What To Do In San Diego The Weekend Of October 23, 2026

Key Music Highlights For The Weekend

  • Saturday, October 24, 2026 is the weekend’s focal point, with Majid Jordan, Wisp, and Malcolm Todd all onstage across San Diego.
  • Majid Jordan opens for Bryson Tiller at North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre in Chula Vista, giving early-arriving fans a focused discovery set.
  • Wisp supports beabadoobee at Viejas Arena on the SDSU campus, bringing a rising artist into a mid-size arena environment.
  • Malcolm Todd headlines Petco Park on the Do That Again Tour, a notable step at one of San Diego’s most visible venues.
  • OnesToWatch Live tracks every show on the OnesToWatch roster, built over ten years and more than 850 artists.

See All OnesToWatch Live Shows

Quick Ticket Links For Saturday’s OnesToWatch Artists

Three OnesToWatch artists appear across San Diego on Saturday night. Lock in tickets early for these shows:

  • Majid Jordan supporting Bryson Tiller — The Neo Trapsoul Tour
    Saturday, October 24, 2026 · North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre · Chula Vista, CA
    Get Majid Jordan Tickets
  • Wisp supporting beabadoobee — The Powerlines Tour
    Saturday, October 24, 2026 · Viejas Arena at Aztec Bowl, San Diego State University · San Diego, CA
    Secure Wisp Tickets
  • Malcolm Todd headlining — Do That Again Tour
    Saturday, October 24, 2026 · Petco Park · San Diego, CA
    Buy Malcolm Todd Tickets
artist 146 img tile

Friday, October 23, 2026

1. Madeon Presents ‘Victory’ Live — The Rady Shell At Jacobs Park, Embarcadero

French producer and songwriter Madeon brings his multimedia Victory show to The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park on the downtown waterfront. Doors open at 6:00 PM, with the show at 7:00 PM. The Rady Shell is the San Diego Symphony’s outdoor home on San Diego Bay, with table seating, mid-range rows, and a lawn berm. Victory blends punk, indie rock, electro-clash, and sci-fi elements, a clear shift from Madeon’s earlier electronic catalog. Tickets run $63.35–$207.10 via TheShell.org. All ages.

2. Candlelight Open Air: A Haunted Evening Of Halloween Classics — Mt. Helix Park And Amphitheatre, La Mesa

The Range Ensemble string quartet performs Halloween-themed arrangements at Candlelight Open Air: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics. The program includes “Thriller,” “This Is Halloween,” “In the Hall of the Mountain King,” the Ghostbusters theme, “Danse Macabre,” and “Tubular Bells,” among other pieces, at Mt. Helix Park and Amphitheatre (4905 Mt. Helix Dr., La Mesa, CA 91941). The venue offers one of San Diego County’s most panoramic outdoor views. The concert starts at 8:00 PM. Tickets start from $55.00 via Fever, with a second performance on Saturday, October 24, 2026.

3. San Diego Opera: Rigoletto (Opening Night) — San Diego Civic Theatre, Downtown

Verdi’s Rigoletto, part of the 2026–2027 season, opens at the San Diego Civic Theatre (1100 Third Ave.) at 7:30 PM. Baritone Michael Chioldi sings the title role, with soprano Madison Leonard and tenor José Simerilla Romero making company debuts as Gilda and the Duke. Yves Abel, San Diego Opera Principal Conductor, leads the San Diego Symphony Orchestra. The production runs about 2 hours and 35 minutes including one intermission and is sung in Italian with English and Spanish translations projected above the stage. A free 25-minute pre-performance talk begins 50 minutes before curtain. An Opening Night Party follows, with separate tickets. Single tickets run $51–$363.

4. Dueling Pianos — The Shout! House, Gaslamp Quarter

The Shout! House (655 4th Ave.) hosts its weekly Friday Dueling Pianos show with doors at 6:00 PM and music from 6:30 PM. The format is request-driven, with audience participation across classic rock and current hits. The show is 21+. Table reservations for October 23, 2026 run from 6:00 PM to 6:45 PM with a $10 per-guest reservation fee for guaranteed seating; walk-ins are welcome. Guests with a college or military ID receive free cover with a state-issued ID.

5. The Nightmare Before Christmas Free Movie Night — Carnitas’ Snack Shack, Embarcadero

A free outdoor screening of The Nightmare Before Christmas takes place on the patio at Carnitas’ Snack Shack — Embarcadero (1004 N Harbor Dr., San Diego, CA 92101). Bar specials start at 5:00 PM, and the movie begins at dusk, around 6:00 PM. Admission is free with a food or drink purchase. All ages. Guests are encouraged to bring low chairs or blankets.

