Community events across San Diego County: From Harvest Faire to Brews and Bites Festival

BONITA

Women’s club holds annual Holiday Craft Show

The Sweetwater Woman’s Club hosts its 57th annual Holiday Craft Show, to raise money for scholarships for local high school students, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 16-18 at the group’s clubhouse, 3855 Sweetwater Road. The event features nearly two dozen local artisans and small businesses selling their goods, ranging from ornaments, decor and jewelry to soaps, quilts and baked goods. An hourly raffle each day features gifts donated by local businesses. Parking and admission are free. Visit www.sweetwaterwomansclub.org.

CARLSBAD

‘Hollywood to Broadway’ concert

The award-winning Coastal Communities Concert Band, with more than 75 musicians from throughout San Diego County, will present “Showtime! From Hollywood to Broadway” at 2 p.m. Oct. 18 at Carlsbad Community Church, 3175 Harding St. Admission is $20; $15 for seniors; students are admitted free. Tickets (cash only) are at the door and at www.cccband.com or 858-761-8421.

Nature walk focuses on ‘Fall Crawl’

The Batiquitos Lagoon will hold a free, family-friendly, hourlong, docent-led nature walk at 10 a.m. Oct. 18. “The Great Fall Crawl” will focus on spiders and tarantulas that live near the lagoon. Wear hats and sunscreen and bring water. Meet at the Nature Center, 7380 Gabbiano Lane. Open to all ages. Visit batiquitoslagoon.org.

Genealogy buffs host talk

The North San Diego County Genealogical Society will host a presentation on ”Unknown Parentage: Roadblocks & Successes,” led by Britta Brewer, an accredited investigative genetic genealogist, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Oct. 14 at City of Carlsbad Faraday Center, 1635 Faraday Ave. Brewer will present remotely. Free. Virtual attendees can register and get the Zoom link at nsdcgs.org/learningfrommembers.

Tech Trek topic of talk

The American Association of University Women’s Carlsbad-Oceanside-Vista branch hosts a general meeting from 9:30 a.m. to noon Oct. 18 at the Harding Community Center, 3096 Harding St. The program will be about Tech Trek, a STEM program for seventh-grade girls. Email bridgebud2@yahoo.com. Visit cov-ca.aauw.net.

DNA genealogists gather

The DNA Interest Group, sponsored by the North San Diego County Genealogical Society, will host a presentation on “DNA Matching Technology on MyHeritage: A New Frontier on Genealogy,” led virtually by Daniel Horowitz at 1 p.m. Oct. 18 at Georgina Cole Library, 1250 Carlsbad Village Drive. Free; in-person registration not required. To attend via Zoom, visit nsdcgs.org/dig.

 Hispanic Heritage Month celebration

A community event celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month is from noon to 2 p.m. Oct. 11 at Carlsbad Premium Outlets, with live Mariachi Music, Ballet Folklorico dance and Día de los Muertos-themed crafts and candy giveaways in the center courtyard.

EL CAJON

Event features folks who overcame homelessness

The nonprofit East County Transitional Living Center will hold a fundraiser themed “Recovery Happens” from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 18 at the center’s headquarters, 1527 E. Main St. The nonprofit provides emergency housing, a one-year program ministry and job training to help reduce homelessness in the San Diego area. The event will feature inspirational stories about people’s triumphs over homelessness. There will also be a barbecue, drawings and live entertainment. Visit ectlc.org.

Museum hosts program on folklore

Heritage of the Americas Museum hosts “Legends and Lore: Myths You Were Never Meant to Hear” from noon to 1 p.m. Oct. 18 led by storytellers Noah Sandberg and Brandon Sosa. The program includes distant legends of the Amazons and stories rooted in the local Cuyamaca mountains, passed down for generations. A program on “Historical Tales of the Little People” will be from 1 to 2 p.m. Oct. 18 led by Bob Bordelon, the museum’s director. Bordelon will explore oral stories across the Americas, including many Indigenous and Native American traditions that tell of “Little People,” mysterious, human-like beings who dwell in forests, mountains and hidden places. The museum is at 12110 Cuyamaca College Drive West. Admission: $6; free for members and children younger than 17. Visit www.HeritageOfTheAmericasMuseum.com.

