In this Issue

Hey San Diego! October is firing on all cylinders—stein-raising in La Mesa, world-class jazz on both sides of the border, free kids’ admission all month, and the Zoo glowing after dark. Add in a tasty Taste of Oceanside, a whimsical local gem in Encinitas, and a full slate of live music from the coast to the backcountry. Dive in, make a plan, and we’ll see you out there.

Let’s dive in.

 Steve DeLong
Publisher

PS - This weekly update goes out to folks who registered through our Facebook promotion for local events. If these messages are no longer a fit, there’s a simple opt-out link in the footer—one tap and delivery stops right away. Thanks for giving us a look!

The Events

🍺 La Mesa Oktoberfest – Oct 3–5, La Mesa Village
San Diego’s largest Oktoberfest takes over La Mesa with three days of beer gardens, live music, Bavarian food, and the ever-popular dachshund races.

🎷 San Diego–Tijuana International Jazz Festival – Oct 2, 4 & 5
A cross-border celebration featuring world-class jazz artists. The finale is a free outdoor concert Sunday in Tijuana’s Cultural Center plaza.

👨‍👩‍👧 Kids Free October – Oct 1–31, Countywide
Over 60 museums, zoos, and attractions let kids in free with a paying adult—making October one of the best months for family outings.

🌟 HalGLOWeen @ San Diego Zoo – Fri–Sun nights, Oct 3–26
The Zoo lights up after dark with glowing acrobats, music, characters, and family fun. Kids 11 & under get free admission.

📸 Campus Critters at Work & Play – Oct 10, UCSD Geisel Library
Free outdoor photo exhibit showcasing candid wildlife moments across UC San Diego’s campus, from squirrels to shorebirds.

🎉 Mira Mesa Street Fair – Oct 4, Camino Ruiz
The heart of Mira Mesa comes alive with live music, cultural performances, local vendors, food booths, and family fun along Camino Ruiz. A neighborhood tradition celebrating community spirit.

The Food

🥐 Beard Papa’s Grand Opening – Oct 4–5, Kearny Mesa
The famous Japanese cream-puff chain opens on Convoy with a weekend of giveaways and fresh-baked treats.

🌮 Taste of Oceanside – Oct 5, Downtown Oceanside
Sample bites and sips from 30+ restaurants, breweries, and wineries on a walkable tour through Oceanside’s revitalized downtown district

The Upcoming Events

🌮 Tacos El Franc – Opens Oct 8, Gaslamp Quarter
Michelin-recognized Tijuana taquería brings its beloved tacos al pastor and carne asada across the border to its second U.S. location.

🎬 Newport Beach Film Festival – Oct 16–23, Newport Beach
One of SoCal’s top film fests returns with 300+ features, docs, and shorts from around the world, plus red-carpet premieres, filmmaker Q&As, and gala parties along the coast.

Local Gem

🎨 Dave’s Rock Garden (Encinitas)

A whimsical community project where volunteers have painted and placed over 7,000 colorful rocks. Visitors are welcome to wander, enjoy the art, and even bring a rock to add to the collection.

The Hike of the Week

🥾 Hike of the Week – Goodan Ranch / Sycamore Canyon Preserve

Explore more than 10 miles of trails through oak woodlands and chaparral in this East County preserve. Best tackled in cooler weather, the routes range from easy strolls to longer loops with wide-open views. In the early days the community here was called Stowe and even had a Post Office.

The Views

Sunset dinner at Jake’s Del Mar…

San Diego Trivia - Did you know?

🌟 San Diego Trivia – Giant Dipper Centennial

Belmont Park’s famous wooden roller coaster, the Giant Dipper, just turned 100. When did it first open to the public?

A) 1915 – Panama-California Exposition
B) 1925 – July 4th celebration
C) 1941 – Pre-WWII expansion
D) 1976 – U.S. Bicentennial

See the answer at the bottom of the newsletter!

