Search results for

La Mesa Oktoberfest runs Friday, Oct. 3 from 4 - 10 p.m. + Saturday, Oct. 4 from 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. + Sunday, Oct. 5 from Noon - 8 p.m. See the schedule below for details about The DACKELDORF DACHSHUND VILLAGE returning to the La Mesa Oktoberfest with much excitement and o’ so much cuteness! Bring your furry friend to our 3-day, Dackeldorf Extravaganza starting Friday, October 3 with the first event starting at 5 p.m. From Wiener dog races to a fashion show, we have many activities planned for your pup this year so they can enjoy the La Mesa Oktoberfest as much as you do! Dachshund Village is open to any breed, so make sure to pack your leash and bring your lovable pooches out to play! Limited quantities of doggy goody bags available! This year’s La Mesa Oktoberfest introduces a fun new activity in Dachshund Village: planking with a dachshund! Participants will hold a plank while a plush dachshund rests on their back, with the chance to win the cute plush! Whether you’re a seasoned planker or just in it for the fun, this dachshund-inspired fitness challenge is sure to entertain all. Event Schedule: Dachshund Planking: Register Day of Friday, Oct. 3 @ 6:45 PM Saturday, Oct. 4 @ 12 PM Saturday, Oct. 4 @ 1:30 PM Saturday, Oct. 4 @ 3 PM Saturday, Oct. 4 @ 4:30 PM Sunday, Oct. 5 @ 1:15 PM Sunday, Oct. 5 @ 2:45 PM Sunday, Oct. 5 @ 3:45 PM Dog Races Times: Register Day of Friday, Oct. 3 @ 7 PM Friday, Oct. 3 @ 8 PM Saturday, Oct. 4 @ 12:30 PM Saturday, Oct. 4 @ 2 PM Saturday (La Mesa Oktoberfestat heart races), Oct. 4 @ 3:30 PM Saturday, Oct. 4 @ 5 PM Saturday (Dachshund at heart races), Oct. 4 @ 6 PM Saturday, Oct. 4 @ 7 PM Sunday, Oct. 5 @ 12:30 PM Sunday (Dachshund at heart races), Oct. 5 @ 2 PM Sunday, Oct. 5 @ 4 PM Sunday (Dachshund at heart races), Oct. 5 @ 5 PM Sunday, Oct. 5 @ 6 PM FASHION SHOW: Register Day of All friendly dogs are welcome to enter! Dress up your pup and come strut your stuff! We will have prizes for Best Hot Dog, Best Lederhosen and Drindl, People’s Choice, Most Oktoberfest Spirit, & Best Matching Costumes HOWL-DELING & TRICK CONTEST: Register Day of Can your pup yodel? This is your dog’s chance to howl like they never have before. Cat got their tongue? They can show off their most awesome trick for their chance to win! All friendly dogs are welcome to enter! Friday, Oct. 3 – 5 PM Saturday, Oct. 4 – 6 PM Sunday, Oct. 5 – 1:30 PM

An Unmissable Night of Absurdity, Laughter, and Legendary Comedy! Join us for an unforgettable evening as we celebrate 50 years of "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" with the one and only John Cleese! This once-in-a-lifetime event features a special screening of the beloved cult classic, followed by an uproarious conversation and audience Q&A with Cleese himself, where he’ll share behind-the-scenes stories, wit, and wisdom—assuming he remembers any of it. Gather your fellow knights, dust off your coconuts**, and prepare for an evening of irreverent humor and unparalleled comedy history. Secure your tickets now—before Cleese really is dead! **Coconuts not included in ticket price. Upgrade your experience VIP tickets include premium seating, a downloadable post-show photograph with Mr. Cleese, and an exclusive tour poster. (No autographs.) A secondary level of upgrade is also available—the Merchandise Package, which includes an exclusive tour poster in addition to second-best seats in the house This option does not include the post-show photo op. John Cleese on Facebook / Instagram

Welcome to SamaFest 2025 - 38th Philippine Cultural Arts Festival! Join us for 2 days filled with vibrant performances, handicraft, delicious food, and rich cultural experiences. This in-person event will be held at the Presidents Way Lawn, where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of Philippine arts and traditions. From traditional dances to live music, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to celebrate and appreciate the diverse culture of the Philippines! Samahan Fil-Am Performing Arts on Facebook / Instagram

The renowned Range Ensemble string quartet takes to the stage with a dazzling program of the world’s most iconic and instantly recognizable film scores! From soaring melodies to heart-pounding themes, this concert is like hitting “play” on the soundtrack of your favorite movie memories. From the explosive energy of "Mambo" from West Side Story, to the cool surf-rock vibe of "Misirlou" from Pulp Fiction, to the pulse-pounding "Mission: Impossible" theme - Range Ensemble puts its own spin on these classics. With their signature blend of virtuosity, passion, and artistry, Range Ensemble will present an unforgettable live experience you won’t want to miss. Fallbrook Music Society on Facebook

