{"id":458815,"date":"2026-09-10T01:18:24","date_gmt":"2026-09-10T01:18:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/458815\/"},"modified":"2026-09-10T01:18:24","modified_gmt":"2026-09-10T01:18:24","slug":"hay-rides-oktoberfest-free-museums-and-pumpkins-26-cant-miss-fall-events-san-diego-union-tribune","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/458815\/","title":{"rendered":"Hay rides, Oktoberfest, free museums and pumpkins: 26 can\u2019t-miss fall events \u2013 San Diego Union-Tribune"},"content":{"rendered":"

In San Diego County, fall isn\u2019t just about pumpkins, Oktoberfest and trick-or-treating, though options for enjoying those seasonal delights are a plenty in 2026.<\/p>\n

There will also be art walks, film festivals, street fairs, community events and an air show. Locals can look forward to a range of entertainment opportunities from Valley Center to Chula Vista.<\/p>\n

These are just a few of the options for celebrating autumn.<\/p>\n

D\u00eda de los Muertos at Fiesta De Reyes:\u00a0The D\u00eda de los Muertos celebrations started Sept. 1 at Fiesta De Reyes and continue through Nov. 2. La Experiencia includes creative displays, festive lighting and scheduled entertainment. Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, 2754 Calhoun St., San Diego. Free. fiestadereyes.com\/dia-de-los-muertos\/<\/a><\/p>\n

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. Sept. 17\u00a0to Oct. 31. 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<\/a><\/p>\n

ArtWalk Carlsbad: This fine art event brings together traveling artists in a range of mediums, including sculpture, glass work, photography and jewelry. In addition to art from more than 150 participants, there will be a kids walk, food trucks and musical performers. Sept. 19-20. Armada Drive above the Carlsbad Flower Fields. Free. artwalksandiego.org\/carlsbad<\/p>\n

Adams Avenue Street Fair: For two days, the Normal Heights neighborhood will host 75 musical acts across six stages. Music fans at the street fair will also find food and beer gardens, carnival rides and vendor booths. Sept. 19-20. Adams Avenue, San Diego. Free. adamsavenuebusiness.com\/adams-avenue-street-fair<\/p>\n

\"LindseyLindsey Vosburgh, left, and Krystal Zinn react walking through the clown room at the Haunted Trail at Balboa Park on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024. (K.C. Alfred \/ The San Diego Union-Tribune)<\/p>\n

Haunted Trail:\u00a0Locals don\u2019t have to wait until October for haunted houses. One of San Diego\u2019s largest spooky season experiences opens in Balboa Park the last weekend of September, presenting the eXperiment Maze, the Haunted Trail and the Dark Carnival. Sept. 25 through Nov. 1. Balboa Drive and Juniper Road, San Diego. $34.99-$49.99. hauntedtrail.net<\/a><\/p>\n

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.\u00a0pumpkinstation.com\/del-mar-pumpkin-station\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Oktoberfest in El Cajon: The German American Societies of San Diego host two weekends of Oktoberfest activities. Participants can eat German staples such as bratwurst, potato pancakes and salted pretzels. There will also be music by a band from Baden-W\u00fcrttemberg, Germany and raffle prizes.\u00a0Sept. 25-27; Oct. 2-4. 1017 S. Mollison Ave., El Cajon. $15 Fridays and Saturdays, $5 Sundays. Free for members, military and youth. events.germanclubsandiego.com\/e\/oktoberfest-el-cajon-26<\/a><\/p>\n

Poway Rodeo: This annual event brings together rodeo fans with a two-day rodeo performance, live entertainment, activity for kids and more. An after party will take place each night from 10 p.m. to midnight. Children can attend for $1 on Saturday. Sept. 25-26. Poway Valley Riders Association Arena, 14336 Tierra Bonita Road, Poway. $18 for kids, $22.13 to $37.89 for general admission. Children under 5 attend for free. Youth 12 or older can attend for $1.60 on Saturday. powayrodeo.com<\/p>\n

\"TheThe Blue Angels in diamonds formation fly past show center at Day 1 at Air Show 2025 at MCAS Miramar. (Nelvin C. Cepeda \/ The San Diego Union-Tribune)<\/p>\n

