Table of Contents
Music
Mission Bayfest Reggae Music Festival
Oct 17–19
Three days of irie vibes right on Mission Bay? Expect a stacked reggae lineup with top artists, ocean breezes, and sunset sets that’ll make your group chat jealous, plus tons of local food, craft vendors, and merch to wander between shows. The beachside setup keeps the energy high and the views even higher—come for the headliners, stay for the seaside soundtrack. Follow @bayfestsd for lineup drops, set times, and last‑minute updates.
SLANDER
Oct 17
If your playlist swings from happy tears to headbangs, SLANDER’s “heaven trap” is basically your love language. The duo hits San Diego on Oct 17 with a DJ set built on cinematic builds, emotional drops, and enough bass to make the seagulls file a noise complaint. Expect big sing-along moments, laser-friendly melodies, and the kind of cathartic chaos that turns strangers into shoulder-ride buddies. Show up early, hydrate often, and prepare to leave with your heart rate and serotonin both peaking.
Festival
HauntFest on Main
Oct 17
El Cajon’s Main Street turns into a Halloween playground with live music, costume contests, carnival rides, and a monster lineup of local vendors. It’s free, family-friendly, and packed with treats for every age—think festive photo ops, spooky snacks, and plenty of chances to show off your costume. If you want classic small-town charm with big fall-festival energy, this is your night.
TwitchCon 2025
Oct 17–19
Streaming IRL hits San Diego with a weekend where your favorite creators step out of chat and into real life. Expect a massive expo floor, jam-packed panels, live competitions, cosplay, and fan meetups—aka prime selfie-and-swag territory. Whether you mod, stream, speedrun, or just love watching chaos unfold, this is three days of pure creator culture. Bring comfy shoes and your best emotes; you’ll be farming memories and merch all weekend.
San Diego International Film Festival (SDIFF)
Oct 15–19
San Diego’s biggest movie moment rolls in with premieres, gala screenings, and enough red carpet to make the Gaslamp blush. Expect filmmaker Q&As, industry panels, and after-parties where you can debate plot twists with the people who actually wrote them. It’s your chance to catch buzzworthy films before wide release without leaving the ocean breeze behind. Dress smart-casual, bring opinions, and prepare to meet your next favorite director.
Brews & Bites Festival
Oct 18
Santee’s Brews & Bites Festival is Halloween for your taste buds: 40+ vendors doling out bites, brews, and boo-zy specialty cocktails while live music keeps the cobwebs shaking. Costumes aren’t just welcome—they could win you bragging rights in the contests, so bring your A-game (and maybe a cape). With that many food and drink options, this is the rare haunt where the tricks come with plenty of treats. Consider it the most delicious way to get in the spooky spirit without carving a single pumpkin.
Day to Day Vintage Market (North Park Way)
Sat, Oct 18, 2025, 11:00am–5:00pm
North Park’s Day to Day Vintage Market is your excuse to trade fast fashion for actual finds. Expect racks of curated vintage fashion and home decor from local sellers, perfect for scoring one-of-a-kind fall layers and funky pieces for your place. It pops up along North Park Way and runs 11:00am–5:00pm, so you can caffeinate, treasure-hunt, and still make your dinner plans. Bring your tote and your best thrifting instincts—these gems won’t linger.
Bella Vita Fest
Oct 18–19
In Little Italy, Bella Vita Fest turns Italian Heritage Month into an art-and-aperitivo party, with chalk art blooming underfoot while you sample Italian wines. Expect live music and tasty bites from local vendors bringing big Italian flavors. Go for the murals-in-the-making, stay for the sips, and leave with your camera roll (and appetite) happily overstuffed.
Sports
The Links at Petco Park
Oct 18-26
The Links at Petco Park, presented by Lexus, returns October 18 – 26, 2025, transforming the Padres’ ballpark into a spooky Halloween-themed 9-hole golf course called the “Haunted Golf Trail.” Golfers can enjoy the event with provided Callaway clubs, access to the Links Clubhouse featuring a bar, food, and exclusive merchandise. Tickets include Premium ($278.80) and Preferred ($123.90) golf experiences, plus Spectator passes ($31) for fans who just want to watch and enjoy the Clubhouse. Groups can also book the 19th Hole Party Suite for up to 30 people with food, drinks, parking, and unlimited tee shots from the Chairman’s Club.
San Diego Wave FC vs. Chicago Red Stars
Oct 18
San Diego’s pro women’s squad brings big-match energy to Snapdragon Stadium as they host the Red Stars in a showdown with serious playoff vibes. Come for the world-class talent (hello, Alex Morgan, Jaedyn Shaw, and Naomi Girma), stay for the roaring supporters and the kind of sunset backdrop that makes every goal feel like fireworks. It’s fast, physical, family-friendly, and you’ll probably lose your voice chanting between bites of stadium tacos. If you’ve been meaning to jump on the Wave bandwagon, this is your perfect excuse.
Howl-O-Sprint 5K
Oct 19
Ready to outrun a few friendly frights? This Halloween-themed 5K weaves through SeaWorld San Diego’s pathways decked out with spooky décor and surprise scare moments that’ll shave a few seconds off your pace. It’s family-friendly, too, with a Kids Fun Run so your mini monsters can get in on the action. Come for the miles, stay for the scream-worthy photo ops and bragging rights.
