News Summary
San Diego is welcoming autumn with a variety of Halloween events and festivals from September 26 to November 1, featuring haunted trails, parades, and more. Attractions include the Haunted Trail at Balboa Park, the Haunted Forest, Oktoberfest in El Cajon, and the MCAS Miramar Air Show, offering entertainment for all ages. Other events include the Poway Rodeo, Hidden City Film Festival, and culinary experiences like the Chef’s Table Experience. This vibrant calendar ensures a memorable season for both locals and visitors.
San Diego is ushering in autumn with a variety of exciting Halloween events and festivals stretching from September 26 to November 1. Residents and visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities, from haunted trails to festive parades, promising an entertaining experience for all ages.
The Haunted Trail at Balboa Park opens on September 26 and will run until November 1. This attraction boasts a 3,500 square foot eXperiment Maze that features spooky fairy tales, set along an outdoor pathway filled with dense fog and haunting installations such as zombies, a ghoul bus, and chainsaw maniacs. Located at Balboa Drive and Juniper Road, ticket prices range from $34.99 to $49.99.
Simultaneously, the Haunted Forest will also kick off on September 26, offering a half-mile outdoor Halloween walk that includes gory content and strobe lights, engaging thrill-seekers in an eerie experience. The forest walk also features activities like overnight camping and food sales. Located at 36342 California 78 in Julian, tickets for this event are priced between $13 to $15.
As part of the festivities, the Oktoberfest in El Cajon will be hosted by the German American Societies from September 26-28 and October 3-5. The event will launch with an opening parade on September 26 at 6:30 p.m., showcasing traditional German food, a variety of beers, oompah music, folk dancing, and a kids’ zone. Entry fees are $15 for adults on Fridays and Saturdays, $5 on Sundays, and free for children under 21 and active military personnel.
Adding to the excitement, the MCAS Miramar Air Show will take place from September 26-28, featuring thrilling aerial performances and military vehicles. This event boasts free admission, making it an anticipated highlight for families and aviation enthusiasts alike.
The Poway Rodeo is another notable event scheduled for September 26-27. It includes exhilarating rodeo performances, live entertainment, and activities designed for children. Located at the Poway Valley Riders Association Arena, tickets will cost approximately $30 for adults and $18 for kids.
Taking place in parallel, the Hidden City Film Festival will run from September 26-28 at Regal Cinema in Escondido, spotlighting independent films with screenings, Q&A sessions, and awards ceremonies.
Additionally, food enthusiasts can indulge in the Chef’s Table Experience at the Catamaran Resort on September 26 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. This exclusive dinner features a four-course meal paired with wines from Duckhorn Vineyards, priced at $145.
Sports fans will have an opportunity to catch the San Diego Wave FC vs. Orlando Pride match on September 26 at 7:30 p.m. at 2101 Stadium Way, with tickets available for $21.70.
SeaWorld’s Howl-O-Scream will run select nights through November 1, offering a mix of scare zones, haunted houses, and live entertainment, with ticket prices ranging from $44.99 to $144.99.
In addition, other community events include Movie Night in the Bookstore featuring “Banned Together” on September 26, a tribute concert to ABBA at 2241 Shelter Island Drive on the same day at 8 p.m., and Family Fun Fridays at Belmont Park, where kids eat free with the purchase of an adult entrée, available through November 21.
September 27 will welcome the Julian Dance, which will include live music and a pie-eating contest, alongside the Julian Autumn Jubilee featuring cider pressing and a pumpkin patch at Fort Cross.
The weekend of September 28 marks the San Diego Spirits Festival, offering tastings from over 65 brand selections, alongside Encinitas Oktoberfest featuring live entertainment, games, and local vendor marketplaces.
As autumn progresses, residents can look forward to various exhibitions, including the San Diego Watercolor Society’s Annual Exhibition, starting September 28 and running through October 31, as well as the “Just Add Harmony!” choral concert and the “Orpheus in the Underworld” performances set for September 26 and 28 in Del Mar.
With such a vibrant calendar of events, San Diego is set to make this autumn memorable for both locals and visitors, celebrating the season with festivities suitable for all.
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Additional Resources
- NBC San Diego: Halloween Candy Prices Up Double Digits
- Wikipedia: Halloween
- Fox 5 San Diego: Forum Carlsbad Halloween Spooktacular
- Google Search: Halloween Events San Diego
- San Diego.com: The Best Halloween Events San Diego
- Google Scholar: Halloween Festivals San Diego
- Patch: SoCal Fall Fun Guide – Halloween Events
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Halloween
- La Jolla Mom: SeaWorld San Diego Spooktacular
- Google News: Halloween 2025
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.
