Sip and savor critically acclaimed wines from Orfila Vineyards & Winery, slated to open a tasting room this fall in downtown Oceanside (221 N. Cleveland St.). The production vineyards and winery's main location nestled in the picturesque San Pasqual Valley produces wines using Italian and French varietals, and sources its grapes from both the estate and select vineyards in Sonoma, San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties. Since its opening in 1994, Orfila Vineyards has been the recipient of more than 1,300 medals in national and international competitions. The winery offers Tunes on the Terrace on weekends, Trivia Night on Thursdays and much more fun! Learn more here

The San Diego Museum Council brings back its popular program for families for the eighth year in a row. For the month of October, families enjoy free admission at more than 40 art, cultural, and science museums in San Diego County for children 12 and under.  Download your pass here: San Diego Museum Council. 

Spin and win, double down, and strike it big at Viejas Casino & Resort, the premier gaming destination in the rolling hills of East County. The action never stops with 2,500 interactive and progressive slots, classic table games, High-Stakes Bingo, and off-track betting. Exciting daily promotions allow guests to win CASH prizes all week long. October events include:
• MyViejas Birthday BASH — Viejas invites all club members with a birthday in September and October to this birthday bash! Celebrate with a fireworks show and a $5,000 Free Play Cash drawing 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 17 in the Oak Ballroom.

• Lee Ann Womack performs live in concert in the Oak Ballroom Friday, Oct. 12. Concert tickets available at Viejas Casino & Resort or at the Viejas Gift Shop!

Take a two-hour fully narrated tour of some of San Diego’s most haunted places with Haunted San Diego Ghost Tours. Guests visit five documented haunted locations (and enter into some of them) while aboard “a coffin on wheels.” The locations include a creepy mansion in Sherman Heights, two places in the Gaslamp Quarter and San Diego’s oldest graveyard, El Campo Santo Cemetery. The adventure blends suspenseful storytelling, rich San Diego history and ghoulish fun. Tours are at 7 p.m. year-round and 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. May through October. Tickets are $35 per person. Call (619) 225-6170 or visit Haunted San Diego Ghost Tours online. Enjoy $2 off a tour here.

The Port of San Diego presents the City of Imperial Beach "Symphony by the Sea" from 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 6. This free concert showcases the musical sounds of the SDSU School of Music and Dance Wind Symphony and Symphony Orchestra held in Portwood Pier Plaza. The magic of the night and the backdrop of the beautiful ocean and pier are a true Classic Southern California experience you don't want to miss.

Other Port-sponsored October events include:
• Birding and Biking Eco Tour — Oct. 13 in Imperial Beach
• Extreme Sailing Series — Oct. 18-21 at Harbor Island
• Fleet Week San Diego — Oct. 22-28; includes ship tours and military displays
• Wildlife Kayaking Tour — at Bayside Park in Chula Vista
For more information, visit the Port of San Diego online or call (619) 686-6200.

On Tuesday, Oct. 2, San Diego County residents, workers and visitors can ride MTS and NCTD fixed-route buses, Trolley, SPRINTER and the COASTER for FREE. Yep, totally free. Change up your commute and choose transit. Whether you're looking to leave the bumper-to-bumper behind, or want to make a tangible impact on our environment, Free Ride Day is the perfect time to change the way you move. No fare required, just hop onboard. RSVP on Facebook, or at here to get event reminders, trip planning info and more.Visit NCTD online

Hillcrest’s haunted Halloween dance party and costume competition is back! Nightmare on Normal Street will take over the Pride Flag Plaza at Normal and University from 6-11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27! This year’s event benefits the San Diego LGBT Community Center and Fabulous Hillcrest. With late night live entertainment, costume competitions (including a special pet contest for your furry, fuzzy, and feathery companions) outdoor bars, and the best people watching in all of San Diego, this is an event you won’t want to miss! Learn more here

Maker Faire San Diego, a celebration of the Maker Movement and the do-it-yourself culture, returns to Balboa Park Oct. 6-7! Part science fair, part county fair, and part something entirely new, Maker Faire is an all-ages gathering of tech enthusiasts, crafters, educators, tinkerers, hobbyists, engineers, science clubs, authors, artists, students, and commercial exhibitors. All of these "makers" come to Maker Faire to show what they have made and to share what they have learned. Tickets will give you access to the following venues: San Diego Museum of Man, Japanese Friendship Garden, San Diego Automotive Museum, Fleet Science Center, Spanish Village Art Center, San Diego History Center, San Diego Natural History Museum (theNAT), San Diego Art Institute, The Old Globe, Comic-Con Museum (new!), Robot Resurrection and the Cox Outdoor Zone.

