News Summary
San Diego is brimming with Halloween-themed festivities throughout October. The city will host cultural performances, film screenings, and family-friendly events, perfect for celebrating the spooky season. Highlights for this weekend include Santee’s Brews & Bites, the International Film Festival, and haunted attractions like the Haunted Trail in Balboa Park. With activities ranging from live music to culinary experiences, San Diego promises a memorable Halloween for all.
San Diego is gearing up to embrace the spooky season with a wide array of Halloween-themed events and activities throughout the month of October 2025. Residents and visitors alike can expect a mixture of cultural performances, film screenings, music events, and family-friendly activities designed to celebrate Halloween and the local community.
Key Events This Weekend
This weekend marks a particularly busy schedule of events. On Saturday, October 6, Santee’s Brews & Bites will take place at Town Center Community Park East from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., featuring over 40 food and beverage vendors. Attendees can enjoy live music from BETAMAXX and participate in costume contests, adding to the festive atmosphere.
In addition, the San Diego International Film Festival will showcase several screenings, while FilmOut San Diego will present a double feature of the cult classics The Warriors and Escape From New York. For fans of live theater, the Tenth Avenue Arts Center is hosting multiple performances of Evil Dead The Musical, catering to those seeking a spooky, theatrical experience.
Cultural Festivities
Also on the schedule, the Native American Heritage Festival, organized by the Native Youth Foundation, will take place at Grape Day Park on October 7, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., showcasing Indigenous culture and traditions. Meanwhile, Little Italy will host the Bella Vita Fest, celebrating Italian culture with food, music, and community spirit.
Families looking for daytime activities can head to SeaWorld for Spooktacular, featuring themed decorations, trick-or-treat opportunities, and a variety of fun events geared toward children.
Haunted Attractions
San Diego’s haunted attractions are also in full swing. The Haunted Trail in Balboa Park offers a mile-long walking experience through elaborate haunted setups, and the Haunted Amusement Park in El Cajon features rides and themed mazes for those seeking thrills. SeaWorld’s Howl-O-Scream presents a haunting atmosphere with scary shows, haunted houses, and themed bars for those wanting an adrenaline rush after dark.
For those interested in history, the legendary Whaley House offers candlelit tours allowing visitors to experience its haunted past. Additionally, the Ghost Trolley Tour provides insight into San Diego’s darker historical narratives, making it a unique experience for thrill-seekers.
Additional Events
Aside from the major events, several local businesses are contributing to the Halloween spirit. The Tipsy Crow and other bars in the Gaslamp Quarter are offering themed drink specials and promotions throughout the festivities. Seaport Village will host Halloween dances and live music, creating a vibrant scene for those looking to celebrate the holiday.
For a unique culinary experience, the Culinary Cinema event this Sunday includes a pre-reception buffet followed by a screening of The Chef and The Daruma at Capital One Café, with tickets available for $75. Meanwhile, a free Taste of the Book Fair pop-up invites readers to explore literature in North Park on Saturday, October 7, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
As the Halloween season approaches, San Diego’s rich variety of events ensures that everyone will find something to enjoy, whether through music, film, food, or fright. From festive gatherings in vibrant neighborhoods to theatrical performances and haunted attractions, the city promises to deliver an unforgettable Halloween experience.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Halloween Events in San Diego County
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San Diego Weekend Events Highlight Culinary and Entertainment Delights
San Diego Unveils Progress Park Along Waterfront
San Diego Offers a Variety of Events and Activities
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California’s Week: From Pet Snake Reunion to Food Safety Concerns
Additional Resources
- San Diego Magazine: Halloween Events 2025
- Wikipedia: Halloween
- San Diego Union Tribune: Best Fall & Halloween Events
- Google Search: Halloween events San Diego
- Times of San Diego: Jack in the Box Halloween AI Game
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Halloween
- NBC San Diego: Halloween Events Guide
- Google News: San Diego Halloween 2025
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO 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.
