San Diego, CA — As the crisp autumn air envelops Southern California, San Diego is poised to host a dynamic array of events, spanning arts, culture, music, and immersive experiences. From Friday, October 17 through Sunday, October 19, locals and visitors alike will find no shortage of inspiration and entertainment. Whether you seek theatrical depth, musical energy, family fun, spooky thrills, or celebrity encounters, this weekend delivers.
Friday, Oct. 17 — A Day of Theatre, Vision, and Community
- “Kimberly Akimbo” (7:30 p.m.)
Scripps Ranch Theatre presents the original stage adaptation of David Lindsay-Abaire’s poignant story of a girl aging prematurely. Performances run Friday and Saturday evenings, and Sunday matinee. Tickets are $30–$52.
Venue: Legler Benbough Theatre, 9783 Avenue of Nations, Alliant International University.
Info: 858-578-7728 | scrippsranchtheatre.org - “Poe and More Poe” – Master of the Macabre (6:00, 7:30, 9:00 p.m.)
Villa Montezuma Museum transforms into an immersive platform for Edgar Allan Poe’s most haunting tales. Co-directed by Rachael VanWormer and Veronica Murphy, the evening promises theatrical intensity and literary intrigue.
Tickets: $30 via writeoutloudsd.com - TwitchCon 2025 (All Day)
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, TwitchCon returns with three days of workshops, live streams, esports contests, cosplay shows, and networking with creators and fans alike. Expect industry leaders, interactive sessions, and fan-driven experiences.
Location: San Diego Convention Center, 111 Harbor Drive
Admission: $60–$249 | twitchcon.com/san-diego-2025 - “Small” (8:00 p.m.)
The Old Globe debuts the West Coast premiere of Robert Montano’s Drama Desk-nominated solo performance, chronicling the transformation from jockey to Broadway hopeful. Additional shows Saturday and Sunday.
Venue: Sheryl & Harvey White Theatre, Balboa Park
Tickets: $44–$118 | theoldglobe.org - Meet & Greet: Dave Berke & Jocko Willink (6:00 p.m.)
Join former U.S. Marine and fighter pilot Dave Berke alongside ex-Navy SEAL Jocko Willink as they sign their co-authored book, The Need to Lead: A TOPGUN Instructor’s Lessons on How Leadership Solves Every Challenge.
At: Warwick’s Bookstore, La Jolla
Price: $35.01 | warwicks.com - HauntFest (4:00–9:00 p.m.)
In El Cajon’s downtown, families can enjoy a costume contest, amusement rides, candy trail, haunted maze, and DJ-led dance party. A sensory tent ensures accessibility for all.
Free admission | elcajon.gov - Haunted Circus: Monsters at Play (5:30 & 7:30 p.m.)
Performed at The Magnolia, this macabre spectacle features jugglers, contortionists, aerialists, and stilt walkers in a delightfully eerie romp.
Free admission - Haunted Hotel (6:00–9:30 p.m.)
On Friday and Saturday nights, the Olivenhain Meeting Hall grounds morph into a chilling haunted hotel with themed scenes, carnival games, refreshments, and a candy mystery trail.
Tickets: $8 | Scout Troop 2000 fundraiser - Spooky Camp-o-Ween (Oct. 17–19)
Lake Jennings Campground invites registered campers to partake in creepy crafts, ghost stories by campfire, trick-or-treating, scavenger hunts, and a site-decorating contest.
Reserve early | (619) 390-1623 | lakejennings.org - Roman Wolves Pasta Promo (4:00–6:00 p.m.)
In honor of National Pasta Day, Roman Wolves in Little Italy offers 50% off its signature cheese-wheel pasta. Happy hour specials also include bruschetta, calamari, flatbreads, beer, and house wine deals.
1980 Kettner Blvd. | 619-539-7344 - “Follies” (7:00 p.m.)
Cygnet Theatre revives the 1971 musical about retired showgirls confronting the demolition of their beloved theater.
At: Clayes Theatre, The Joan, Liberty Station
Tickets: from $44 - San Diego Symphony (7:30 p.m.)
Under conductor Gemma New, the symphony performs Korngold’s Violin Concerto and Mendelssohn’s “Italian” Symphony along with selections from A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Venue: Jacobs Music Center
Tickets: $30–$108 | sandiegosymphony.org - Vistal’s Quarterly Dinner Series (6:00 p.m.)
Discover spiny lobster in a multi-course culinary experience that also highlights local sustainability, fishing traditions, and sophisticated pairings.
