San Diego is buzzing with energy this Friday, October 17—and the excitement rolls right through the weekend. If you’re in town and searching for the best ways to make some unforgettable memories, you’ve got options for every mood, passion, and age.

First up, theater lovers will want to catch two original productions at The Old Globe in Balboa Park: the West Coast premiere of Robert Montano’s Drama Desk-nominated solo show Small and the world premiere musical Huzzah, a witty look at a Renaissance fair family’s quest for tradition. Both run throughout the weekend and promise emotionally charged, laughter-filled nights. Over at Scripps Ranch Theatre, Kimberly Akimbo delivers a touching story of a young girl racing against time, with evening and matinee performances available.

For fans of creepy thrillers, the Villa Montezuma Museum transforms tonight into Poe and More Poe, an immersive theatrical journey through Edgar Allan Poe’s masterworks. Performances start at 6, 7:30, and 9 p.m. For those seeking Halloween-themed fun, check out Fright for Future: this interactive haunted maze mixes chills and social consciousness with 20 unique activations addressing climate change and pollution. Mission Bayfest kicks off with three days of live music—bands like 311 and Rebelution headline, joined by indie favorites and food trucks serving up local eats.

Twitch fans are in for the ultimate convention experience as TwitchCon celebrates its 10th anniversary at the Convention Center. Attendees can dive into esports contests, cosplay showcases, creative workshops, drag shows, and even Bob Ross paint-along sessions. The party spills into Gaslamp Quarter with the sixth annual TwitchCon-themed bar crawl: flash your crawl wristband for free drinks, VIP access, rooftop DJs, and plenty of gamer camaraderie. Starting at Toro Night Club, you’ll hit top bars like Good Night John Boy, Double Deuce, Trailer Park After Dark, and more well into the early hours.

Families should head to Julian Farm and Orchard’s Harvest Fest for pumpkin patches, face painting, hayrides, and petting zoos. For foodies, Pechanga Resort hosts Battle of the Burgers—sample creative sliders and loaded fries, then vote for your favorites.

Art lovers can browse the San Diego Zine Fest at WOO Studios, catch Wayne Thiebaud’s whimsical paintings at Tasende Gallery, and take part in photography showcases exploring border identity at Luxe Gallery. Jean Isaacs: The Legacy Concert pays tribute to an iconic local choreographer at Light Box Theater, featuring performances by her family and colleagues.

Music fans are spoiled for choice. Check out jazz from the Peter Sprague Trio in La Jolla or percussionist Makaya McCraven’s genre-blending sound at UCSD’s Price Center East Ballroom. The Art of Elan ensemble offers a sophisticated chamber music night Sunday at The Conrad Performing Arts Center. If you’re feeling nostalgic, catch cult film The Last Dragon marking its 40th anniversary at local cinemas.

No matter your style—rooftop bar hopping, haunted mazes, gallery strolling, indie theater, or all of the above—San Diego gives listeners the perfect blend of autumn adventure, artistry, and celebration. Thanks for tuning in, and don’t forget to subscribe. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

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