The Ultimate Guide to Fall in San Diego

Now – October 31 – A locally family owned business that hosts the best Family Pumpkin Patch and Christmas Tree Lot this side of the equator. 😉 Since 2016 they have worked their pumpkins off to bring you the most fun in our favorite season of the year. Pumpkin Palooza is Carlsbad’s premier urban pumpkin patch! Bring your family for a day of fun, pumpkins, rides, fall photo opportunities and more!

Get ready to experience the ocean after dark in a whole new light! Halloween Aglow is returning to Birch Aquarium at Scripps for two magical nights on October 23 and 24, 2026, from 6 PM to 8:30 PM. This family-friendly, after-hours celebration transforms the aquarium into an illuminated autumn nightscape, pairing classic Halloween traditions with cool, hands-on marine biology.

Get your costumes ready, because Downtown San Diego is about to be overrun by the undead! The legendary San Diego Zombie Crawl is officially returning to the Gaslamp Quarter for two wild weekends of Halloween madness on October 23, 24, 30, and 31, 2026. Known as the city’s top Halloween nightlife celebration, this epic, self-guided event transforms the historic district into an open bar-hopping arena for thousands of costumed partygoers

Step back in time to an era of classic style and coastal elegance. The Del Mar Racetrack is officially kicking off its autumn Bing Crosby Season from Friday, November 6 through Sunday, November 29, 2026. Named in honor of the track’s iconic Hollywood founder, this fall meet trades the massive summer crowds for a cooler, more exclusive vibe where vintage fashion, ocean breezes, and world-class racing take center stage.

Get ready to raise a glass to the biggest, boldest craft beer community in the nation! The 17th annual San Diego Beer Week is officially returning from November 6 through November 15, 2026. Coordinated by the San Diego Brewers Guild, this massive 10-day celebration spotlights more than 150 independent craft breweries across the county. From the coastal taprooms of Coronado to the bustling beer hubs of Miramar and North Park, the entire city transforms into an open-ended paradise for craft beer lovers.

November 20 – January 3 – Another dazzling year of Lightscape is around the corner! Now in its fifth year, the spectacular showcase will return from November 20 – January 3 at San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas. Enjoy the spectacular garden light show featuring the international Lightscape exhibition. Delight in a one-mile evening walk through the lighted garden filled with one million twinkling lights, as well as “cathedral” of lights, a laser garden, lantern trees and more. This is a special ticketed event with entry times every 15 minutes. Reservations required.

November 22rd – Children’s rides, two stages of live entertainment and food and drink refreshments provide an attractive setting for the public and a great boon to our vendors. Remember to bring your own bag(s) to collect all your street fair shopping.

Mellano Farm Stand is fun for the whole family! You’ll find tractor rides, fresh flowers and produce, food trucks, live music…and even pigs!  This farm truly brings the farm-to-table vibe with its wholesome events and activities. Be sure to follow their social media for all the up-to-date events and activities – there is always something fun going on at the farm!

Go camping! What a better way to soak in fall than by a crackling campfire with smores and a lighthearted Halloween story before snuggling into your sleeping bag? Check out some of San Diego’s favorite campsites for families: