We’re fallin’ for you 🍂

Things to do this fall in San Diego County

Head east to Julian for the Autumn Jubilee in September and October at the family farm, Fort Cross. | Photo via Fort Cross

Fall leaves and pumpkins, please. 🍁

Thurs., Sept. 22, marks the first day of autumn, and we’re pretty darn excited for the cozy season. Sure, it’s still warm outside and the leaves may not drastically change colors in our neck of the woods, but San Diego is home to fun fall traditions and — flip-flops + flannels in tow — we shall get our autumn on.

From pumpkin patches and apple picking to special parties at theme parks + “haunted” hot spots, here are some ways to enjoy the season in America’s Finest City.

🎃 Bates Nut Farm

Of all the pumpkin patches in the county, you have to walk into this one. This family-owned farm in Valley Center has been around for 100+ years, offering fall attractions for the past 50 years.

The pumpkin patch is open now through Mon., Oct. 31, offering gourds, tractor hayrides, a straw maze, a petting corral, and pony rides on select dates. There’s also live music from local groups throughout October.

Pro tip: Don’t leave without buying nuts from the Bates retail shop. 🌰

Julian Farm and Orchard apple picking san diego — It’s U-Pick season at Julian Farm and Orchard.

🍏 Apple picking in Julian

There’s nothing like a day trip to Julian in the fall — San Diego County’s charming little town in the Cuyamaca Mountains steeped in Gold Rush history.

September + October are prime apple picking months in Julian, with several “U-Pick” orchards open for the season. Join a guided apple picking tour at Julian Farm and Orchard Friday-Sunday, or head to Ranchita del Reo, open for apple picking Friday-Monday starting Sat., Sept. 24.

Pro tip: Don’t feel like harvesting? Just pick up an apple pie from Mom’s or Julian Pie Company and you’ll have all the fall feels. 🥧

5 MORE LOCAL FALL TRADITIONS

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Today

Little Italy Mercato | Wednesdays | 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | West Date Street, Little Italy | Free | This al fresco market lined with local vendors + artisans spans six blocks — from west of Kettner Boulevard to Front Street. 🥕
Pitbull + Sean Paul | Wed., Sept. 21 | 7:30 p.m | North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre | $49.95+ | Get busy watching Mr. 305 in the 619. 💃

Thursday

San Diego Padres vs. St. Louis Cardinals | Thurs., Sept. 22 | 1:10 p.m. | Petco Park | $26+ | It’s a Petco Park day game as the Padres close out this series. ⚾
North Park Oktoberfest Beer Crawl | Thurs., Sept. 22 | 5-9 p.m. | Locations vary | Free | Explore four breweries at your own pace — all offering specials — and get your card punched to win a prize. 🍻
Tom Segura | Thurs., Sept. 22 | 7 p.m. | The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park | $159+ | The actor + comedian performs. 🎤

Friday

MCAS Miramar Air Show | Fri., Sept. 23-Sun., Sept. 25 | Times vary | $15+ | Marine Corps Air Station | Military planes galore, plus the iconic Blue Angels. ✈️
Craftoberfest | Fri., Sept. 23-Sun., Oct. 3 | 11 a.m.- 9 p.m. | Liberty Public Market | Free | San Diego’s 10-day festival, offering food, live music, games + a tap takeover. 🥨
Live Music at Bullseye Bar | Fridays through October | 7-10 p.m. | Black Angus Steakhouse, 1000 Graves Ave. | Free | Listen to local musicians live while enjoying dinner + drinks at the El Cajon restaurant. 🎶
Amanda Miguel y Ana Victoria | Fri., Sept. 23 | 8:30 p.m. | Balboa Theatre | $45+ | Las cantantes se juntan por primera vez con un homenaje a la vida del Señor Diego Verdaguer. 🎸

We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

For tickets to local and regional events, check out our 6AM Tickets resale marketplace.*

100+ MORE EVENTS

Weather

77º | Mostly sunny | 0% chance of rain
The National Weather Service says temperatures will increase through this weekend across San Diego County — but it won’t be nearly as hot as it was during that scorching stretch earlier this month. With a high near 83º, it looks like Sunday will be the warmest day. ☀️ (National Weather Service)

Sunrise + Sunset

Rise: 6:36 a.m.
Set: 6:47 p.m.

