Autumn has officially descended upon San Diego, and the arrival of this new season brings with it an array of exciting events. From the esteemed La Jolla Art & Wine Festival to the heartwarming Celebrate the Craft and the lavish La Costa Film Festival, there is an abundance of activities to occupy your time throughout the month. Here, we present a curated list of the top 10 things to experience in San Diego this October.
1. La Jolla Art & Wine Festival
- Dates: October 8 & 9;
- Location: Girard Ave, La Jolla 92037.
Description: The La Jolla Art & Wine Festival makes its triumphant return for the 8th year, gracing Girard Ave in the heart of La Jolla on October 8th and 9th. This two-day juried art exhibition has earned recognition as one of Southern California’s most prestigious art and wine festivals, showcasing the creations of over 150 accomplished artists from across the globe. Amidst the artistic splendor, attendees can delight in a silent auction, wandering performers, a gourmet marketplace, a family-oriented art center, and a wine and beer garden featuring premier wineries and San Diego’s top breweries.
2. Old Town Fall Festival
- Date: October 8;
- Location: Old Town San Diego State Historic Park; 2415 San Diego Ave.
Description: The autumn spirit comes alive at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park with its annual Fall Festival on October 8th. Various museums and merchants within the park will host family-friendly games, activities, and entertainment reminiscent of a bygone harvest celebration. Highlights include a captivating pumpkin-carving demonstration from 12 pm to 4 pm, free craft activities like pumpkin painting and corn husk doll making, and a continuous lineup of musical entertainment.
3. Little Italy FESTA
- Date: October 9;
- Location: India & Date Streets, San Diego 92101.
Description: The 22nd annual FESTA!, hosted by the Little Italy Association of San Diego, stands as the largest Italian cultural festival in the Western U.S. The streets of Little Italy will teem with over 120,000 visitors from around the world, paying homage to Italian heritage and culture. The festival offers a delightful array of Italian cuisine, alfresco dining, authentic Italian music across three stages, a Sicilian flag procession, street stickball and bocce ball tournaments, Gesso Italiano (Italian Chalk), and more.
4. Taste of Coronado
- Date: October 12;
- Location: Orange Ave, Coronado Island.
Description: Embark on an epicurean journey to Coronado Island on October 12th, escaping the city’s hustle and bustle to savor delectable creations prepared by local chefs. This culinary expedition allows you to sample dishes from various local bistros while strolling along Orange Avenue or enjoying a complimentary trolley ride. Share this unforgettable night with friends as you relish a memorable dining experience.
5. La Costa Film Festival
- Dates: October 13-16;
- Location: Omni La Costa Resort & Spa.
Description: The 4th Annual La Costa Film Festival returns to the splendid Omni La Costa Resort & Spa. This beloved Hollywood getaway offers film enthusiasts a diverse selection of cinematic gems, ranging from documentaries and shorts to full-length features. A special sports film competition features a celebrity panel of judges selecting the finest narratives, documentaries, and short films for recognition. The festival’s grand opening night Gala and screenings beneath the starry skies on the Omni’s picturesque grounds promise a cinematic treat.
6. Taste of North Park
- Date: October 15;
- Location: University Ave & 30th St., San Diego 92104.
Description: The Taste of North Park returns with even more flavor and excitement. Secure your ticket and embark on a self-guided walking tour, indulging in culinary delights from over 50 restaurants and savoring craft beers from 15 local breweries. North Park’s culinary scene is celebrated for its unique ingredients and flavors, offering a wide array of vegetarian and farm-to-table creations. Between bites, explore participating galleries and boutiques, enhancing your palate with local brews from nearby breweries.
7. Art Crawl
- Date: October 20;
- Location: San Diego Museum of Man; 1350 El Prado, San Diego 92101.
Description: San Diego’s vibrant and hip street art scene converges at the San Diego Museum of Man for a one-night-only event. Enjoy street tacos and craft beer as you explore art throughout the museum. Witness street opera and spoken word art, experience breakdancing and drumming up close, admire yarn bombings, contribute to a chalkboard mural, view graffiti art, and discover seldom-seen objects from the museum’s collections on display. This is an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of street art.
8. Del Mar Int’l Horse Show
- Dates: October 20-23;
- Location: Del Mar Fairgrounds; 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar 92014.
Description: The Del Mar International Horse Show unfolds at one of Southern California’s premier equestrian venues, the Del Mar Fairgrounds. This event is renowned for its thrilling atmosphere and high-caliber competition, attracting internationally recognized horses and riders for multiple weeks of world-class show jumping. If you have a passion for horses, this event is tailor-made for you and your family.
9. Borrego Days Desert Festival
- Dates: October 21-23;
- Location: Christmas Circle Community Park, Borrego Springs.
Description: The 51st annual Borrego Days Desert Festival kicks off this October, beckoning you to beautiful Borrego Springs for two days of artistic displays, entertainment, delectable food and beverages, and more. The festivities commence with a parade at 10 am on Saturday, followed by a showcase of artists, retail vendors, mouthwatering cuisine, and delightful treats. Live entertainment will keep the spirit alive throughout the day and into the night, with a beer and wine garden to further enhance your experience. On Saturday, indulge in the Borrego Days Car Show, followed by the Off-Road Show on Sunday.
10. Celebrate the Craft 2016
- Date: October 30;
- Location: Lodge at Torrey Pines; 11480 N. Torrey Pines Rd., La Jolla.
Description: “Celebrate the Craft” has been a Southern California culinary highlight for 14 years, showcasing regionally grown ingredients and innovative cooking and winemaking. This celebration brings together the finest food artisans representing California’s diverse culinary landscape. Growers, vintners, brewers, and culinary artisans from renowned farms, bakeries, wineries, and breweries will share their expertise. Tickets are available online, priced at $135 per person, offering a delectable experience at the Lodge at Torrey Pines.
San Diego’s October calendar brims with an array of cultural, culinary, and artistic experiences. As the city embraces fall, these events offer a captivating tapestry of entertainment and enrichment for all to enjoy.
Summary
In conclusion, as the crisp embrace of autumn descends upon San Diego, the city awakens with a vibrant tapestry of events to explore and savor. From the prestigious La Jolla Art & Wine Festival to the equestrian elegance of the Del Mar International Horse Show, and the rich cultural celebration of Little Italy FESTA, there’s no shortage of ways to immerse yourself in the essence of this season.
Whether you’re a food enthusiast delighting in the diverse culinary offerings at Taste of Coronado and Taste of North Park, an art lover captivated by the Art Crawl’s colorful street scenes, or a film aficionado attending the La Costa Film Festival, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
As October unfolds, San Diego invites you to partake in these enriching experiences that celebrate culture, creativity, and community. So gather your friends and family, mark your calendars, and embark on a journey of discovery and delight throughout this vibrant city. Autumn in San Diego is a time of celebration, and these events offer the perfect opportunity to make cherished memories and embrace the spirit of the season.