Updated 9/20/2024

It’s Fall y’all! I know we’re all looking forward to sweater weather, possibly taking a day trip out to Julian to get in the spirit of the season, or maybe partaking in one of the many special festivities happening in the county. From Fleet Week to the San Diego Bay Food and Wine Festival, here are the San Diego November events you shouldn’t miss!

DAY TRIP TO JULIAN

What better way to embrace the Fall season than with apple cider, apple pies, and a bit of the great outdoors? Just over an hour outside of San Diego, spend the day in the historic gold mining town of Julian. Enjoy hiking the trails at Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve, where you can take in the spectacular mix of yellow and reds from the black oak trees, with the best views at the summit. When you’re ready for lunch, head on into downtown Julian for lunch at the kitschy Miner’s Diner. It’s a family-friendly, retro spot to grab a delicious burger before heading over to Mom’s Pie House to satisfy your sweet tooth. With so many combinations to choose from, might I suggest a couple of my favorites? I’m always torn between the Apple Boysenberry Crumb, the Bumbleberry Crumb, and the Strawberry Rhubarb Flakey. Insert drooling emoji here. After you’ve sampled Mom’s baking, head on over to the Julian Cider Mill for cider and a variety of other goodies. If you visit the Cider Mill early enough in the season, you’ll be able to witness the pressing of the cider. Call beforehand to verify the day’s availability and happenings if you’re set on a specific experience; keep in mind a good portion of the shops keep roughly 9am-5pm operating hours.

DIA DE LOS MUERTOS IN OLD TOWN SAN DIEGO

With over 40 altars celebrating the heritage, history, and culture of Mexico and various Latin American countries, the historic Old Town Historic State Park is the place to be on November 2nd. Old Town San Diego will host a Day of the Dead candlelight procession to the El Campo Santo Cemetery at sundown as well as have a Mercado de Arte set up on the north end of the park by the theater. All are welcome to this free November event and encouraged to dress in traditional Day of the Dead attire with a sugar-skull-painted face. Entertainment, traditional dishes, and activities for all ages will get you in the spirit and dying for more!

Courtesy of Fiesta de Reyes

BALBOA PARK SAN DIEGO EVENTS IN NOVEMBER

To catch sight of the color-changing fall foliage without leaving the city, head over to Balboa Park for a leisurely stroll among the vibrant yellows, oranges, and reds of the oak trees. Stop into the Japanese Friendship Garden on November 23rd for their Holiday Market to support local small businesses or maybe even adopt a Koi fish. Admission runs for $16 general admission, $14 for students, seniors and military, with children 6 and under being free. Visitors are welcome to enter between 10 am and 4pm, while the garden closes at 6 pm.

Starting November 6th and continuing through December 31st, Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas will be back at The Old Globe for its 20th year. Showtimes vary, but this whimsical production is one of those must San Diego things. Make sure to take a picture by the extravagantly decorated tree in front of the theaters to remember the experience.

FLEET WEEK AND THE VETERAN’S DAY PARADE

Fleet Week was first held in 1935 as a way to celebrate our men and women of the armed forces at the California Pacific International Exposition. The overwhelming support from the public has ever since led to its annual revival. Everyone is welcome to head over to the Embarcadero at Marina Park North to enjoy live entertainment, ship tours, and various other events November 1-11, including a Veteran’s Day boat parade on November 11th.

Courtesy of Casa del Mar

FESTIVALS HAPPENING AROUND DOWNTOWN SAN DIEGO

There are plenty of events in San Diego this November when it comes to food, music, and the arts. So, whether your taste buds are intrigued by molecular gastronomy or you’ve just gotta dance, you can’t miss these upcoming events.

SAN DIEGO BAY FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL

The San Diego Bay Food & Wine Festival is one of the best and biggest food and wine festivals in Southern California and a must-attend for any San Diegan. Running from November 2-10, with the Grand Tasting on November 9th, the San Diego Bay Food & Wine Festival is one of the top events in San Diego this November. This lively food festival features local culinary icons, nationally admired chefs, and San Diego Bay wine producers. The festival brings together hundreds of domestic and international wineries, craft beer and spirits from around the nation, and dozens of events. Coincidentally, San Diego Beer Week, brought to you by the San Diego Brewers Guild, also takes place around the same time. You won’t want to miss it! Check out their website for more information, as prices vary. If you’re a craft beer lover, don’t forget to check out a San Diego beer tour. We offer beer tours across several neighborhoods in San Diego, experiencing all of the amazing craft that San Diego has to offer.

