Festivals, Fleet Week, parades and more
When autumn arrives and the summer beach crowds subside, visitors to San Diego can revel in the region’s sunny, mild weather and enjoy a bounty of fun-filled fall activities to enhance a vacation getaway. Discover a wealth of annual festivals, fairs and diverse cultural entertainment during San Diego’s shoulder season!
October
SAN DIEGO ITALIAN FILM FESTIVAL
When: Oct. 3-14, 2023
The San Diego Italian Film Festival showcases the best of new Italian film with a series of premieres ranging from dramas and comedies to documentaries.
AUTUMN FESTIVAL AT THE SAN DIEGO ZOO SAFARI PARK
When: Oct. 7-29, 2023
Come and join in all the autumn festive fun as the San Diego Zoo Safari Park celebrates the season of color with special activities, entertainment, and culinary comforts.
HARVEST FESTIVAL ORIGINAL ART & CRAFT SHOW
When: Oct. 13-15, 2023
Each Harvest Festival features hundreds of artisans exhibiting American handmade items, strolling entertainment, festival food and a Kidzone.
ESCONDIDO GRAND AVENUE FESTIVAL
When: Oct. 15, 2023
Live entertainment, over 400 vendors, children’s rides and activities, and food from around the world along the downtown tree-lined streets of Escondido.
SAN DIEGO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
When: Oct. 18-22, 2023
SDiFF offers world premieres, never before seen studio releases, the best in independent filmmaking and a full schedule of glamorous parties and intimate events with filmmakers.
BORREGO DAYS DESERT FESTIVAL
When: Oct. 21-22, 2023
Live bands, an acclaimed Comedy Hypnosis Show, plus art exhibits, kid’s zone, food vendors, artisans, education, adult beer garden, free to enter car show and more.
QUEEN BEE MARKET
When: Oct. 28-29, 2023
San Diego’s original urban-style, artisan market, features local and national vendors specializing in handmade and vintage accessories, clothing, home décor, furniture, paper arts and more. There will be live music, make-and-takes, food and live demos.
November
FLEET WEEK SAN DIEGO
When: Nov. 8-12, 2023
Fleet Week San Diego honors and celebrates the men and women of the military through events that entertain and alliances that thank and support these heroes.
FALL BACK FESTIVAL
When: Nov. 5, 2023
Rally the gang and combine a day of play and educational fun, as history comes alive, while children can learn about San Diego’s rich cultural history by participating in an assortment of activities and demonstrations.
CARLSBAD FALL VILLAGE FAIRE
When: Nov. 5, 2023
Take in the beauty of the seaside city while browsing through unique booths, indulging in delectable eats and enjoying family entertainment at the Carlsbad Village Faire.
CORONADO ISLAND FILM FESTIVAL
When: Nov. 8-12, 2023
The Coronado Island Film Festival (CIFF) cordially invites makers and lovers of film everywhere to join us in this unique historic seaside village.
SAN DIEGO BAY WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL
When: Nov. 9-13, 2022
Featuring dozens of events, hundreds of domestic and international wineries, the celebration of craft beer and spirits, local culinary legends and nationally recognized celebrities, and a Grand Tasting Finale on the stunning Embarcadero.
VETERANS DAY
When: Nov. 11-12, 2023
Take the time to honor and thank those who have served in the United States armed forces at one of the many Veterans Day events, parades, memorials and museums throughout San Diego.
ENCINITAS HOLIDAY STREET FAIR
When: Nov. 19, 2023
In the Holiday Street Fair, continuous since 1989, children’s rides, two stages of live entertainment and food and drink refreshments provide an attractive setting for the public and a great boon to our vendors.
*Please note, events are subject to change and cancellation. Please confirm the event information by visiting the event website.
“Fall Festivals, Parades and More Things to Do in San Diego”, San Diego, SanDiego.org.