6. Halloween Aglow — Birch Aquarium, La Jolla

Birch Aquarium at UC San Diego (2300 Expedition Way) hosts Halloween Aglow on Friday, October 23 and Saturday, October 24, 2026, at 6:00 PM. Programming includes trick-or-treating in costume, underwater pumpkin carving by Birch divers, the Boo and Goo Lab slime science experience, and after-dark access to the Adam R. Scripps Living Seas Gallery. Tickets are $59.95 for adults and $49.95 for children ages 3–12, with a 20% discount for members.

7. San Diego Zombie Crawl — Gaslamp Quarter

The 2026 San Diego Zombie Crawl begins its first weekend run on Friday, October 23, starting at 6:00 PM at American Junkie (628 5th Ave.) and extending across Gaslamp Quarter bars and clubs. The event is 21+ only. Promo code GQA10 offers 10% off tickets.

Saturday, October 24, 2026 — OnesToWatch Artists And More

While Friday mixes concerts and Halloween openings, Saturday functions as the weekend’s music centerpiece with three OnesToWatch artists on major stages.

1. Majid Jordan Supporting Bryson Tiller — The Neo Trapsoul Tour
North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre · Chula Vista, CA

Majid Jordan, a Canadian-Bahraini R&B duo from Toronto, opens for Bryson Tiller on The Neo Trapsoul Tour. The show takes place at North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre in Chula Vista, a large outdoor shed venue south of downtown suited to atmospheric production. This support slot offers a defined window to see Majid Jordan in a large room at this price point.

Majid Jordan

Get Tickets For Majid Jordan

2. Wisp Supporting Beabadoobee — The Powerlines Tour
Viejas Arena at Aztec Bowl, San Diego State University · San Diego, CA

Wisp opens for beabadoobee on The Powerlines Tour at Viejas Arena at Aztec Bowl on the SDSU campus. The mid-size arena places this support slot in a larger room than many OnesToWatch calendar dates. Wisp’s current trajectory makes this opener a strong reason to arrive early.

Wisp

Secure Tickets For Wisp

3. Malcolm Todd — Do That Again Tour (Headline)
Petco Park · San Diego, CA

Malcolm Todd headlines Petco Park on the Do That Again Tour, using Gallagher Square as a full-scale concert setting. The show places him in a venue that signals a clear upward move in room size and visibility.

Buy Malcolm Todd Tour Tickets

4. San Diego Opera: Rigoletto — San Diego Civic Theatre, Downtown

The second performance of San Diego Opera’s Rigoletto runs at 7:30 PM at the Civic Theatre. A free pre-performance talk begins 50 minutes before curtain. Tickets are $51–$363.

5. City Ballet Of San Diego: American Icons — Balboa Theatre, Downtown

City Ballet of San Diego’s “American Icons” marks America’s 250th anniversary with George Balanchine’s “Concerto Barocco,” Peter Martins’ “Ash,” and the premiere of Gerald Arpino’s “Light Rain.” The program starts at 7:30 PM at the Balboa Theatre (868 Fourth Ave.). Tickets run $39–$99.

6. Oingo Boingo Former Members — Music Box, Downtown

Oingo Boingo Former Members play Music Box at 8:30 PM. The club-scale downtown room suits the band’s catalog and Halloween-adjacent energy.

7. Games & Music Collide: Orchestral Soundtracks (OST) Fall Festival — Torrey Pines High School, Carmel Valley

The OST Fall Festival at Torrey Pines High School (3710 Del Mar Heights Rd.) opens at 4:00 PM, with the orchestra on the main stage at 7:00 PM. Admission is free and all ages. The program features arrangements from Xenoblade Chronicles 3, Genshin Impact, Made In Abyss, and One Piece.

8. San Diego Zombie Crawl — Gaslamp Quarter

The Zombie Crawl continues its second night, starting at 6:00 PM at American Junkie (628 5th Ave.). The event is 21+.

9. Halloween Aglow — Birch Aquarium, La Jolla

The second night of Halloween Aglow at Birch Aquarium starts at 6:00 PM. Programming matches Friday’s family-focused format. Tickets are $59.95 for adults and $49.95 for children.

10. Ghostbusters Movie Night Under The Stars — Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter

A free outdoor screening of the 1984 Ghostbusters runs at the Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter’s Starlight Terrace (401 K Street) from 8:00–10:00 PM. All ages. Food and drinks are available for purchase. Reservations are handled via Eventbrite.

11. Once Upon A Hallowe’en — Old Poway Park, Poway

Old Poway Park (14134 Midland Road, Poway) hosts a free family Halloween event from 4:30–8:30 PM. Programming includes rides on the Poway Midland Railroad, a haunted house, and carnival games. The event is not recommended for children under 5.

Sunday, October 25, 2026

After Saturday’s dense schedule, Sunday shifts toward arena rock, matinee performing arts, and family festivals.

