SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — San Diego's weekend is packed with frightfully fun activities for all ages.
Many Halloween events kick off this weekend before the big night. Check out fun at local pumpkin patches, HauntFest in El Cajon, or Trick-or-Treat on India Street to get started early.
Dia de los Muertos festivities also start around the county. Celebrate loved ones and family in Oceanside, North Park, Encinitas, or Sherman Heights this weekend.
It's also the final weekend of San Diego's Kids Free October event, with free admission to dozens of attractions.
SAN DIEGO HALLOWEEN:
- San Diego's Whaley House: Tour one of America's most haunted homes
- Frightful fun: San Diego Halloween, fall events for families
- Experience Halloween chills at these San Diego attractions
- Spirited shindigs: Halloween parties for San Diego's 21+ crowd
- Free haunted hikes, Halloween carnivals at San Diego County parks
For the non-Halloween crowd, Ramona is holding a bluegrass festival, and local mac n' cheese creators vye for the crown of San Diego's best at Waterfront Park.
THURSDAY
Pumpkin patches
Where: Various locations; Cost: Varies
Remember to stop by a local pumpkin patch to celebrate the Halloween and fall season. Create your very own jack-o'-lantern, use a pumpkin to spruce up your seasonal decor, or put it to use in a pie or other pumpkin treat. Some patches also feature some festival fun for kids with foods and games. Check out our pumpkin patch map here.
Cinema Under the Stars: The Birds
Where: 4040 Goldfinch St., San Diego; Cost: $17 - $20
Just in time for Halloween, Alfred Hitchcock's "The Birds" swoops in to Cinema Under the Stars, screening this weekend at the Mission Hills theater.
FRIDAY
HauntFest on Main
Where: Main St., El Cajon; Cost: Free
Tons of family Halloween fun will line Main St. in downtown El Cajon this season where families can check out costume contests, carnival rides and games, face painting, live entertainment, a pumpkin patch, crafts, and much more.
Trick-or-Treat on India Street
Where: Piazza della Famiglia, Little Italy; Cost: Free
Grab your spookiest or silliest costume and trick or treat in Little Italy during this family-friendly event with India Street's businesses. Stops will be giving out candy in this safe trick-or-treating excursion along with more fun down the street.
SATURDAY
Sherman Heights Dia de los Muertos
Where: Sherman Heights Community Center; Cost: Free
Sherman Heights will host a traditional altar blessing, live performances, food, and more to commemorate Dia de los Muertos and honor the departed.
Ramona Bluegrass Festival
Where: Ramona Outdoor Community Center; Cost: Free - $15
Kick back and take in performances by seven amazing bluegrass bands, delicious eats from food trucks, and cool arts and crafts from local vendors during Ramona's bluegrass shindig.
5th Annual San Diego Mac n' Cheese Fest
Where: Waterfront Park; Cost: $39 - $75
It's one of San Diego's most mouth-watering events. Enjoy cheesey, gooey mac n' cheese from local chefs, paired with craft beer, at Waterfront Park. Attendees will help judge the delicious creations to award one restaurant the title of San Diego's best gourmet mac n' cheese. All attendees get to enjoy unlimited mac n' cheese, beer samplings, and live music throughout the day.
SUNDAY
Oceanside Dia de los Muertos
Where: Mission San Luis Rey; Cost: $2
Mission San Luis Rey celebrates Dia de los Muertos with altar displays, a chalk cemetery, carnival rides, a classic car show, traditional foods, and more.
Halloween Boos Cruise
Where: San Diego Bay; Cost: $20
Radio stations Z90 and 91X host multiple DJs on board Hornblower Cruises for a 2.5 hour trip around San Diego Bay, featuring costume contests, drink specials, and views of the San Diego skyline during a party on the bay.
Halloween at the Station
Where: Liberty Station; Cost: Free
Liberty Station's free event invites families out for a day of trick-or-treating throughout the Liberty Station Arts District, live music and entertainment, arts and crafts, costume contests, games, and more Halloween surprises.