Bring Fido Aboard the 10th Annual Bow Wow Brunch Cruise on Hornblower! The cruise set for Sunday, Oct. 21, is just like Hornblower’s weekly Sunday Champagne Brunch Cruise, and this time, your “fur child” is welcome aboard. You will enjoy the same delicious and bountiful buffet with unlimited champagne and desserts, plus Fido gets a pet buffet to choose from along with a dog area set up on the sun deck of the yacht. Tickets
Also don't miss:
• San Diego’s Rock the Yacht! Cruise — a two-hour yacht party on San Diego Bay. Dance the night away with an on board DJ, craft cocktails, and small bites with the San Diego skyline as your backdrop. Cruises which run through Oct. 27 on Friday and Saturday nights. Check out more details here

For $5 off regular admission to a Hornblower cruise, click here: Hornblower Coupon

It’s time again for all aspiring ghosts, goblins, pirates and princesses to gather on the Star of India for some ghostly haunted tales of enormous proportions. For two nights only, lantern-led tours will be held from 6-10 p.m. on Oct. 20 and Oct. 27. Starting at 6 p.m., storytelling tours happen every 15 minutes, with the last tour starting at 9:15 p.m. All activities will take place at the Maritime Museum of San Diego on the Embarcadero. Tickets This world-class venue is open year round from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Enjoy $2 off regular admission here.

The Ramona Air Fair & Fly-in takes off at the Ramona Airport on Saturday, Oct. 6! This free family event features classic airplane and helicopters on display, a Red Eagles Formation Team flight demonstration, airplane rides, classic cars, food and music, and much more. The event runs from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Ramona Airport is at 2926 Montecito Road. Call (760) 788-3366 or visit San Diego County Airports online

Tickets are on sale now for the Taste of Carlsbad Village, set for 5-8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 11! Treat your tastebuds at 35 unique and delicious restaurants and more than dozen craft breweries and specialty wineries offering Sip Stops. Follow the event on Instagram (@carlsbadvillage) where a $5 discount coupon code will be released the morning of Sept. 4 for 100 lucky customers. Tickets

The Ramona Chamber of Commerce proudly presents annual community events in October including:
• The Taste of Ramona from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 6! This culinary event of the year will feature more than 20 tour stops at participating Ramona restaurants offering delicious food tastings. Select Ramona wineries, local breweries and craft spirit shops have been added to the tour this year This popular event is limited to the FIRST 350 guests with tickets. Call (760) 789-1311 or visit Taste of Ramona online.
• Ramona Motorcycle Rally 2018 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27. The fundraiser will feature a Custom Motorcycle Show and Oktoberfest. Attendees can celebrate the Art of the Motorcycle while enjoying craft beer, food, vendors, games and music under the Oak Trees of Dos Picos Park located in Ramona. Spectator entry is free and parking is only $3. Camping will also be available. Learn more here
• Merchant's Safe Trick-or-Treat from 4-6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 31, when Main Street businesses open their doors to hand out candy and other goodies to participating children. Learn more here

Buy a Savvy Rest Mattress and get a free natural chemical-free wool comforter at Everett Stunz in La Jolla. Everett Stunz is a purveyor of luxury mattresses, bed linens, down comforters and pillows, as well as towels and bath accessories. The La Jolla shop is San Diego County’s sole supplier of the revolutionary Swedish Duxiana bed, engineered to soothe back pain and discomfort. Stop in today and start sleeping better tonight! Reach Everett Stunz by calling (858) 439-3305 or visit Everett Stunz online