City puts on HauntFest

The city of El Cajon is putting on its annual Hauntfest on Main from 4 to 9 p.m. Oct. 17 in downtown El Cajon with costume contest, carnival rides, a candy trail, trunk or treat with classic cars and a haunted maze along with dancing and DJ, outdoor movie screening of “Monsters University” and reptile petting zoo. There will also be a sensory tent offering a quiet space. The Magnolia will host its annual Haunted Circus: Monsters at Play, featuring jugglers, contortionists, stilt walkers, hoop throwers, aerialists and acrobats at 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Free. Visit elcajon.gov.

Fall festival with games, food

The El Cajon SDA Christian School and Church holds its annual Fall Festival from noon to 4 p.m. Oct.19 at 1630 E. Madison Ave. There will be games, horseback rides, jumpers and food sold along with a car wash. Free entry and parking. For questions, email Carol.Benton42@gmail.com.

Spookeasy: Blackout Party supports center

The Spookeasy: Blackout Party Halloween event to support St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center is from 6:30 to 10 p.m. Oct. 11 at the illuminated secret gardens of the center, which serves folks with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Highlights include DJ, glowing dance floor, costume contest, craft cocktails and gourmet bites along with haunted scavenger hunt. The event is for those 21 and older. Tickets start at $39. RSVP at spookeasy.org.

ENCINITAS

‘Echoes Through Time’ concert

The North Coast Symphony will give a concert of classics and contemporary works titled “Echoes Through Time” at 2:30 p.m. Oct. 18 at the San Dieguito United Methodist Church, 170 Calle Magdalena. The program includes Copland’s “Fanfare for the Common Man,” Mendelssohn’s “Reformation Symphony,” Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” with pianist Phillip Dannels, and Jose Elizondo’s “Estampas Mexicanas.” The program will include Ching-Shan Chang’s “In History, In Memory.” Admission is $18, $15 seniors/students/military, free for children 18 and younger. Visit www.northcoastsymphony.com.

Library Friends hold book sale

The Friends of the Encinitas Library will hold a half-price book sale of the entire Friends of the Encinitas Library Bookstore, 540 Cornish Drive, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 18. Members of the Encinitas Library Friends have pre-entry from 9 to 10 a.m.; membership is offered at the door; dues ranges from $20 to $500. Visit www.encinitaslibfriends.org.

Humane Society runs animal camp

The Fall Animal Camp at Rancho Coastal Humane Society runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 20-24 for children ages 6 to 11. The educational camp includes hands-on interaction with animals along with arts, crafts and outdoor activities. For more information, email education@sdpets.org, visit www.sdpets.org, or call 760-753-6413.

Assistance League holds clothing drive

The nonprofit Assistance League of Rancho San Dieguito holds a Kids Clothing Drive throughout October in observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The Assistance League is partnering with One Safe Place to provide children’s clothing in size 2T to preteen for families affected by domestic violence. Bring gently used items to the ALRSD Thrift Shop, 1542 Encinitas Blvd. Visit www.alrsd.org.

Local author holds book launch

Local musician and author Tim Miller will hold a book launch for his novel, “When the Sun is in Tune,” from 4 to 5 p.m. Oct. 11 at Lou’s Records, 434 N. Coast Highway 101. The novel is about a band coming of age in a town that has a ban on rock ‘n’ roll. There will be music and a reading from the book. Admission is free. Visit www.timmillerauthor.com.

ESCONDIDO

Makers market features quilts, crafts

The North County Quilters’ Association holds a makers market with crafts from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 18 at the Sundance Mobile Home Community Room, 2250 N. Broadway. The group fosters the art of quilting and supports various charities in north San Diego.​ Visit ncountyquilters.com.

Pumpkinfest

A family Pumpkinfest is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 18 at Escondido High School, 1535 North Broadway, behind the baseball field. There will be pumpkins grown by Escondido High School students for sale along with tractor rides, carnival games, petting zoo, face painting, crafts, food, plants, live music, entertainment and a classic car show hosted by the Escondido High School Auto Shop Department.

FALLBROOK

Harvest Faire

The autumn-themed fair is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 19 on Main Avenue in downtown Fallbrook with pumpkin contests, a wine and beer garden, handmade crafts and vendors, local foods and treats along with pony rides, tractors, scarecrows, a pumpkin patch, a costume contest and a pie baking contest. Visit fallbrookchamberofcommerce.org.