The Weather

City of San Diego – Lindbergh Field
Fri: 75/67 ⛅
Sat: 74/66 ⛅
Sun: 73/66 ⛅

North County Coastal – Encinitas
Fri: 74/64 ⛅
Sat: 73/64 ⛅
Sun: 72/63 ⛅

North County Inland – Escondido
Fri: 82/64 ⛅
Sat: 81/63 ⛅
Sun: 80/62 ⛅

Mountains – Julian
Fri: 73/55 ⛅
Sat: 72/55 ⛅
Sun: 71/54 ⛅

Desert – Borrego Springs
Fri: 93/67 ☀
Sat: 92/66 ☀
Sun: 91/65 ☀

The Music

Friday 10/3

🎶 Live Music

Duke's La Jolla – Hank Easton – La Jolla – 3-6pm
Aquarius Bar & Grille – 1st Friday Jazz Jam – Mission Bay – 3:30-6:30pm
Mia Marie Vineyards – Dustin Jake – Escondido – 4-6pm
Monarch Ocean Pub – Christian Taylor – Del Mar – 4-7pm
The Camp Store – Off the Record – South Carlsbad – 4:15-6:15pm
The Roxy Encinitas – Pat McBride – Encinitas – 5-7:30pm
Kimball Bar & Eatery – Piki Moreno presents Delaney & Jaymes – National City – 5-7:45pm
Koi Zen Cellars – 3D Blues Band – Carmel Mountain Ranch – 5-8pm
Orfila Vineyards and Winery – Fercho – San Pasqual Valley – 5-8pm
San Diego Mission Bay Resort – Israel Maldonado – Mission Bay – 5-8pm
Seasons Restaurant – Marelle – Carlsbad – 5-8pm
Uvas Winery – The Resonators – Poway – 5-8pm
Grand Ole BBQ Flinn Springs – Mohavisoul – El Cajon – 6-8pm
Panama 66 – Rob Thorsen Trio – Balboa Park – 6-8pm
Amalfi Marina Bar – The Classic Rock Band – San Marcos – 6-9pm
Aquarius Bar & Grille – West of Five – Mission Bay – 6-9pm
Barefoot Bar & Grill – Russell Paihinui – Mission Bay – 6-9pm
Bellamy's Restaurant – Dave Scott & Bobby Lanuza – Central Escondido – 6-9pm
Carruth Cellars - Oceanside – Sam Onzo – Oceanside – 6-9pm
Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa – Rachel Jay – La Jolla – 6-9pm
Havana Grill - Mission Valley – Perla Negra Cuban Trio – Mission Valley – 6-9pm
Heroes Wood-Fired Pizza – Harmony Grove – Wynola – 6-9pm
Junkyard Sports Bar & Grill – Puro Feeling – Vista – 6-9pm
La Valencia Hotel – Kaylee Daugherty – La Jolla – 6-9pm
Shake Bar & Lounge – Jesse Johnson – San Diego – 6-9pm
Sheraton SD Hotel & Marina – Matt Heinecke – Harbor Island – 6-9pm
Solterra Winery & Kitchen – John Bennett – Encinitas – 6-9pm
Mainstream Bar & Grill - Carlsbad – Ryan Valenzula – Carlsbad – 6-9:30pm
Babcock & Story Hotel Del – Gonzo Solo – Point Loma – 6-10pm
The Galley at the Marina – Rock of Ages – Chula Vista – 6-10pm
The Shout! House – Dueling Pianos (James, Jon, Dave, Martha) – San Diego – 6-11:30pm
Golden Island Dim Sum & Asian Cuisine – Mikan Zlatkovich Quartet – Mira Mesa – 6:30-8:30pm
American Legion Post 282 – Fire Brothers – La Mesa – 6:30-9:30pm
Négociant Winery – Don L – Hillcrest – 6:30-9:30pm
Eddie V's V Lounge – Craig Dawson Trio – La Jolla – 6:30-10:30pm
Fast Times – The Surf Birdz – Bay Park – 7-10pm
L'Auberge Del Mar – Jonny Tarr – Del Mar – 7-10pm
LandShark Bar & Grill – Freddie Walton – Mission Bay – 7-10pm
Le Papagayo Carlsbad – Rheanna Downey – Carlsbad – 7-10pm
Le Papagayo Leucadia – ZB Savoy – Encinitas – 7-10pm
Mission Ave Bar & Grill – Micah Kimball – Oceanside – 7-10pm
Steel 94 – Bo & the Hobos – Spring Valley – 7-10pm
Tio Leo's Mexican Restaurant & Lounge – 3 Car Garage – Morena – 7-10pm
Union Kitchen & Tap Encinitas – Blaise Guld – Encinitas – 7-10pm
Winstons OB – Funk All Stars – Ocean Beach – 7-10pm
Mainstream Bar & Grill - Poway – The Traveling Nobodys – Poway – 7-11pm
1st Street Bar – Sonic Nectar (Classic Rock Covers) – Encinitas – 7:30-9:30pm
Kimball Bar & Eatery – Danny & the Breezin Band – National City – 7:45-10:30pm
McP's Irish Pub – Mystique – Coronado – 8pm-12am
Prohibition Liquor Bar – Jenny & the Tramps + Fiore – San Diego – 8pm-1:30am
Humphreys Backstage Live – Ristband – San Diego – 8-10:30pm
Fairmont Grand Del Mar – Sean McCole – San Diego – 8-11pm
Lou Lou’s Club @ Lafayette Hotel – Jungle Fire & Cozmos – University Heights – 8pm show
Pour House – The Queers, Urethane, Jack Trippers, Mad Tab – Oceanside – 8:30pm-12am
Full Circle Saloon – Bastard Sons – Santee – 8:30pm-12:30am
The Roxy Encinitas – The Reckless – Encinitas – 8:30-11:30pm
Renegade Bar – Thunderbird Mountain Band – El Cajon – 9pm-12:30am
The Kraken – The Imposters – Cardiff – 9pm-1am

