Mark your calendars for San Diego's best October events, featuring festivals, charitable galas and concerts galore.
Pitbull will light up the North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre stage on Oct. 3. PHOTO BY GREG WATERMANN
Through 10/20
Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Picture Show
Directed by Sean Murray, this cult classic that mixes satire and science fiction is making a raucous return just in time for the Halloween season. Cygnet Theatre, Old Town San Diego, cygnettheatre.com
10/1
Kacey Musgraves
With special guests Father John Misty and Nickel Creek, Grammy Award winner Kacey Musgraves will perform songs from her new album, Deeper Well, plus other heartfelt hits. 7:30 p.m., Pechanga Arena, Midway District, pechangaarenasd.com
10/3
Experience Hendrix
This once-in-a-lifetime show roars into the heart of San Diego, ready to rekindle the spirit of Jimi Hendrix through a star-studded lineup of talented guitarists. 7 p.m., The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, Embarcadero Marina Park South, theshell.org
10/3
Pitbull
Dance the night away at Pitbull’s Party After Dark Tour, where Mr. Worldwide promises an unforgettable blend of rhythm and revelry. 8 p.m., North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre, Chula Vista, northislandcreditunionamp.com
10/4
Tom Jones
Iconic Welsh singer Tom Jones will wow his devoted fans during this stop on his Ages and Stages Tour, spanning six decades of albums and lyrical artistry. 7 p.m., Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre, San Diego State University, as.sdsu.edu/calcoast
10/4-5
Taste of Oceanside
Craving a culinary adventure? Dive into Oceanside’s gastronomic scene during a Friday night VIP experience at Oceanside Museum of Art, followed by Saturday’s grand tasting event in Downtown Oceanside. Multiple locations, Oceanside, mainstreetoceanside.com/taste-of-oceanside
10/4-6
Latinx New Play Festival
Produced by La Jolla Playhouse’s 2024-25 artist-in-residence, Dr. Maria Patrice Amon, this free event showcases top Latinx playwrights and their bold new works during readings, panel discussions and more. La Jolla Playhouse, lajollaplayhouse.org
10/5
38th Annual Fur Ball Gala
Unleash your inner party animal at this whimsical soiree that benefits the San Diego Humane Society. Enjoy a cocktail reception, vegetarian-friendly dinner and an afterparty with music by Haute Chile. 5 p.m., San Diego Humane Society, Morena, sdhumane.org
10/5
Imagine Dragons
With their explosive mix of altrock anthems and indie pop hooks, this Grammy-winning band will bring an electrifying night to San Diego on their Loom World Tour. 7 p.m., North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre, Chula Vista, northislandcreditunionamp.com
10/6
An Evening with The Avett Brothers
North Carolina brothers Scott Avett and Seth Avett will have you singing and stomping along to their signature folk-rock sound for a fall night to remember. 7:30 p.m., The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, Embarcadero Marina Park South, theshell.org
The Rady Shell will host The Avett Brothers on Oct. 6. PHOTO BY CRACKERFARM
10/6
Rise Up! Gala
In support of the Sister League of San Diego’s selfless mission, enjoy a female-focused fete that will change women’s lives across the county. 3:30 p.m., The Ultimate Skybox at DiamondView Tower, Downtown San Diego, sisterleaguesd.org
10/8
Eric Clapton
The legendary Slowhand still has lightning fingers at 79 years old. Catch the 18-time Grammy Award-winning guitarist for one night only with special guest Jimmie Vaughan. 7:30 p.m., Pechanga Arena, Midway District, pechangaarenasd.com
10/8-13
Kimberly Akimbo
This five-time Tony Award-winning musical once graced the Broadway stage and now brings the clever coming-of-age tale to San Diego with an incredible cast of characters. San Diego Civic Theatre, Downtown San Diego, broadwaysd.com
10/12
2024 Wine and Wishes Gala
Share a toast at this joyous celebration that invites wine enthusiasts and philanthropists to give back to Make-A-Wish San Diego one glass at a time. 5 p.m., Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Carlsbad, sandiego.wish.org/wine
10/16-20
San Diego International Film Festival
Movie buffs, mark your calendars! This cinematic extravaganza will bring a star-studded lineup of premieres, panel discussions and parties to San Diego. Multiple locations, San Diego, sdfilmfest.com