At: Vistal Bar + Restaurant, 901 Bayfront Court
Seats: $95 | vistalsd.com - Pokémon Speakeasy (11:00 a.m.–2:00 a.m.)
During TwitchCon, Union Kitchen & Tap morphs into an immersive Pokémon lounge. Sample themed cocktails, collect special items, and join raffles in a neon-soaked, video game–infused space.
Address: 333 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter
Hours: 11 a.m.–2 a.m. Fri | 9 a.m.–2 a.m. Sat | 9 a.m.–midnight Sun - “Huzzah!” (8:00 p.m.)
The Old Globe presents this world-premiere musical by the creators of Legally Blonde: The Musical, exploring a family’s quest to preserve a Renaissance fair.
Tickets start at $55 - Harvest Fest (10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.)
Julian Farm and Orchard invites families to enjoy food trucks, face painting, petting zoos, pumpkin patches, hayrides, axe-throwing, and more.
Through Oct. 26 | 4381 Julian Highway | $10–$30 - Mission Bayfest (11:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m.)
Over 30 bands, including headliners 311, Chromeo, Rebelution and Pepper, will fill three days of reggae, pop, and alternative music, alongside a food & vendor marketplace.
At: 3119 Mariners Way | bayfestsd.com - Fright for Future (All Day)
This interactive haunted maze blends thrills with awareness, confronting themes of climate change, pollution, and social issues in 20 immersive activations.
Ages 10+ | $10 | free for students
Location: 3720 El Cajon Blvd. | frightforfuture.org - “& Juliet” (8:00 p.m.)
This reimagined Broadway musical fuses Max Martin’s pop hits with a modern twist on Romeo and Juliet.
At: San Diego Civic Theatre | $57–$87 | broadwaysd.com - Movies in the Park (After Dark)
Delight in complimentary film screenings—such as The Nightmare Before Christmas or Coco—in parks citywide. Films begin 15 minutes after sunset.
summermoviesinthepark.com
Saturday & Sunday Highlights
Saturday
- Borrego Days Desert Festival (8:45 a.m.–8:00 p.m.)
A weekend celebration of desert life, featuring parades, children’s zones, live entertainment, art booths, a beer garden, and more.
Christmas Circle, Borrego Springs | borregodays.com - Battle of the Burgers (12:00–3:00 p.m.)
At Pechanga Resort, top chefs and culinary students go head-to-head. Attendees sample and vote on burgers and loaded fries.
Tickets: $43 adult | $32.50 youth | on site $50 - The Links at Petco Park (Haunted Golf, all day)
Tee off throughout Petco Park in a haunted golf course experience. Spectator tickets also available.
Oct. 18–26 | padres.com/thelinks - “BOO-gie Night” (7:00 p.m.)
New Village Arts showcases an audience-interactive dance performance where participants influence the story in real time.
White Family Stage, Carlsbad - MiraCosta College Symphony (7:30 p.m. & 3:00 p.m.)
Featuring the world premiere of a concerto for melodica and orchestra, alongside classical favorites. - Jean Isaacs’ “The Legacy Concert” (2:30 & 7:30 p.m.)
A career-spanning tribute to the acclaimed choreographer and dancer.
Light Box Theater - Clay Artists at the Vineyard (All Day)
Explore and purchase unique ceramic works at Bernardo Winery’s co-op gallery.
Sunday
- “Art of Elan” (7:00 p.m.)
A chamber music evening featuring flute, oboe, and piano renditions by Foote, Ginastera, and Debussy.
JAI, Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center - DrumatiX Show (2:00 & 7:00 p.m.)
Dynamic percussion, theatrical storytelling, tap, and body percussion converge in a vibrant ensemble performance. - “The Last Dragon” Anniversary Screenings
This cult classic returns to theaters to celebrate its 40th anniversary. Shown across multiple local cinemas on Sunday through Wednesday.
Why This Weekend Matters
Transitioning into fall, San Diego curates a weekend rich in cultural resonance, live entertainment, and immersive events. Whether your interest lies in bold theatre, spine-tingling haunted adventures, insightful thought leadership, or live music festivals — the city delivers experiences that engage, inspire, and resonate.
Don’t miss the opportunity to explore, connect, and celebrate this weekend’s curated mix. Tickets are selling fast. Act now — visit each event’s website for schedules, availability, and safety guidelines.
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Media Relations – San Diego Weekend Events
Email: media@sdweekend.com | Phone: (858) 555-1234