The weekend finally showed up — fashionably late, but we’ll forgive it. The city feels good, the breeze is better, some of us have a three-day weekend, and it’s World Mental Health Day, which feels like the universe’s way of saying “chill out.” So yeah, take five, grab a drink, and maybe win your way into seeing Mora live next month at Cal Coast. It’s the serotonin spike you deserve.

JUST ANNOUNCED

• Bella Vita Fest is everything good about Little Italy in one weekend. Live chalk art on the pavement. Wine pouring in the garden. Entry’s free for all ages, but tasting tickets are limited – unless you win win some! Enter now.*

• From backyard jams to Billboard-charting hits, The Elovaters are proof that summer never ends. Their Sunburn Tour 2026 brings Shwayze and JARV to The Sound for two nights that’ll smell like salt air and spilled beer.

• They don’t make ‘em like this anymore. Taj Mahal and Patty Griffin team up for a rare night of soul, storytelling, and straight-up artistry. 2/18 at The Magnolia – real ones only.

• If you like your songs rugged and your lyrics knife-sharp, The White Buffalo is your guy. Two nights at Belly Up, 3/20–21. Bring your heart, your boots, and maybe some emotional armor.

• Plus, other just-announced shows from Los Lobos, The English Beat, The Roots, The Moss, DJ Hanzel, Twen, Gunna, Moon Boots, and more!

FREE FUN FRIDAY

San Diego’s not cheap, but you don’t need to spend a dime to have a damn good time this weekend. Hit the link for the list of all the best no-cover plans in town.

• La Jolla Art & Wine Fest @ Girard Ave.

• Hot Girl Walk® @ Crown Point Park.

• Halloween Skate Party @ North Park Mini Park.

• Animal Control @ Winston’s.

• Multicultural Festival @ Chollas Lake Community Park.

TONIGHT

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LOCALS ONLY

• The Aztec Football Team just dropped new uniforms, and they’re looking clean. Think blackout swagger with that classic SDSU red pop — these are ready for prime time.

• All month long, Birch Aquarium is doing Kids Free October – one free kid entry with every adult ticket. Bring your future marine biologist and let ‘em lose their minds over the jellyfish.

FEATURED

Stay out of trouble! (or don’t, we aren’t your parents).