SAN DIEGO JAZZ FEST AND SWING EXTRAVAGANZA

One of the longest-running annual music festivals, the 43rd Annual San Diego Jazz Fest and Swing Extravaganza, takes place November 23-27, Thanksgiving weekend. Put on your boogying shoes and head on over to the Town & Country Resort & Convention Center in Fashion Valley. The All Events Badge runs $125. A list of all invited bands and artists is available on the website’s band lineup page.

CORONADO ISLAND FILM FESTIVAL

Taking place across the bay from downtown San Diego on November 6-10 is the 8th Annual Coronado Island Film Festival. From Taste of the Festival to the opening night film to special engagements, this long weekend is jam-packed full of culinary cinema arts. Get your badges now and reserve your space for this special event; all-inclusive badges run $395 to enjoy everything the festival has to offer.

Courtesy of Visit California

ENCINITAS HOLIDAY STREET FAIR

Taking place on November 20th from 9 am to 4 pm, the Encinitas Holiday Street Fair brings together local, live entertainment on two stages, over 40 restaurants and bars, and vendors displaying their various mediums of artistry. Additionally, a Kids Zone with children’s rides and activities will keep your tots entertained. They also have a Dog Zone to keep Rover busy! This free November event attracts well over 60,000 attendees every year. Just make sure you come prepared with some spending cash for food, drinks, and arts and crafts.

TURKEY TROTS IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY

“‘Gobble, Gobble,’ said the turkey. ‘Soon, it will be Thanksgiving Day. How will they treat me, will they eat me? Then I’ll run away!’” This poem that some of us learned in kindergarten may have stuck with you as it did with me. So, if you’re interested in making your Thanksgiving a ‘Leg Day’, there are a few Turkey Trots happening around San Diego.

FATHER JOE’S VILLAGES THANKSGIVING DAY 5K AT BALBOA PARK

Celebrating their 23rdt Annual Thanksgiving Day 5K, Father Joe’s Villages continues fundraising efforts to feed the homeless through their meal program. This Thanksgiving, give back by participating in San Diego’s original and longest-standing turkey trot while enjoying the scenery of San Diego’s Balboa Park. Registrations run $50-60 per participant.

O’SIDE TURKEY TROT

“Move your feet before you eat!” As one of the top trots in the county for its downhill course and glittering ocean views for over 50% of the course, Oceanside’s Thanksgiving 5M or 5K event offers a costume contest, the largest teams’ competition, live entertainment on the course, live tracking of the runners and, of course, finishing medals for all participants. In support of solving the healthcare crisis through the Move Your Feet Before You Eat Foundation, this special event has also raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for local nonprofits serving residents of Oceanside. Registrations run $40-60 per participant.

ENCINITAS TURKEY TROT

The Encinitas Turkey Trot invites runners to enjoy a scenic 5K or 10K race along the beautiful Pacific coast. Registration fees are $77 for the 5K and $87 for the 10K. You start and finish the race under the iconic “ENCINITAS” sign on Coast Highway 101.

It’s a great way to kick off the holiday season while supporting local charities and enjoying a vibrant community celebration.

BING SEASON AT THE DEL MAR RACETRACK

Encore! After the regular horse racing season ends at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, Bing Season revs up. Named after the crooner and most renowned owner, the Del Mar Bing Crosby Season Fall Horse Racing runs from November 10th to December 3rd. Head on over to where the surf meets the turf for any one of their special events. The Uncorked Wine Festival (November 9th) and Free & Fun Sundays. Gates open at 11 am, Friday through Sunday, and at 9:30 am on Thanksgiving Day for their Thanksgiving Brunch. One thing is for certain; Del Mar is as cool as ever!

America’s Finest City is full of fun and entertainment all November long. From festivals to nature hikes, there’s something for everyone this holiday season. So get out there and enjoy yourself with the best November events San Diego has to offer; it’s a nice day for a cardigan!

Written by: Melissa

Melissa hails from San Jose, CA, and has been a San Diego local for five years now after a 10-year long pit stop in Los Angeles. In L.A., she began her writing career crafting digital content for a wide range of clients, including The Real Talk Show, Sharon Osbourne, Hank Azaria, Time Life, and Cardinal Financial. She’s excited to be able to use her passion for writing to introduce people to some of the best spots in San Diego, many of which she has already frequented or has on her ever-expanding list of things to do …  In her spare time, she enjoys taking her puppy Milo to all of the best dog beaches in SD, grabbing a glass of wine or a cup of joe at new places, and hosting watch parties for The Bachelor/ette TV show.