MCAS Miramar Air Show: The largest military air show in the U.S., according to the Marines, returns for its yearly event. The Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show showcases aerial performances, military vehicles, old school aircraft, flight simulators and more. Some of the scheduled performances include the Navy\u2019s Blue Angels and Marine Corps Marching Band. Sept. 26-28. MCAS Miramar, San Diego. Ticket options start at $22.45. miramarairshow.com<\/p>\n

Julian Autumn Jubilee: The annual Autumn Jubilee returns to Fort Cross with a spooky maze, lawn games, a pumpkin patch, a hoedown show, farm animals and other activities. A $25 festival ticket includes additional hay rides, a cider-pressing demonstration, a reptile show, candle dipping and a treasure hunt. Sept. 26 to Oct. 25. Fort Cross Old Timey Adventures, 4425 Highway 78, Santa Ysabel. $10 general admission. fortcross.com\/autumn-jubilee<\/a><\/p>\n

San Diego Spirits Festival: With an ocean view, the San Diego Spirits Festival is a celebration of cocktails. Back for the 17th time, this year\u2019s event will offer unlimited drinks from over 65 brands. It also features a spirits competition and musical entertainment. Sept. 26-27. Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, 700 Prospect St., La Jolla. $65-85.\u00a0 sandiegospiritsfestival.com<\/p>\n

Chula Vista Art Fest: South Bay artists will present their work in a range of mediums at this fourth annual festival. There will also be live music and food vendors. Sept. 26. Chula Vista City Hall, 276 Fourth Ave., Chula Vista. Free. chulavistaca.gov\/departments\/library\/chula-vista-art-fest<\/p>\n

\"RosemaryRosemary Mantanona, leader of Guam dance group, Imahen Taotao Tano, performs on stage during the 30th anniversary of the Pacific Islanders Festival. (Hayne Palmour IV \/ For The San Diego Union-Tribune)<\/p>\n

Pacific Islander Festival: This year\u2019s Pacific Islander Festival has a theme of \u201cGrounded by Roots; Woven by Culture.\u201d The event will feature dancing and live music representing Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia. Authentic food vendors, cultural workshops and family-friendly activities are also scheduled to take place. Visitors are asked to bring blankets and chairs. Sept. 26-27. Ski Beach Park, 1600 Vacation Road, San Diego. Free. pifasandiego.com\/festival<\/p>\n

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.\u00a0Fridays and Saturdays in October. 1050 Cannon Road, Carlsbad. $25-45. aguahedionda.org\/haunted-corn-maze<\/p>\n

\"TheThe Bonita Museum and Cultural Center (BMCC). (Nelvin C. Cepeda \/ The San Diego Union-Tribune)<\/p>\n

Kids Free in October:\u00a0For 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\u2019s online guide for details. Oct. 1-31. sandiegomuseumcouncil.org\/specials\/kidsfree<\/a><\/p>\n

San Diego Tijuana Jazz Fest: Over four days in October and multiple venues on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border, the San Diego Tijuana Jazz Fest is a binational celebration of the genre. This year\u2019s lineup of performers includes a binational youth ensemble, Luc\u00eda and the Familia Guti\u00e9rrez, Danilo P\u00e9rez with La Covacha Big Band and Se\u00f1alesSela\u00f1es.\u00a0Oct. 1-4. San Diego, Tijuana and Escondido. $54-90. sdtjjazz.org<\/p>\n

North Park Book Fair: The North Park Book Fair returns \u201cbigger, better, and with Verbatim Books at the helm from start to finish,\u201d according to an event announcement. It will feature local bookstores and literary vendors as well as artisans, publishers and comic book artists. There will also be a costume contest, readings and other activities. Oct. 3. North Park Way from 29th Street to Ray Street. Free. verbatimbooks.com\/events\/#event=verbatim-books-presents-the-north-park-book-fair-2<\/a><\/p>\n