‘Jukebox Rock’ concert

Fallbrook Music Society presents a new show, “Jukebox Rock” by TAKE3, at 2 p.m. Oct. 26 at the Mission Theater, 231 N. Main Ave. The program features hits from the ‘70s, such as by The Beatles, Billy Joel, Elvis and The Carpenters, with a modern twist. Tickets are $20; $25 day of show; children and young adults 18 and younger are free. Doors open at 1 p.m. Visit www.fallbrookmusicsociety.org.

Fall Festival of Gems

The Fallbrook Fall Festival of Gems & Minerals is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 12 at 123 W. Alvarado St. The event is sponsored by the Fallbrook Gem & Mineral Society and features 30 dealers with minerals, gemstones, jewelry, fossils and unusual gifts. Admission and parking are free. Visit www.fgms.org.

LA JOLLA

Garden club hosts speaker

The La Jolla Garden Club hosts a presentation on “Learning About Sogetsu Ikebana” at 1 p.m. Oct. 21 led by Sharon Bristow at the La Jolla Woman’s Club, 7791 Draper Ave. Bristow, trained in the Sogetsu School, will discuss Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arrangement. There will be a raffle for one of Bristow’s arrangements. Visit lajollagardenclub.org.

LA MESA

History Center runs annual home tour

The nonprofit La Mesa History Center, which celebrates its 50th year, holds its annual home tour, “Golden Gems of La Mesa,” from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 8. The tour features classic homes, landscapes and artwork in and around La Mesa’s downtown village, including some of La Mesa’s most historic gems, such as a 1910 landmark by architect Irving J. Gill. The tour also includes homes built by noted architects William Wheeler, Arthur Lindley, and F. D. Harrington, and pioneering La Mesa and San Diego home builders such as J.B. Davis, Henry Russell and the Dennstedt Company. Ticketholders will be transported to the homes via shuttle buses that run continuously on the tour route. The shuttle center will be at La Mesa’s Municipal Parking Lot at the northeast corner of Allison and Date avenues. Tickets are $40; Friday night premium ticket is $125. Visit lamesahistory.com.

NORTH COUNTY

OCEANSIDE

Birdhouse and Art Auction

Buena Vista Audubon will hold its annual Birdhouse and Nature Art Auction from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Oct. 18 at the Nature Center, 2202 S. Coast Highway. There will be a silent auction and live auction along with appetizers, drinks and live music. Tickets are available for a $20 donation. Visit bvaudubon.org.

Lifelong Learning Group hosts talks

MiraCosta’s Lifelong Learning Group hosts two lectures starting at 1 p.m. Oct. 17 at the MiraCosta College Oceanside Campus, in the board room of Administration Building 1000, and online via Zoom. At 1 p.m., Medi Maldonado, Vista assistant fire marshal, will give a presentation on Modern Fire Prevention. At 2:30 p.m., Kim Wakefield will give a talk on Frida Kahlo: Symbolism Amid Suffering. Visit miracosta.edu/life.

Quilting buffs hold talk, workshop

The nonprofit El Camino Quilters Guild hosts a talk on “Scrappy Applique” led by Kristie Naranjo at 9:30 a.m. Oct. 14 at the El Corazon Senior Center, 3302 Village Commercial Drive. Naranjo’s workshop on applique will be from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 Oct. 15 p.m. at Quilt in a Day quilt shop in San Marcos. Workshop fee is $55. The guild donates hundreds of quilts and other handmade items to a variety of local groups, including Rady Children’s Hospital, senior centers, hospitals, police and military groups. Visit elcaminoquilters.com.

Art walk and grants celebration

The O’Arts Grants Celebration and a special edition of Oceanside Artwalk is Oct. 18. The grants celebration is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Civic Center Library courtyard, 330 N. Coast Highway, with food, music and live performances by recipients of the 2024-25 Oceanside Arts & Culture Grants and announcement of the 2025-26 Arts & Culture Grant awardees. The City of Oceanside Arts Commission and the Oceanside Cultural District will be awarding a total of $150,000 in grants to local artists and arts organizations. The art walk is from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Civic Center Plaza, where there will be art and handcrafted items by local artists. Visit https://www.ci.oceanside.ca.us/residents/city-services/boards-commissions-committees/arts-commission.

Veterans’ Writing Group meets

The Veterans’ Writing Group of San Diego County meets from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 18 at the Veterans Association of North County resource center, 1617 Mission Ave. The meeting can also be attended virtually at bit.ly/vwgsdzoom.

