News Summary
San Diego is buzzing with a variety of events this weekend, from a thought-provoking art exhibition at UC San Diego to the lively Ocean Beach Oktoberfest celebration. Other highlights include the Taylor Swift dance party, the San Diego Coffee Festival, and the annual Write On, Oceanside! festival. There’s also a gala to support cheetah conservation, a kayak fundraiser, and a Multicultural Festival Day. With something for everyone, this weekend promises a rich tapestry of arts, culture, and community engagement.
San Diego is set to host an exciting array of events this weekend, catering to diverse interests from art exhibitions to festive celebrations. The events include the opening of a thought-provoking art exhibition, a lively Oktoberfest celebration, a unique dance party, and opportunities for community engagement and cultural appreciation.
Art Exhibition at UC San Diego
A new group exhibition titled Omni Intelligent has opened its doors at the Mandeville Art Gallery on the UC San Diego campus. This exhibition delves into the themes of human and non-human intelligence and will be on display until December 6. Visitors can take advantage of free 30-minute guided tours that are available by appointment, providing a deeper understanding of the artworks showcased.
Ocean Beach Oktoberfest
Another highlight is the Ocean Beach Oktoberfest, taking place at the foot of OB Pier. The festival kicks off on Friday from 4 to 11:30 p.m. and continues on Saturday from 12 to 11:30 p.m. This 21+ event promises an action-packed atmosphere with live music, a Mr. & Mrs. Oktoberfest contest, stein-holding competitions, a pretzel toss, and a lively Jäger limbo competition. Attendees can enjoy performances from popular bands like Band of Gringos, Electric Waste Band, and BETAMAXX. The event helps raise over $50,000 annually to support local organizations, including the Ocean Beach Mainstreet Association.
Taylor Swift Dance Party
For fans of pop music, The Taylor Party will be held at Music Box in Little Italy on Friday starting at 9 p.m. This Taylor Swift-inspired dance party is sure to draw a crowd and allow attendees to celebrate their favorite hits in a lively setting.
San Diego Coffee Festival
The San Diego Coffee Festival at Broadway Pier is another must-visit this weekend, taking place from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.. The festival showcases a variety of specialty coffee roasters and artisanal teas, making it a delightful destination for coffee enthusiasts. General admission tickets are priced at $31.
Write On, Oceanside! Festival
The annual Write On, Oceanside! festival returns on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Civic Center Library Plaza. This event will feature local authors, performances, and workshops, providing a platform for the literary community to engage with the public.
San Diego Yacht Rock Festival
First-time attendees can enjoy the inaugural San Diego Yacht Rock Festival, happening at Liberty Station’s Ingram Plaza on Saturday from 4 to 10 p.m. Performers include Elliot Lurie, known for the classic hit “Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl).” General admission tickets are priced at $60, with VIP options available.
Cheetah Soirée Gala
On Saturday from 5 to 8 p.m., the Action for Cheetahs in Kenya is hosting a Cheetah Soirée Gala at the Mangelsen – Images of Nature Gallery in La Jolla. This event will feature authentic Kenyan cuisine, fine wine, and auction items, with tickets available for $40.
Kayak Fundraiser & Cleanup
Participants can engage in the Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation’s Annual Kayak Fundraiser & Cleanup on Saturday and Sunday. Kayakers will pick up trash in the lagoon while enjoying the scenic views. Launching from the south shore costs $160 for a two-person kayak, with multiple sessions available throughout each day.
Multicultural Festival Day
Closing out the weekend, the Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation will present a Multicultural Festival Day on Sunday from 1 to 6 p.m. at the Market Creek Plaza Amphitheater. This free event will offer authentic Chamorro cuisine, performances, face painting, and lawn games, encouraging community connection and discovery.
Ongoing Events
In addition to these events, San Diego is hosting other notable ongoing attractions, including the Halloween Spooktacular at SeaWorld, LEGOLAND’s Brick-O-Treat, and various film festivals throughout the region. With so many options, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this weekend in San Diego.
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Additional Resources
- NBC San Diego: Things to Do This Weekend
- Google Search: San Diego events October 2025
- San Diego Union-Tribune: Best Things to Do
- Encyclopedia Britannica: San Diego
- CBS 8: Weekend Watch
- Google News: San Diego festivals
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
