Here are some of the best things to do this weekend in San Diego from Friday, Oct. 30 to Sunday, Nov. 1.
Friday
Museums
Kids free October: For the month of October, dozens of San Diego County museums, attractions, hotels, restaurants and cultural institutions are joining together to provide free admission and other activities for kids with an accompanying paying adult. More information on free activities for kids this month can be found from the San Diego Tourism Authority at sandiego.org/c/kids-free and from the San Diego Museum Council at sandiegomuseumcouncil.org/specials/kidsfree.
Secret Society of Adultologists: Self described as “San Diego’s favorite (and nerdiest) Halloween weekend event,” this is an opportunity to see the Natural History Museum after hours. The museum will host science activities, a costume contest, music, dancing and more. 6 to 11 p.m. Friday. San Diego Natural History Museum, 1788 El Prado. $55. $45 for members. sdnhm.org/calendar/for-adults/
Seasonal
PoeFest: Write Out Loud, an organization celebrating literature with live performances, will present PoeFest. Actors will read some of Edgar Allan Poe’s supernatural stories, including “The Premature Burial.” The event will take place inside the mysterious Villa Montezuma Museum. The shows feature veteran Poe performers Rhianna Basore, Manny Fernandez, Monique Gaffney, Eddie Yaroch, Walter Ritter, Veronica Murphy and Geoffrey Geisinger. 6, 7:30, and 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The Villa Montezuma Museum, 1925 K Street., San Diego. $35. 619-944-8953, writeoutloudsd.com
Vista Fright Night: The annual Halloween annual event in historic downtown features a haunted house at the Avo Playhouse, trick-or-treating and a costume contest. 5 to 9 p.m. Friday. Main Street in Vista. Haunted house admission is $8; $5 for kids 10 and younger at the Avo Playhouse ticket box office on the day of the event. discovervista.com/fright-night.
Corn Maze at Pumpkin Patch: The Carlsbad Strawberry Company will hold a haunted corn maze, tractor rides, hay pyramid, Jurassic Fright, marigold fields, and sheep, goats and rabbits. 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. 1050 Cannon Road, San Diego. Admission is $20-$25; plus fees for activities. A portion of ticket sales support environmental education at the Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation. carlsbadstrawberrycompany.com/pumpkin.
Fall at Bates Nut Farm: San Diegans can experience traditional fall activities at this Valley Center farm. Visitors will find a pumpkin patch, tractor hay rides, a straw maze and a corn pit. The farm is dog-friendly and will have a petting zoo and pony rides in October. 9 to 5:30 p.m. Friday. 8:30 to 6 p.m. Saturday. 15954 Woods Valley Road, Valley Center. Free admission. $10 seasonal parking on weekends. $2.50 tickets per additional activity. batesnutfarm.biz/blogs/events/the-pumpkin-patch
Haunted Trail: Locals don’t have to wait until October for haunted houses. One of San Diego’s largest spooky season experiences opens in Balboa Park the last weekend of September, presenting the eXperiment Maze, the Haunted Trail and the Dark Carnival. 6:30 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Sunday. Balboa Drive and Juniper Road, San Diego. $34.99-$49.99. hauntedtrail.net
Theater
“JOB”: Cygnet Theatre presents Max Wolf Friedlich’s psychological thriller about a therapy session where a mentally troubled internet content moderator wants her therapist’s permission to return to work. 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday. 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Dottie Studio Theatre, Cygnet Theatre, 2880 Roosevelt Drive, San Diego. $35-$77. cygnettheatre.org/show/season26-27/job
“Ripcord”: The Roustabouts Theatre Co. presents David Lindsay-Abaire comedy about two very different roommates in an escalating battle of wills at a senior living community. 7:30 p.m. Friday; 2 and 7 p.m. Sunday. The Roustabouts at Scripps Ranch Theatre, 9873 Avenue of Nations, San Diego. $10-$45. theroustabouts.org
“Day for the Dead”: Teatro Máscara Mágica presents the world premiere of “Real Women Have Curves” author Josefina López’s one-act play performed in English and Spanish with Spanish songs. It’s the cautionary tale of a winemaking family cursed by love, revenge, sacrifice and consequences. 7:30 pm. Friday. Mar Vista High School Theater, 505 Elm St., Imperial Beach. $10-$15. tickettailor.com/events/teatromscaramgica/2448332