Celebrate the legacy of George W. Marston and his family as the Save Our Heritage Organisation opens "The Marston Legacy: Progress and Preservation," a permanent exhibition that tells the story of the significant cultural contributions of this highly regarded family. Join in honoring the Marston family legacy in their own home, one of California's finest examples of Arts & Crafts architecture. The opening celebration from 4-6 p.m. Oct. 25, includes hors d'oeuvres and a champagne bar topped off with the Marston Store Tea Room's signature coconut cream pie. Tickets The Marston House is operated by the Save Our Heritage Organisation. Buy one ticket and get another free here: SOHO Coupon

 

The San Diego Automotive Museum celebrates its 30th birthday with a fundraising gala from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 20. Join the museum for glitz, glamour, delicious food, and exciting silent and live auctions of items like a 1952 Crosley Station Wagon from the museum’s collection, Old Globe tickets, a two-Person tour of "Jay Leno’s Garage", and much more! Tickets

Spend the day at Balboa Park on Saturday, Oct. 27 for the annual free Halloween Family Day. Families can enjoy a fun and culturally inspired kickoff to their Halloween activities. Over two dozen participating museums and cultural attractions will present free craft projects for kids, costume parades, and other spooky surprises while participating museums offer free admission to children 12 and under with paying adult. Halloween Family Day

Find premium wines at Vintage Wines Limited, the "original" discount wine store in San Diego since 1987. The shop stocks more than 1,500 domestic and international wines, in all price ranges, and offers expert advice. In fact, its connoisseurs have more experience in the wine industry than any store in San Diego County! Tastings are offered from 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Saturdays and not only showcase wines but help patrons discover what pleases their palates. Tastings include opportunities to try five different wines for just $2 per flight. Sample Cab Blends on Oct. 6; Chateauneuf on Oct. 13; Burgundy Wines on Oct. 20; and Pinot Noir on Oct. 27.  Vintage Wines Limited is at 6904 Miramar Road. Stop in, call (858) 549-2112 or visit the shop online

Brighten your look on cool fall days with the Leveche Bootie by Naot Footwear available at Birkenstock of San Diego Stores. The bootie is equipped with the Naot signature removable, anatomic cork and latex footbed. Birkenstock's San Diego locations include Encinitas, Coronado, Old Town, Lemon Grove and new store, Sole Concepts, in the Gaslmp Quarter. Birkenstock has been introducing new and innovative footwear to San Diego since 1976. Get $10 off your purchase of $75 or more here: Birkenstock Coupon

Treat your tastebuds at Lotus Thai, with two San Diego locations: Downtown and Hillcrest. Lotus Thai features authentic Thai cuisine made with fresh ingredients and spices. Choose from delectable dishes like Islander Fried Rice with shrimp, chicken, cashew nuts and pineapple, Pad-Se-Ew Noodles with tofu broccoli and carrots, Bangkok Beef Salad, Wanton Noodle Soup and many more appetizing items. The restaurant features indoor waterfalls and Buddha statues, adding to the eye-catching decor, creating an elegant dining experience. Daily lunch specials run from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. M-F and include a soup of the day, Thai house salad and spring roll, along with the entrée, starting at $9.95. Also don't miss Happy Hour Monday all day; Noodle Tuesday — buy one noodle dish and get a second noodle dish for half price; Wines-Day on Wednesdays — all wine bottles are half off; and Thursdays — locals enjoy 15 percent off. Military enjoy 15 percent off anytime. Enjoy 20 percent off your order (dine-in only) here

Discover a sea of glowing beasts (big and small), get sticky with slime, and enjoy spooky stories, all while boo-gieing down to live music and having a monstrously good time at Haunted Aquarium: Sea Monster Mash from 6-9 p.m. Oct. 26-27. It’s going to be a “scary” good time for boys and “ghouls” of all ages!  Tickets

Make tracks to the Old Town Model Railroad Depot, an engineering marvel chugging around a 2,500 square-foot layout in historic Old Town San Diego. The depot features one of the largest O-scale model train displays in the U.S. and has gained steam as a favorite stop for families and train buffs since its opening in 2014. The 1950s-themed and intricately detailed exhibit wows visitors with daytime and nighttime sections. Get close-up views of over 250 miniature buildings, including storefronts, farms, a drive-in theater, Elvis Presley at a movie premiere and more. Also ask about the scavenger hunt with prizes, birthday parties and other special occasions! Donations are welcomed at this free family attraction, open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily except Tuesdays. Call (619) 299-9015 or visit the depot online

