San Diego was recently ranked the fifth best American city for Halloween, and there’s no shortage of events for both families and singles in the days leading up to the spooky holiday.
WCKD Village — San Diego’s largest Halloween event, a “little darker” version of the old Monster Bash, takes place over six blocks in the East Village on Saturday, Oct. 27. This 21-and-older event features four stages with non-stop music, four haunting experiences and lots of food and drink from 6 p.m. to midnight. General admission starts at $55.
Haunted Sea Tales — Gather on the decks of the world’s oldest active sailing ship for lantern-led tours and eerie tales. The Maritime Museum of San Diego‘s annual Halloween event on the Star of India takes place from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 27, and is included with a general admission ticket.
Night of the Evil Dead Red — AleSmith Brewing Company‘s annual party begins at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 26, with music by DJ Ronchee and DJ Trust, a costume contest, and 6.66% ABV Evil Dead Red Ale on tap. The full party experience is $35 per person and includes “Boos & Bites,” four 4-ounce beers accompanied by delectable appetizers, along with exclusive access to the brewery’s “Zombie Wedding” themed mezzanine level.
Rooftop Horror Film — Halloween at the Rooftop Cinema Club combines stunning views from the top of the Manchester Grand Hyatt with “Beetlejuice” on Friday, Oct. 26, “Hocus Pocus” on Saturday, Oct. 27, and “Halloween” on Wednesday, Oct. 31. Relax in a comfy deck-chair and cozy blanket while sipping a brew or wine and munching on poke or carne asada nachos. Tickets start at $17.
Little Italy Trick-or-Treat — This popular annual event for families takes place on Friday, Oct. 26, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Businesses on India Street will hand out treats and candy to children in costume. It’s an authentic trick-or treat experience in a safe environment.
Supernatural Entertainment — Treat yourself to an astonishing performance of mind tricks by master mentalist Lior Suchard on Monday, Oct. 29, at 8 p.m. at the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center in La Jolla. Suchard routinely reveals the innermost thoughts of even the most skeptical audience member. Tickets start at $55.
Critters and Costumes — The Helen Woodward Animal Center’s annual Howl-O-Ween celebration takes place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 27 and 28. Families can tour the new “Scientist’s Terribly Eerie Monster Lab,” explore a mystical maze, play ghoulishly fun games, and visit a mini pumpkin patch while meeting creepy critters and cuddly costumed ones. Cost is $14.25 per child and $5 for accompanying adults.
Dia de los Muertos at Guajome Adobe — Celebrate the Day of the Dead at the historic adobe in Vista by making offerings to remember the dead and honor ancestors from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 27. The event will include Ballet Folklorico performances, live traditional music, children’s activities, and food and craft vendors. The cost is $2 for ages 4 to 12 and $4 for those older.
‘Hallow-Hour’ in Bankers Hill — Kick off the coming All Hallow’s Eve at an extended happy hour beginning at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 31, at Bankers Hill Bar + Restaurant. Bar manager Colin Berger has created “Speak of the Devil,” a drink made with dark rum, fresh lime juice, fresh grapefruit juice, Luxardo Maraschino liqueur, Orgeat syrup and activated charcoal, garnished with grapefruit peel and a Luxardo Maraschino cherry.
Dia de los Muertos Dinner at Kettner Exchange — Mark the end of Halloween with a culinary-focused Dia de los Muertos celebration at Kettner Exchange. Guests can expect traditional Mexican-inspired cuisine with a Kettner Exchange twist amid themed decor by Casa Artelexia. The five-course dinner begins at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 1, and costs $125.