“Grim”: La Jolla Playhouse presents the world premiere of this musical comedy by This world premiere musical comedy by Joey Orton, Brad Silnutzer, Petro AP and Scott Hoying about the Grim Reaper’s daughter Diana, who is inheriting her dad’s job so he can retire. But her suitability for the role is questioned when she falls in love with humanity. 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; 1 and 7 p.m. Sundays. Through Dec. 6. Mandell Weiss Theatre, 2910 La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla. $30-$119. 858-550-1010, lajollaplayhouse.org/
“Into the Woods”: Coronado Playhouse presents a 40th anniversary production of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s Tony Award-winning fairy tale-inspired musical. 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays; plus 7 p.m. Nov. 9. Through Nov. 22. 1835 Strand Way, Coronado. $30. 619-435-4856, coronadoplayhouse.org/into-the-woods
“As You Like It”: New Village Arts presents Shaina Taub and Laurie Woolery’s musical adaptation of William Shakespeares romantic comedy. Showtimes vary, but mostly 7:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays; 2 and 4:30 p.m. Sundays. Through Nov. 29. 2787 State St., Carlsbad. $75. newvillagearts.org
Dance
San Diego Ballet celebrates Día de los Muertos: San Diego Ballet will perform a program of works this weekend at the San Diego Museum of Art in honor of Mexico’s Day of the Dead. Mariachi music accompanies the romantic “Qué Bonito Amor” and artistic director Javier Velasco’s signature work, “Mambomania,” is a lively Latin-infused ballet. 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday. San Diego Museum of Art, James S. Copley Auditorium, 1450 El Prado, San Diego. sandiegoballet.org
Classical
A Sound of Two Cities: San Diego Symphony and Orchestra Symphonique de Montréal will perform a free concert under the baton of the two orchestras’ shared music director Rafael Payare. Works by Bartók, Ravel, Prokofiev and Respighi will be featured. 7:30 p.m. Friday. Jacobs Music Center, 750 B St., downtown. Free. sandiegosymphony.org
Pianist Alexandre Tharaud & cellist Jean-Guihen Queyras: La Jolla Music Society presents a concert of works by the French pianist and French-Canadian cellist who are celebrating 30 years of collaboration. 7:30 p.m. Friday. Baker-Baum Concert Hall, The Conrad, 7600 Fay Ave., La Jolla. $65-$95. theconrad.org
Saturday
Seasonal
Yokai Masquerade: For one night only, the Japanese Friendship Garden will host a Halloween event rooted in Japanese folklore. Costumes are encouraged and visitors can enjoy carnival games, a yokai parade, fire performances, tarot card readings, music, dancing and more. 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday. Japanese Friendship Garden and Museum, 2215 Pan American Road East, San Diego. $45 for members, $60 for nonmembers. niwa.org/yokaimasquerade
Pumpkin train rides: The Campo Railroad Museum is offering its annual Pumpkin Express Halloween Celebration. Ride decorated vintage 1920s rail cars through the San Diego County mountains and enjoy the fall-themed decor at the historic Campo Depot. Children are encouraged to dress up for the contest costume and to participate in the Pumpkin Scavenger Hunt for treats and prizes! Trains leave at 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Saturday. Campo Depot, 750 Depot St. Tickets are $18.95-$39.95. Reserve at psrm.org/pumpkin.
Halloween at Anstine: The Anstine Nature Preserve will stay open later on Halloween with family-friendly activities and a chance to explore the trails at sunset. Costumes are encouraged. 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday. Anstine Nature Preserve, 2437 Hutchison St., Vista. Free. https://secure.sandiegobirdalliance.org/nx/portal/event-detail?event=22348
Halloween Party Cruise: On Halloween night, the Bahia Bell will take adults on a Día de los Muertos–themed cruise. 9 to 11:59 p.m. Saturday. Bahia Resort Hotel, 998 West Mission Bay Drive, San Diego. $57.10. bahiahotel.com/event/halloween-party-cruise
Community events in San Diego County: From Día de los Muertos festivals to Halloween at the zoo
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. Highlights include Halloween-themed orchestral music, along with crafts, costumes and trick-or-treating for kids. 11 a.m. Saturday. Jacobs Music Center, 1245 Seventh Ave. sandiegosymphony.org/performances/trick-or-treat-symphony-fam.
Trains and Treats: Train enthusiasts are invited to two Halloween family days with arts and crafts, games, costumes and candy. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. San Diego Model Railroad Museum in Balboa Park. Admission is $10-$20, including activities. sdmrm.org/halloween.
