Here are our top 10 events we know you’ll enjoy this weekend in San Diego.
1. Catch San Diego’s Film Festival
Photo by Asia Culture Center
The San Diego International Film Festival is a non-profit arts and education organization that offers year-round global storytelling through film screenings, along with its prestigious annual Film Festival every October. The Festival has established itself as a key stop on the international film festival awards circuit. It highlights buzzworthy films just before their general release and before awards shows such as the Golden Globes, SAG Awards, Independent Spirit Awards, and the Academy Awards. You can expect a packed schedule with something for everyone – head to their website for the full schedule and tickets.
📍Location: Screenings take place in the Festival Village at AMC UTC 14 at Westfield Plaza
📆 Date: Oct 16-20 2024
2. Get into spooky season with The Nightmare Before Bar
After chilling cities nationwide, The Nightmare Before Bar arrives in San Diego for the month of October. Enter a world of eerie enchantment at this themed bar, inspired by Tim Burton’s dark films and other horror classics. Enjoy a fully themed menu, engage in spooky games, and mingle with resident ghosts and ghouls for a night of unforgettable fun. This is the perfect activity for those of you who love fantasy and fiction.
📍Location: Bang on 5th – 762 Fifth Avenue, San Diego, 92101-6918
📆 Date: Check dates and tickets here
3. Have a great time with Brews & Bites
Photo by City of Santee
The City of Santee is hosting their Santee Brews & Bites Festival Fundraiser on October 19, 2024, at 550 Park Center Dr. Santee! Enjoy an evening of delicious food, drinks, and of course… fundraising. Funds raised will benefit the Santee Teen Center, park improvement projects, and the Recreation Scholarship Program. Enjoy brews from Bad City Brewing, Night Parade Brewing Company, and more. Your tummy will be happy with Giant Pizza King, Honey Donuts or Epic Wings, to name a few of the local vendors.
Keeping the energy buzzing is Fast Times, performing all your favorite ’80s hits. If that’s your vibe, you know what to do this weekend in San Diego!
📍Location: Town Center Community Park East, 550 Park Center Drive, Santee, California 92071
📆 Date: Oct 19 2024, 5:30 – 9:30 PM
4. Pre-celebrate International Mezcal Day
San Diego’s ties with Mexico are, of course, undeniable – and so is our love for amazing Mexican food, and beloved Mezcal. On Monday October 21, we celebrate International Mezcal Day – but just in case you think sipping on this great drink on a Monday night may not be the best idea, you can definitely show your appreciation this weekend. Head to Tahona, where they truly pay attention to the beauty and complexity of this drink. You can sample from over 120 types of mezcal, or you can go for a delicious cocktail. Either way, you won’t be disappointed!
📍Location: 2414 San Diego Ave. San Diego, CA 92110
📆 Date: open every day this weekend
5. Take your children to museums for FREE
Photo by Chris F on Pexels
Save big, play big, and go hard on culture this weekend in San Diego! For the rest of October, kids 12 and under get free admission with a paid adult to more than 50 of San Diego County’s favorite museums, historic sites, aquariums, gardens and more. Examples include the Chicano Park Museum, California Surf Museum, or Birch Aquarium. Some of the activities are free for the whole family.
6. Experience an ancient method of Korean BBQ
The recently opened Sot BBQ has been making waves on our social media feeds, and for good reason. This amazing spot focuses on quality protein, such as A5 Japanese wagyu, American wagyu short rib, Hokkaido scallop, wild tiger shrimp, and many more delicious bites. They use a special type of cooking. The Korean word “sot” is short for “sot-ttukeong,” which means using the lid of each cast-iron cauldron as a type of cone-shaped griddle. This system has been used for thousands of years in Korea, with sot-related artifacts dating back to 108 BCE. This truly is an authentic experience that will transport you to the heart of Seoul, even if you’re spending this weekend in San Diego.
7. Have fun at San Diego Spirits Festival
The two-day Signature Event is set to delight everyone’s palate! It’s a feast for all senses, with a weekend of unlimited sips as you reconnect with brands you know, and discover new ones to love. You can choose from over 60 high-end spirits, cocktails, and seltzers. What’s not to love?
📍Location: The Museum of Contemporary Art in La Jolla, 700 Prospect Street, San Diego, CA 92037
📆 Date: Oct 19 – Oct 20, 2024
8. Get your thrill at Haunted Hangar Halloween Bash
If you’re looking for a spooky activity to get you into the Halloween spirit, but it needs to be family-friendly, then we know the perfect spot for you. Midway’s “Haunted Hangar Halloween Bash” promises a night full of fun activities, contests, crafts, and more. Dress up in your favorite costume and get ready to indulge in some tasty treats for the little ones, and magic potion cocktails for the adults.
📍Location: USS Midway Museum, 910 North Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101
📆 Date: Oct 18, 2024, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
9. Have a purposeful evening with Breast Friends Night Out
Grab your friends and have a different night out. Head to The Shout! House this Sunday for an unforgettable breast cancer fundraiser. Come together to raise awareness, funds, and spirits! The night will feature dueling pianos with amazing artists, sing-alongs, and a whole lot of fun. Breast Friends Night Out is our way of supporting the fight against breast cancer and contributing to its ultimate defeat. A percentage of the profits from this event will be donated to Cancer Angels of San Diego, dedicated to providing essential support and resources to those battling breast cancer. Tickets are only $10.
📍Location: The Shout! House, 655 4th Ave, San Diego CA 92101
📆 Date: The Shout! House, 655 4th Ave, San Diego CA 92101
10. Drive to Escondido for a day of fun
Since 1989, the Escondido Grand Avenue Festival has transformed the tree-lined streets of downtown Escondido with live entertainment, over 400 vendors, children’s rides and activities, and a diverse array of international food. The festival has become a beloved family tradition! If you’re looking for a quick getaway from San Diego this weekend, join the fun in downtown Escondido.