Just one week until Halloween, and it’s starting to show around town.
There’s a definite uptick in spooky events around San Diego, from Bonita in the South Bay to as far north as Campo and Alpine. And in the midst of it all, there’s also a pair of celebrations set for LGBTQ+ San Diegans and their allies.
Friday, Oct. 23
Spooky Campover and Pumpkin Bash: Lions Tigers & Bears Sanctuary in Alpine (24402 Martin Way) will open its doors starting Friday at 3 p.m. for anybody willing to bring their camping gear, a pumpkin for the resident animals, their best costume and some snacks and food to enjoy.
The venue is promising a full camping experience with smores, songs and a costume contest on Friday night before segueing into Saturday’s Pumpkin Bash to watch the critters play with the pumpkins. Tickets cost $58.30 for children and $84.80 for adults if you’re not members of the sanctuary.
Saturday, Oct. 24
Art After Dark: The Oceanside Museum of Art (704 Pier View Way) hosts what organizers call “North County’s biggest costume competition,” costume party and fashion show for partygoers age 21 and over from 7-11 p.m. The contest categories this year are Best Upcycled Design; Best Interpretation of Sacrificial Bodies; or Best Interpretation of the Theme: “Anatomy of the Surreal.” Tickets cost $65 for members and $85 for non-members.
Beautify Chula Vista: City officials are hoping to exceed last year’s turnout of 500 volunteers for this annual cleanup effort, in conjunction with the South Bay Sustainable Communities Network, from 8 a.m. to noon. There’s no cost, but the city does ask that you register here if you want to be part of the event. Volunteers should transport themselves and make sure to wear sturdy shoes and work gloves. The staging ground will be at the Otay Recreation Center (3554 Main St.)
Boo Bash 2026: This free party hosted by TransFamily Support Services is for LGBTQ+ youths and their families and loved ones to enjoy from 2-5 p.m. at the Spring Valley Family Counseling Center (3845 Spring Drive) with costume contests, an arts and crafts zone and family-friendly drag performances on tap. There’s no cost to attend, but organizers do ask that you RSVP here.
Creatures of the Night Market: In another museum event, the Bonita Museum & Cultural Center (4355 Bonita Road) will be hosting local vendors and artists for this free event from 6-9 p.m., which will also feature a pumpkin painting contest, live music and a free clothing swap.
Howl-O-Ween Mutt Run/Walk: The volunteer group Labs and More, which has rescued more than 16,000 dogs and puppies from shelters since 2011, is hosting its 13th annual 5K run/walk event at Road Runner Sports in Clairemont Mesa (5553 Copley Drive) and encourage you to dress up along with your pooches. The group will also have an adoption event during the day. Registration for the race costs $60 and starts at 7:30 a.m. with the run kicking off an hour later.
Latine Pride 2026: With Hispanic Heritage Month just concluded, this free celebration will unfold at the central promenade at Liberty Station (2641 Truxtun Road) from 2-7 p.m. with live musical performances, community resources and vendors on hand.
Pumpkin Express: All aboard with the Pacific Southwest Railway Museum Association in Campo (750 Depot St.) as its Halloween tradition returns Saturday and Sunday and on Halloween itself, with decorated railcars taking guests through “some of the most scenic parts of the historic San Diego and Arizona Railway” at 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Ticket prices vary by age. The museum is also offering a special “Sip N Scare Sunset Special” ride for adults ages 21 and up at 6 p.m. on Oct. 24 and 31.
Sunday, Oct. 25
Binational Race 2026: This 13.1-mile half-marathon begins at the Las Americas Premium Outlets in San Diego (4211 Camino de la Plaza) at 6:50 a.m. and ends in Playas de Tijuana, literally spanning the U.S.-Mexico border. Organizers ask that both participants and racegoers following on foot bring required immigration documents. Registration for the marathon costs $176.87, but there is also a U.S.-only virtual half-marathon option for $51.49.
Gather On Grand Escondido Street Festival: Grand Avenue in downtown Escondido will light up from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. with live music, a beer garden, costume contest and special “Art In The Garden” area featuring local artists, with no cost to attend.
