Here are some of the best things to do this weekend in San Diego from Friday, Oct. 24 to Sunday, Oct. 26.
Friday
‘Jekyll and Hyde’ San Diego Musical Theatre had a big hit last year with its macabre production of the Victorian-themed slasher musical “Sweeney Todd.” In a similar vein, pardon the pun, comes this Frank Wildhorn gothic musical about a Victorian-era doctor with two personalities, one an idealistic doctor, the other an evil murderer. Oct. 3 through Nov. 2. 4650 Mercury St., San Diego. $30-$69. sdmt.org
Final weekend for “Utopia”: Imaginarium’s light show, “Utopia” will wrap up its time at Las Americas Premium Outlets this weekend. The show brings together eight different light-designed realms, including interactive rooms and photo boxes. 7 to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. 7 to 10 p.m. Sunday. 4211 Camino de la Plaza, San Diego. Tickets start at $16. imaginarium360.com/san-diego/
San Diego Ballet: San Diego Museum of Art Centennial Celebration Art A collaboration with the San Diego Museum of Art honors a century of visual art programming as part of the museum’s Centennial Celebration. The residency begins with a dance program honoring the Art of the America’s exhibit, accompanied by choreography created to composer Aaron Copland’s Appalachian Spring and Three Latin American Sketches. 7 p.m. Oct. 24, 8 p.m. Oct. 25 and 2 p.m. Oct. 26. San Diego Museum of Art, James S. Copley Auditorium, 1450 El Prado, San Diego. $48 and up. sandiegoballet.org
Thrill the World: Fans of “Thriller” can celebrate the famous choreography and take place in an annual tradition that takes place around the world. This event is for people who already know the moves. A practice will take place at 2:45 p.m. followed by a final performance at 3 p.m. 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Civic Center Library, 330 North Coast Highway, Oceanside. oceansidepl.librarycalendar.com/event/opl-scares-presents-thrill-world-final-event-28386
Adult Laser Tag: Play laser tag inside the library, sing karaoke and enjoy a photo booth at this late night library event. 5 to 8 p.m. Friday. Lakeside Library, 12428 Woodside Ave., Lakeside. Free. sdcl.bibliocommons.com/events/67a2a1966021a51d62f18087
Pumpkin Bash & Spooky Campover: This event starts with a campout with pumpkin carving, all-ages haunted house and other activities. Donation is $80; $55 for age 12 and younger or $50/$35 for members. A Pumpkin Bash begins the next morning at 10 a.m. Dress up in your costume and watch the rescued big cats and bears devour treats out of pumpkins. It will take place Oct. 24-25 at Tigers & Bears wildlife sanctuary, 24402 Martin Way. Donation is $60; $35 for age 12 and younger or $30/$15 for members. Limited capacity. lionstigersandbears.org/happenings.
Jurassic Fright at Pumpkin Patch: Open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays in Oct. 3 through Oct. 31 at 1050 Cannon Road. There’s a haunted corn maze, marigold fields, bounceland, Jurassic Fright, a tractor ride and sheep, goats and rabbits. Admission is $15; free for kids 3 and younger plus fees for activities. Visit carlsbadstrawberrycompany.com/pumpkin.
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Rolling Pumpkins festival: Find a petting zoo, rides, carnival games and pumpkins here through Nov. 1 at 415 Parkway Plaza, Fletcher Parkway in El Cajon. Hours are 3 to 9 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. For details, go to visitparkwayplaza.com.
Master of the Macabre: Stories by Master of the Macabre, Edgar Allan Poe, will be featured at 6 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays Oct. 17 to Nov. 1 at Villa Montezuma Museum in Sherman Heights. The performances, “Poe and More Poe” are co-directed by Rachael VanWormer and Veronica Murphy and hosted by Write Out Loud. Tickets are $30 at writeoutloudsd.com.
Fright for Future: The horrors can impact humans, animals and Earth are on full display at Fright for Future. This interactive haunted maze is designed to educate visitors about the dangers of pollution, animal abuse and climate change through 20 interactive activations. Some of these attractions in the maze include a biohazard unit, a butcher shop, a poacher camp and a witch’s cauldron. New this year are four attractions: tech-known terrors, the harm of processed foods, the influence of big tobacco and pain caused by pharmaceutical companies. This haunted maze is intended for those 10 years and older. It is free for students with a school identification. Oct. 17-19, 24-26. 37ECB, 3720 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego. $10. frightforfuture.org
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Christone ‘Kingfish’ Ingram, with Dylan Triplett At 26, this Mississippi native is one of the most electrifying blues-rock stars of his generation. A sizzling guitarist and accomplished singer and songwriter, Kingfish has just launched his own record label, Red Zero, and is releasing his new album, “Hard Road,” on Friday. Its already released lead-off songs, “Voodoo Charm” and “Bad Like Me,” suggest the album could be his most accomplished to date. Be sure to arrive early to hear the opening set by 25-year-old Dylan Triplett, an award-winning St. Louis blues singer. 8 p.m. Oct. 24, North Park Observatory, 2891 University Ave., San Diego. $41.80. ticketmaster.com
Halloweekend at Campland: Halloween festivities are slated Oct. 24-26 at Campland on the Bay, ranging from costume contests, pumpkin carving and a pet costume contest to a DJ Spooky dance party and trick-or-treating. Visit campland.com/halloween-at-campland.
