It’s officially fall, and for many parts of the country this means cooler weather, changing leaves, and the promise of a snowy, chilly winter; this is not the case for San Diegans. Sunny skies, roaring waves, and swaying palm trees belie the changing seasons. In a city where time is measured by tide predictions and sunsets, a new San Diego Chargers season ushers in the end of summer each September.
October may be synonymous with Halloween, but if you wait until the end of the month to join in San Diego fall festivities, you’re missing out. Autumn months welcome pumpkin spiced lattes, you pick ‘em apple orchards, and fall festivals, among other fun in the sun activities. From parades to film festivals, and everything in between, here are six fall events you won’t want to miss.
October Fall Fun in San Diego
CRSSD Festival
Kicking off the month of October is the semi-annual two-day electronic music festival in Downtown San Diego’s 12-acre Waterfront Park. Guests will be entertained by more than 35 performers including Zhu, FKJ, Wave Racer, Shiba San, and Charles Murdoch, on three separate stages. Listen to electrifying tunes while sipping on craft beers and cocktails, and chowing down on some delicious eats.
Little Italy FESTA!
Little Italy in Downtown San Diego celebrates its rich Italian history and culture the second week of October at the annual Little Italy FESTA. This free event is the largest Italian cultural festival in the Western United States and draws over 120,000 visitors each year. FESTA spans 12 blocks in the Little Italy neighborhood and features 150 vendors. The lively celebration features all things Italian – food, authentic music, al fresco dining, bocce ball tournaments, street stickball, and more.
San Diego Kids Expo & Fair
Mid-October is all about the kids! A collection of non-profits and child-centric businesses showcase their collective dedication to improving the lives of children at the 2016 San Diego Kids Expo & Fair. Parents can split time between the expo that includes 150 local and national companies catering to children and parents, and the fair featuring kids rule activities, music, and dance. A 300-foot long zip line, a Euro Bungee, face painting, laser tag, human hamster wheels, and exotic animals are a few of the fun fair activities to expect. Live music, dance exhibitions, and a fashion show will light up the various stages. This is a family-friendly event you won’t want to miss.
November Fall Fun in San Diego
San Diego Asian Film Festival
The largest Asian film festival on the West Coast sets the tone for November. You’ll enjoy an incredible selection of over 100 films from 15 countries; as an added bonus, you’ll get a chance at meet and greets with the various film casts and crews. There is no genre that goes unfulfilled, ensuring that there will be a film for everyone. This week long event offer a platform for the world’s largest continent to showcase their amazing cinematic talents to a new audience, as well as giving you a sumptuous menu of international cinema.
Union Bank Fallback Festival
Take a step back through time at this free event held in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter during the first week of November. Union Bank Fallback Festival offers fun for the whole family, but will particularly caters to your little ones as they get to experience a taste of life in the olden days. An old-fashioned hayride, pony rides, panning for gold, and even a Wild West Show will have them smiling from ear to ear. Live music on two different stages bring the whole event together. There is no price of admission, but donations are encouraged. All funds raised go back to preserving the beautiful history of the Gaslamp Quarter.
70th Annual Mother Goose Parade
Just before Thanksgiving approaches the Mother Goose Parade is in full effect in East County, San Diego. The free parade runs from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., and is known as the largest parade west of the Mississippi, attracting thousands of excited spectators to the streets of El Cajon each year. Entrants come from all over the United States to join in the fun with more than 100 colorful and creative motorized floats. In addition to the magical floats, you’ll see performing artists, celebrities, animated clowns, drill units, special characters, specialty vehicles, giant helium balloons, and, of course, Santa Claus! This one parade you don’t want to miss
Put on your party pants and enjoy a wide array of cultural activities, live music, children’s entertainment, history, and holiday spirit with these six San Diego events. Besides these highlights, autumn in San Diego brings Octoberfests, outdoor activities, art fairs, concerts, and San Diego Beer Week to name a few additional festivities. Take the opportunity to enjoy all that this season has to offer!