🎤 Karaoke

710 Beach Club – Karaoke – Pacific Beach – 8pm-12am
Happy Does Bar – Karaoke – Gaslamp Quarter – 8:30pm-1:30am
Werewolf American Pub – Karaoke – Gaslamp Quarter – 9pm-1am
Wong's Dragon Room – Karaoke with DJ Harvest – La Mesa – 9pm-1am

🧠 Trivia

Mother Earth Brewing – Sunset Trivia – Vista – 6-8pm
White Labs Brewing Co - San Diego – Trivia – Miramar – 6:30-8:30pm
Dirty Birds - Ocean Beach – Sunset Trivia – Ocean Beach – 7-9pm

Saturday 10/4

🎶 Live Music

Bahia Resort Hotel – Dylan's Steel Band – Mission Bay – 10am-1pm
Farmer & The Seahorse – Sean McCole – San Diego – 10am-1pm
Aquarius Bar & Grille – The Ukuladies – Mission Bay – 11am-12pm
La Valencia Hotel – ZB Savoy – La Jolla – 11am-2pm
LandShark Bar & Grill – Russell Paihinui – Mission Bay – 11am-2pm
San Diego Mission Bay Resort – Dalton Gazette – Mission Bay – 11am-2pm
Aquarius Bar & Grille – The Mystery Train – Mission Bay – 12-3pm
Fairmont Grand Del Mar – Brian Wahlstrom – San Diego – 12-3pm
Grand Ole BBQ Flinn Springs – Joey Harris & the Mentals – El Cajon – 1-4pm
The Roxy Encinitas – John Bennett – Encinitas – 1-4pm
Mia Marie Vineyards – Julian Jaime – Escondido – 3-5pm
Aquarius Bar & Grille – Party Crashers – Mission Bay – 3-6pm
The Camp Store – Role Models – South Carlsbad – 4:15-6:15pm
Humphreys Backstage Live – June & Johns – San Diego – 5-7pm
Kimball Bar & Eatery – Ryan Rickman (Acoustic) – National City – 5-7pm
The Roxy Encinitas – Matt Barnes – Encinitas – 5-7:30pm
Grand Ole BBQ Flinn Springs – Amanda Portola Y Los Brujos Atomicos – El Cajon – 5-8pm
Koi Zen Cellars – Lisa Dilk & The Dude – Carmel Mountain Ranch – 5-8pm
Pour House – The California Rangers – Oceanside – 5-8pm
Uvas Winery – Kelli Rogers – Poway – 5-8pm
Smoking Cannon Brewery – Michael Dean – Ramona – 6-8pm
Amalfi Marina Bar – Maxwell Garza – San Marcos – 6-9pm
Aquarius Bar & Grille – Santana Soul – Mission Bay – 6-9pm
Barefoot Bar & Grill – Just Landed – Mission Bay – 6-9pm
Bellamy's Restaurant – CircaSonic: Live on the Patio – Escondido – 6-9pm
Carruth Cellars - Oceanside – Sonic Tonic – Oceanside – 6-9pm
Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa – David Shyde – La Jolla – 6-9pm
Havana Grill - Mission Valley – Perla Negra Cuban Trio – Mission Valley – 6-9pm
Heroes Wood-Fired Pizza – Billy Watson – Wynola – 6-9pm
La Valencia Hotel – Kevin James O'Brien – La Jolla – 6-9pm
San Diego Mission Bay Resort – Nathan Welden – Mission Bay – 6-9pm
Sheraton SD Hotel & Marina – Freddie Walton – Harbor Island – 6-9pm
Solterra Winery & Kitchen – Michelle Wake – Encinitas – 6-9pm
Babcock & Story Hotel Del – Gonzo Solo – Point Loma – 6-10pm
The Galley at the Marina – Evidence Band – Chula Vista – 6-10pm
The Shout! House – Dueling Pianos (Jeff, Martha, Eric, James + Guest) – San Diego – 6-11:30pm
Négociant Winery – Andy Anderson & Nathan Fry – Hillcrest – 6:30-9:30pm
Eddie V's V Lounge – Archie Thompson Trio – La Jolla – 6:30-10:30pm
Aztec Brewing Company – Los Paisanos – Vista – 7-10pm
Fast Times – Totally 80's Band – Bay Park – 7-10pm
Kimball Bar & Eatery – George Villasenor's Band Colour – National City – 7-10pm
L'Auberge Del Mar – Sean McCole – Del Mar – 7-10pm
LandShark Bar & Grill – Ryan Hiller – Mission Bay – 7-10pm
Le Papagayo Carlsbad – Keefer and Rob – Carlsbad – 7-10pm
Le Papagayo Leucadia – Fercho – Encinitas – 7-10pm
Mission Ave Bar & Grill – ZB Savoy – Oceanside – 7-10pm
Steel 94 – Jinnah & Friends – Spring Valley – 7-10pm
Tio Leo's Mexican Restaurant & Lounge – Full Strength Funk Band – Morena – 7-10pm
Mainstream Bar & Grill - Poway – Summit Drive – Poway – 7-11pm
Lou Lou’s Club @ Lafayette Hotel – Nashville Nights w/ Trey Hill – University Heights – 7pm show
1st Street Bar – Give Me Back My Wig (Blues/Classic Rock) – Encinitas – 7:30-9:30pm
McP's Irish Pub – Misty & the Moby – Coronado – 8pm-12am
Wong's Dragon Room – Manzanita Blues – La Mesa – 8pm-12am
Prohibition Liquor Bar – Gypsy Sally Band – San Diego – 8pm-1:30am
Humphreys Backstage Live – Wildside – San Diego – 8-10:30pm
Fairmont Grand Del Mar – The Heart – San Diego – 8-11pm
Union Kitchen & Tap Encinitas – Johnny Tarr – Encinitas – 8-11pm
Full Circle Saloon – Lefty Martin & His Right Hand Band – Santee – 8:30-11:30pm
Pour House – Radolescents, Spice Pistols, Fuklempt – Oceanside – 9pm-12am
Renegade Bar – Dawson Country – El Cajon – 9pm-12:30am
710 Beach Club – Gunner Gunner + The Black Shades – Pacific Beach – 9pm-1am
The Kraken – 80's Nation – Cardiff – 9pm-1am
Winstons OB – Easy Wind – Ocean Beach – 9-11:30pm

🎤 Karaoke

American Legion Post 282 – Karaoke w/ Leslie – La Mesa – 6-9pm
Happy Does Bar – Karaoke – Gaslamp Quarter – 8:30pm-1:30am
Werewolf American Pub – Karaoke – Gaslamp Quarter – 9pm-1am

🧠 Trivia

Round Table Pizza - Poway – Trivia – Poway – 6-8pm
Dirty Birds - College Area – Sunset Trivia – College Area – 8-9pm

