Halloween Carnival
The 69th annual event is set for 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Oct. 25 at Solana Vista Elementary School, 780 Santa Victoria, hosted by the Solana Beach Schools Foundation for Solana Beach School District families. Highlights include games, haunted house, petting zoo and bounces houses. Visit solanabeachkids.org.
Trick-or-treating at Piazza
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.
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.
Mary’s Tack & Feed Customer Appreciation Day
Mary’s Tack & Feed Customer Appreciation Day will be held Oct. 24 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at Mary’s Tack & Feed: 3675 Via de la Valle, Del Mar.
The event will include giveaways, prizes, music, Roping with the Ramona Rodeo Queens, Hobby Horse Competition, shopping perks, food by Red Oven Pizza, light refreshments, and more.
RSVP at shorturl.at/qhD93
Fire Chief to discuss fire safety at event
Meet Del Mar and Solana Beach Fire Department Chief Bret Davidson and learn how to protect yourself, your home and your community at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 22, at Solana Beach City Hall, 635 South Hwy 101, Solana Beach (parking available behind the building, off South Sierra).
This meeting is free and open to the public; co-sponsored by the Solana Beach Civic & Historical Society and Solana Beach Community Connections.
Davidson comes to the cities of Solana Beach and Del Mar with 39 years of fire service experience. Born and raised in San Diego County, he began his fire service career in 1986 in Pine Valley. Over the course of his career, he has served with fire departments in El Centro, Poway, Rancho Santa Fe, and Vista, and previously participated in cooperative regional efforts with the coastal communities, according to a news release.
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.
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.
Trick-or-treating downtown Encinitas
The free annual Safe Trick or Treat will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Oct. 31. Costumed trick-or-treaters can stroll South Coast Highway 101, from Encinitas Boulevard to K Street, and many businesses will have treats for children. There will be live music, Halloween-themed crafts and kids’ games. Visit encinitas101.com.
Haunted Harvest
Festivities include haunted house, carnival games, food, costume contest and farm animals along with beer garden, music and dance and magic show. The Haunted Harvest is from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 23-24 at The Heritage Ranch, 450 Quail Gardens Drive. Entry is $10; $5 for kids. Visit olivenhainfarms.com/haunted-harvest.
North Coast Optimist Club to host guest speaker
The North Coast Optimist Club President Joe Kellejian recently announced that Jim Woodhead, a principal consultant with DSD Business Systems, will be the guest speaker at the club’s Zoom meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 20, at 5:30 p.m. Interested parties may join the Zoom meeting by contacting Jim Parrotte at jimparrotte@hotmail.com for the Zoom link to the meeting. This meeting is open to the public.
Local author to discuss new novel at Del Mar event
Katy Motiey, local author, will discuss her biographical novel “Imperfect” at an in-person meeting of Del Mar Community Connections Page Turners at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 22, at St. Peter’s Parish Hall, 334 14th St. Del Mar. The discussion is held in partnership with the Del Mar branch library. Registration is required. DMCC has reserved a limited number of complimentary copies of the novel for 92014 residents who want to get in on the discussion.
Those interested in attending the discussion will find the registration link atwww.dmcc.cc/PageTurnersRegistration, or call the DMCC office at (858) 792-7565 to receive assistance.
“Ted Talks and Talks” at North Coast Rep
“Ted Talks and Talks”, produced by JFest, North Coast Rep, and Andy Strasberg, will be presented Nov. 16 and Nov. 17 at 7:30 p.m. at North Coast Rep in Solana Beach.
The event will be an intimate evening with Ted Leitner, the legendary broadcasting voice of the San Diego Padres, Aztecs, Channel 8 Sports, KFMB-AM Radio and more: up-close, un-filtered, and un-scripted – just like he’s always been, according to a news release.
North Coast Repertory Theatre is located at 987 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach. Tickets: $45; Seniors: $40; Subscribers: $35. All tickets include the post-show dessert reception and book signing. Call 858-481-1055, or visit www.northcoastrep.org to purchase tickets.
Speaker to explain important Medicare updates
Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period is an important time each year for Medicare beneficiaries to review their current coverage and determine whether it will continue to meet their healthcare and prescription needs in the coming year.
Angie (Gange) Aleshire of Centerpiece Insurance Group will explain important Medicare updates for 2027, what beneficiaries should look for when reviewing their current coverage, and the steps they can take during the Annual Enrollment Period. The presentation will be held Tuesday, Oct. 20, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the La Colonia Community Center, located at La Colonia Park, 715 Valley. Avenue, Solana Beach.
The presentation, sponsored by Solana Beach Community Connections, is free and open to the public. Registration is not required.
RSF Historical Society to hold Fandango Street Party
The Rancho Santa Fe Historical Society will present its Fandango Street Party on Saturday, Oct. 24, from 5 p.m.-8 p.m. at La Flecha House on Via de Santa Fe in Rancho Santa Fe Village.
The event includes an evening of food (a full taco bar), drinks (margaritas, wine and beer) and live music by Harmony Grove Band. Cost is members: $35; Non-members: $45; Children 12 and under: $20; $50 at the door.
For advance tickets and more information, go to: www.ranchosantafehistoricalsociety.org/fandango/
La Flecha House is located at 6036 La Flecha, Rancho Santa Fe.
North Coast Women’s Connection to hold “Denim & Diamonds Luncheon”
All are cordially invited to North Coast Women Connection (NCWC) event “Denim & Diamonds Luncheon” on Thursday, Oct. 29. It will be held from 10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., at the Lomas Santa Fe Country Club, in Solana Beach.Join new friends in line-dancing with instructions by Christine Alesiani of The Golden Door.The guest speaker will be David Hughes, an international banker, real estate investor and world traveler who finds the gift of life in unexpected places.Invite your friends, wear your favorite denim and sparkles for this boot-stomping, light-hearted fun and laughter. Tickets are $40 per person.Questions? Call Lori Hiller at 626-808-6038.
Brick-or-Treat
LEGOLAND California Resort holds its Brick or Treat Halloween celebration on weekends through Nov. 1 with the new Brick or Treat Street, entertainment, live shows, trick-or-treating, LEGO characters, costume contests, themed rides and interactive builds. As part of its Halloween season celebration, there will be costumed characters, décor and seasonal treats daily. Visit legoland.com/california/things-to-do/seasonal-events/halloween.
Securing the Future: U.S.-Korea Cooperation in Defense, AI and Trade
Securing the Future: U.S.-Korea Cooperation in Defense, AI and Trade will be held Monday, Oct. 26,from 5 p.m.–6:30 p.m. at UC San Diego, Great Hall.
(In-person only event with a reception from 630 p.m.-7 p.m. Nearest Parking: Pangea Parking Structure)
Explore how the U.S.-Korea alliance navigates emerging frontiers, from artificial intelligence (AI) and maritime trade to joint deterrence and Indo-Pacific security.
This public roundtable brings together top policy, industry and defense leaders to unpack three interconnected fronts: the strategic landscape of artificial intelligence (AI), the impact of maritime trade policy and the Jones Act on shipbuilding and logistics, and evolving security dynamics in the Indo-Pacific.
This public lecture series is organized by the Korea-Pacific Program at the UC San Diego School of Global Policy and Strategy (GPS). For more information on program activities, visit gps.ucsd.edu/kpp.If you have any questions, contact GPS Events Coordinator Susan Zau (jszau@ucsd.edu).
Registration is required but the lecture is free to all: Register at shorturl.at/YOAhf
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.
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/
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.
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
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.
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+.
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