Community Events In San Diego County: From Rolling Pumpkins
San Diego County is packed with family-friendly fall and Día de los Muertos events through the end of October and into early November. This guide highlights key community happenings across Carlsbad, Chula Vista, Encinitas, La Jolla, Old Town and other neighborhoods so you can plan outings, volunteer, or celebrate with neighbors.
Quick overview: what’s happening now
Expect pumpkin patches, haunted attractions, free cultural celebrations and kid-focused trick-or-treating. Major themes this week include Día de los Muertos observances (Nov. 1–2), Halloween gatherings through Oct. 31, and community festivals running weekends into early November. Most events are family-oriented and many are free or low-cost, but some popular attractions require tickets or park admission.
Top picks by neighborhood
Carlsbad
Don’t miss the free Día de los Muertos open house at Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park (Nov. 1–2) with dance and live music, and the Carlsbad Strawberry Company pumpkin patch open daily through Oct. 31 (activities have extra fees). Genealogy talks and free community classes round out the week for adults.
Encinitas & North County
Encinitas hosts a Safe Trick-or-Treat on Oct. 31 and a Día de los Muertos event at the library Nov. 1 with mariachi and ballet folklórico. In nearby Rancho Bernardo and Vista, expect pumpkin farms, fall festivals and craft fundraisers for local nonprofits.
San Diego (city)
Old Town’s Día de los Muertos celebration (Nov. 1–2) features altars, live music and traditional performances. Liberty Station’s Halloween at the Station (Oct. 26) offers family activities and a food drive. HalGLOWeen at the San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld’s Día de los Muertos programming are seasonal attractions that require park admission.
East & Inland communities
El Cajon’s Rolling Pumpkins festival runs through Nov. 1 at Parkway Plaza with rides and family games. Julian, Ramona and Fallbrook offer pumpkin patches, hayrides and themed tours for a small admission, often benefiting local organizations.
Practical details and implications
Plan ahead for parking and tickets at theme parks (Legoland, San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld). Many municipal events are free but may request donations or have small fees for activities. Cultural events (Día de los Muertos altars, ofrenda contests, processions) provide community connection and volunteer opportunities—check local organizers’ sites for ways to help. For public-safety considerations, note specialized closures or traffic impacts around large gatherings and parades.
What to watch next
- Nov. 1–2: Most major Día de los Muertos public events (Old Town, Escondido, Carlsbad, SeaWorld).
- Nov. 1: Bike the Coast returns in Oceanside — expect street closures and large crowds at the pier finish festival.
- Ongoing: Weekend seasonal programming at zoos, aquariums and theme parks through late October.
| Event | Date(s) | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Leo Carrillo Ranch Día de los Muertos | Nov. 1–2 | Free |
| Carlsbad Strawberry Company Pumpkin Patch | Through Oct. 31 | $15 admission; some activities extra |
| Rolling Pumpkins Festival (El Cajon) | Through Nov. 1 | Free entry; ride fees |
| Legoland Brick-or-Treat | Weekends in Oct. | Park admission required |
| San Diego Zoo HalGLOWeen | Weekends in Oct. | Ticketed |
How to participate or submit an event
If your nonprofit or community group wants to submit an event or photos for a future listing, email linda.mcintosh@sduniontribune.com. Include the group name, date/time, address, cost, contact info, and for photos send JPEGs with people identified and photographer permission. Listings should arrive at least two weeks before the event.
FAQs
- Are most events free?
Short answer: Many community celebrations and library events are free; theme parks and special attractions usually require paid admission or tickets. - When are the main Día de los Muertos celebrations?
Short answer: Major public observances occur Nov. 1–2 across Old Town, Escondido, Carlsbad, SeaWorld and other venues. - Where can I find family-friendly trick-or-treating?
Short answer: Village Walk at Eastlake, Encinitas downtown, Grossmont Center, La Mesa Village and Little Italy host supervised trick-or-treat events on or around Oct. 31. - How can I safely donate or volunteer at local events?
Short answer: Check each event’s webpage for volunteer sign-ups or donation drives (e.g., Liberty Station’s food drive) and follow posted safety guidance for crowds and traffic.
Takeaway: pick one or two nearby events that match your family’s interests—whether a free cultural celebration, a pumpkin patch or a ticketed zoo experience—book or RSVP if required, and check event pages the morning of for updates on hours, parking and weather.
