Friday, Oct. 20
World Champagne Day + Oysters
11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., CUCINA Enoteca Del Mar
Celebrate World Champagne Day (yes, that’s a thing) with some bubbly and grub at CUCINA Enoteca Del Mar (2730 Villa De La Valle). The eatery is running a champagne special all month long and, this weekend (Friday through Sunday), special oyster pairings will be offered. CUCINA’s locations on Laurel Street (CUCINA Urbana) and Adams Avenue (CUCINA Sorella) will also partake in the champagne shindig. Cheers!
San Diego Central Library Architecture Tour
2 p.m. to 3 p.m., San Diego Central Library
From its dome and lobby to the Helen Price Reading Room, courtyard and sculpture garden, take a free tour of the San Diego Central Library and learn about the architecture and materials used in the design of the civic building. The tour meets in the Garden Courtyard in front of the auditorium at 2 p.m.; you must register ahead of time to attend this free event.
Salsa Under the Stars
6 p.m. to 9 p.m., The Headquarters at Seaport
Hit the courtyard at The Headquarters at Seaport for this Friday night salsa dancing session under the stars. Manny Cepeda and his orchestra will provide the toe-tapping tunes; no partner or experience necessary to join this fun, free event.
The Haunted Hotel
6 p.m. to 1 a.m., Market Street in Gaslamp Quarter
Halloween haunts of epic proportions lurk in every corner at The Haunted Hotel located at 424 Market St., near Fourth Avenue, in downtown San Diego. For the past 25 years, this spooky fall attraction has invited brave patrons to make their way through a creepy hotel while trying to flee from all kinds of monsters and ghouls. The Haunted Hotel runs most nights now through Oct. 31; general admission tickets cost $19.
Cooking Class: Taste of the Amazon
6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., Lazy Acres
Lazy Acres in Encinitas will host this cooking class in its Moonlight Room focused on the exotic, nutrient-rich food of the Amazon. Students will whip up palmito – or hearts of palm salad – followed by chicken and veggie juanes, a traditional Amazonian rice tamale. The meal ends with lucuma crunch, a fruit from the cacao family.
Wild Life! An Animal Masquerade
7 p.m. to 9 p.m., San Diego Museum of Man
Party animals are invited to this after-hours masquerade party at the San Diego Museum of Man, inspired by the museum’s ongoing “Living with Animals” exhibition. Masks will be provided, which attendees can decorate into an animal of their choice. Attendees can also walk on the wild side and hold hissing cockroaches, slithering snakes and tarantulas, among the many activities. A ticket to this 21+ event includes admission to the museum, one customized cocktail, two street tacos and access to all activities inside.
The Haunted Trail
7 p.m. to 11 p.m., Balboa Park
As Halloween nears, The Haunted Trail at Balboa Park is a sure-fire way to have a frightening fall. Open now through Oct. 31, this mile-long trail is a stroll through the park you’ll never forget. Those who dare enter through a twisted grove of pines and gnarled oaks. After that, all bets are off as scary surprises lurk around every corner. The Haunted Trail also hosts an additional maze dubbed "The eXperiment," described as “3,500-square-feet of freak-infested terror.” Tickets cost $25 per person, including entry into "The eXperiment."
Chris Hardwick
7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. (Friday and Saturday), The American Comedy Co.
Host, actor, writer, producer and comedian Chris Hardwick brings his stand-up talents to the stage at The American Comedy Co. this weekend, performing twice on both Friday and Saturday nights. Hardwick currently hosts the NBC game show, “The Wall,” and also runs the media empire, Nerdist Industries. Tickets to his comedy show cost $35.
Saturday, Oct. 21
Join Thor at Shore Rider La Jolla For College Football
Join Thor at Shore Rider La Jolla this Saturday to watch USC take on Notre Dame. The game kicks off at 4:30 pm. More info here!
DogFest Walk 'N' Roll
8 a.m., NTC Park at Liberty Station
It’s all about man’s best friend at the DogFest this Saturday. The national event of Canine Companions for Independence kicks off Saturday at 8 a.m. and raises money to provide highly-trained assistance dogs for people with disabilities. Take a scenic 1.2-mile walk with your pooch, followed by music, games, and dog demonstrations. Registration is free, but donations are encouraged.
Borrego Days
10 a.m., Christmas Circle in Borrego Springs (Saturday and Sunday)
Don’t miss the 52nd annual Borrego Days Desert Festival, a nice weekend getaway for families this fall. The free festival runs Saturday and Sunday. You’ll get a chance to enjoy beautiful weather, desert blooms, star gazing and more – and that’s on top of a parade through town, rows and rows of unique booths, handmade goods, beautiful artwork, delicious food and more.
