An East County city could soon become the new hotspot for nightlife. After banning new bars for decades in downtown El Cajon, city leaders are considering changing zoning laws that could help transform it into an entertainment district.

That’s because while the seasonal Wednesday car show and other events get people revved up to come to downtown El Cajon, when they roll out for the night, residents say downtown is: “D-E-A-D,” said one resident who frequents the area.

Michelle Metschel is among the city councilmembers looking to make El Cajon lit again.

“We used to have clubs and go from one club to the next, it was fun,” said Councilmember Metschel. “We have nothing for 21-41-year-olds and I’d like to bring some of that excitement back.”

Restaurants and brewpubs like Creative Creature have been replaced. Signs of restaurants to come or vacant storefronts now dot Main Street.

Metschel lamented the limited possibilities last Friday night after leaving an event with her husband.

“There wasn’t any place for us to go and listen to music, have a cocktail or two, so it’s disappointing. We went home, changed clothes and watched Netflix,” said Metschel.

New bars have effectively been banned from opening in downtown El Cajon for nearly 30 years, because things had gotten too rowdy.

Zoning laws now require all new bars to be one thousand feet from an existing bar. La Fiesta is one of only two on Main Street.

Residents like Paloma Cortez and her kids say they look for nightlife in other cities.

“El Cajon is a place for old people, because we don’t have no place for fun. When they want something fun, they go to Tijuana or San Diego,” Cortez said.

During a recent city council meeting, members gave the green light to consider easing alcohol zoning restrictions and creating an entertainment district with more bars and restaurants.

Now it’s up to the planning commission to draft recommendations to give to the council.

While she waits, Metschel’s been polling people on the street and has a few of her own suggestions.

“I’m putting a challenge out there, Sam the Cooking Guy. You know you want to put a little taco place out here, maybe a tiny comedy club.”

Councilmember Phil Ortiz said the City of El Cajon has methods of regulating and policing the bars to make sure things won’t get out of hand again.

Although councilmembers agree on the idea of relaxing laws to bring more businesses downtown, it’s still months away from happening.

Celebrate the best part of the week with 17 exciting things to do in San Diego, from a bunch of boozy festivals to a Stranger Things–inspired musical and a gathering of zine makers and enthusiasts, plus several other San Diego events.

Food & Drink | Concerts & Festivals | Theater & Art Exhibits | More Fun Things to Do

Food & Drink Events in San Diego This Weekend

Rancho BEERnardo Festival

October 19

Though the name of this event is all about the brews, there will be much more than beer on tap at Rancho BEERnardo, with over 35 local breweries, wineries, and distilleries to check out from 2 to 5 p.m. at Webb Park this Saturday. This 21-plus event will include live music from Setting Sons and Par Avion and food from Mama V’s Lumpia, Tony’s Pepperoni Pizzeria, and Duffs Doggz. General admission ($65) comes with unlimited two-ounce pours, while VIP ($90) includes early admission at 1 p.m., an exclusive lounge, preferred parking and complimentary food. Tickets for Rancho BEERnardo can be purchased here. 

11666 Avena Place, Rancho Bernardo

Santee Brews and Bites

October 19

Find a nice balance of neighborhood eateries, chain food spots, and local drink makers at Santee’s Brews and Bites fundraiser at Town Center Community Park East from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. this Saturday. Fast Times will provide the ’80s-inspired soundtrack for the night. Attendees can also place their bids at the silent auction and try their luck in the opportunity drawing to win weekend getaways, free yoga classes, in-home wine samplings, and more. Tickets, including general admission passes ($59.78), can be purchased on Eventbrite. 

550 Park Center Drive, Santee

San Diego Spirits Festival

October 19–20

The Museum of Contemporary Art hosts the 15th annual San Diego Spirits Festival this weekend. Enjoy unlimited sips from a selection of more than 65 spirit brands serving bourbon, gin, mezcal, and more (or cocktails and seltzers if that’s your preference). There will also be bites from local restaurants, a silent auction for the Center for Culinary Culture, and plenty of live entertainment, including belly dancers, DJs, and a flamenco guitarist. Tickets are $75 for Saturday (2 to 6 p.m.) and $85 for Sunday (1 to 5 p.m.)