Día de los Muertos in Old Town: Old Town San Diego State Historic Park hosts a Día de los Muertos community celebration. 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. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. Free. parks.ca.gov/?page_id=31340
Dia de los Muertos in City Heights: At the annual City Heights Día de los Muertos celebration honoring those who have died, there will be entertainment, community altars, catrina outfit contest, face painting, mask making and raffle prizes. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Officer Jeremy Henwood Memorial Park, 3795 Fairmount Ave. Free admission. Visit facebook.com/groups/freeeventsinsandiego/posts/2028511657822967/.
Solare hosting fall cooking classes: From Halloween day through Nov. 28, Michelin-recommended Solare Ristorante will host four Saturday-morning cooking classes taught by executive chef Denice Grande and 81-year-old Nonna chef Maria Crivello. On Saturday, the focus is making pasta from scratch ($95). On Nov. 14, the theme is Italian-style seafood ($118). On Nov. 21, participants will make pizza from scratch ($95). And on Nov. 28, the dishes are gnocchi and slow-braised Bolognese sauce ($95). All classes start at 10 a.m. and include morning Italian-style coffee, full lunch and wine. 2820 Roosevelt Road, San Diego. solarelounge.com
Theater
‘Queen of Lucia’ opens Saturday: Vantage Theatre is presenting the professional debut of this new thriller by San Diego playwright and professor Lisa Balderston. The play, about a married couple who take refuge in an isolated cabin on a stormy night, explores the fragile line between perception and reality, and what can happen when fear, love, and control become impossible to separate. At intermission, audience members can guess how the play ends for a prize. 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday and Nov. 7; 3 and 7 p.m. Sunday and Nov. 8. Point Loma Assembly, 3035 Talbot St. San Diego. $27.45. sdartstix.com/theatre/queen-of-lucia/
“Romeo and Juliet”: The Old Globe and USD Shiley Graduate Theatre Program presents William Shakespeare’s romantic tragedy, directed by Kat Yen. 8 p.m. Saturday; 2 and 7 p.m. Sunday; 7 p.m. Nov. 3-6; 2 and 8 p.m. Nov. 7; 2 p.m. Nov. 8. Sheryl & Harvey White Theatre, The Old Globe, 1636 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, San Diego. $10-$15. theoldglobe.org
“Carrie: The Musical”: Oceanside Theatre Company is presenting an immersive production of this horror musical inspired by the 1974 book by Stephen King about a bullied teen girl who takes revenge with her supernatural powers. 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Sunshine Brooks Theater, 217 N. Coast Highway, Oceanside. $20–$50. 760-433-8900, oceansidetheatre.org
“The Cottage”: North Coast Repertory Theatre presents Sandy Rustin’s comic sex romp set in 1923 England. Opens Saturday and runs through Nov. 22. 7 p.m. Wednesdays-Fridays; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; 2 and 7 p.m. Sundays. 987 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach. $53.50-$80.50. northcoastrep.org
Sunday
Seasonal
Día de los Muertos in Chula Vista: All ages are invited to celebrate Día de los Muertos in downtown Chula Vista. There will be competitions for the best ofrendas and Catrín and Catrina ensembles as well as live performances, arts and crafts, a car show and other activities. 3 to 7:30 p.m. Sunday. Downtown Chula Vista. Free. downtownchulavista.com/events/dia-de-los-muertos-celebration
Festival at California Center for the Arts: The free “Día de Muertos” festival will include a community gallery, live music, food, folklórico dance groups and more than 180 ofrendas open to the community for the honoring deceased loved ones along with a catrina contest, retail vendors, kids’ crafts and face painting. A lecture on the history and Iconography of Dia De Muertos will be led by Jose Hugo Sanchez. 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. 4 to 9 p.m. Sunday. California Center for the Arts Museum, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido. Free. artcenter.org/dia-de-los-muertos.
Día de Muertos in Barrio Logan: Barrio Logan holds its annual Día de los Muertos celebration, “Honoring our ancestors, traditions and community” in the cultural corridor near Logan Avenue and National Avenue. Highlights include performances, ofrendas, art, lowrider showcase, food and craft market along with kids activities. noon to 7 p.m. Sunday. Free admission. Visit allforlogan.com.
“The Ring” in concert: The San Diego Symphony Orchestra will accompany the horror film, “The Ring,” led by conductor Susie Benchasil Seiter. 6 p.m. Sunday. Jacobs Music Center. Remaining tickets start at $43. sandiegosymphony.org/performances/the-ring-in-concert