Spooky San Diego in October
October in San Diego brings beach days, fall festivals, and a little spooky fun. Here's your guide to what's happening around town this month!
New Homes on The Market
Click the location links below to see the most recent homes on the market
SAN DIEGO - CARLSBAD - OCEANSIDE - VISTA - POINT LOMA - LA JOLLA - PACIFIC BEACH - LITTLE ITALY
October in San Diego
Oct. 9–10: Ocean Beach Oktoberfest • Ocean Beach
Oct. 10–11: La Jolla Art & Wine Festival • La Jolla — FREE entry
Oct. 10: Carmel Valley Trail 15K, 10K & 5K • Carmel Valley
Oct. 10: Bikes & Beers San Diego • AleSmith Brewing, Miramar
Oct. 11: Mission Bay Triathlon • Mission Bay
Oct. 11: Taking Back Sunday • Petco Park
Oct. 11: for KING & COUNTRY • The Rady Shell
Oct. 13–18: San Diego International Film Festival • San Diego
Oct. 14 & 24: San Diego FC Home Games • Snapdragon Stadium
Oct. 17: University Heights Fall Festival • University Heights — FREE entry
Oct. 17: Concerts in the Park • Mission Trails Regional Park — FREE
Oct. 18: Escondido Grand Avenue Festival • Downtown Escondido — FREE
Oct. 18: Fallbrook Harvest Faire • Downtown Fallbrook — FREE
Oct. 22–25: USA Ultimate National Championships • San Diego
Oct. 24: Strength in the City Festival • Waterfront Park
Oct. 24: Bike the Coast • Oceanside
Oct. 25: San Diego Triathlon Challenge • Mission Bay
Oct. 25: San Diego Wave FC Home Finale • Snapdragon Stadium
Select Saturdays, while apples last: Volcan Valley Apple Picking • Julian
Pumpkin Station Locations
Del Mar Pumpkin Station
15555 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar
Plaza Bonita Pumpkin Station
3030 Plaza Bonita Rd, National City
Bonita Pumpkin Farm
5354 Sweetwater Rd, Bonita
Rancho Bernardo Pumpkin Farm
13421 Highland Valley Rd, Escondido
San Diego Pumpkin Patches
Goff Family Pumpkin Patch
2830 Perry Rd, San Diego
Mr. Jack O' Lantern's Pumpkin Patch
3901 Clairemont Dr, San Diego
Pumpkin Palooza
1200 Laurel Tree Ln, Carlsbad
Carlsbad Strawberry Company Pumpkin Patch
1050 Cannon Rd, Carlsbad
Mellano Farm Stand Pumpkin & Marigold Festival
5714 North River Rd, Oceanside
Fallbrook Pumpkin Patch at The Vineyard 1924
1924 E Mission Rd, Fallbrook
Bates Nut Farm
15954 Woods Valley Rd, Valley Center
The Farm Stand West Pumpkin Patch
2115 Miller Ave, Escondido
Oma's Pumpkin Patch
14950 El Monte Rd, Lakeside
Family Christmas Tree Farm
300 Pepper Dr, El Cajon
Summers Past Farms
15602 Olde Hwy 80, Flinn Springs
Mountain Valley Ranch
842 Hwy 78, Ramona
Julian Farm & Orchard Harvest Fest
4381 Julian Hwy, Julian
Julian Autumn Jubilee at Fort Cross
4425 Hwy 78, Santa Ysabel
San Diego Real Estate: What Buyers & Sellers Are Asking
Is San Diego a buyer's or seller's market?
It's a bit of both. Buyers currently have more negotiating power when it comes to credits, contingencies, and terms, but sellers are still holding relatively strong on price. Homes are taking longer to sell, averaging 106 days, though that varies across the county, and more are closing below asking. At the same time, limited inventory continues to support overall home values.
Should buyers wait for prices to come down?
The data doesn't necessarily support waiting for a significant price drop. Higher rates have slowed buyer demand, but limited inventory and very low levels of distressed sales continue to support prices. Today's market also looks very different from 2008, with relatively few distressed properties and the overwhelming majority of sellers holding significant equity in their homes.
Sushi, Sounds & Downtown Style: Zuma Has Arrived
San Diego just got a little cooler. Zuma, the globally acclaimed Japanese izakaya, has made its West Coast debut inside The Guild Hotel. Think sushi and robata grilling, a wraparound bar, and a garden terrace with its own DJ booth—all spread across nearly 12,000 square feet in a historic downtown setting. Bringing a smaller crew? There's a private nook for up to twelve. Read more here.
Quick Recap
U.S. existing-home sales dipped 2.0% from the previous month and 1.2% year over year, reaching an annualized pace of 3.98 million—the first time below 4 million since June 2025, according to NAR. Sales were steady in the West but fell in the Northeast, Midwest, and South. Compared with last year, the South held steady while the other three regions declined.
Buyers Are Getting Creative With Mortgage Rates
As mortgage rates remain elevated, some buyers are exploring adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) to lower their initial monthly payment. ARMs typically offer a lower introductory rate for a set period, often five or 10 years, before the rate can adjust.
Recent data also highlights the value of shopping around for a mortgage. Borrowers securing some of the lowest rates had an average credit score of 755, and 97% received offers from at least three lenders.
The takeaway? Your financing strategy can make a meaningful difference. Comparing lenders and exploring different loan options may uncover opportunities beyond the standard 30-year fixed mortgage.
The average contract interest rate for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages with conforming loans increased last week to 7.12% from 6.97%
The ARM share of mortgage applications jumped to 9.8%
Thinking About Making a Move?
Whether you’re curious about your home’s value, considering a remodel before selling, looking for investment opportunities, or hoping to buy in San Diego this year, I’m always happy to be a resource.
