The 12 best things to do in San Diego County this weekend

This weekend brings San Diego's biggest fall festivals to life—La Mesa Oktoberfest and its counterpart in El Cajon anchor three days of German tradition, while comedy stages across the county heat up with standout performers. Whether you're looking for lederhosen, laughs, or live music, there's plenty to keep you entertained.

LMLa Mesa Oktoberfest 2026Friday · 4:00 PM · La Mesa Village · San DiegoLa Mesa Oktoberfest returns October 2–4 with three days of authentic German-inspired fun, live entertainment, food, and drink. It's Southern California's favorite fall tradition and the perfect excuse to dust off your lederhosen.MDCHRIS KATTANFriday · 7:00 PM · Mic Drop Comedy · San DiegoChris Kattan, a longest-serving SNL cast member best known for characters like Mango and Mr Peepers, brings his comedy to Mic Drop Comedy on Friday night. A rare chance to see a sketch comedy legend live.ACTommy Pope LIVE!Friday · 8:00 PM · American Comedy Co. · San DiegoTommy Pope, as seen on Netflix's TIRES and host of the YouTube series LOOK AT DISH, performs at American Comedy Co. on Friday at 8 PM. VIP seating options available if you want the best view.GAOKTOBERFEST IN EL CAJONFriday · 4:00 PM · German American Societies of SD · El CajonOktoberfest in El Cajon celebrates traditional German culture with the band Guggenbach-Buam traveling from Baden-Württemberg, folk dances, games, and plenty of German food and drink. Family-friendly and a genuine cultural experience.ONCandlebox - Can't Quit You Tour Fall 2026Friday · 7:00 PM · The Observatory North Park · San DiegoCandlebox brings their Can't Quit You Tour to The Observatory North Park on Friday night. The 90s rock band delivers a solid show with connected dining at West Coast Tavern.ACTommy Pope LIVE!Saturday · 8:00 PM · American Comedy Co. · San DiegoTommy Pope returns Saturday at American Comedy Co. for another night of sharp stand-up. If you caught him Friday, it's a different show; if you missed him, Saturday's your chance.LFGaurav Kapoor 7:30 PMSaturday · 7:30 PM · Laugh Factory · San DiegoGaurav Kapoor brings his stand-up show BUNTY to Laugh Factory on Saturday, featuring his signature storytelling and sharp observational humor. A great option if you want comedy with a different flavor.MIImprov VS StandupSaturday · 8:30 PM · Mockingbird Improv · San DiegoImprov VS Standup at Mockingbird Improv on Saturday lets standup comedians perform, then the improv team creates scenes based on their material. Double the laughs, two different styles of comedy.CTSounds of the Square Fall Concert SeriesFriday · 6:00 PM · Clairemont Town Square · San DiegoFree live concert series at Clairemont Town Square every Friday through November 6. Family-friendly, with food and drinks available. Bring your own chairs and settle in for a mellow Friday evening.MB40th Anniversary Celebration - City ofSaturday · 8:00 AM · Moonlight Beach · EncinitasEncinitas celebrates its 40th anniversary with a triple feature: line dance lessons, a live band, and an outdoor movie at Moonlight Beach on Saturday. A fun community milestone with nostalgic 80s vibes.NPTaste of North ParkSaturday · 11:00 AM · North Park Mini Park · San DiegoTaste of North Park returns on Saturday with 50+ food tastings and 15 beverage stops from 11 AM to 4 PM. The 15th annual event costs $50 for food only, $65 for food and sips.CCSan Diego Tijuana International Jazz FestivalSaturday · 2:00 PM · California Center for the Arts, Escondido · EscondidoThe San Diego Tijuana International Jazz Festival brings a full day of jazz to California Center for the Arts in Escondido on Saturday, starting with a free outdoor concert at 2 PM and three indoor concerts plus dinner break.

Looking for the current weekend? See what’s on in San Diego County this weekend →