10/18
The Pink Gala
Get ready to paint the town pink alongside Trixie Mattel during a dinner program and dazzling disco afterparty to support Stepping Stone of San Diego. 5 p.m., The US Grant Hotel, Downtown San Diego, steppingstonesd.org
10/18
Charli XCX and Troye Sivan
Right on the tail-end of brat summer, these pop sensations will bring the heat to Viejas Arena during this stop on the Sweat Tour with special guest Shy Girl. 7:30 p.m., Viejas Arena, San Diego State University, as.sdsu.edu
10/19
High Tech High Foundation 25th Anniversary Gala
Honoring CEO emeritus Larry Rosenstock, this inspiring evening celebrates educational advancements for today’s youth with innovation at the forefront. 6 p.m., Building 177, Liberty Station, hightechhighfoundation.org
10/19
City Ballet of San Diego’s Annual Gala
Don’t miss an illustrious evening of elegant performances and wine pairings during this year’s City Ballet gala, themed Echoes of Spain. 6 p.m., Hotel del Coronado, Coronado Island, cityballet.org
10/19
2024 Champions of Hope Gala
Celebrate resilience while raising crucial funds for the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation at this shimmering seaside soiree, where Letitia Hunte Wheat, Dr. Brigid Boland and Kathy May will be honored. 6 p.m., Alila Marea Beach Resort, Encinitas, crohnscolitisfoundation.org
10/19
Walk4ALZ
Power up with San Diego’s Walk4ALZ, an incredible community movement in the fight to end Alzheimer’s disease. 8 a.m, Balboa Park, alzsd.org
10/19
Starry Starry Night Gala
This enchanting evening sparkles with stellar cocktails and live entertainment while honoring Voices for Children’s founder and longest-serving Court Appointed Special Advocate volunteer, Kathryn Ashworth. 5 p.m., The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, Embarcadero Marina Park South, speakupnow.org
Enjoy an incredible evening of live entertainment at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park during Voices for Children’s Starry Starry Night Gala on Oct. 19. PHOTO COURTESY OF VOICES FOR CHILDREN
10/19-20
15th Annual San Diego Spirits Festival
Drink in the local distillation scene at this can’t-miss tasting event, which showcases the latest product innovation in an art-filled setting. Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, La Jolla, sandiegospirtisfestival.com
10/22-24
Spider-man Across the Spider-verse in Concert
Brace for a spectacle as the Multiverse’s mightiest clash plays out on an HD screen, backed by a full orchestra, DJ and genre-melding instrumentalists. 7:30 p.m., Balboa Theatre, Downtown San Diego, sandiegotheatres.org
10/25
Marc Anthony
Explore the distinct sounds of the Puerto Rican king of salsa and Latin rhythm when he hits the stage in San Diego. 8 p.m., Pechanga Arena, Midway District, pechangaarenasd.com
Pop and hip-hop star Kehlani will bring her soulful songs to Viejas Arena on Oct. 26. PHOTO BY ISRAEL RIQUEROS
10/25
Kehlani
The Oakland singer-songwriter brings her signature sound—R&B fused with pop and hip-hop—to the local crowd on her Crash World Tour. 8 p.m., Viejas Arena, San Diego State University, as.sdsu.edu
On Oct. 26, sip Champagne during a night of scary fun at Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa’s Silver Screen Soiree. PHOTO BY EMILIE BLANC
10/26
Silver Screen Soiree
Come dressed in ghostly Hollywood glam attire for a night of strong drinks and freakishly fun entertainment right before Halloween. 7 p.m., Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa, estancialajolla.com
Stunning looks await at Oceanside Museum of Art’s Art After Dark party on Oct. 26. PHOTO COURTESY OF OCEANSIDE MUSEUM OF ART
10/26
Art After Dark
This after-hours party turns the Oceanside Museum of Art into a ghoulish fete of drinking, dancing and the largest costume contest in the region. You’re in for a good fright! 6 p.m., Oceanside Museum of Art, oma-online.org
10/27
Making Strides of San Diego
Don your best activewear and take a step toward supporting those battling cancer during this uplifting community walk and fundraiser. 8 a.m., Snapdragon Stadium and SDSU Mission Valley River Park, San Diego State University, cancer.org
10/28
The Phantom of the Opera (1925)
Step into the shadows for this adaptation of Gaston Leroux’s novel that will haunt your dreams long after the credits roll. 7 p.m., Balboa Theatre, Downtown San Diego, sandiegotheatres.org
Photography by:
