Fall is one of the best times of year on the San Diego coast. The summer crowds thin out, the ocean is still warm, and the calendar fills up with beach festivals, art walks, Oktoberfests and Fleet Week. Whether you live here already or you're thinking about a move to Coronado, La Jolla, Pacific Beach or Ocean Beach, here are the fall 2026 events worth putting on your calendar.
Dates are from each event's organizer or the official San Diego Tourism Authority listing as of October 1, 2026. Always check the event's own website before you go, since times and details can change.
October 2026
Pacific BeachFest -- Saturday, October 3
Pacific Beach's biggest party of the year takes over the boardwalk between Felspar Street and Thomas Street from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Expect a fish taco contest, beach volleyball, craft beer, live music and plenty for kids. It's free to attend and draws about 50,000 people, so arrive early or bike in. Pacific BeachFest
Coronado Public Safety Open House -- Sunday, October 4
A family favorite in Coronado: tour the police station, watch a CalFire helicopter land, see a "Jaws of Life" rescue demonstration, and meet the island's firefighters, police officers and lifeguards. Discover Coronado events
A Taste of Coronado -- Thursday, October 8
Sample bites from Coronado restaurants along Orange Avenue, walking between stops or riding the complimentary trolley. An evening of food, drinks and socializing that supports local businesses. A Taste of Coronado
Ocean Beach Oktoberfest -- Friday and Saturday, October 9-10
OB does Oktoberfest its own way: a beer garden with a view of the Pacific, two days of live music, contests and food vendors, all centered at Newport Avenue and Abbott Street. Hosted by the Ocean Beach MainStreet Association. OB Oktoberfest
La Jolla Art & Wine Festival -- Saturday and Sunday, October 10-11
More than 150 artists line Girard Avenue in La Jolla Village, between Prospect Street and Torrey Pines Road, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days. There's wine, craft beer, gourmet food and family entertainment. Admission is free, it's pet-friendly, and the festival raises money for local public schools. La Jolla Art & Wine Festival
Mission Bayfest -- Friday through Sunday, October 16-18
Three days of reggae and rock at Mariners Point Park in Mission Beach, with Rebelution, The Offspring and Kolohe Kai headlining and Steel Pulse, SOJA and The Interrupters on the lineup. This one is ticketed. Mission Bayfest on San Diego Tourism
Del Mar Harvest Festival -- Friday through Sunday, October 16-18
Hundreds of artisans selling American handmade goods, plus strolling entertainment and festival food. A good early start on holiday shopping. Del Mar Harvest Festival
Bike the Coast -- Saturday, October 24
Choose a 25-, 50- or 100-mile route along Highway 101, starting and finishing at the Oceanside Pier with food, music and an expo. It's one of the prettiest rides in Southern California. Bike the Coast
Oceanside Día de los Muertos Festival -- Sunday, October 25
Altars, arts and crafts, a car show and a chalk cemetery celebrate the Day of the Dead in downtown Oceanside. Oceanside Día de los Muertos Festival
All month: "Is the Hotel Del Haunted?" -- through October 31
The Hotel del Coronado's guided ghost tour tells the story of Kate Morgan, who checked in in 1892 and, legend says, never left. A perfect Halloween-season outing. Hotel del Coronado experiences
November 2026
Fleet Week San Diego -- November 1-15
San Diego honors the U.S. Armed Forces with free, family-friendly events across the county: ship tours at Naval Base San Diego, a boat parade, concerts, Military Family Day and STEM programs for students. It opens November 1 with a free Navy Band Southwest concert at Chula Vista's Bayfront Park, and the Veterans Day parade runs along Harbor Drive on November 11. Fleet Week San Diego
Coronado Island Film Festival -- November 4-8
Five days of films, filmmaker conversations and parties on the island. Coronado Island Film Festival
San Diego Food + Wine Festival -- November 1-8
Hundreds of wineries, craft beer and spirits, and local and celebrity chefs. The Grand Weekend runs November 6-8: Opening Night on Friday, the Grand Tasting on Saturday and the Grand Fiesta on Sunday. San Diego Food + Wine Festival
Silver Strand Half Marathon -- Sunday, November 8
A flat, fast course along the Silver Strand between Coronado and Imperial Beach, with the bay on one side and the ocean on the other. Silver Strand Half Marathon
Coronado Turkey Trot -- Thanksgiving Day, November 26
Start Thanksgiving with the 13th annual Coronado Turkey Trot, which raises money for children's hospital research. Coronado Turkey Trot
Living where the events are
Part of the appeal of coastal San Diego is that these events are a walk or bike ride from home. If you're picturing yourself here, start with our Coronado homes for sale, Coronado oceanfront market report and San Diego coastal condos. For what prices are doing right now, read our latest San Diego market update.
Questions about a neighborhood, or want to tour homes between festivals? Contact us and we'll help you find your spot on the coast.