Rancho Beernado Festival: AleSmith Brewing Company, Black Plague, Harland Brewing Co., Chula Vista Brewery, Blowfish Tequila and Pure Project are among the participant\u2019s in the 2026 Rancho Beernado Festival. Tickets come with unlimited 2-ounce pours, music, wine and free parking. Oct. 3. Rancho Bernardo\u2019s Webb Park, 11666 Avena Place, San Diego. $65. ranchobeernardofestival.com<\/p>\n

\"LaLa Mesa Oktoberfest on Oct. 4, 2025. (Ariana Drehsler \/ For The San Diego Union-Tribune)<\/p>\n

Oktoberfest in La Mesa: Oktoberfest in La Mesa features three biergartens, international food, a kids area, Gl\u00fccklich games, Bavarian bingo, a pumpkin patch and other activities. Four different ticket prices are available with perks ranging from a VIP bar and a commemorative hat to front-of-line privileges. Oct. 2-4. La Mesa Boulevard and Allison Avenue. $15-$54.89 for adults, $11.59-22.93 for under 21. lamesaoktoberfest.org<\/p>\n

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.\u00a0sdfilmfest.com<\/p>\n

\"SeedSeed pods hang from a mesquite in Borrego Springs on Thursday, April 23, 2026. (Kristian Carreon \/ The San Diego Union-Tribune)<\/p>\n

Borrego Days Desert Festival: The community of Borrego Springs will gather for a flyover, parade, car show and other activities. Kids will have their own zone and food vendors and a beer garden will be available for attendees. Oct. 17-18. Christmas Circle Community Park, Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs. Free. borregodays.com<\/p>\n

Once Upon a Hallowe\u2019en: An obvious pick for families with kids (of all ages) who love trains, Poway\u2019s Once Upon a Hallowe\u2019een event includes opportunities to ride the Poway Midland Railroad. A haunted house will add some spooky fun, along with carnival games and other activities. Oct. 24. Old Poway Park, 14134 Midland Road, Poway. Free. poway.org<\/p>\n

Latine Pride: Fall is the time to specifically celebrate Latine Pride in San Diego, and Liberty Station will be the scene of an all-ages event. Find resources, food, music and other activities to celebrate the Queer Latinidad. Oct. 24. Liberty Station Central Promenade, 2641 Truxtun Road, San Diego. Free.\u00a0sdpride.org\/latine<\/a><\/p>\n

\"LibertyLiberty Station\u2019s annual Halloween at the Station event invites locals to wear costumes for an all-ages costume contest, as well as family-friendly activities. (Liberty Station Community Association)<\/p>\n

Halloween at the Station: Halloween can be celebrated early this year in Point Loma. Aimed for family-friendly fun, locals can participate in a costume contest, play on bounce houses, see a Hollywood car show and trick-or-treat throughout Ingram Plaza. Attendees are asked to bring donations of non-parishable goods for Feeding San Diego. Oct. 25. Ingram Plaza, 2751 Dewey Road, San Diego. Free. libertystation.com\/events\/halloween-at-the-station<\/p>\n

Yokai Masquerade:\u00a0For 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.\u00a0Oct. 31. Japanese Friendship Garden and Museum, 2215 Pan American Road East,San Diego. $45 for members, $60 for nonmembers. niwa.org\/yokaimasquerade<\/a><\/p>\n

D\u00eda de los Muertos in Chula Vista: All ages are invited to celebrate D\u00eda de los Muertos in downtown Chula Vista. There will be competitions for the best ofrendas and Catr\u00edn and Catrina ensembles as well as live performances, arts and crafts, a car show and other activities. Nov. 1. Downtown Chula Vista. Free. downtownchulavista.com\/events\/dia-de-los-muertos-celebration<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"In San Diego County, fall isn\u2019t just about pumpkins, Oktoberfest and trick-or-treating, though options for enjoying those seasonal…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":458816,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[28],"tags":[74,76,75,420,1696],"class_list":["post-458815","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-san-diego","tag-san-diego","tag-san-diego-headlines","tag-san-diego-news","tag-things-to-do","tag-top-stories-sdut"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/458815","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=458815"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/458815\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/458816"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=458815"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=458815"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=458815"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}