Here are some of the best things to do this weekend in San Diego from Friday, Sept. 26 to Sunday, Sept. 28.
Friday
Haunted Trail opens: One of San Diego’s largest Halloween experiences is at Balboa Park. The Haunted Trail at Balboa Park gives visitors two different experiences. The eXperiment Maze is 3,500 square feet of twists and turns through various spooky encounters with childhood fairy tales remixed in Halloween-themed costumes such as “Goldilocks and the Three Bears.” The Haunted Trail takes visitors outdoors through a path with dense fog and several haunting installations with zombies, a ghoul bus, a graveyard filled with ghosts, chainsaw maniacs and more. Sept. 26 through Nov. 1. Balboa Drive and Juniper Road, San Diego. $34.99-$49.99. hauntedtrail.net
The Haunted Forest opens: Maneuver through ghosts and graveyards at The Haunted Forest in Banner Ranch. This half-mile outdoor Halloween trek has gory content, strobe lights and spooky sounds. The public can also spend the night at The Haunted Forest, which has tiny houses, covered wagons and camping sites. Food, cider and beer will be available for purchase. Event organizers encourage guests to wear costumes. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from Sept. 26 to Nov. 1. 36342 California 78, Julian. $13-$15. eventbrite.com/e/the-haunted-forest
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Oompah for two weekends: The German American Societies of San Diego host Oktoberfest in El Cajon Sept. 26-28 and Oct. 3-5 at 1017 S. Mollison Ave. An opening day parade with keg tap and crowning of the Oktoberfest Queen is at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 26. Highlights include authentic German food and beers on tap along with oompah music by the Guggenbach-Buam band from Germany. There will be traditional folk dancing along with games and contests. Other attractions include shopping booths and a kids’ zone. Hours are 4 to 10 p.m. Fridays, noon to 10 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 9 p.m. Sundays. Entry fees are $15 for adults on Fridays and Saturdays, $5 on Sundays and free for those younger than 21, club members with a current membership and active duty military. Visit OktoberfestElCajon.com.
MCAS Miramar Air Show: The biggest military air show in the world, according to the Marines, returns for its yearly event. The Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show showcases aerial performances, military vehicles, old school aircraft, flight simulators and more. Some of the scheduled performances include the Navy’s Blue Angels and Marine Corps Marching Band. Sept. 26-28. MCAS Miramar, San Diego. Free. miramarairshow.com
Poway Rodeo: This annual event brings together rodeo fans with a two-day rodeo performance, live entertainment, activity for kids and more. An after party will take place each night from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Children can attend for $1 on Saturday. 7:30 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday. Poway Valley Riders Association Arena,14336 Tierra Bonita Road, Poway. $18 for kids, $30 for adults. powayrodeo.com
Hidden City Film Festival: The California Center for the Arts, Escondido Foundation will host the Hidden City Film Festival, celebrating independent film, storytelling and community and spotlighting “boundary-pushing filmmakers and underrepresented voices.” The festival will include a “Feature of the Day” screening, curated short film showcases, filmmaker Q&As, and an awards ceremony honoring standout short films in categories such as Best Narrative, Best Documentary, Pocket Cinema and Stories of Belonging. Sept. 26-28 at Regal Cinema, 350 W. Valley Parkway. Visit filmfreeway.com/hiddencityfilmfestival.
