The best things to do this weekend in San Diego: Oct. 3-5

Here are some of the best things to do this weekend in San Diego from Friday, Oct. 3 to Sunday, Oct. 5.

Friday

SDSU Football: This Friday’s game celebrates Hispanic Heritage and Family Weekend. The Aztecs will face off against Colorado State. 7:30 p.m. Friday. 2101 Stadium Way, San Diego. $59.63. ticketmaster.com/sdsu-aztec-football-tickets/artist/805518

“All the Men Who’ve Frightened Me”: La Jolla Playhouse presents the world premiere of Noah Diaz’s play about a trans man and his wife embarking on a parenting journey while their home is haunted by the spirits of his past. 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; 1 and 7 p.m. Sundays. Through Oct. 12. Mandell Weiss Forum, 2910 La Jolla Village Drive, UC San Diego, La Jolla. $30-$59. 858-550-1010, lajollaplayhouse.org

The Nightmare Bar: Trailer Park After Dark in downtown San Diego is transforming into a Halloween activation bar. The Nightmare Bar is a traveling activation that takes over bars in various cities and turns them into a Halloween-themed party. The public can purchase 90-minute slotted times to enjoy classic Halloween and horror films, themed cocktails, food, games and Halloween decor and characters. Friday through Nov. 2. Trailer Park After Dark, 835 Fifth Ave., San Diego. events.showtime-presents.com/events/showtimepresents/1871389

‘Suffs’ plays through Sunday at the Civic Theatre: Shaina Taub’s Broadway musical, which won Tony Awards for its book and score in 2024, is the true story of a group of plucky and fearless women suffragists who fought for women’s right to vote in the early 20th century. 8 p.m. Friday; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday; 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sunday. San Diego Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave., downtown. $35.78-$142.90. broadwaysd.com

Haunted Corn Maze: The Carlsbad Strawberry Company is once the site of a haunted corn maze this fall. The Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation is also part of this Haunted Corn Maze, which turns the strawberry fields into a terrifying labyrinth. The Haunted Corn Maze is recommended for teenagers and adults. Also, 50% of the proceeds from the corn maze go to the foundation, according to the Carlsbad Strawberry Company. 7 to 10 p.m. Every Friday and Saturday from Oct. 3 to Nov. 1. 1050 Cannon Road, Carlsbad. $40-$60. aguahedionda.org/haunted-corn-maze

“The Effect”: OnStage Playhouse presents the San Diego premiere of Lucy Prebble’s play about two subjects in a clinical drug trial who secretly fall in love. 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays; 5 p.m. Sundays. Through Oct. 12. 291 Third Ave., Chula Vista. $25 and up. onstageplayhouse.org

“Manifest P*ssy”: Diversionary Theatre presents trans performer Shakina’s autobiographical “glam rock odyssey.” 7 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. Through Oct. 12. Diversionary Theatre, 4545 Park Blvd., University Heights. $64.50-$71.50. 619-220-0097, diversionary.org

San Diego Musical Theatre: ‘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

24K Magic: This Bruno Mars tribute show features lead singer Evan Saucedo and fellow band members. Fans can hear hit songs. Outside food and non-alcoholic beverages are welcome. 7:30 p.m. Friday. Moonlight Amphitheatre, 1250 Vale Terrace Drive, Vista. $25 to $45. moonlightstage.com/events-tickets/moonlight-concert-series/24k-magic-the-1-tribute-to-bruno-mars

“Blues for an Alabama Sky”: Moxie Theatre presents Pearl Cleage’s drama about a struggling blues singer surviving with the help of friends in Depression-era Harlem. Opens Friday and runs through Oct. 26. 7 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. 6663 El Cajon Blvd., Suite N, Rolando. $20-$59. 858-598-7620, moxietheatre.com

“Beside Myself”: North Coast Repertory Theatre presents Paul Slade Smith’s world premiere comedy-drama about a therapist grappling in unique ways with her own mental health issues. 8 p.m. Friday; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday; 2 and 7 p.m. Sunday. 987D Lomas Santa Fe, Solana Beach. $58.50-$80.50. 858-481-1055, northcoastrep.org

“Follies”: Cygnet Theatre presents this 1971 Stephen Sondheim-William Goldman musical about a group of long-retired showgirls gathering on the even of their old theater’s demolition. 7 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays, 2 and 7 p.m. Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays. Through Oct. 12. Joan and Irwin Jacobs Performing Arts Center, 2880 Roosevelt Road, Arts District Liberty Station, San Diego. $44 and up. 619-337-1525, cygnettheatre.com

San Diego Symphony kicks off season with ‘French Fairytales’: Music Director Rafael Payare and the orchestra launch their second season in their gorgeous new concert hall with a French flair and cast of hundreds. Two light-hearted pieces by Debussy will be followed by Ravel’s comic fantasy, The Child and the Magical Spells. The semi-staged production, directed by Gerard McBurney, will feature eight opera singers, San Diego Symphony Chorus and the San Diego Children’s Choir. Magnifique! 7:30 p.m. today and Sunday. Jacobs Music Center, 1245 Seventh Ave., Downtown. $42-$125. 619-235-0804, sandiegosymphony.org

