Things to do: Community dance, Halloween events, concerts and more

Community Dance Party features Octoberfest theme

The Sandpipers Square Dance Club hosts its monthly Community Dance Party on Saturday, Oct. 25 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at San Dieguito United Methodist Church, 170 Calle Magdalena Street, Encinitas. Participants will learn square dancing basics at this fun event. Singles, couples and families all welcome. Casual attire. Partner and dance experience not needed. Oktoberfest bratwurst, sauerkraut, German potato salad and apple pie served following the Dance Party. Donation $10 and free for children. Learn more at SandpipersSquareDanceClub.org.

The Theatre School @ North Coast Rep presents ‘The Legend of Sleepy Hollow’

The Theatre School @ North Coast Rep will present a show with chilling storytelling in the adaptation of Washington Irving’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by John Heimbuch in collaboration with Jon Ferguson as its next student production.Director Benjamin Cole is thrilled to share the haunting journey of confusion, horror, and romance.“This adaptation inspires creative staging that tickles the imagination,” Cole said in the news release. Assistant Director Benedict Heaps added in the news release, “We’re having a lot of fun finding funny ways to be creepy during Halloween time. We think kids and families are going to love it.”The show runs a daring 90 minutes with no intermission and aims to excite audiences throughout. Performances are Oct.16 through Oct. 19 in North Coast Repertory Theatre’s Theatre School Studio Space: 985 Lomas Santa Fe Dr. Suite D, Solana Beach. Show times are 5:30 p.m. Oct. 16, 17, and 18, and 2 p.m. Oct. 18 and 19. Call the box office to reserve your tickets today: 858-481-1055. Visit www.northcoastreptheatreschool.org.

‘Hocus Pocus’ movie night at One Paseo

One Paseo will celebrate the spooky season with a Moonlight Cinema screening of “Hocus Pocus” on Saturday, Oct 18. Guests are encouraged to bring their own blankets and chairs to enjoy the Halloween classic under the stars on The Lawn at One Paseo, starting at 5 p.m. Snacks will be available to purchase on-sie. Past movie nights have included fun activities and photo-ops that follow the movie’s theme. Location address: 3725 Paseo Place, Carmel Valley.

Free concert presented by Concerts at Calvary in Solana Beach

Finest City Brass & Percussion, a symphonic brass ensemble of 25-30 musicians, will perform new music for brass instruments and orchestral music adapted for large brass ensembles. The concert will be held Saturday, Oct. 25. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Performance starts at 7 p.m. Location: Calvary Lutheran Church, 424 Via de la Valle, Solana Beach. After the concert: Mingle with the musicians and enjoy refreshments in the courtyard.

The program includes De Meij’s Symphony No. 1 inspired by The Lord of the Rings, and Respighi’s ode to the beauty of ancient Rome, The Pines of Rome.

Del Mar Seacoast Republican Women’s October luncheon to feature guest speakers

Del Mar Seacoast Republican Women will feature the following two GOP leaders at its next luncheon: Rebecca Jones, mayor of San Marcos (delivering record-low crime and earning Fortune Magazine’s “Top 25 Places to Live” award), now running for County Supervisor, District 5, and Kristie Bruce-Lane, award-winning business leader and founder of nonprofit helping child victims of domestic violence, now running for California Senate, District 40 in 2026. The event will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 22, from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., at Lomas Santa Fe Country Club, 1505 Santa Fe Dr., Solana Beach. Members $38, non-members $45. RSVP to www.delmarseacoastclub.com by Oct. 18.

San Dieguito Park’s Fall Festival

San Dieguito County Park will host a free Fall Festival on Sunday, Oct. 19 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sponsored by San Diego Parks and Recreation and supported by Nature Collective, the event is perfect for nature lovers and families alike with activities and hands-on crafts, environmental education booths and live animal encounters. At 11 a.m. there will be a Hawktober presentation followed by a costume contest and parade at 12:12 p.m. The festival will also include face painting and a bounce house.Participants are encouraged to bring reusable bottles and cups to enjoy refreshments and help keep the event eco-friendly. Free street parking is available and parking in the park is $5. The park is located at 1628 Lomas Santa Fe Drive. For more information, call (858) 755-2386.

San Diego International Film Festival

The 24th annual San Diego International Film Festival returns for five days of movie magic running Oct. 15-19. Over 100 films are being screened and there will be red carpet events, actor and director appearances and live musical performances. This year’s festival is taking place at various venues, including The Lot La Jolla, AMC Theatres at Westfield UTC, Belly Up Tavern and The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center. Ticket prices vary based on time of film and the type of event. Visit sdfilmfest.com for more information.

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.

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. 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.