Chef experience: Duckhorn Vineyards is being featured at the next Chef’s Table Experience at the Catamaran Resort Hotel. The dinner event features a four-course meal by executive chef Bryan Stuppy and chef de cuisine Alex Miranda. The menu includes seasonal produce, seafood and meats and each course is paired with wine from Duckhorn Vineyards. There will also be a welcome drink. 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. tonight. 3999 Mission Blvd., San Diego. $145. 858-488-1081, catamaranresort.com
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San Diego Wave FC: San Diego’s pro women’s soccer team will face the Orlando Pride, 7:30 p.m. Friday. 2101 Stadium Way, San Diego. $21.70. sandiegowavefc.com/schedule
SeaWorld Howl-O-Scream: Back for the fifth time is SeaWorld’s Howl-O-Scream. This Halloween activation modifies the theme park into a haunted playground with eight scare zones. Guests can expect to see spooky creatures, a graveyard, a carnival of chaos and five haunted houses. There will also be music and live entertainment stages, themed bars and speakeasies. Plus, certain amusement park rides will be open. Select nights now through Nov. 1. $44.99-$144.99. seaworld.com/san-diego/events/howl-o-scream
Movie Night in the Bookstore: For Banned Books Week, La Playa Books will screen the film, “Banned Together.” RSVP online required. 6:30 p.m. Friday. La Playa Books, 1026 Rosecrans St., San Diego. laplayabooks.com/event/2025-09-26/movie-night-bookstore
The Concert – A Tribute to ABBA: One of the top ABBA tribute groups will perform hit songs by the band. 8 p.m. Friday. 2241 Shelter Island Drive, San Diego. $60.35. humphreysconcerts.com/schedule.cfm
Family Fun Fridays: Fridays can still be fun this fall, even though the summer months are over, as Belmont Park is offering deals on its theme park rides, arcades and food. Visitors can purchase one unlimited ride wristband at the regular price and get a second wristband for free. Guests can also purchase unlimited arcade games for one hour for $15. Plus, children can eat for free at the restaurant and sports bar Draft, with a purchase of an adult entree. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays through Nov. 21. 3146 Mission Blvd., San Diego. 858-488-1549, belmontpark.com
“Orpheus in the Underworld”: Opera À La Carte San Diego presents Jacques Offenbach’s 1858 satiric operetta based on the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice. 7 p.m. Friday; 6:30 p.m. Sunday. St. Peter’s Episcopal Church Parish Hall, 1 Parish Lane, Del Mar. $15-$45.ticketleap.events/events/operaalacartesandiego
“San Diego’s Lost Neighborhoods”: San Diego History Center and San Diego African American Museum of Fine Art have opened this exhibition that uses augmented reality to tell personal stories to honor local communities erased by discrimination and infrastructure projects, including Julian, City Heights, the Gaslamp Quarter, Southcrest, La Jolla, Chollas View and MLK Way. Now showing. 1649 El Prado, Balboa Park, San Diego. sandiegohistory.org
Final weekend for “The Prince of Egypt”: Moonlight Stage Productions presents this regional premiere of the newly revised musical adaptation of this animated film about the Biblical character Moses, from birth to the exodus from Egypt. 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Moonlight Amphitheatre, Brengle Terrace Park, 1200 Vale Terrace Drive, Vista. $46-$67. 760-724-2110, moonlightstage.com
The Julian Dance: Two bands will be featured, along with a pie-eating contest and air guitar contest. There will be group dances and line dancing as well on a dance floor outside. Barbecue, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase. 3 to 9 p.m. Saturday. American Legion Post 468, 2503 Washington St., Julian. $10 general admission, free for visitors 14 or under. juliandance.com/
“Beside Myself”: North Coast Repertory Theatre presents Paul Slade Smith’s world premiere comedy-drama about a therapist grappling in unique ways with her own mental health issues. 8 p.m. Fridays; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; 2 and 7 p.m. Sundays. Through Oct. 5. 987D Lomas Santa Fe, Solana Beach. $58.50-$80.50. 858-481-1055, northcoastrep.org
Julian Autumn Jubilee: For the ninth time, Fort Cross Old Timey Adventures will host a fall celebration. Featured activities include cider pressing, a pumpkin patch, hayrides, a treasure hunt and a spooky maze. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Fort Cross Old Timey Adventures, 4425 Highway 78, Santa Ysabel. Tickets start at $26.50. fortcross.com/autumn-jubilee