The Rosin Box Project: ‘Ghost Light Masquerade’ Wear a mask and wander through a haunted theater in this popular, annual production. Dancing spirits, dressed in Victorian-era garb, stir up devilry as the night unfolds. There’s a cash bar and food available for purchase. 7:30 p.m. Oct. 24-25 and Oct. 30, 7 p.m. Oct. 26, 28-29. The Soap Factory, 2995 Commercial St., San Diego. $54-$65 admission, $10 parking fee. Early bird discount available online. therosinboxproject.com
‘Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike’ Christopher Durang’s absurdist 2013 comedy, inspired by the plays of Anton Chekhov, is about the unhappy reunion of three dysfunctional American siblings. It will inaugurate the Dottie Studio Theater, a black-box theater at Cygnet’s just-opened Joan and Irwin Jacobs Performing Arts Center, affectionately known as The Joan, at Liberty Station. Anthony Methvin directs. Through Nov. 9. Joan and Irwin Jacobs Performing Arts Center, 2880 Roosevelt Road, San Diego. cygnettheatre.org
‘Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground’: Tony Award-winning actor John Rubinstein — he was Broadway’s Pippin in 1980 — will reprise the title role in this solo play by Richard Hellesen that premiered off Broadway in 2023 and has been touring ever since. New York critics described Rubinstein as “compelling” and “affable” as former U.S. president and retired Army Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower reflecting on his World War II and presidential experiences and his declining popularity in the polls. Peter Ellenstein directs. Through Nov. 16. North Coast Repertory Theatre, 987 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach. northcoastrep.org
Saturday
Howl-oween Open House: All adoptions are free this month at the Chula Vista Animal Shelter. A special Howl-oween event will take place Saturday. There will be shopping, trick-or-treating and festive activities. 10 a.m to 4 p.m. Saturday. Chula Vista Animal Services, 130 Beyer Way, Chula Vista. Free. chulavistaca.gov
BirdStock Music Festival & Artisan Market: Find live music on five stages, dancing, a beer and wine garden, food trucks, artisans, craftsmakers, and other vendors, a kids zone, a costume contest, and lots of other activities at this free event. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday. 5500-5700 La Jolla Blvd., San Diego. Free. birdstockmusicfestival.com
Bach Collegium San Diego: ‘When in Rome’ Reflecting Handel’s enjoyable and productive time in the eternal city, this concert includes two of his pieces, plus works by Italian composers. Music director Ruben Valenzuela will lead the concert, which features soprano Clara Rottsolk and oboist Kathryn Montoya, both noted specialists in historically informed performance. 7 p.m. Oct. 25 at The Baker-Baum Concert Hall, Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, 7600 Fay Ave., La Jolla. $38-$73; and at 4 p.m. Oct. 26 at All Souls’ Episcopal, 1475 Catalina Blvd., Point Loma. $15-$70. 619-341-1726, bachcollegiumsd.org
‘Future Rituals & La Eco-Resistencia’: When Mexican-born artist Francisco Eme wanted to understand nature and our place in it, he didn’t have to look far. He literally just had to look at the space behind his suburban San Diego home. The sloped canyon became his laboratory. A years-long exploration and investigation has led to a new multimedia exhibition opening in late October that “explores the tension between urbanization and native ecology in San Diego’s suburban canyons.” The exhibition will feature “five years of photographs, videos, sound recordings and collected artifacts documenting one canyon’s quiet resistance to the sprawl surrounding it.” Oct. 25 through March 22. Oceanside Museum of Art, 704 Pier View Way, Oceanside. $15 adult; $10 seniors 65 and up; free for members, youth 17 and under, college students with I.D., and active military and dependents with I.D. 760-435-3720, oma-online.org
BooFront Pet Costume Contest: Here’s a chance for the red carpet experience for your dog. This event invites dogs in costumes to walk a blue-carpet runway as well as enjoying themed activities and treats. There will also be a costume contest with prizes. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. Bayfront Park. Free. eventbrite.com/e/hilton-san-diego-bayfronts-boofront-pet-costume-contest-tickets-1560127676879?aff=oddtdtcreator
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Encinitas Día de los Muertos: The annual Day of the Dead festival is from noon to 4 p.m. Oct. 25 at the MiraCosta San Elijo campus, 3333 Manchester Ave. The event includes performances by ballet folklórico dancers, Aztec dancers and mariachi bands and art exhibit. Festivities also include face painting, sugar skull decorating and paper flower workshop along with a lowrider car show by the Callejeros de Encinitas Car Club, artist demonstrations, vendors and food truck. A community ofrenda will be on display indoors, and attendees can honor the memory of a loved one with a photograph or remembrance. Free admission. Visit encinitasarts.org/programs/encinitas-dia-de-los-muertos-celebration.
