FREE FALL

It’s the season of scarves, hot apple cider and crisp fall leaves (yes, even in San Diego). Along with that, the fall also ushers in a whole new set of events to enjoy in the county without diminishing your account balance. Check out the San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau’s list of the top FREE or ALMOST FREE autumn events.

MAJOR EVENTS
A San Diego tradition “as American as apple pie” is the popular Annual Julian Fall Apple Harvest, September 15 – November 15.  This year, the Apple Harvest celebrates its 100th birthday as thousands of visitors venture to this historic East County mining town, nestled in the Cuyamaca Mountains, to sample fresh crisp apples, homemade apple pies and ciders. Visitors can also enjoy acres of colorful fall foliage, charming bed and breakfast inns, art shows, quaint antique shops and live entertainment. 

On November 22, the 63rd Annual Mother Goose Parade, the largest parade in San Diego County, brings crowds of spectators to the city streets of El Cajon.  The parade kicks-off the holiday season and features whimsical floats, clowns, bands, equestrians and celebrities.

FESTIVALS AND FAIRS
The cool desert breeze and vast landscape welcome visitors to the Borrego Springs 44th Annual Desert Festival, October 23 – 25.  This weekend celebration, themed “Starry Starry Nights,” includes a parade, the Miss Borrego pageant, dance parties, live music, art and craft exhibitions and more.

On November 1, the Gaslamp Quarter Fall Back Festival brings alive the history and culture of downtown’s Gaslamp Quarter. The event features entertainment, food, demonstrations and lots of fun for children and families from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Island Avenue between Fourth and Fifth streets.  

The largest one-day street fair in California takes place along Grand Avenue in the San Diego North County city of Carlsbad.  The Carlsbad Village Street Faire, which occurs 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. on November 1, features hundreds of exhibitors, international food, live entertainment and children’s rides. 

AUTUMN AT THE ATTRACTIONS
The San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park presents Kid Free Days during the month of October.  From October 1 – 31, children ages 3 – 11 receive complimentary admission into both parks. 

Before you and your family transform into ghoulish monsters for a night of trick or treating, spend the day at Balboa Park. All 15 museums are offering free children (17 and under) admission on Halloween day, with the purchase of an adult admission. Other freebies abound that day, such as free family activities, giveaways, classes, and performances.

CULTURAL EVENTS
On November 1, the city of Oceanside brings its 9th Annual Dia del los Muertos celebration to Mission San Luis Rey.  The mission grounds are transformed into a Mexican plaza with thousands of marigolds used to create ‘ofrendas’ or altars as memorials. Guests can enjoy music, dancing, food booths, a retail mercado and the Chalk Cemetery, an interactive area that allows guests to use flowers, candles and chalk to create a memorial for lost loved ones.

HALLOWEEN HAUNTS
San Diego’s uptown community of Hillcrest offers devilish delights during Nightmare on Normal Street, an annual Halloween street party and costume contest at the San Diego LGBT Community Center.  Tickets are only $5 each and festivities include music, food, a beer garden and other ghoulish entertainment.  October 31.