Tide

Low: 1:59 a.m. + 1:41 p.m.
High: 8:37 a.m. + 7:33 p.m.
Water Temperature: 71º

Civic

The San Diego History Center is putting together a new digital gallery dedicated to local Latinx history covering a range of topics and subjects. Help suggest people, places + events for this exhibition by emailing Tina Zarpour, vice president of collections and education. 📸
San Diego County is offering tips on how to prepare for natural disasters amid National Preparedness Month. As wildfire weather continues, officials say it’s important to create an emergency plan for your family and protect your home by clearing brush. In areas where flooding is common, keep sand bags handy. ⛑️
The County of San Diego Parks and Recreation Department wants to know what type of amenities locals want to see at the Mira Mesa Epicentre — a shuttered building that could soon be transformed into a community hub. Want a stage, fitness area, or garden? Fill out this survey. 🏗️

Biz

Starlite — the beloved craft cocktail bar + restaurant on India Street — is changing ownership after the death of one of its co-founders, Matt Hoyt. Beginning next month, it’ll be helmed by powerhouse local hospitality group, CH Projects. Starlite will temporarily close in March 2023 for a remodel. 🍸 (Eater San Diego)

Award

Helix Charter School in La Mesa + Westview High School in Torrey Pines were named National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2022 by US Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. The schools are among ~300 nationwide and 29 in California ranked as the highest-performing based on standardized test scores. 🏆 (San Diego Union-Tribune)

Cause

The San Diego Blood Bank has “critically low levels” of O negative + O positive blood and is urging people with type O to donate. This blood type is most in demand at hospitals because it’s used first in emergencies when a patient’s blood type is unknown. Make an appointment. 🩸 (Patch.com)
Chula Vista Brewery + Chula Vista Animal Care Facility will host Pints for Paws on Thurs., Sept. 29 — a fundraiser to bring awareness to the facility. Patrons who donate $10 at the Third Avenue taproom from 5-8 p.m. will receive a special pint glass and be entered into a raffle. 🐶

Eat

Family-owned Hillcrest staple Crest Cafe is celebrating its 40th anniversary with a party on Tues., Sept. 27, starting at 7 a.m. — with local leaders set to attend at 3 p.m. From Mon., Sept. 26-Sun., Oct. 2, the restaurant will donate 20% of its sales to the nonprofit Casa de Luz. 🥞

Sports

Lacrosse, anyone? The San Diego Seals are now selling single-game tickets to Opening Day on Fri., Dec. 9, at Pechanga Arena. Tickets to more home games will be available soon. Keep an eye on the 2022-2023 schedule. 🥍

Seasonal

Castelli & Pizarro Family Winery in Ramona will host its Fall Grape Stomp this Sun., Sept. 25, at 4 p.m. Tickets — which cost $35 for adults and $20 for kids — include a glass of wine for visitors ages 21+, a food voucher, and all the grapes your feet can stomp. 🍇

Real Estate

When the Menard family decided to move home, the hot CA sun wasn’t the only thing heating up Orange County. Learn how an Opendoor-backed offer landed them the house of their dreams.*

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The cat’s meow 🐈

San Diego’s ‘first cat wine bar’ opens on Adams Avenue

This takes the idea of a lounge to a whole new level. | Photo via Whiskers and Wine

Paw-don us, but you really should take a second to stare at these fur balls. 🐱

These are some of the cute felines lounging daily at Whiskers & Wine, a new biz in University Heights that offers food, craft beer, wine + specialty cocktails. Stop by and enjoy all of this in the company of adorable adoptables from the animal rescue, Saving One Life.

Here’s how it works: Guests can book a $30 “cat therapy session” that en-tails 1 hour + 15 minutes with the kitties. While you’re there, order snacks + drinks from the menu — ahem, peep the themed starters like “Meow Mix,” “Kitten Tots,” and “CharCATerie Board.” If you fall in love with a Whiskers & Wine cat and want to adopt, Saving One Life will help you through the process.

Pro tips: Since cats can get stressed by too many people, the lounge limits the number of guests, so make a reservation.

Plan your visit right meow — 2856 Adams Ave.

THE WRAP

	Today’s issue was written by Monica. Editor’s pick: I was thrilled to see the return of the South Park Fall Walkabout last weekend. I loved strolling with my family + visiting the small businesses that give this neighborhood its one-of-a-kind energy. ✨ For me, no trip is complete without a little browsing at Bad Madge + Vinyl Junkies, and a treat from Communal Coffee. Here’s to hoping for more seasonal Walkabouts down the road. Missed yesterday’s newsletter? What kind of home can $700,000 buy you in SD?
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