“The Heart”: La Jolla Playhouse presents the world premiere of this musical story of a human heart on its 24-hour journey from a dying man to a transplant recipient. 7:30 p.m. Fridays; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; 1 and 7 p.m. Sundays. Through Oct. 5. Potiker Theatre, La Jolla Playhouse campus, 2910 La Jolla Village Drive, UCSD campus, La Jolla. $30-$119. 858-550-1010, lajollaplayhouse.org
“All the Men Who’ve Frightened Me”: La Jolla Playhouse presents the world premiere of Noah Diaz’s play about a trans man and his wife embarking on a parenting journey while their home is haunted by the spirits of his past. 7:30 p.m. Fridays; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; 1 and 7 p.m. Sundays. Through Oct. 12. Mandell Weiss Forum, 2910 La Jolla Village Drive, UC San Diego, La Jolla. $30-$59. 858-550-1010, lajollaplayhouse.org
“The Effect”: OnStage Playhouse presents the San Diego premiere of Lucy Prebble’s play about two subjects in a clinical drug trial who secretly fall in love. 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 5 p.m. Sundays. Through Oct. 12. 291 Third Ave., Chula Vista. $25 and up. onstageplayhouse.org
“Manifest P*ssy”: Diversionary Theatre presents trans performer Shakina’s autobiographical “glam rock odyssey.” 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. Through Oct. 12. Diversionary Theatre, 4545 Park Blvd., University Heights. $64.50-$71.50. 619-220-0097, diversionary.org
“Follies”: Cygnet Theatre presents this 1971 Stephen Sondheim-William Goldman musical about a group of long-retired showgirls gathering on the even of their old theater’s demolition. 7 p.m. Fridays, 2 and 7 p.m. Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays. Through Oct. 12. Joan and Irwin Jacobs Performing Arts Center, 2880 Roosevelt Road, Arts District Liberty Station, San Diego. $44 and up. 619-337-1525, cygnettheatre.com
“Huzzah!”: The Old Globe presents this world premiere musical by the co-writers of “Legally Blonde: The Musical” about a family fighting to keep their Renaissance fair alive. 8 p.m. Fridays; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; 2 and 7 p.m. Sundays. Through Oct. 19. Old Globe Theatre, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, San Diego. $55 and up. 619-234-5623, theoldglobe.org
Saturday
National Public Lands Day: Every year on the fourth Saturday of September, national parks that typically require admission fees are instead open for free. National Public Lands Day is organized by the National Environmental Education Foundation. nps.gov/subjects/npscelebrates/public-lands-day.htm
Sustainable Food Festival: This debut event centers sustainable food practices, seasonal ingredients and local chefs and others vendors. There will also be live entertainment and dogs are welcomed. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Balboa Park Boulevard and Presidents Way Lawn, Park Boulevard, San Diego. eventbrite.com/e/san-diego-sustainable-food-festival-balboa-park-tickets-1338133345859
Vendor market: The Town and Country Resort is hosting an outdoor vendor market in front of its eatery Monkeybar. The Buzz and Bloom Market includes floral arrangements from Little House of Flowers; candles, soaps and balms from Savage Bee-ches; honey tastings by Encinitas Honey; and beer pourings by Pure Project Brewing. Plus, the first 25 guests to RSVP ahead of the event will get a $25 gift card to use at any Town and Country restaurant. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. 500 Hotel Circle North, San Diego. towncountry.com/buzz-and-bloom-market
San Diego FC: The inaugural regular season of San Diego FC ends with a fan appreciation night. The celebration will feature exclusive giveaways, added entertainment, surprise guests and more. The playoff-bound MLS club will face the San Jose Earthquakes. 7:30 p.m. Saturday. Snapdragon Stadium, 2101 Stadium Way, San Diego. $38-$397. sandiegofc.com
Oktoberfest at brewery: Tipping Pint Brewing Company will put on an Oktoberfest celebration from 1 to 9 p.m. Sept. 27 in its outdoor wine and beer garden at Carruth Cellar’s HANGAR76 at 3229 Roymar Road. Highlights include a new beer release, German-style food, music by two bands and a costume contest. Dress in your best Oktoberfest outfits. Visit carruthcellars.com/events/oktoberfest.
