets and staff. Visit sddac.com.
SOLANA BEACH
Finest City Brass Ensemble gives concert
The Finest City Brass Ensemble will give a concert at 7 p.m. Oct. 17 at Calvary Lutheran Church, 424 Via de la Valle, as part of the Concerts at Calvary series. The symphonic ensemble of several dozen musicians will perform works by J.S. Bach, John Mackey, Anthony Plog and Giovanni Gabrieli. After the concert, attendees can mingle with the musicians and enjoy free refreshments. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Admission is $15, seniors $10, free for youths and students at calvarylutheranchurch.org/events or at the door.
VISTA
VISTA: Woman’s club lends a hand packing produce at food bank…
About a dozen members of the Woman’s Club of Vista joined other food bank volunteers in sorting and bagging more than 5,000 lbs of fresh produce at the The Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank to be distributed to community members throughout the county. “Our quarterly visits to the North County Food Bank allow us to roll up our sleeves and make an impact in a real and tangible way,” said Liz Franciscus, Woman’s Club of Vista president and civic engagement and outreach chairperson. The Woman’s Club of Vista has been helping out in the community for 110 years and is part of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs. From Left to Right Woman’s Club of Vista members Cynthia Ritter, Lindsey Shilts, Stephanie George, Sara Veth, Wendy Woodhall, Cindy Tosczak, Dianne Ellison, Liz Franciscus, Judy Stevens, Debbie Williamsvisit: thewomansclubofvista.org.
Courtesy of Woman’s Club of Vista
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