700 Prospect Street, La Jolla 

Concerts & Festivals in San Diego This Weekend

San Diego International Film Festival

October 16–20

Watch the California premiere of the Amy Adams horror-comedy Nightbitch, dive into the works of female filmmakers in the Women’s Film Series, and take a bite of movie magic with Culinary Cinema at the San Diego International Film Festival. Attendees can stop by industry parties, Q&As, and special events like the glamorous Night of the Stars Tribute. Participating festival venues include the Museum of Photographic Arts, AMC 14 UTC, and the Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center. Explore the variety of ticket options, from $20 individual screening tickets to the upscale $550 VIP pass, here. 

La Jolla & Balboa Park 

Charli XCX & Troye Sivan at Viejas Arena 

October 18

Over the course of “Brat Summer,” Charli XCX’s inescapable masterpiece evolved from an album into a full-fledged phenomenon, spreading from limeade green billboards to politicians’ social media accounts. But just because summer is gone doesn’t mean the moment is over; the party is still raging, and fans will hear “Von Dutch,” “Mean Girls” and all of the club classics at Viejas Arena Friday night. Charli is joined by pop sensation Troye Sivan, whose music embraces the “Rush” of a night on the dancefloor. Resale tickets for this concert start at $211.82 on Ticketmaster. 

5500 Canyon Crest Drive, Rolando

BirdStock

October 19

La Jolla Boulevard will be closed from Midway Street to Camino De La Costa as BirdStock, the Bird Rock neighborhood’s free annual music festival, returns bigger than ever. This Saturday, listen to all-day live music from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. as local bands (including headliners Lioneer) hit the main stage. Plus, stop by an artisan market, a pop-up pickleball court, a kids’ entertainment stage, and several nearby shops for discounted items. Proceeds from BirdStock will go towards Bird Rock Elementary and future iterations of the festival. 

5509 La Jolla Boulevard, La Jolla 

University Heights Fall Festival 

October 19

While supporting local artisans, makers, and growers from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. this Saturday at the Birney Joint Use Field, attendees at the free University Heights Fall Festival can pick a gourd in the pumpkin patch, play field games, take a community yoga class, and enjoy plenty of live entertainment from mariachi groups, ballet folklorico troupes, and tribute bands. Additional paid activities include a horse drawn hayride, a pie-baking contest, and a make-your-own-caramel-apple station. Proceeds benefit Birney Elementary.

4324 Park Boulevard, University Heights

San Diego Zine Fest

October 19–20

Dive into San Diego’s DIY zeitgeist at the 12th annual San Diego Zine Fest, where dozens of local artists will display and sell their self-published writing, photography, and artwork at Bread & Salt all weekend long. Drinks from Mujeres Brew House and food from Murillos Menu and Flavor Lab will be available for purchase at this weekend’s festival. 

1955 Julian Avenue, Barrio Logan

Bella Vita Fest

October 19–20

At Bella Vita Fest, ArtWalk San Diego’s two-day celebration of Little Italy, explore over 50 chalk art paintings, hear live music, and learn recipes from local chefs cooking onstage from 12 to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Plus, there will be more than 20 neighborhood wine samples to try, plus Italian culinary favorites like cannoli, Neapolitan-style pizza, and cheese wheel pasta. Admission to the festival is free. Wine-tasting tickets for five ($27.05) and 12 ($60.05) samples for each day can be purchased here.

550 West Date Street, Little Italy

Escondido Grand Avenue Festival

October 20

The Grand Avenue Festival offers live entertainment, international culinary options, and shopping from more than 400 retail, craft, and artisan vendors this Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Downtown Escondido’s favorite fall festival will also feature children’s rides, four live music stages, and a beer and wine garden.

Grand Avenue, Escondido 

Theater & Art Exhibits in San Diego This Weekend

Stranger Sings! The Parody Musical at Brooks Theater 

Through October 20 

Stranger Sings! flips the hair-raising adventures of Stranger Things into irresistible rompy fun. The musical embraces the zaniness of the ’80s, with songs inspired by the show and tons of love for nostalgia, geek culture, and unlikely heroes. There will be four final shows this weekend at the Brooks Theater as the production ends its first run in SoCal. Tickets for Stranger Sings! are available for $40. 