PACIFIC BEACH

‘Songs of the Spirit, Food for the Soul’

Three Pacific Beach churches will host “Songs of the Spirit, Food for the Soul” from 4 to 6:15 p.m. Oct. 18 at Pacific Beach Presbyterian Church, 1675 Garnet Ave. The event features a community sing-along of American spirituals, folk songs and bluegrass favorites, hosted by conductor and composer John Yankee with musicians from the San Diego Bluegrass Society, Mission Bay High School and PB Community Choir. After the music, there will be homemade chili (with vegetarian and gluten-free options), salad, dessert, and artisan bread. Admission is “Donate What You Can.”  Proceeds benefit the meal programs of Pacific Beach Presbyterian, St. Andrew’s by-the-Sea Episcopal and Pacific Beach United Methodist churches, which serve hot meals to community members in need.

POWAY

Debut of documentary

Temple Adat Shalom and the Poway Stamp Club are co-sponsoring an evening screening of a new documentary/mystery titled “The Stamp Thief” on Oct.18. The film revolves around a search for a valuable stamp collection stolen from Holocaust victims by Nazis during World War II. A panel discussion with the film’s director and producer follows the movie. Admission is $18 and advance registration is required. For details and tickets, call 858-451-1200.

RAMONA

Republican women’s group hosts talk

The Republican Women of California – Intermountain group hosts state Sen. Kelly Seyarto, R-Murrieta, for a presentation at 11:30 a.m. Oct. 15 at the San Vicente Resort-Banquet Room. Meet and greet is at 11 a.m. Cost is $25. Reserve at 760-315-3291.

RANCHO BERNARDO

World Affairs discussion group meets

The World Affairs Council North County will host Abel Julio Gonzalez for a presentation at 10 a.m. Oct. 16 on “Protecting People from Radiation” at the Remington Club retirement community, 16916 Hierba Drive. Gonzalez is a member of the National Academy of Science in Buenos Aires. The World Affairs Council fosters global understanding and friendships in the local community and around the world. Visit www.northcountyworldaffairs.org.

Free organ concert at church

A free concert featuring organist Christoph Bull is at 4 p.m. Oct. 19 at Rancho Bernardo Community Presbyterian Church, 17010 Pomerado Road. Bull is university organist and organ professor at UCLA as well as organist-in-residence at First Congregational Church of Los Angeles, which houses one of the largest pipe organs in the world. His programs are a combination of “classical virtuosity, improvisation, and joy.” Free; all are welcome. For questions, email liz@rbcommunity.org.

RANCHO SANTA FE

Golf fundraiser benefits sick children

The Par for a Purpose Golf Tournament, benefiting the families and children supported by the nonprofit Mitchell Thorp Foundation, is set for Oct. 20 at Fairbanks Ranch Country Club. Check-in is at 9 a.m. Cost is $325 per golfer. The foundation helps families whose children are suffering from life-threatening illnesses. Visit www.mitchellthorp.org.

Howl-O-Ween festival at animal center

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. Reserve a spot at https://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 through Nov. 10; email education@animalcenter.org.

SAN DIEGO

Fall Craft and Bake Sale benefits Father Joe’s Villages

Father Joe’s Villages’ annual Fall Craft and Bake Sale will be from 10:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Oct. 13 in the Ladies Guild Room, 1501 Imperial Ave. Proceeds support the children living at Father Joe’s Villages. Enter at the main entrance off Imperial Avenue. For questions, email shirleygiese@gmail.com.

Free dental care for folks in need

For National Dental Hygiene Month, Concorde Career Colleges, the health care division of Universal Technical Institute Inc., is teaming up with PDS Health to provide a Dental Hygiene Day with free dental care for children, adults and seniors from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Oct. 13 at its San Diego campus, 4393 Imperial Ave. Concorde’s dental hygiene students, under the supervision of licensed professionals, will offer services including X-rays, cleanings and oral health kits. Registration is required at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/making-san-diego-smile-pediatric-dental-hygiene-day-tickets-1571177547339?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl.

Exhibit features art by foster youths, local artists

Just in Time for Foster Youth and Woodward Contemporary host an art show, “Palette of Possibilities,” featuring Woodward Contemporary’s juried exhibition of local artists and works by foster youths who participated in art workshops. Through a series of painting workshops led by Woodward Contemporary’s studio artist volunteers, transition-age foster youths explored self-expression, emotional wellness and storytelling through visual art. An opening reception is from 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 12 at Woodward Contemporary, 3935 Harney St. in Old Town. The show will be on view Oct.11 through Nov. 8. The exhibition will be open during gallery hours, Monday through Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Proceeds of the art sale will go directly to the artists.Visit www.woodwardcontemporary.com.