Del Mar Pumpkin Station

Festivities include a carousel, rides, giant slides, a Ferris wheel, a train jump, a petting zoo and a play center, along with a pumpkin patch from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sundays to Thursdays and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays Sept. 26 through Oct. 26 at 15555 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar. Ticketed attractions include mechanical rides, giant slides, a jumpee activity, petting zoo and antique carousel. Tickets are $5. Free admission and parking. Visit pumpkinstation.com.

Halloween Carnival Solana Beach

The 68th annual event is set for 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Oct. 26 at Solana Vista Elementary School, 780 Santa Victoria, hosted by the Solana Beach Schools Foundation for Solana Beach School District families. Highlights include games, bounces houses, a petting zoo, pony rides and treats. Costumes are encouraged. Proceeds benefit Discovery Enrichment at Solana Vista and Skyline elementary schools. Visit sbschoolsfoundation.org.

Halloween Carnival at Carmel Valley Recreation Center

All are invited to attend a fun, free Halloween Carnival inside the gym at the Carmel Valley Recreation Center. The carnival will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 29 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.mThe event will include arts and crafts, bounce house, carnival games, costume contest, games with the DJ, and face painters. The Carmel Valley Recreation Center is located at 3777 Townsgate Drive, Carmel Valley, 92130.For more information, call 858-552-1616 or visit www.sandiego.gov/park-and-recreation/centers/recctr/carmelvalley

Día de los Muertos Storytimes

On Thursday, Oct. 23 the Pacific Highlands Ranch Library will host a Día de los Muertos Storytime in honor of Nuestra Culturathe San Diego library’s version of National Hispanic Heritage Month, recognizing the rich heritage, history, contributions and culture of our Latin American and Indigenous communities. From 4-5 p.m. the library will host the special bilingual storytime led by Ms. Jackie where she will read stories and sing and play the jarana followed by a sugar skull craft. 12911 Pacific Place. The story time will also be offered at the Carmel Valley Library at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct 29. 3919 Townsgate Drive.

Trunk or Treat at One Paseo

On Thursday, Oct. 23 from 4-7 p.m., join the San Diego Police Department at One Paseo for trick-or-treating, candy giveaways, bounce houses, and vehicles on display. Bring the whole family and enjoy a festive celebration filled with treats and excitement for all ages. Explore vehicles on display from the San Diego Police Department. The event is free and perfect for all ages. 3725 Paseo Place.

Halloween festivities at The Village at Pacific Highlands Ranch

On Sunday, Oct. 26 from 3-6 p.m., the Village at Pacific Highlands Ranch will host its annual Halloween celebration with trick or treating with village tenants, live music by Kathryn the Grape in the Village Square and complimentary photos for all kids and families. 13490 Pacific Highlands Ranch Parkway, Carmel Valley.

Spooktacular Halloween at Fairmont Grand Del Mar

On Saturday, Oct. 25 at 5 p.m., the Fairmont Grand Del Mar will transform into a Halloween wonderland for its Spooktacular event. Kids can come in costume and enjoy trick or treating and interactive Halloween stations, from meeting the friendly witch in Candyland and uncovering wild experiments in the Mad Scientist’s Lab, to encountering a beloved princess and mischievous villain in their enchanted garden.

Adults are invited to come to the Grand Social, relax in a private cabana or gather around a fire pit, savoring craft cocktails and seasonal bites. A DJ will be spinning Halloween classics, culminating in a show-stopping Thriller dance performance by Scripps Performing Arts will perform the “Thriller” dance. General Admission is $50 per adult/$30 per child. 5300 Grand Del Mar Court.

Rancho Santa Fe Village Church Family Trunk-or-Treat

The Village Church hosts a free family-friendly Halloween event featuring trick-or-treating and snacks from decorated cars parked next to the church playground, along with games and crafts and stories about the love of Jesus from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 26 at 6225 Paseo Delicias, Rancho Santa Fe. Church-friendly costumes are welcome. Visit VillageChurch.org/trunk-or-treat.

‘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.

‘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 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.

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.

Scripps to host free Breast Cancer Support Group

October is national breast cancer awareness month and Scripps Cancer Center will offer a free support group on Wednesday, Oct. 22 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. The virtual event will give participants a safe space to find emotional support, understanding, new coping skills and encouragement.

The group is open to newly diagnosed breast cancer patients (stages 0-3) and those going through or having completed breast cancer treatment. Group members will share experiences, knowledge, hopes, fears and strengths in a relaxed and confidential setting. Participants will meet virtually through Microsoft Teams and phone. Advance registration is required. To register for this support group, call 760-492-5899 or email vestevich.jeanne@scrippshealth.org.