217 North Coast Highway, Oceanside

Carlos Castro Arias: The Splinter In The Eye at the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library

October 19–January 11, 2025

The new Athenaeum Music & Arts Library exhibition The Splinter In The Eye will feature 11 new paintings from La Mesa–based artist Carlos Castro Arias, plus an assortment of created objects, sculpture and natural elements that supplement his insight on shared and solo identity. There will be a free opening reception for the exhibition this Friday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

1008 Wall Street, La Jolla

Foster + Partners: Architecture of Light and Space at San Diego Museum of Art

October 19–April 27, 2025

SDMA’s new Foster + Partners exhibition showcases the designs and models of architect Norman Foster, whose global firm of architects focuses on open space, daylight, and sustainability. The show explores his nature-driven ethos in three sections: Working with History, Embracing the Environment, and Community and Culture.

1450 El Prado, Balboa Park

More Fun Things to Do in San Diego This Weekend

Haunted Hangar Halloween Bash

October 18

The USS Midway Museum’s annual Haunted Hangar Halloween Bash features group and solo costume contests, a flash mob set to Michael Jackson’s Thriller, and spooky cocktails and snacks this Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. Other highlights from this family-friendly event include Halloween bag decorating, face painting, trick-or-treat stations, music from DJ Danny, and AirCombat flight simulator sessions ($5). General admission is $25 for this event and $20 for museum members.

910 North Harbor Drive, Embarcadero

San Diego Gulls Home Opener vs. Coachella Valley Firebirds at Pechanga Arena 

October 18

The San Diego Gulls are back on home ice at Pechanga Arena and looking for their first win of the 2024–25 season as they face off against the Coachella Valley Firebirds in this Saturday’s home opener. Players to watch this season for the Gulls include highly touted prospect Nathan Gaucher, along with newly acquired veterans Roland McKeown and Ryan Carpenter. Fans in attendance at Saturday’s game will receive a rally towel, belt bag, and light-up wristband. Tickets range from $37 to $182 on AXS.

3500 Sports Arena Boulevard, Midway

Fright For Future 

October 18–20

While most haunted attractions focus on the supernatural, Fright For Future finds horror in our everyday reality. While there will still be witches, mad scientists, and ghouls, the real-world inspirations for the haunted maze include polluted waters, fast-fashion consequences, and cruel treatment of animals. Over three days at the San Diego Made Factory, thrill seekers ages 10 and up can stand face-to-face with man-made horrors. Reserve your free spot at Fright For Future on Eventbrite.

2031 Commercial Street, Logan Heights

The Big Birthday Block Party at The Nat

October 19

The Nat celebrates 150 years of archeological preservation with a Big Birthday Block Party this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. At the party, chat with scientists, partake in themed games and activities, check out relics from the museum’s past, enjoy cocktails at The Nat’s rooftop bar, and much more. Admission to the block party, as well as the museum and the halls of its new Paleontology Center, is free.

1788 El Prado, Balboa Park

LARAMIE, Wyo. — — Danny O’Neil connected with Jordan Napier to tie the game in the fourth quarter and Gabriel Plascencia’s 28-yard field goal provided the winning points as San Diego State held on to beat Wyoming 27-24 on Saturday.

O’Neil threw deep to Napier for a 53-yard gain and on the next play O’Neil hit Napier in the end zone. On the Aztecs’ next possession, a 41-yard pass to Nate Bennett fueled a drive that reached the Wyoming 5 before SDSU (3-3, 2-0 Mountain West) settled for Plascencia’s field goal with 7:35 remaining. From there, the defense turned away the Cowboys (1-5, 1-1), who gained only 31 yards the rest of the way.

O’Neil was 16 of 27 for 254 yards passing with one TD and one interception. Marquez Cooper rushed 25 times for 87 yards and a score. The Aztecs’ other touchdown was Eric Butler’s 43-yard pick-6.

Evan Svoboda was 12-of-31 passing for 181 yards, including a 70-yard flea flicker TD to Jaylen Sargent, but he was intercepted twice. Svoboda ran for a 51-yard TD. Sam Scott rushed for 94 yards on 20 carries with a TD.

This was San Diego State’s first visit to Laramie since 2016 in a series the Aztecs now lead 20-19.

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