“Dave Eassa: Head Above the Clouds”: The California Center for the Arts Museums presents a solo show by this San Diego artist of figurative paintings that represent a dreamscape shaped by his personal memories of love, loss, longing and the power of community. Opening reception, 6-8 p.m. Friday. Exhibit continues through March 1. 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido. ccaemuseum.org/

“Kimberly Akimbo”: Scripps Ranch Theatre presents the original play version of David Lindsay-Abaire’s bittersweet tale about a teenage girl who has a premature aging disorder that makes her an old lady at 16. (This is not the 2021 musical version). 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. Through Oct. 19. Scripps Ranch Theatre at the Legler Benbough Theatre, 9783 Avenue of Nations, Alliant International University, San Diego. $30-$52. 858-578-7728, scrippsranchtheatre.org

“Huzzah!”: The Old Globe presents this world premiere musical by the co-writers of “Legally Blonde: The Musical” about a family fighting to keep their Renaissance fair alive. 7 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays; 8 p.m. Fridays; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; 2 and 7 p.m. Sundays. Through Oct. 19. Old Globe Theatre, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, San Diego. $55 and up. 619-234-5623, theoldglobe.org

“Small”: The Old Globe presents Robert Montano in the West Coast premiere of his Drama Desk-nominated solo play about outgrowing his career as a horse-racing jockey to become a successful Broadway dancer. 7 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays; 8 p.m. Fridays; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; 2 and 7 p.m. Sundays. Through Oct. 19. Sheryl & Harvey White Theatre, The Old Globe, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, San Diego. $44-$118. 619-234-5623, theoldglobe.org

Saturday

Pacific Beachfest: A full day of family-fun entertainment is coming to San Diego for the Pacific Beachfest. The public can enjoy a variety of activities such as a volleyball tournament, a fish taco contest, a children’s area with a rock climbing wall, shopping at local vendor pop-ups and live music on three stages. There will also be a half-marathon, a 5K run and a children’s 1K run to kick off the day. 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday. Pacific Beach boardwalk, from Felspar Street to Thomas Street. Free entrance. pacificbeachfest.org

Rendezvous in Poway: Learn about the history of Poway at the annual Rendezvous in Poway. This event tells the history of Poway from 1820 to the 1890s. Visitors can meet with characters from this era, such as mountaineers, cowboys and pioneers. Guests can also pan for gold, ride the Poway-Midland Railroad, tour the Nelson House and Poway Heritage Museum and shop at the artisan market. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.Old Poway Park, 14134 Midland Road, Poway. Free. poway.org

Mash Up 2025, A Creative Industry Symposium: Creatives and industry professionals from visual arts, dance, fashion, film, music, theater and spoken word will be gathering at Mash Up 2025, A Creative Industry Symposium. The two-day conference explores “the role of the arts in fostering a more livable and inspiring future,” according to event organizers. Some of the topics that will be covered during panel discussions and workshops include the impact of artificial intelligence on the creative sector, fundraising, leadership roles and mental health. There will also be networking opportunities and portfolio reviews. Day one of the conference will take place at the Soap Factory and day two will be held virtually. 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Soap Factory, 2995 Commercial St., San Diego. 619-829-7561, $20-$50. sandiegomuseumcouncil.org/museums/vanguard-culture

Taste of Oceanside: Downtown Oceanside will be the home for over 50 food and beverage tastings at the Taste of Oceanside. Ticketed guests can sample signature food menu items and drinks from Oceanside restaurants, wineries and breweries. Event tickets include a souvenir tasting cup, spork and an event map for this self-guided foodie tour. There will also free trolley service to get attendees to different parts of the event. 1:30 to 5 p.m. Saturday. $20-$75. Downtown Oceanside. mainstreetoceanside.com/taste-of-oceanside

Lobsterfest: For the sixth time, Tuna Harbor Dockside Market will host a its annual Spiny Lobsterfest. Attendees can buy live spiny lobster, eat lobster dishes, listen to live music and buy a commemorative T-shirt. 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. 598 Harbor Lane, San Diego. Free. eventbrite.com/e/6th-annual-lobsterfest-tickets-1751251784229

San Diego Tijuana International Jazz Festival: Continuity and expansion are the twin pillars for the second annual San Diego Tijuana International Jazz Festival, which takes place Thursday through next Sunday on both sides of the border. 3 p.m. Saturday in Escondido, 3 p.m. Sunday, in Tijuana. California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd.; Avenida Revolucion, between Calle Hermenegildo Galeana and Calle Flores Magon, Tijuana. Admission on Sunday is free, as are Saturday’s outdoor performances. Ticket prices for Saturday’s indoor performances range from $42-$118.80. sdtjjazz.org.