Halloween performance

Write Out Loud will host “Poe & More Poe,” co-directed by Rachael VanWormer and Veronica Murphy. Performances are at 6, 7:30 and 9 p.m. Oct.17-18, Oct. 24-26 and Oct. 31-Nov. 1 at the Villa Montezuma Museum, 1925 K St. Tickets are $30 and can be reserved at writeoutloudsd.com or 619-944-8953.

Family Halloween fest

A Halloween family festival is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 19 at the Salvation Army Kroc Center Corner Zone, 6845 University Ave. There will be trick-or-treating, costume contests, spook-tacular inflatables, Halloween crafts and vendor booths to connect families with community resources. Admission is free; sponsored by San Diego Family Media. Attendees are encouraged to donate a new Halloween costume for kids in need. Sign up at SDFamilyHalloween2025.eventbrite.com.

Toastmasters hold speech contest

Voyagers Toastmasters club will host a speech contest open to the public from 7 to 8:30 a.m. Oct. 16 at Cowork + Connect, 1223 Cleveland Ave., Suite 200, in Hillcrest. Toastmasters meetings help participants improve public speaking, communication and professional presentation skills. RSVP at toastmastersvoyagers@gmail.com. Visit facebook.com/voyagerstoastmasters.

Train museum holds swap meet

The San Diego Model Railroad Museum in Balboa Park holds its quarterly Swap Meet from 7 to 10 a.m. Oct. 11, bringing together local model railroaders, collectors and vendors offering new and used model trains, rolling stock, scenery, tools, and other hobby items. Visit www.sdmrm.org/swap-meet.

Financial talk for the community

The nonprofit Chartered Financial Analyst Society San Diego holds a community event from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Oct. 22 at The Alexandria at Torrey Pines, 10996 Torreyana Road, as part of its Distinguished Speakers Series. The event features a conversation with Claudia Sahm, chief economist of New Century Advisors and former section chief at the Federal Reserve Board. Sahm will give her perspective on what’s potentially ahead for the U.S. economy, monetary policy, and impacts on various financial markets. Cost is $55; $30 for CFA members, and includes a catered, post-event reception. Register by Oct. 17 at  https://web.cvent.com/event/6ebd72b2-a107-4864-8f8e-7daef083dbd5/summary.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY

Reduced pet adoption fees

The San Diego Humane Society is offering $50 adoption fees for adult dogs and cats through Oct. 15 as part of Bissell Pet Foundation’s Empty the Shelters national adoption event to encourage the community to adopt pets. Visit www.sdhumane.org/adopt/available-pets..

Free entry for kids at some museums this month

As part of the San Diego Museum Council’s Kids Free program, kids can visit more than 60 area museums for free throughout October, including the USS Midway Museum, the San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld. For details, visit  sandiegomuseumcouncil.org.

Breast cancer support group meets virtually

Scripps Cancer Center will offer a free, virtual breast cancer support group from 1 to 2 p.m. Oct. 22 as part of Breast Cancer Awareness month. The virtual event is intended to give participants emotional support, new coping skills and encouragement. The group is open to newly diagnosed breast cancer patients (stages 0-3) and those who are going through treatment or have finished it. Group members can share experiences, knowledge, hopes, fears and strengths. Participants meet virtually through Microsoft Teams and phone. Advance registration is required at 760-492-5899 or vestevich.jeanne@scrippshealth.org.

SAN MARCOS

Golf with a Purpose benefits folks with Down syndrome

GiGi’s Playhouse San Diego, a Down syndrome achievement center, will host its annual Golf with a Purpose charitable tournament from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 18 at The Links at Lakehouse Resort, 1750 San Pablo Drive. The tournament benefits GiGi’s Playhouse, a nonprofit that provides free educational, therapeutic and career programs for folks of all ages with Down syndrome. Golf event includes breakfast, open bar at the clubhouse, lunch and awards ceremony. Ticket cost $185 for individual golfers or $655 per foursome. Registration is required at gigisplayhouse.org/sandiego/golf..

Free outdoor concert in North City

Music by Eras, a consortium of San Diego musicians, will perform “The Heartland,” featuring classic rock, folk and Americana, from 5 to 9 p.m. Oct. 25 as part of North City’s free outdoor concert series at 250 North City Drive. Highlights include era-inspired decor, games and dance floors. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, and dress in denim and cowboy boots. There will be artwork, and a lineup of local eateries. Visit  www.northcity.com. 