Pacific Coast Harmony (PCH) will present “Fall Into Harmony,” a show of modern four-part a cappella harmony music on Saturday September 27, at 2 p.m. at the Schulman Auditorium at Carlsbad Library. The music spans the Great American Songbook, Broadway theater and film, popular songs, and beyond. A highlight of the show will be a special appearance by OC Sound, an award winning Sweet Adelines chorus from Orange County. They will be competing at the Sweet Adelines International Competition in October. Several PCH members’ quartets will also perform. Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door and can be purchased by emailing treasurer@PacificCoastHarmony.org. Pacific Coast Harmony is an a cappella ensemble based in La Jolla, California, under the direction of Bonnie McKibben, an award-winning director, quartet champion, and recording artist. The chorus will be competing at the Barbershop Harmony Society’s Far Western District competition in October 2025, after having won the District’s Southeast Division competition in March. For more information, visit PacificCoastHarmony.org. Pacific Coast Harmony on Facebook / Instagram

For an evening at Sparks Gallery for our Annual Art Party, under the theme Black & White. This year’s event will transform the gallery into a timeless experience, featuring curated works of monochromatic art. Guests will enjoy a live jazz performance as well as a luxury raffle and experiences from local artists. Reserve your spot (https://sparksgallery.com/black-and-white-art-party) and support a local nonprofit with each ticket purchase. What to expect: Attire: “San Diego Dressy” – Comfortable, expressive, business casual to semi-formal, Black and White encouraged Menu crafted by the San Diego Wine & Culinary Center: - Bocconcini mozzarella balls + black olives in balsamic + black sesame seeds - Black & White Tacos: Tacos with black beans + white corn tortillas + white fish - Black & white dessert bar - Creative bar options Our Generous Sponsors: - San Diego Wine & Culinary Center - Gateway to Galleries - BLICK Art Materials - Spot Hero – new users get 10% off downtown parking with code SPARKS10 - The Oceanside Museum of Art - San Diego Museum of Art - Vanguard Culture - San Diego Art Directory Sparks Gallery on Facebook / Instagram

The 43rd Annual Adams Avenue Street Fair, presented by San Diego Foundation, features 75 musical acts on seven stages and is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21. Southern California’s largest free two-day music festival is held on 10 city blocks in the community of Normal Heights. 2025 headlining performers are: Mexican electronic music legends Nortec: Bostich + Fussible, Rockabilly icons Dave & Deke Combo, garage rock favorites The Schizophonics, touring Blues master Chris Cane Band, LA indie punk rockers Strawberry Fuzz, Soul all-stars The Styletones, surf-garage rockers The Creepy Creeps, dynamic female salsa band Sabrosas Latin Orchestra. Other Street Fair attractions include carnival rides, Fern Street Circus performances, beer gardens, festival foods, 300 exhibitors with unique offerings, and comedy shows at the Adams Avenue Theater. Come chill in the Cool Zone sponsored by San Diego Community Power, located in Smitty’s parking lot at 3441 Adams Avenue. Adams Ave Business Association on Facebook / Instagram

A Halloween creative writing workshop for children aged 8-11. Have you ever thought about what it takes to make up a monster? There’s a lot more to it than glowing eyes or sharp teeth. In this Halloween workshop, young writers will have the chance to use their imaginations to create their own monster… or alien, ghost, witch, or some other creepy character. In this creative writing workshop especially for children, attendees can enjoy exploring the dark side of their imaginations in a safe and productive way, while exploring the different elements writers use to make an otherworldly character seem real. Please bring a pen or pencil, plus some paper to write and draw on. Some crayons and color pencils will be provided. You can also bring your own drawing tools. San Diego Writers, Ink on Facebook / Instagram

Pre-Halloween writing event: writers will learn about the Steampunk Genre, and participate in two mind-bending writing excursions from the Now Write! Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror anthology: The Secret Room: a surreal group creative writing exercise designed to activate your imagination, from famed surrealist Aimee Bender, author of "The Girl in the Flammable Skirt" and "The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake." Giving Sentience to Inanimate Objects: using provided objects, or something of your own, you will follow steps to create your own unique story. Contributed by former film exec, writer/producer, artist and script consultant, Devorah Cutler-Rubenstein. San Diego Writers, Ink on Facebook / Instagram

For Screenwriters, Playwrights and Novelists What exactly is a character – and what is it not? As a dramatic storyteller, your work gets easier when you understand each of your individual characters, as well as how they fit together within the story. And when you know your characters, they can help your story emerge organically, without having to force them into a plot. Together we’ll explore the roles characters play, common pitfalls around character development, and writing exercises designed to help you develop characters that feel real and compelling, and support your story. If you’re an intuitive writer, you’re going to love the clarity that comes with this workshop – and how that clarity helps focus your creativity. SD Writers, Ink on Facebook / Instagram