October event picks in central San Diego

Freaky Kiki Horror Ball

Get ready for a night of glamor, gore, and ghoulish delights as the Freaky Kiki Horror Ball descends upon The Soap Factory on Friday, Oct. 4 from 6-10 p.m. Tickets are $20 at bit.lyfkhball.

Thomas Whaley’s 201st Birthday

The entire community is invited for an author talk at 10 a.m., pug rescue event, Thomas Whaley reenactment at 12 p.m., and birthday cupcakes at 12:45 p.m. at the Whaley House in Old Town on Sunday, Oct. 6.

“Kimberly Akimbo”

Broadway San Diego kicks off its season with the west coast debut of Tony Award-winning musical “Kimberly Akimbo” at the Civic Theatre from Oct. 8-13.

“Firebird and Mambomania”

San Diego Ballet opens its season with a free, all ages show on Friday, Oct. 11 at 7 p.m and Saturday, Oct. 12 at 2 p.m. at Joan B. Kroc Theatre (6611 University Ave.) featuring pyrotechnics, ballet and mamba.

Opening Night of SD Int’l Film Fest

The San Diego International Film Festival opening night film premiere for thriller “Conclave” and party will be held at The Museum of Photographic Arts in Balboa Park on Wednesday, Oct. 16 from 5:30-10:30 p.m. Find tickets for opening night and the week-long festival at Sdfilmfest.com.

Big Birthday Block Party

The public is invited to celebrate The Nat’s 150th birthday at this free event with museum access, live music and hands-on activities on Saturday, Oct. 19.

Auto Museum’s Trunk or Treat

The fourth annual “Trunk or Treat” event takes place on Saturday, Oct. 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the San Diego Auto Museum in Balboa Park. Collect candy from the museum’s classic and exotic cars. Children under 12 and parents accompanying a child in costume get in free.

Hillcrest West guided tour

On this walking tour in honor of LGBTQ+ History Month on Saturday, Oct. 26 at 10:30 a.m. led by Lambda Archives, participants will learn about the impact of World War II on Hillcrest becoming a LGBTQ+ hub and its history since. Tickets are $15.

BooFront Pet Costume Contest

The Hilton San Diego Bayfront is hosting a free pet costume contest from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 27 in partnership with the San Diego Humane Society.