Ballet Collective San Diego’s “Idioma”: The dance company will present this work Inspired by conversations that are witty, passionate and impactful. 5 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday. The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, 7600 Fay Ave., La Jolla. $51-$85. 858-459-3728, theconrad.org
San Diego Chorus’s “Just Add Harmony!”: This choral concert will feature SoloVoce, quartets and ensembles. 7 p.m. Saturday. Lincoln High Performing Arts Center, 4777 Imperial Ave., San Diego. $5-$35. tickettailor.com/events/sandiegochorus/1821866
Pacific Coast Harmony’s “Fall Into Harmony”: Four part a cappella harmony pops concert. 2 p.m. Saturday. Carlsbad City Library, 1775 Dove Lane, Carlsbad. $25-$30. pacificcoastharmony.org
Pacific Beach Oktoberfest Bar Crawl: The event is from to 4 to 11 p.m. with check-in from 4 to 8 p.m. Sept. 27 at 710 Beach Club, 710 Garnet Ave. There will be digital bar crawl map, entertainment and beer on tap at participating bars. Participants are encouraged to wear Oktoberfest attire. Visit eventbrite.com/e/pacific-beach-oktoberfest-2025-tickets-1326216452109
‘Small’ opens at The Old Globe: The Old Globe presents Robert Montano in the West Coast premiere of his Drama Desk-nominated solo play about outgrowing his career as a horse-racing jockey to become a successful Broadway dancer. Opens Saturday and runs through Oct. 19. 7 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays; 8 p.m. Fridays; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; 2 and 7 p.m. Sundays. Sheryl & Harvey White Theatre, The Old Globe, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, San Diego. $44-$118. 619-234-5623, theoldglobe.org
Oktoberfest Games: North Park’s The Original 40 Brewing Company is hosting its annual Oktoberfest Games from 1 to 5 p.m. Sept. 27 at 3117 University Ave. Festivities include four competitions: Best Lederhosen and Drindl Outfits, Bavarian Pretzel Eating Contest, Stein Holding Competition and Yodeling. Original 40 gift cards will be awarded to the winners. The brewery will serve Beer Tent Märzen in honor of Oktoberfest. Visit original40brewing.com
San Diego Spirits Festival: Lovers of cocktails are invited to interact with more than 65 spirit brands. Guests get unlimited tastings. There will also be live entertainment, including Crystal Star and George Pajon Jr. from the Black Eyed Peas. 2 p.m. Saturday, 5 p.m. Sunday. The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, 700 Prospect St., La Jolla. $79.64-$89.93. sandiegospiritsfestival.com/
“(title of show)”: New Village Arts presents Jeff Bowen and Hunter Bell’s unusually named meta comedy about two friends writing a musical about two friends writing a musical. 7:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. Through Sept. 27. New Village Arts, 2787 State St., Carlsbad. $40 and up. 760-433-3245, newvillagearts.org
La Mesa Rocks Disco Party: People of La Mesa are invited to celebrate 25 years of the La Mesa Parks and Recreation Foundation at a dance. This is a fundraiser for La Mesa Parks. 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday. La Mesa Community Center, 4975 Memorial Drive, La Mesa. $125. lamesaparks.org
Sunday
Gardening 101: Learn the basics of gardening at City Farmers Nursery’s free outdoor workshop. Gardening experts will lead classes on which plants thrive best in San Diego County and how to maintain them. Attendees will also learn about composting. Guests are asked to bring sunscreen, a hat and water. 9 a.m. to noon. Sunday. 3110 Euclid Ave., San Diego. Free. 619-284-6358, cityfarmersnursery.com
Oktoberfest with art fair: The annual Encinitas Oktoberfest, hosted by the Encinitas Chamber of Commerce and Visit Encinitas, is from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sept. 28 along Mountain Vista Drive off El Camino Real between Wandering Road and Rambling Road. The family festival and artisan faire celebrates German culture with live entertainment, including Bavarian music and dance troupes, German food, international refreshments, two beer gardens and a marketplace with 125 local artisan vendors. A ceremonial parade is slated for noon with local officials. There will be a German-themed dog costume contest with a pups parade and a kids play zone with inflatable slides, an obstacle course, games and a rock-climbing wall. Admission is free. A free shuttle will run from Flora Vista Elementary School from 10:45 a.m. to 7:15 p.m. Visit encinitasoktoberfest.com.
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San Diego Watercolor Society’s 45th Annual International Exhibition: This year’s curated exhibit will feature 103 paintings selected from 746 submissions from 30 countries. Opens Sunday and runs through Oct. 31 with a public reception from 5-8 p.m. Oct. 3. Hours, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. Arts District Liberty Station, 2825 Dewey Road, Suite 105, San Diego. Free. sdws.org
“*One Way Ticket*”: California artist Fredo Gillis is presenting his first solo exhibition in a one-night event.The exhibit features recent portraits and figurative paintings that explore nostalgia, sexuality and companionship. 6 to 9 p.m. Sunday. San Diego Made, 2031 Commercial St., Barrio Logan, San Diego. Donations accepted. sandiegomade.org