October is here and there are so many activities for families that celebrate the Fall season! From festivals and spooky teas, to wildlife encounters, mad scientist experiments, bands and even Bavarian beer. We share a handful of autumn adventures.
BIG BEAR LAKE OKTOBERFEST
October in Big Bear is a time for celebration, too. Most notable is the annual Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest, which delivers a genuine Bavarian-style celebration with alpine scenery and heritage that sincerely reflects the spirit of the original Oktoberfest, even serving the very same beer poured at Munich’s Oktoberfest! For 55 years, this event has attracted thousands of visitors to enjoy authentic German cuisine, imported German brews and bands direct from Bavaria. Rated California’s #1 Oktoberfest and 9th best in the nation, whether it’s for Game Day Sundays or Family-Fun Days, everyone in attendance will enjoy competitions and contests at Oktoberfest including log sawing, stein carrying and stein holding. Dance troupes perform customary dances, and festival goers are always invited to get into the action with sing-alongs and of course, the Chicken Dance.
After you’ve enjoyed Oktoberfest, why not take advantage of the fall foliage being in full effect. Big Bear Lake sits within the San Bernardino National Forest providing access to over 100 miles of trails open for hiking and biking year-round. From thick pine forests to lush green meadows and high desert landscapes, Big Bear is home to numerous wildlife species and native plants too.
WICKED SPOOKY TEA & SPIRITS
Step into a world of enchantment and eerie elegance with the Wicked Spooky Afternoon Tea! Embrace the spirit of Halloween and embark on a culinary journey that blends traditions of afternoon tea with a spooky twist. Costumes are encouraged for this bewitching experience that takes place twice a day every Saturday and Sunday in October.
And if you prefer different kind of spirit — like Volcan Tequila to celebrate Dia de Los Muertos, then join The Library for a unique Study Hall experience where you can sip and savor in this speakeasy led by an industry professional. This World of Agave and Día de los Muertos evening is held on Thursday, October 9 where enthusiasts can gain hands-on knowledge in a relaxed, yet sophisticated setting. Perfect for those looking to refine their knowledge or simply enjoy an evening of spirited discovery
A SPOOKTACULAR HALLOWEEN
From a friendly Witch in Candyland to the zany experiments in the Mad Scientist’s lab and not forgetting the iconic princess and villain in their magical garden – a world of wonder awaits at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar’s Spooktacular Halloween event. This family-friendly event features treat stations and a lively DJ featuring Halloween all-time favorite songs and a special Thriller live dance performance by Scripps Performing Arts. Costumes encouraged at this outdoor family event at the Grand Social. Gather with your friends around a fire pit and enjoy some delightful concoctions.
Plus, The Fairmont Grand Del Mar is offering some scary good savings with their Spooktacular Room Offer (with code: SPOOK)! This offer is available for October 24 and 25 to complement the magic of the season. A stay at the Fairmont is the perfect way to elevate your Halloween season.
HAL-GLOW-WEEN AND AUTUMN FESTIVAL
It’s a great time of year to enjoy the wonders of nature and discover wildlife of all sizes, shapes, and types. The San Diego Zoo is a 100-acre wildlife park that is home to more than 12,000 rare and endangered animals representing over 680 species and subspecies.
In October, families can enjoy fun after dark at San Diego Zoo’s light-up-the-night spectacular HalGLOWeen every Friday, Saturday and Sunday in October. Activities start at 5pm and go until 9pm. Check out groovy DJ, wildlife shows, neon pumpkins, boo crew characters and everything shining and sparkling once the sun goes down. The Halloween-themed entertainment is sure to be a hit!
If not-so-scary scarecrows and an a-maze-ing autumn adventure and festival jamboree and celebrating a season of color scream fall to you, then the Autumn Festival at the San Diego Safari Park has you covered. The wildlife, seasonal food, and special entertainment allows for some good ol’ fashioned family fun.
The San Diego Zoo Safari Park, an 1,800-acre wildlife park, is home to more than 3,100 animals representing over 340 species. Located in Escondido, the Safari Park welcomes guests to see animals in herds of mixed species in expansive savanna habitats. Guests are invited to take part in thrilling safari experiences and create lasting memories while supporting San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s conservation efforts to save wildlife worldwide.
Plus October is Kids Free month so youths 11 and younger get free admission — no ticket is required when accompanied by an adult with a valid form of admission.
We were gifted items and experiences from Big Bear, Fairmont Grand Del Mar and the San Diego Zoo for consideration. All of our thoughts and ideas are our own.