Take in bold and provocative works by San Diego Repertory Theatre, the downtown San Diego professional theatre company inspiring audiences for more than four decades. Performances are held at the Lyceum, a state-of-the-art theatre complex under Horton Plaza. The REP continues its eclectic slate of shows in Season 43 with the gripping and intimate drama “Actually” (Oct. 11-Nov. 4), centering on college freshmen Tom and Amber, who connect at a raucous college party, but can't recall all that actually happened between them. The provocative play tackles the highly charged topic of sexual consent. Buy one ticket, get one free here

Bring the whole family for free admission to the San Diego Archaeological Center from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13! California Archaeology Month will be celebrated with a day of exciting children’s activities held in conjunction with the San Diego Museum Council’s Kids Free in October.
Also don't miss:
• San Diego County Archaeological Society at Arch in the Park from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday,  Oct. 20, featuring demonstrations on flint-knapping, pottery, and basket making; food; fun and educational activities for kids; and more. More information
• The 4th Annual Ancient Indulgences lecture from 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27. Dr. Philip Goscienski will explore salt’s colorful history that has shaped the world. Tickets 
A hidden gem near the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, the Center curates millions of artifacts documenting 10,000 years of San Diego County history. View displays on stone tools, pottery and much more. Kids will dig a hands-on artifact-matching game, an archaeology quest, pottery reconstruction and underwater shipwreck excavation. The Center hosts adult workshops and lectures, scouting programs, home school group field trips and K-12 programs. View current exhibits and activities here

Check out ARTrageous at ARTS DISTRICT Liberty Station in October:
• Explore San Diego’s biggest FREE monthly art event the first Friday of every month from 5-9 p.m. at ARTS DISTRICT Liberty Station. Meet working artists, enjoy dance, theater and music performances, visit museums and galleries and explore the growing District. On Oct. 5, celebrate the grand opening of Cafe Mingei and Shop Mingei, Trolley Dance performances by San Diego Dance Theater and special tours of the recently completed Installations at the Station. Friday Night Liberty
• Movie lovers: Grab a picnic blanket, or low back chair and spend an evening underneath the stars watching “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” on Saturday, Oct. 13 on the outdoor big screen with friends, family and neighbors on Liberty Station’s North Promenade. Second Saturday Outdoor Movies
• Halloween fun: All ages are encouraged to come decked out in their most elaborate costumes from noon-4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 28. The daytime festivities will include trick-or-treating throughout the district, music, live entertainment, and other spooky surprises. Halloween at the Station
 

Share a scare with family and friends in “The Scream Zone,” San Diego County’s largest haunted experience at the Del Mar “Scaregrounds” starting Sept. 28. (Dates of operations are Sept. 28-29, Oct. 4-7, Oct. 10-14, Oct. 17-21 and Oct. 24-31.) “The Scream Zone” is considered among the goriest, scariest, and screaming-est fright fests to be found in the dark corners of Southern California. Your favorites are back: the horrifying House of Horror, the dizzying KarnEvil, and the Haunted Hayride, each casting its evil spell on the Del Mar Fairgrounds. On Oct. 31, dress up in your best, creepiest or cutest costume and for a chance to win cash prizes at the Halloween Costume Contest. The Scream Zone is open from 7 p.m.-midnight Fridays and Saturdays and from 7-11 p.m. all other nights. The Scream Zone

Join Fazeli Cellars Winery for the year's most anticipated event, the Haunted Masquerade Ball at 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27. Tickets include entrance and a glass of Spooky Sparkling Wine. Enjoy a DJ and dancing and food and drinks are available for purchase. (Masks desired, but not required). Tickets

Save 20 percent on corals and shells at the Dinosaur Gallery in October! The seaside decor is perfect for Thanksgiving entertaining. The store carries a large inventory of semi-precious minerals and crystals, jewelry, exquisite artist collectibles, meteorites, corals and shells, a 2.7 billion-year-old stromatolite found in Australia and much more. Stop in anytime from 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Mon.-Sat. (closed Wednesdays) and from noon-5 p.m. Sundays. Dinosaur Gallery is right next to the Del Mar Library. Call (858) 794-4855 for more information.
 