Community Music Day: The Museum of Making Music is celebrating 25 years with a special community music day. There will be a musical treasure hunt, ice cream, donuts and other activities. RSVP online. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. 5790 Armada Drive, Carlsbad. Pay as you wish. museumofmakingmusic.org
Halloween magic show at museum: The Heritage of the Americas Museum hosts a Halloween event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 25 with a performance of “Spooky Magic” by retired educator and magician Bruce Wollitz. Highlights include classic Halloween movies and cartoons, crafts for all ages, including pumpkin painting, beaded corn cobs, eyeball floral arrangements and spiders. Admission is $6; free for members and children. Visit HeritageOfTheAmericasMuseum.com.
La Mezcla: ‘Ghostly Labor’ ArtPower presents La Mezcla (the mixture), an all-female, San Francisco-based dance and music ensemble that creates work with social justice themes. This dance/theater production combines tap, Mexican and Afro-Caribbean dance styles and rhythms to tell the experiences of farm and domestic workers throughout California. 7:30 p.m. Oct. 24. UC San Diego Epstein Family Amphitheater 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla. $30-$50. 858-534-1430, artpower.ucsd.edu
Halloween Spooktacular at market: A free Halloween trick-or-treating event is from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 25 at Mission Marketplace, 427 College Blvd. Children will get a free bucket to decorate and use for trick-or-treating at participating Mission Marketplace businesses during the event, which includes a chance to meet FrankenStilt. Wear your costume. There will also be a Dog Halloween Costume Contest and pet adoption event. Visit missionmarketplaceoceanside.com.
Surf and skate festival: A beachside surf and skate festival called Bash at the Beach is 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct, 25-26 at Mission Beach’s Belmont Park, presented by Sun Diego and Bones Love Milk, featuring music by Gravity. Highlights include surf and skate contests, live music and a Kona Big Wave Beer Garden. Admission is free. Visit sundiego.com.
Día de los Muertos festivities: The annual City Heights Día de los Muertos celebration of those who have passed away is from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 25 at Officer Jeremy Henwood Memorial Park, 3795 Fairmount Ave. There will be entertainment, community ofrendas (altars), catrina outfit contest, face painting, mask making and raffle prizes. Free admission. Visit facebook.com/events/officer-jeremy-henwood-memorial-park/2025-city-heights-day-of-the-dead-celebration/1097886755877235.
Witches of the Westgate Tea: Witch costumes are encouraged for this afternoon tea. Adult tickets come with a free glass of champagne and kids tickets provide a take home gift. 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Le Fontainebleau room, The Westgate Hotel, 1055 Second Ave., San Diego. $85 for adults, $55 for children. westgatehotel.com/event/witches-of-the-westgate-tea/2025-10-25/
Santee Lakes Spooktacular and Trunk-or-Treat: This “Wizard of Oz”-themed event will feature a doughnut walk, creepy critters, mili golf, inflatables, food trucks and other activities. A trunk-or-treat trail with a yellow brick road, land of oz and a haunted forest will go around Lake 2. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve, 9310 Fanita Parkway, Santee. Free. $10 parking. Santeelakes.com
Spooky magic: The Heritage of the Americas Museum hosts a Halloween event, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 25 with a performance of “Spooky Magic” by retired educator and magician Bruce Wollitz. Highlights include classic Halloween movies and cartoons, crafts for all ages, including pumpkin painting, beaded “Indian” corn cobs, eyeball floral arrangements and spiders. Admission is $6; free for members and children. Visit www.HeritageOfTheAmericasMuseum.com.
Halloween costume parades: City Tacos’ OB Playground will host costume parades for pets and kids. Participating children wearing costumes will receive a free churro and costumed pets can have a free pup cup. 11 a.m. Saturday for kids, 12:30 p.m. Saturday for pets. City Tacos OB Playground, 4896 Voltaire St., San Diego. citytacossd.com
Boo at the Zoo: Meet spooky and not-so-spooky animals in a flashlight tour at Wild Wonders animal refuge, 5712 Vía Montellano, Oct. 25-26. The hourlong Halloween-themed tours are at 6 p.m. with treat stations. Wear your costume. Tickets are $42 for adults and youths ages 12 and older and $22 for children ages 5-11. wildwonders.org.