Sunday10/5

🎶 Live Music

Bahia Resort Hotel – Kevin Ryan – Mission Bay – 10am-1pm
Farmer & The Seahorse – DevvLov – San Diego – 10am-1pm
Seasons Restaurant – David Rosales – Carlsbad – 10:30am-1:30pm
L'Auberge Del Mar – David Shyde – Del Mar – 11am-2pm
La Valencia Hotel – Javid & Naoko – La Jolla – 11am-2pm
LandShark Bar & Grill – Dominic Blas – Mission Bay – 11am-2pm
San Diego Mission Bay Resort – Israel Maldonado – Mission Bay – 11am-2pm
San Diego Mission Bay Resort – Andrew Peña – Mission Bay – 11am-2pm
Heroes Wood-Fired Pizza – John Katchur – Wynola – 12-3pm
Aquarius Bar & Grille – Fish & the Seaweeds High Noon Dead Set – Mission Bay – 12-5pm
Duke's La Jolla – Matt Heinecke – La Jolla – 1-4pm
American Legion Post 282 – Karaoke w/ TerryOke – La Mesa – 1-5pm
Mia Marie Vineyards – Victor Santana – Escondido – 2-4pm
Coronado Ferry Landing – The Lovalot Trio – Coronado – 2-5pm
Grand Ole BBQ Flinn Springs – Jeff Berkley & the Banned – El Cajon – 2-5pm
The Kraken – Thunderbird Mountain Band – Cardiff – 2-5pm
McP's Irish Pub Paddy-O – Ron's Garage – Coronado – 2-6pm
Pour House – The Oxen, The Band Cope, Shy Deer, In Mazes, Ray, The Zonatas – South Oceanside – 2-7pm
Carruth Cellars - Oceanside – Music by Miles – Oceanside – 3-6pm
Kimball Bar & Eatery – R-Tyme – National City – 3:30-6:30pm
Mainstream Bar & Grill - Poway – Anthony Veritas – Poway – 4-6pm
Carruth Cellars - Liberty Station – Al Barnes – Liberty Station – 4-7pm
Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa – Jarred Matthew – La Jolla – 4-7pm
Monarch Ocean Pub – Lee Melton – Del Mar – 4-7pm
Orfila Vineyards and Winery – The Heart – Escondido – 4-7pm
Solterra Winery & Kitchen – Travis Guilliams – Encinitas – 4-7pm
Uvas Winery – Shay Skylar – Poway – 4-7pm
The Galley at the Marina – Geoff Corey 5 – Chula Vista – 4-8pm
The Camp Store – Campfire Joe – South Carlsbad – 4:15-6:15pm
Smoking Cannon Brewery – The Beard & The Bird – Ramona – 5-7pm
Tio Leo's Mexican Restaurant & Lounge – Melonie Grinnel Trio (Jazz) – Morena – 5-7pm
The Roxy Encinitas – Johnny C – Encinitas – 5-7:30pm
Fairmont Grand Del Mar – Blaise Guld – San Diego – 5-8pm
Kimball Bar & Eatery – Latin Sol – National City – 5-8pm
Aztec Brewing Company – Aztec Jazz Jam w/ Dylan Soto – Vista – 6-9pm
Eddie V's V Lounge – Burt Brion Trio – La Jolla – 6-9pm
Le Papagayo Carlsbad – Michael Richardson Duo – Carlsbad – 6-9pm
Le Papagayo Leucadia – Steve Orr – Encinitas – 6-9pm
Mr. Peabody's Bar & Grill – Jazz Jam – Encinitas – 6-9pm
San Diego Mission Bay Resort – Richard Galiguis – Mission Bay – 6-9pm
The Cordova Bar – Metallic Taste Band – Bay Park – 6-9pm
The Shout! House – Dueling Pianos (Dave, Jon, Courtney) – San Diego – 7-11:30pm
Lou Lou’s Club @ Lafayette Hotel – Sandi King – University Heights – 7pm show
Til-Two Club – Amalgamated Ska • Swigfoot • Horizon Point • Lesser Rockstars – Talmadge – 7:30pm-12:30am
Humphreys Backstage Live – The Emergency Exit Band – San Diego – 8-10:30pm
Prohibition Liquor Bar – Chickenbone Slim – San Diego – 8pm-1:30am

🎤 Karaoke

Winstons OB – Oboke Karaoke – Point Loma – 8-11pm
710 Beach Club – Karaoke – Pacific Beach – 8pm-12am
Werewolf American Pub – Karaoke – Gaslamp Quarter – 9pm-1am
1st Street Bar – Karaoke – Encinitas – 9pm-1am
Pal Joey's – Karaoke w/ DJ Harvest – Allied Gardens – 9pm-1am
North Bar – Karaoke – Escondido – 9pm-1am

🧠 Trivia

Dirty Birds - Liberty Station – Sunset Trivia – Point Loma – 6-9pm
Eastbound Bar & Grill – Trivia – Lakeside – 6:30-8:30pm

*Some events may require tickets, reservations, cover charges, or be full/sold out, and typos or errors could happen but we try our best!! …

Trivia Answer:
The correct answer is B) 1925 – July 4th celebration 🎢.

Belmont Park’s Giant Dipper debuted on Independence Day 1925 and has thrilled riders for a century. It’s one of only two remaining original seaside wooden coasters in California.

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San Diego Meteor is published every Friday morning by Steve DeLong. Steve is an Escondido High Graduate and has lived in San Diego County since 1972.