The Nativity School Christmas Boutique

The Nativity School will celebrate the 20th anniversary of its Christmas Boutique on Saturday, Nov. 8, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at The Nativity School, 6309 El Apajo Road, Rancho Santa Fe. For two decades, this cherished tradition has brought the community together in the spirit of joy, generosity, and holiday celebration, while raising vital support for students, a news release stated. All are invited to shop, celebrate, and enjoy this special milestone year. Vendors interested in participating may email TheChristmasBoutique@nativitymail.org.

North Coast Repertory Theatre presents “Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground”

North Coast Repertory Theater will present “Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground” from Wednesday, Oct. 22 through Sunday, Nov. 16. (Previews start Oct. 22, opens Oct. 25. A talkback session with the director and cast is scheduled for Oct. 31.)

Tony Award winner John Rubinstein transports audiences to Gettysburg’s hallowed ground, where an elderly Eisenhower reflects on his monumental military leadership and transformative presidency. The production is an uplifting evening of theatre that is both educational and humorous from beginning to end, according to a news release. North Coast Rep is located at 987 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach.

The Country Friends annual Pickleball & Paddleball Tournament

The Country Friends will hold its annual Pickleball & Paddleball Tournament on Wednesday, Oct. 22 from 1 p.m.-5:30 p.m. at La Valle Coastal Club in Rancho Santa Fe (5690 Cancha de Golf, Rancho Santa Fe). Chaired by Maggie Bobileff. For tickets, visit shorturl.at/FhYFw

For more information, visit www.countryfriends.org. Since it was founded in 1954, The Country Friends has provided more than $15 million to San Diego County-based charities with special emphasis on women, children, the elderly, military families, and persons with disabilities.

Vision of Children’s ‘A Night for Sight’ benefit concert

The Vision of Children Foundation (VOC) will host its flagship biennial benefit concert, A Night for Sight, on Saturday, Oct. 18, at The Sound in Del Mar. This year’s event features legendary rock band Jefferson Starship, offering guests a one-of-a-kind evening of music, fine dining, and philanthropy in support of groundbreaking research to cure childhood blindness, according to a news release.The event will feature a cocktail reception, silent auctions, a high-end opportunity drawing, a hosted bar, a curated three-course dinner, and an eclectic live auction. The evening will culminate with guests enjoying Jefferson Starship’s greatest hits. Sponsorships and tickets are available now at www.visionofchildren.org.

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

Haunted Trail

One of San Diego’s largest Halloween experiences is at Balboa Park. The Haunted Trail at Balboa Park gives visitors two different experiences. The eXperiment Maze presents 3,500 square feet of twists and turns through various spooky encounters with childhood fairy tales remixed in Halloween-themed costumes such as “Goldilocks and the Three Bears.”The Haunted Trail takes visitors outdoors through a path with dense fog and several haunting installations with zombies, a ghoul bus, a graveyard filled with ghosts, chainsaw maniacs and more. Sept. 26 through Nov. 1. Balboa Drive and Juniper Road, San Diego. $34.99-$49.99. hauntedtrail.net

SeaWorld Howl-O-Scream

Back for the fifth time is SeaWorld’s Howl-O-Scream. This Halloween activation modifies the theme park into a haunted playground with eight scare zones. Guests can expect to see spooky creatures, a graveyard, a carnival of chaos and five haunted houses. There will also be music and live entertainment stages, themed bars and speakeasies. Plus, certain amusement park rides will be open. Select nights now through Nov. 1. $44.99-$144.99. seaworld.com/san-diego/events/howl-o-scream

Halloween Spooktacular

There will be trick-or-treating in costumes, carnival-style games, spooky characters and music from 2 to 5 p.m. Oct. 25 at The Forum Carlsbad, 1923 Calle Barcelona. Children receive a bag to collect candy, while supplies last. Admission is free. Visit theforumcarlsbad.com/events.

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, Carlsbad. 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.

Brick-or-Treat

LEGOLAND California holds its Brick-or-Treat Monster Party on weekends in October with entertainment, dance parties, live music, costumed entertainers and trick-or-treating. The party is included with park admission. As part of its Halloween season celebration, there will be costumed characters, décor and seasonal treats daily through Oct. 31. Visit legoland.com/california/things-to-do/seasonal-events/halloween.

Halloween Aglow at Birch Aquarium

Birch Aquarium will host trick-or-treating, live music and games from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 24 and Oct. 25 at 2300 Expedition Way. Scuba divers will transform the aquarium into an underwater pumpkin patch with their underwater pumpkin carving skills. Visitors will also have access to the new Living Seas exhibit. This is a family-friendly event and ocean-themed costumes are encouraged. Tickets are $40-$45; discount for members; free for children 2 and younger. Visit aquarium.ucsd.edu/events/halloween-aglow.