City Ballet of San Diego: ‘Giselle’ A classic ballet choreographed by Elizabeth Wistrich tells the story of a beautiful, but fragile peasant girl who falls for a nobleman and dies of heartbreak after she discovers he’s engaged to another. After death, she is joined by the sisterhood of the Wilis, the spirits of betrayed women who take revenge by making men dance to death. In the end, foregiveness offers redemption. 8 p.m. Oct. 25; 2 p.m. Oct. 26. California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 North Escondido Blvd., Escondido. $39-$99. 858-272-8663, cityballet.org
Oceanside Halloween Spooktacular: A free Halloween trick-or-treating event is from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 25 at Mission Marketplace, 427 College Blvd. Children will get a free bucket to decorate and use for trick-or-treating at participating Mission Marketplace businesses during the event, which includes a chance to meet FrankenStilt. Wear your costume. There will also be a Dog Halloween Costume Contest and pet adoption event. Visit missionmarketplaceoceanside.com.
Howl-O-Ween festival: Helen Woodward Animal Center hosts its Howl-O-Ween Harvest Family Festival from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Oct. 11, 18, 25 and 26, featuring hands-on animal encounters, trick-or-treat stations, a free pumpkin patch, festive games, crafts, face painting and photo booth. The cost is $17.75 for kids participating and $8.90 for adults age 18 and older. Reserve a spot at animalcenter.org/programs-services/education/kid-events. There are also Howl-O-Ween Harvest Adventures with up-close animal encounters, fall crafts and STEM-aligned lessons, for groups by appointment Oct. 1 to Nov. 10; email education@animalcenter.org.
Sunday
CicloSDias: Some City Heights streets will be closed down for an event promoting bicycle use. Bring your wheels to make use of the open space for skating, cycling and more. There will be music, arts, safety workshops and bike tune-ups. Find the event at the cross points of University Avenue, 39th Street and Fairmount Avenue. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. Free. sdbikecoalition.org/full-calendar/ciclosdias-1
San Diego FC Playoff Game: The first 25,000 fans to this historic playoff match will get an exclusive SDFC branded scarf. 6:30 p.m. Sunday. Snapdragon Stadium, San Diego. Tickets start at $69.95. sandiegofc.com/playoffs
Surf competition: The Red Bull Foam Wreckers, which bills itself as an “anti-surf contest where anyone can win, because the only boards allowed are soft-tops,” is from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Oct. 26; open to all skill levels, hosted by Red Bull is at La Jolla Shores. Free registration at redbull.com/us-en/events/red-bull-foam-wreckers-la-jolla.
Día de los Muertos with music and dance: The 24th annual event is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 26 next to City Hall and around the Oceanside Civic Center and Pier View Way. Highlights include community and family altars built in memory of loved ones with marigolds from Mellano Flowers and traditional music and dancing of the Mexican culture, along with chalk cemetery and kids crafts and activities. There will be a catrina contest, food, shopping and a car show with trunk altars sponsored by the Por Siempre Car Club, along with lowrider bicycles on display. Entertainment includes ballet folklorico and rubios dancers and Danza de los Diablos. The featured speaker is Victor Villaseñor, best known for his New York Times bestselling novel, “Rain of Gold.” Free admission. Visit friendsofoceansidediadelosmuertos.org.
Halloween Movie in the Park: The movie Hocus Pocus will be shown 15 minutes after sunset on Oct. 26 in Old Poway Park. Bring your spooky treats and blankets.
Halloween at the Station: Liberty Station puts on its annual free, family-friendly Halloween celebration from noon to 4 p.m. Oct. 26. Highlights include a Hollywood car show, trick-or-treating throughout Liberty Station, live DJ entertainment, crafts, inflatable obstacle courses, a cornhole tournament, crafts and costume contest for all ages with prizes. Attendees are encouraged to bring nonperishable food donations for the Feeding Heroes initiative to help local military families in need. Halloween at the Station is at 2751 Dewey Road. Visit libertystation.com/events/halloween-at-the-station.
BeerFest at boardwalk: Belmont Park’s annual Fall Fest returns to the beachfront boardwalk each weekend through October with live “Pumpkin Jam” performances, seasonal treats, free trick-or-treating on Sunday and special events like Trunk or Treat and the second annual BeerFest on Oct. 26. Kids ride free during October with purchase of an adult wristband. Visit belmontpark.com.
Harvest Fest: From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 26 at Julian Farm and Orchard, 4381 Julian Hwy. Highlights include pumpkin picking, petting zoo, hayride, rock wall, apple cannons and facepainting on weekends along with Julian Food Truck and gift sop. General admission is $10; unlimited activity armband is $30. Free parking. Visit https://www.facebook.com/JulianFarmandOrchard.