Spooky season has arrived, and with it comes a stellar lineup of local celebrations. Here are all the best Halloween events in San Diego.
San Diego Symphony, Mariachi Los Camperos and Grupo Folklórico Chiquina will celebrate Día de Los Muertos Oct. 30 at The Rady Shell.
Get ready for a night of waterfront wonder as San Diego Symphony joins forces with Los Angeles’ Grammy Award- winning Mariachi Los Camperos for its second Día de los Muertos Celebration at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park. Paying homage to Latinx music and culture, the festive performance— kicking off at 6PM on Sunday, Oct. 30—will be teamed with cuisine and beverages inspired by the holiday, available for purchase from The Rady Shell Provisions. Joining the talented musicians onstage will be the colorful dancers of Grupo Folklórico Chiquina, who are sure to show up in vibrant costumes that will have you feeling the magic of this time-honored tradition. theshell.org
Head down the rabbit hole Saturday, Oct. 29, at 7PM as Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa transforms its grounds
into a haunted tea party inspired by Alice in Wonderland. The 21-and-up event invites partygoers to nosh on cheeky confections, sip whimsical cocktails—complete with the classic “Drink Me” tag—and play games even the Queen of Hearts would adore (think flamingo croquet). Costumes are encouraged as a contest will award the night’s most creative attendees, while giveaways and a photo booth ensure tons of memorable fun. Book the Mad Hatter’s Room Package to score two event tickets, a custom themed amenity and two complimentary cocktails the next morning at Greenfinch’s Sunday brunch. Curiouser and curiouser! estancialajolla.com
Join the Downtown Chula Vista Association Oct. 29 for its Día de los Muertos Celebration. Known as “day of the dead,” the Mexican tradition honors late loved ones through live music, festive fare and more. The ticketed La Ofrenda option allows partygoers to stroll along Third Avenue while enjoying store discounts and food samples, while the free Treats & Sweets route invites little ones to collect surprises from participating businesses, decorate sugar skulls and more. Join the fun by dressing in traditional Catrín costuming, and honor your loved one by placing a photo of them on the community altar. ¡Vamos! thirdavenuevillage.com
Take Halloween to great new heights in Oceanside, where The Rooftop Bar at Mission Pacific Hotel is hosting a sky-high Mad Tea Party on Saturday, Oct. 29, at 7PM. Dress to impress—the night’s first-place costume winner will receive a $150 food and beverage credit plus a one-night stay in a Sanctuary Studio Suite at Mission Pacific. A photo booth, live-spun music, boozy beverage specials and poolside bottle service will add spirited fun to the twisted tea party. missionpacifichotel.com
Head to Bahia Resort Hotel at 9PM on Friday, Oct. 28, to board the William D. Evans sternwheeler for a night of spook-tacular fun in San Diego’s Mission Bay. A live DJ will set the mysterious mood for the night ahead as you pick your poison from the drink- and snack-filled cash bar. Ghouls and gals must be over 21 to attend and reservations are required. Plan your costumes wisely—this party is sure to make waves. bahiahotel.com/halloween-cruise
Start your Halloween festivities a week early with a special concert from American Idol alum Adam Lambert. Taking over Balboa Theatre on Sunday, Oct. 23, for The Witch Hunt, Lambert will share songs from his catalog teamed with covers of Halloween hits. “I’ve loved Halloween since I was a kid,” says the Grammy nominee, who recently wrapped a world tour fronting iconic rock band Queen. “I really like to put a twist on classic costumes and give them a little high-fashion edge.” Join the rocker in getting ghoulishly glam and sing along to his astounding vocals during this one-night affair. sandiegotheatres.org
Frightful fun awaits all month long at the historic Hotel del Coronado. First, take to the beach for a Ghost Roast, where you’ll receive a visit from The Del’s resident ghost, Kate Morgan, while roasting s’mores at your own private fire pit by moonlight on select dates from Oct. 8 to 30. For further background on the mysterious Miss Morgan, book a Haunted Happenings Tour to find out why Kate checked in, in 1892, and never checked out. If you prefer treats to tricks, carve pumpkins with your loved ones on select dates between Oct. 15 and 30 on The Del’s Founders Lawn, or cozy up under the stars for Movies on the Beach. Hocus Pocus will be shown Oct. 22 followed by Beetlejuice on Oct. 29. Happy hauntings! hoteldel.com
There’s nothing quite like the thrill of gathering candy on Halloween, and Little Italy is ready to welcome costumed creatures of all ages to its Trick-or-Treat
on India Street event. Taking place Friday, Oct. 28, from 5:30 to 7:30PM, the annual gathering invites little witches, wizards and their families to get dressed up and stop by participating businesses to receive candies and treats. Maps of the haunts involved will be available at the Piazza della Famiglia, and businesses have been asked to mask up with gloves to ensure your kiddos are COVID-19 safe. See you there! littleitalysd.com
Celebrate the fall season at this favorite outdoor event on the grounds of the Historic Burnham House in Balboa Park, located at 3565 Seventh Ave. On Saturday, Oct, 22 from 3 to 6PM, guets will enjoy gourmet hors d’oeuvres, boutique wines, and handcrafted beers and spirits from local businesses—such as Bivouac Ciderworks,
Bekker’s Catering, Burgeon Beer Company, La Marca, Panini Kabob Grill, PRP Wine International, Glendalough Distillery, Trevi Hills Winery and more. Held in October during National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the festival fundraises ffor the organization’s programs that provide critical assistance to vulnerable children and families in San Diego. Tickets available online. hallowine.org
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