San Diego Tijuana International Jazz Festival 2025: Everything you need to know

Filipino-American History Month Festival: Celebrate Filipino American History Month with special presentations by historian, lecturer and author Bonnie M. Harris and Filipino-American author Tracy Badua. There will also be folk dancers, food, singers and other activities. 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday. La Jolla/Riford Library, 7555 Draper Ave., La Jolla. Free. sandiego.librarymarket.com/event/filipino-american-history-month-festival-448677

Film fest at historic theater: The Fallbrook Bonsall International Film Festival hosts a free screening of For Love of Amy, directed by actor and director Ted Lange, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Oct. 2 at the Historic Fallbrook Mission Theater, 231 N. Main Ave. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. There will be a post-screening Q&A with Lange. RSVP at (760) 253-8904 or FallbrookMissionTheater@gmail.com. The event kicks off the film festival, which is from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 4, showcasing student films, shorts, animations and feature-length films. Festival Day Passes for Oct. 4 are $20 at FBIFF.org or FallbrookMissionTheater.com

Taste of North Park: More than 50 food samples and 15 beverage tastings are being offered at the Taste of North Park. This event gives ticketed guests a self-guided trek to experience various eateries and beverages such as kombucha, cider and craft beer. There will also be live music performances and live art installations. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. $50-$85. explorenorthpark.com/Events/TasteofNorthPark

Arturo O’Farrill Afro Latin Ensemble, with Fandango Fronterizo Colectivo: There are few artists whose borders-leaping music is better suited for the San Diego Tijuana International Jazz Festival than Mexico City native and UCLA Professor of Global Jazz Studies Arturo O’Farrill. His all-star 2018 “Fandango at the Wall” concert with Tijuana’s Jorge Castillo resulted in a film, book, Grammy-winning album and San Diego Symphony-produced encore concert in 2022. O’Farrill will reteam with the Castillo-led Fandango Fronterizo Colectivo for several songs in Escondido, where the festival’s lineup also includes award-winning singers Gabrielle Cavassa and Lucia, plus an all-star tribute to the late sax colossus James Moody. 3 p.m. Oct. 4. California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 North Escondido Blvd., Escondido. $42-$118.80. sdtjjazz.org

Pop 2000 Tour: Chris Kirpatrick Of N’SYNC, O-Town, BBMAK, Ryan Cabrera and LFO join together to create the Pop 2000 Tour. 7:30 p.m. Saturday. Moonlight Amphitheatre, 1250 Vale Terrace Drive, Vista. $35 to $55. moonlightstage.com/events-tickets/moonlight-concert-series/pop-200-tour-3916

Seed To Tree Workshop: Families are invited to do a map-making activity hosted by artist Sandy Rodriguez. The workshop features native dyes and plants and results in designed maps, shared stories and memories. Register online. 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday. The New Children’s Museum, 200 W. Island Ave., San Diego. Free. thinkplaycreate.org/event/seed-to-tree-workshop-mapping-your-journey-with-sandy-rodriguez

“Emotion X Connection”: Artists Anuj “AJ” Jenveja and Prinyanka Pathak are co-presenting this joint exhibition of collaborative and individual works that reflect their shared South Asian heritage and backgrounds as psychotherapists. Opens with a public reception from 4-7 p.m. Saturday and runs through Oct. 31. Ashton Gallery, 4434 30th St., San Diego. 619-894-9009, ashtonartgallery.com

Yoga: The Rady Shell will be the scene of a free yoga class from Fit Athletic. Register online. Bring your own mat. 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday. The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, 222 Marina Park Way, San Diego. Free. eventbrite.com/e/fit-athletic-yoga-at-the-rady-shell-at-jacobs-park-tickets-1334495926239

Sunday

Wildfire Preparedness Safety Fair: The public is invited to learn about wildfire safety and enjoy fun activities at the San Diego Fire-Rescue Foundation’s Wildfire Preparedness Safety Fair. The free event is meant as a community call-to-action and an interactive educational day for families. Event highlights include: resources and tips from fire safety experts, lithium-ion battery safety, live safety demonstrations, brush fire information and a children’s zone with family activities from creating a home fire escape plan to exploring fire trucks and meeting Sparky, the fire dog. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. Mission Valley Mall near Nordstrom Rack, 1640 Camino Del Rio North, San Diego. sdfirerescue.org/event/wildfire-preparedness-safety-fair

Super Hero Obstacle Race: Carlsbad superhero fans can participate in an obstacle course requiring them to crawl through toxic tunnels, leap over buildings and otherwise get through 20 obstacles at the park. This event is for kids age 4 and older and their participating family members. Register online by 5 p.m. Friday or Sunday until 9:30 a.m. in person if tickets are still available. 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Sunday. Alga Norte Community Park, 6565 Alicante Road, Carlsbad. $33 per person. carlsbadca.gov/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/14896/6795