1. Gorillaz — The Mountain Tour 2026 — Pechanga Arena, Linda Vista

Gorillaz bring The Mountain Tour 2026 to Pechanga Arena at 7:30 PM. The mid-size indoor arena serves as a standard San Diego stop for major touring acts.

2. Foreigner: Celebrating Fifty Years — Harrah’s Resort SoCal Events Center, Valley Center

Foreigner presents its Celebrating Fifty Years show at Harrah’s Resort SoCal Events Center at 8:00 PM. The venue sits in Valley Center in northern San Diego County.

3. San Diego Opera: Rigoletto (Matinee) — San Diego Civic Theatre, Downtown

The final performance of San Diego Opera’s Rigoletto is a 2:00 PM matinee at the Civic Theatre. A free pre-performance talk begins 50 minutes before curtain. Opera Caravan round-trip transportation from North County is available for $50. Tickets are $51–$363.

4. City Ballet Of San Diego: American Icons — Balboa Theatre, Downtown

City Ballet’s second “American Icons” performance runs at 2:00 PM at the Balboa Theatre. Tickets cost $39–$99.

5. 25th Annual Oceanside Día De Los Muertos Festival — Downtown Oceanside

Downtown Oceanside hosts a free, all-ages Día de los Muertos festival from 10:00 AM–4:00 PM. Programming includes altars, a chalk cemetery, the Por Siempre Car Club decorative trunk show, arts and crafts, and live entertainment.

6. Trick-Or-Treat On India Street — Little Italy

Families can trick-or-treat along India Street in Little Italy from 3:30–7:30 PM. The event features a kids’ coloring zone, live music, and merchandise.

7. Halloween At The Station — Liberty Station, Point Loma

Ingram Plaza at Liberty Station (2751 Dewey Road, San Diego) hosts a free all-ages Halloween at the Station event on Sunday, October 25, 2026. The afternoon includes a costume contest, bounce houses, a Hollywood car show, and trick-or-treating throughout the plaza. Attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food donations for Feeding San Diego.

screenshot2024 04 17 at4.56.28 p m 1713398352

Additional Mentions By Category

Halloween Attractions

  • Haunted Trail Of Balboa Park — Runs September 30 to November 1, 2026, 7:00–10:00 PM, at Balboa Drive & Juniper Road, San Diego, CA. This mile-long outdoor walk-through features fog-filled woods, live actors, and sets including a haunted school bus, a zombie barn, and the “HELLno Kitty” attraction. Timed general admission from $34.99.
  • San Diego Zoo HalGLOWeen — Runs every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from October 3 through October 31, 2026, with the Zoo open until 9:00 PM. The format is family-friendly with no frights. The event is free with paid admission or membership. Throughout October 2026, children 11 and under receive free Zoo admission with a ticketed adult, up to six children per adult.
  • Boo Bash Escondido — A ticketed outdoor pumpkin patch and family fall festival at Mershops North County Mall in Escondido, California, running September 30 through November 1, 2026. The site spans more than 100,000 square feet. Admission is $5 and family-friendly.
  • Howl-O-Scream At SeaWorld — Runs on select nights from September 11 through October 31, 2026. Programming focuses on adults, with scare zones, live performances, and themed bars.

Theater And Dance

  • The Rosin Box Project: Ghost Light Masquerade — Dance performance running 7:30 PM October 22–25 and October 28–30, 2026, at The Nocturne Theatre, 3246 Imperial Ave, San Diego, CA 92102. Single tickets cost $50–$75, with season packages available. Guests under 16 must attend with a ticketed parent or guardian.
  • Cygnet Theatre: Job — Max Wolf Friedlich’s two-character psychological thriller runs October 7–31, 2026 at the Dottie Studio Theatre (2880 Roosevelt Drive, San Diego). Tickets are available at cygnettheatre.org.
  • The Roustabouts Theatre: Ripcord — David Lindsay-Abaire’s comedy runs October 8 through November 1, 2026 at Scripps Ranch Theatre, 9873 Avenue of Nations, San Diego, CA 92131. Tickets are available at theroustabouts.org/ripcordtickets.
  • Trinity Theatre: Dead Man’s Cell Phone — Sarah Ruhl’s comedy runs October 16–25, 2026 at Trinity Theatre Company, 1640 Camino Del Rio N, Suite 129, San Diego, CA 92108. The weekend of October 23–25 marks the final performances.
  • Casa Del Prado Theatre: Charlie And The Chocolate Factory — Opens October 23 and runs through November 8, 2026 at 1600 Village Place, Balboa Park. The production is family-friendly.

Sports And Outdoor Events

  • Bike The Coast — The 2026 Bike the Coast ride takes place on Saturday, October 24, 2026, starting at the Oceanside Pier, CA 92054. Riders can choose routes of 7, 15, 25, 50, and 100 miles. The 25, 50, and 100-mile routes follow historic Highway 101, while the 7 and 15-mile family rides use the San Luis Rey River Trail.
  • USA Ultimate National Championships — Runs October 22–25 at Surf Cup Sports Park, Del Mar. The event features the top 16 teams in men’s, mixed, and women’s divisions competing for national titles.