North Coast Repertory Theatre's 37th season continues with the suspenseful "Holmes & Watson” (Oct. 17-Nov. 11). Playwright Jeffrey Hatcher has conceived a masterful scenario in which three men claim to be the missing Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson is called upon to do some sleuthing. Enjoy this evening of whodunit filled with twists, turns and surprises! Tickets

Kids will love October events at the San Diego Children's Discovery Museum, including:
• The "Neighborhood Heroes" exhibit, now open and included with museum admission! Celebrate and explore the important role police, firefighters, and paramedics play in our community. Every Thursday in October from 10-11 a.m., the museum will host a special storytime and meet-and-greet with local Escondido police officers.  In honor of this exhibit, the museum is offering free admission to all First Responders and their families during the entire month.
• Oct. 5, 11 a.m.: Garden Workshop with Jimbo's —  Introduce children to healthy food, straight from the garden!
• Oct. 13, 5-9 p.m.: Family STEM ex-PLOSION Dinner Party — A night of celebration for STEM-based Family Education, including honoring teachers
• Oct. 20, 2-4 p.m.: "Roots Series - Ireland" — Celebrate the cultural roots of Ireland through art, dance, music, and food
• Oct. 26, 11 a.m.-noon: Fun Animal Friday — Meet and learn about a Canine Unit from the Escondido Police Department
• Oct. 28, 10 a.m.: Music & Movement — Get ready to drum, dance, sing, and play! Guaranteed to get everyone up and moving. Grown-ups are invited to participate. 
On regular visits, enjoy 2-for-1 admission to the museum here.

Discover a whole new dining experience at Shogun Japanese Restaurant in San Diego. Master chefs dazzle guests with their samurai-like swordsmanship as they skillfully slice, dice, juggle, and entertain, while preparing delicious entrées on a sizzling Teppanyaki grill. Enjoy $10 off lunch and dinner with a minimum $125 order here
 

Bounce around Altitude Trampoline Park, an indoor 26,000 sq. ft. family fun center filled with wall-to-wall trampolines. Jump into fitness classes, reach new heights with trampoline basketball and a rock-climbing wall, get knocked off your feet on the dodgeball court and flip for the giant foam pit. The park, open daily, prides itself on being a safe, clean and fun entertainment option for active families, group parties or simply a great individual workout. Saturday Teen Night, Friday Night Friendzy, Family Fun Packs, Toddler Time and/or Single Jumper Passes are all available for purchase online here

Get ready to sip, nibble and craft the night away at Cougar Vineyard & Winery from 4-6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 17. Guests will be making wood HOME signs. No craft experience necessary. Experts will be ready to demonstrate and assist! 
• $30 Wine Club Members / Pre-Paid
• $35 Non-Wine Club / Pre-Paid
The price includes a glass of wine from the regular wine list, light snacks and supplies to create one sign. E-mail events@cougarvineyards.com or stopping in to the winery to purchase tickets. Come early and come hungry to enjoy Sangio's Deli, open daily 11 a.m.-6 p.m. (Fridays until 7 p.m.) The winery presents live music from 5-8 p.m. Fridays and from 2-5 p.m. Sundays. On regular visits, Enjoy a Two-for-One Wine Tasting here
 

Enjoy a tasty Texan meal in a friendly and laid-back environment at Abbey's Real Texas BBQ! Mouthwatering menu items include the showstopper Texas Chainsaw Mammoth Sandwich, platter specials like the Baby-Back Pork Ribs, sampler plates such as Beef Brisket and 1/4 Chicken, wraps, Caesar Salad and more! At Abbey's, all meats are slow-cooked on site in cast iron smokers heated only with green oak and mesquite. Their Beef Brisket and the Pork Shoulder are cooked for 18 to 24 hours for the boldest and best flavors! Dine in, or order online for fast pickup or local delivery!  Abbey's Real Texas BBQ