Coronado Art Walk
10 a.m. (Saturday and Sunday), Coronado Ferry Landing
Explore artwork with a view this Sunday, right across the San Diego Bay. The Art Walk is part of the Coronado Museum of History & Art’s juried art show. The walk will feature artists and their handmade work in addition to the juried art show. You’ll find ceramics, textiles, photography, mixed media and more. The event is free.
Howl-O-Ween Canine Carnival
10 a.m., Dusty Rhodes Park (Sunset Cliffs Boulevard)
What’s better than dogs dressed up in costume? We can’t think of much. Get into the Halloween spirit in Ocean Beach with the Kiwanis Club of Ocean Beach’s annual carnival. The event has games, prizes, costume contests and food. The event is free to attend.
Fall Harvest Festival
10 a.m., The Centre Escondido
Celebrate the seasons changing in Escondido this weekend at the Fall Harvest Festival. Bring the whole family to enjoy fall classics: bobbing for apples, pumpkin decorating, face painting, train rides and more.
San Diego Aruna 5K Run/Walk
11 a.m., Encinitas Community Park
The inaugural San Diego Aruna 5K Run and Walk will benefit the Aruna Project, a United States-based nonprofit whose mission is to bring freedom, through employment marked by holistic care, to sexually enslaved women in India. Registration for the race starts at 10 a.m., and the race at Encinitas Community Park begins at 11 a.m. Registration is $30.
Bayside Brew & Spirits Festival
1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Pepper Park in National City
The first-ever Bayside Brew & Spirits Festival takes over Pepper Park (3299 Tidelands Ave.) in National City Saturday, highlighting more than 40 local breweries and spirits companies. The event will also feature food vendors, live bands, a photo booth and a VIP area that includes access to specialty craft beers and a meet-and-greet with a master brewer. General admission tickets cost $35, while VIP tickets cost $75. By the way, the NBC 7 and Telemundo 20 street team will be at this event; drop by our set-up and say hello!
SDSU Aztecs vs. Fresno Bulldogs
7:30 p.m., SDCCU Stadium
The Aztecs face off against the Fresno State Bulldogs at SDCCU Stadium this week. Fans are encouraged to arrive early for parking purposes or take public transit. Tickets start at $61.
Sunday, Oct. 22
Join AD at the Haunted Hotel
Join AD and Rock 105.3 at the Haunted Hotel on Sunday, October 22nd from 7p to 9p! Come experience the frights at the haunt that was featured on the Travel Channel show “America’s Scariest Haunts.” More info!
Bow Wow Brunch Cruise
10:30 a.m., Hornblower Cruises and Events
It’s just you and your pooch during this special Bow Wow Brunch cruise this Sunday, a special event to help raise money and awareness about orphaned pets at Helen Woodward Animal Center. Enjoy delicious food with unlimited champagne and desserts. Plus, as you eat, your dog will get a chance to visit the pet buffet too. Tickets start at $90.
Beers & Schmears
11 a.m., Eppig Brewing
Talk about a tasty Sunday brunch option. Eppig Brewing teams up with Nomad Donuts to present this four-course craft beer and wood-fired bagel and doughnuts pairing event at the brewery. Each course includes an 8-ounce Eppig brew, such as the Eppig German Style Lager paired with pork rillette, caramelized onion, whole grain mustard and fig on a plain bagel or a 10:45 to Denver IPA paired with a blueberry basil gorgonzola doughnut. Space is limited, so if you’re serious about bagels and brews, buy your $25 ahead of time. Cheers!
Day of the Dead Festival in North Park
12 p.m. to 4 p.m., Ray Street (Between University Avenue and North Park Way)
The first-ever Day of the Dead Festival in North Park goes down Sunday, honoring the Mexican holiday in which the living take time to remember those who have passed. The free event on Ray Street will feature live music, a tequila tasting and cerveza cantina, food trucks, craft workshops, artisan vendors and Dia De Los Muertos-style face painting. A community altar will pay tribute to the souls who are no longer with us. The NBC 7 and Telemundo 20 street team will be at the event; stop by our set-up and say hello!
Stone Craft Beer & Cheese: The Ultimate Pairing Festival
12 p.m., Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens (Liberty Station)
Some of the country’s best cheeses meet some of San Diego’s best beer at this unique pairing festival. Sip on Stone’s iconic brews while tasting artisanal cheeses. A $55 ticket includes 15 three oz craft beer pours, unlimited tastes of cheeses and a commemorative glass. A designated driver’s ticket costs $25. This event is for 21 years and older only.
Enrique Iglesias and Pitbull
7:30 p.m., Valley View Casino Center
Latin superstars Enrique Iglesias and Pitbull join forces for this concert at the Valley View Casino Center. The doors open at 6:30 p.m.; tickets start at around $40.