SANTEE

Brews and Bites Festival

The Santee Brews & Bites Festival fundraiser is from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Oct. 18 at Town Center Community Park East, 550 Park Center Drive. There will be samples of brews and bites, while supplies last, live music by BETAMAXX and opportunity drawings. Costumes are encouraged. Tickets start at $38.50; proceeds benefit community programs. For tickets or more information, visit www.cityofsanteeca.gov.

Blood drive

The City of Santee and The American Red Cross are hosting a blood drive from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 29 at Santee City Hall in Building 8A. Donors will be entered for a chance to win a Six Flags Magic Mountain or Knott’s Berry Farm ticket. Visit www.cityofsanteeca.gov.

SOLANA BEACH

Día de los Muertos Festival

The annual Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) community event is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 19 at La Colonia Park, 715 Valley Ave. Photos of veterans and their biographies will be displayed at the center of the park and a color guard will open the event. Family-friendly entertainment includes ballet folklórico dance, classic car show by Viejitos Car Club, and musical performances by Mariachi Del Mar, Los Gringos Muertos Band and Smooth Groove. Highlights include Mexican food and vendors selling gifts and crafts along with a piñata for kids, a costume contest, dog costume contest and raffle. The event features more than 40 ofrendas honoring family and friends who have died. The blessing of the altars by the Aztec dancers Danza Coatlicue Ceminitzli begins at 10:10 a.m. Visit www.lacoloniacommunityfoundation.com.

VISTA

Fall Tractor Show

A Fall Tractor Show is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 18-19 and Oct. 25-26 at the Antique Gas and Steam Engine Museum, 2040 North Santa Fe Ave. The show features displays of vintage tractors and engines along with tractor rides, wagon rides, exhibitors, food, live music and a daily parade. There will be Halloween-themed displays and activities including a carved pumpkin contest, pumpkin painting, a maze and a Nerf target area to topple pumpkins, skeletons and ghouls. Highlights include demonstrations at the sawmill, gristmill, blacksmiths, Weavers’ Barn, Spinners’ Cottage, Short Track Railroad, farmhouse kitchen and West Coast Clock Museum. Admission is $10; free for children 7 and younger. Special admission for youths, teachers, veterans and first responders. Visit  www.agsem.org.

Annual Fall Festival at botanic garden

Alta Vista Botanical Gardens’ 17th Fall Fun Festival is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 11 at 1270 Vale Terrace Drive on the top of the hill inside Brengle Terrace Park. The event includes pumpkin decorating and other activities for kids, music, a plant sale and garden shop along with barbecue lunch sold by Amigos de Vista Lions. There will be a scarecrow contest (entry fee is $5) and parade of scarecrows. Free admission to the gardens during the festival. Visit www.altavistabotanicalgardens.org.

Dia de los Muertos at adobe

Day of the Dead festivities are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 11 at Rancho Guajome Adobe, 2210 N. Santa Fe Ave. The event features live entertainment, food, altars and arts and crafts. Admission (cash only) is $5; $2 for ages 4-12 and free for ages 3 and younger. Free parking. Visit https://www.sdparks.org/content/sdparks/en/park-pages/RanchoGuajomeAdobe.html.

Garden club puts on plan fest

The Vista Garden Club presents its free annual “Hort in the Park” at 10 a.m. Oct. 11 at the Buena Vista Park, 1601 Shadowridge Drive. There will be speakers on plant identification, plant and garden accessories for sale, pruning, propagation and plant care tips. Visit https://www.californiagardenclubs.com/vistagardenclub/

Día de los Muertos craft class

A Sugar Skull Making Workshop is at 2 p.m. Oct. 17 and Oct. 22 at the Gloria McClellan Senior Center. The two-day workshop includes crafting and decorating colorful sugar skulls to honor loved ones. Space is limited to 30 participants; call 760-643-5288 or sign up at the center’s front desk.

Community clinic holds fundraiser

Vista Community Clinic holds its annual fundraiser themed Teamwork Makes the Dream Work from 6 to 10 p.m. Oct. 18 at Frontwave Arena in Oceanside. The event will include games, music and food. Proceeds benefit the clinic’s health services and the Karen Black Memorial Scholarship Fund, for clinic staff to advance their careers in health care. For tickets, sponsorships, or partnership opportunities, email Betsy@vcc.org.

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