HalGLOWeen

The San Diego Zoo hosts a Halloween-themed family extravaganza with entertainment, food, dance parties and interactive festivities starting at 5 p.m. weekends in October. Highlights include Boo Crew, Spider’s W.E.B., Python Path, Spooky Spectacles, a Boolahoops dance party, featured creatures and Dr. Zoolittle’s Tricks & Treats among other attractions. Visit zoo.sandiegozoo.org/halgloween.

Haunts of Balboa Park

The spooky experience features two haunts at Balboa Park: the mile-long Haunted Trail and eXperiment Maze with frightening features from ghost-filled graveyard to ghoul bus. Open select nights through Nov. 1 at Balboa Drive and Juniper Road. Advance tickets are recommended because there is a nightly capacity limit. Visit hauntedtrail.net.

Trunk or Treat at car museum

The San Diego Automotive Museum puts on its annual Trunk or Treat from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 25 at 2080 Pan American Plaza in Balboa Park. Children collect candy from the museum’s collection of classic and exotic cars on the museum floor. Costumes are encouraged. Admission is free for children under 12 and for parents accompanying their children in costumes. Visit sdautomuseum.org.

Trick-or-treating downtown Encinitas

The free annual Safe Trick or Treat will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Oct. 31. Many downtown businesses will have goodies for kids. Costumed trick-or-treaters can stroll South Coast Highway 101, from Encinitas Boulevard to K Street. There will be Halloween-themed activities and games for kids along with entertainment. Visit encinitas101.com.

Haunted Hotel Olivenhain

The historic grounds of the Olivenhain Meeting Hall will be transformed into a Haunted Hotel Friday and Saturday nights from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Oct. 17-18 and Oct. 24-25 at 423 Rancho Santa Fe Road. There will be spooky scenes ranging from a Haunted Swamp, Dr. Frankenstein’s laboratory and a Witches’ Lair to a Candy Mystery Trail. Actors are Scouts, ages 11 to 17.There will be games at the carnival and refreshment to purchase. Tickets are $8; cash and credit are accepted at the door. The event is a fundraiser for Scout Troop 2000. For questions, email troop2kcommunityoutreach@gmail.com.

Historic Downtown Encinitas Walking Tour

The Encinitas Historical Society offers a fun educational walking tour of downtown Encinitas on the third Saturday of every month. the tours begin at 10 a.m., starting at the 1883 One-Room Schoolhouse, located at 390 West F Street. There is plenty of free parking available. On Oct. 18, the tour will concentrate on the north end of the historic Coast Highway. Next month, on Nov. 15, the tour will cover the south end of the Coast Highway.The Encinitas Historical Society has implemented a suggested donation of $10 per person. The Encinitas Historical Society is an all-volunteer organization with tax exempt status, and accepts cash, checks, or credit/debit cards. Children and dogs are always free. You may contact the Encinitas Historical Society at (760) 942-9066 or info@encinitashistoricalsociety.org with any questions.

Home Start to host Hallo-Wine Fall Festival

Home Start, a nonprofit dedicated to preventing child abuse and strengthening families, will host its 18th Annual Hallo-Wine Fall Festival on Saturday, Oct. 25 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Guests will gather at a stunning outdoor venue in Point Loma, set on the lawn of a private estate with sweeping ocean views.This seasonal festival promises an afternoon filled with flavors, fun, and philanthropy. Guests will enjoy tastings from dozens of local vendors, featuring savory bites, decadent desserts, boutique wines, hand-crafted beers, craft spirits and festive mocktails from dozens of local vendors. The celebration will also include live entertainment, lawn games, prize drawings, and an exclusive speakeasy experience. Most importantly, attendees will hear a powerful success story from a Home Start client whose life has been transformed through the organization’s services. For more information and to register, visit www.hallowine.org.

19th Annual Sean Eduardo Sanchez Tennis Center Pro-Am Fundraising Tennis

The 19th Annual Sean Eduardo Sanchez (SES) Tennis Center Pro-Am Fundraising Tennis Tournament will be held Sunday, Oct. 19, beginning at 12:30 p.m. at Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa, located at 5921 Valencia Circle, Rancho Santa Fe. Amateur participants — divided into men’s, open, and women’s divisions — will pay a donation entry fee and be paired with local tennis professionals to compete for the championship title.Proceeds from the tournament will benefit the SES Tennis Center in Tecate, Mexico, a California-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to providing local youth with access to tennis lessons, equipment, and tournament transportation. The event also continues to support Empty Cradle, a San Diego nonprofit that helps parents cope with the loss of an infant before, during, or after birth. For more information or to reserve attendance, call (760) 415-6399 or email Eduardo Sanchez at tktpro1@gmail.com. Visit www.sestenniscenter.org for more details.