Additional Music Picks

  • Gregory Porter — Music Box, Little Italy — Performs Saturday, October 24, with tickets priced $55–$95.
  • Colin Hay — Belly Up Tavern, Solana Beach — Plays Belly Up Tavern at 143 South Cedros Avenue, Solana Beach, CA 92075, at 9:00 PM.

Practical Reader Guidance

Booking Order: The three OnesToWatch shows on Saturday merit early purchase. Majid Jordan at North Island and Wisp at Viejas Arena are support slots tied to headliner demand, while Malcolm Todd at Petco Park follows a separate headline curve.

Rideshare: Saturday night places major shows in Chula Vista, SDSU, and downtown San Diego at the same time. Surge pricing after 10:00 PM downtown is common. Plan rideshare or parking near your chosen venue in advance.

Family Vs. Adults Split: Friday and Saturday evenings skew adult, with Zombie Crawl and Shout! House at 21+ and most concerts running late even when all-ages. Sunday afternoon favors families, with Trick-or-Treat on India Street, Halloween at the Station, and the Rigoletto matinee.

Free Options: Free events include The Nightmare Before Christmas screening at Carnitas’ Snack Shack (Friday), the OST Fall Festival at Torrey Pines High School (Saturday), Trick-or-Treat on India Street (Sunday), Halloween at the Station (Sunday), and the Oceanside Día de los Muertos Festival (Sunday).

Non-Music Defaults: Birch Aquarium’s Halloween Aglow runs Friday and Saturday evenings for families seeking a structured ticketed outing. The Haunted Trail of Balboa Park operates all three nights for those prioritizing a dedicated Halloween attraction.

FAQ

What Is The Biggest Music Story In San Diego That Weekend?

The standout story is the cluster of three OnesToWatch artists on Saturday, October 24, 2026: Majid Jordan supporting Bryson Tiller at North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre in Chula Vista, Wisp supporting beabadoobee at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University, and Malcolm Todd headlining Petco Park on the Do That Again Tour. This pattern emerges only when you filter the weekend by roster rather than by venue or genre.

Can I Realistically Attend More Than One Saturday Show?

All three OnesToWatch shows fall on Saturday, October 24, 2026, across Chula Vista, the SDSU campus, and downtown San Diego. Travel time and set schedules make attending more than one in full difficult. Listeners who want to sample multiple artists should check set times and prioritize the earliest support slot.

Which Free Events Stand Out During October 23–25, 2026?

Several free options anchor each day. Friday features an outdoor screening of The Nightmare Before Christmas at Carnitas’ Snack Shack on the Embarcadero. Saturday offers the OST Fall Festival at Torrey Pines High School, a free all-ages orchestral program. Sunday adds Trick-or-Treat on India Street in Little Italy, Halloween at the Station at Liberty Station, and the 25th Annual Oceanside Día de los Muertos Festival in downtown Oceanside.

What Family-Friendly Halloween Events Are Available?

Halloween Aglow at Birch Aquarium runs Friday and Saturday at 6:00 PM with trick-or-treating, underwater pumpkin carving, and after-dark aquarium access. San Diego Zoo’s HalGLOWeen runs Friday through Sunday with extended hours to 9:00 PM, and kids 11 and under receive free admission in October with a ticketed adult. On Sunday, families can choose Trick-or-Treat on India Street in Little Italy and Halloween at the Station in Liberty Station. The Haunted Trail of Balboa Park runs all three nights for older children and adults.

Which Performing Arts Shows Run October 23–25, 2026?

San Diego Opera’s Rigoletto runs Friday and Saturday at 7:30 PM and Sunday at 2:00 PM at the San Diego Civic Theatre, with tickets from $51 to $363. City Ballet of San Diego presents “American Icons” at the Balboa Theatre on Saturday at 7:30 PM and Sunday at 2:00 PM, with tickets $39 to $99. The Rosin Box Project’s Ghost Light Masquerade runs October 22–25 and October 28–30, 2026 at The Nocturne Theatre. Cygnet Theatre’s Job and The Roustabouts’ Ripcord continue through late October and early November, and Trinity Theatre closes Dead Man’s Cell Phone on October 25.

Conclusion

The weekend of October 23–25, 2026 offers a dense mix of music, opera, dance, theater, and Halloween programming, with Saturday standing out for its OnesToWatch presence. Majid Jordan at North Island, Wisp at Viejas Arena, and Malcolm Todd at Petco Park illustrate how a roster-based view of the calendar surfaces a distinct narrative for San Diego’s live music weekend.

Explore OnesToWatch Live Tickets

Read Next