261 free things to do and get in San Diego and around the San Diego area, including 52 kids & family, 51 entertainment, 45 attractions.
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Tue, Oct 27, 6:00 PM
Wilson Middle SchoolCentral San Diego
The Old Globe's free touring Macbeth, a professional production in your neighborhood. Walk in, no ticket or reservation needed.
Verified Oct 22 · The Old Globe
No catch
1st–4th Tuesdays; museums rotate by week of the month
Balboa ParkCentral San Diego
Free museum admission in Balboa Park for San Diego residents and active military. Different museums are free on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Tuesday of each month (for example Fleet Science Center and the Natural History Museum on the 1st). On a 5th Tuesday regular prices apply.
Verified Oct 21 · Balboa Park
Catch: San Diego city/county residents and active military + dependents only; bring photo ID showing your address · Special exhibitions and films may cost extra
Tuesdays 6–8pm through Nov 24
Golden Hill Recreation CenterCentral San Diego
Golden Hill Steppers: a free dance class for adults at the Golden Hill Recreation Center, Tuesdays 6–8pm through Nov 24. Questions: 619-235-1138.
Verified Oct 22 · City of San Diego
Catch: Ages 18–80 · Register on SDRecConnect (code 135008)
Youth Tue 6–7:30pm; adults Fri 5–6pm (Sept–Nov)
Presidio Recreation CenterCentral San Diego
All-levels badminton clinics at the Presidio Recreation Center in Mission Hills: youth (8–17) Tuesdays 6–7:30pm, adults Fridays 5–6pm, through November. Questions: (619) 692-4981.
Verified Oct 22 · City of San Diego
Catch: Youth 8–17 on Tuesdays, adults 18+ on Fridays · Sign-up codes: 137551 (youth), 137513 (adults)
Mon–Fri 10am–8pm
The San Diego LGBT Community Center (Welcome Desk)Central San Diego
The San Diego LGBT Community Center gives out free bags of ready-to-eat food at its Welcome Desk on weekdays, while supplies last. All community members are welcome.
Verified Oct 22 · thecentersd.org
No catch
Tue, Oct 27 · check hours
San Diego Automotive Museum, Balboa ParkCentral San Diego
Free admission at San Diego Automotive Museum on its Residents Free Tuesday, for San Diego city and county residents and active military.
Verified Oct 22 · Balboa Park
Catch: San Diego city/county residents and active military + dependents only; bring photo ID showing your address
Wed, Oct 28, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Southcrest Recreation CenterCentral San Diego
Music, face painting, crafts and a costume contest on a weeknight before Halloween.
Verified Oct 22 · City of San Diego
No catch
Wed, Oct 28, 6:00 PM
Lemon Grove Academy Middle School (Roberto Alvarez Auditorium)East County
The Old Globe's free touring Macbeth, a professional production in your neighborhood. Walk in, no ticket or reservation needed.
Verified Oct 22 · The Old Globe
No catch
Tue–Sun, 10am–4pm
Coronado Museum of History and ArtSouth Bay
Coronado Historical Association's museum on Orange Avenue, with galleries on the island's history. Museum admission is free. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am–4pm.
Verified Oct 22 · coronadohistory.org
No catch
Wed–Sun, 12–4pm
Museum of History and Culture La JollaLa Jolla & North Coastal
La Jolla's history museum on Prospect Street. Admission is free, donations welcome. Current exhibition: The Scientific Art of Historic Preservation (through January 31, 2027). Galleries are open Wednesday to Sunday, 12–4pm.
Verified Oct 22 · mhclajolla.org
No catch
Tue–Sun 10am–6pm
San Diego Humane Society, San Diego CampusCentral San Diego
San Diego Humane Society's Community Pet Pantry gives a free bag of dog or cat food, plus other supplies as available, to pet families who need a little extra help. Anyone can visit; no appointment needed.
Verified Oct 22 · sdhumane.org
No catch
Mon–Sat 11am–12:30pm; Sun 9:30–11:30am
Father Joe's Villages, courtyard on 15th StCentral San Diego
Father Joe's Villages' Franklin Antonio Public Lunch Program serves free warm, nutritious meals to the public 365 days a year, in the courtyard on 15th Street. Before your first meal, you can pick up an orange badge at the San Diego Day Center or the Joan Kroc Center front desk.
Verified Oct 22 · my.neighbor.org
No catch
Fri, Oct 30, 7:30 PM
The Rady Shell at Jacobs ParkCentral San Diego
"Sound of Two Cities": Rafael Payare conducts the San Diego Symphony and the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal in a free, non-ticketed community concert on the bay. Bring a blanket or low-back chair for the lawn; a limited number of chairs go first come, first served. The RSVP form doesn't reserve a seat.
Verified Oct 22 · theshell.org
No catch
Fri, Oct 30, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Historic Downtown Vista, Main StreetNorth County Inland
Come in costume and trick-or-treat at booths along Main Street in historic downtown Vista. Vista firefighters and sheriff's deputies hand out candy and show off their trucks and patrol cars, and most local shops give out candy too. The haunted house at the Avo Theater is a separate ticketed attraction.
Verified Oct 22 · downtownvista.org
No catch
Fri–Sun, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Wieghorst MuseumEast County
A small Western art and heritage museum in downtown El Cajon, free to visit on weekends.
Verified Oct 22 · wieghorstmuseum.org
No catch
Fri, Oct 30, 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Basic Needs Center, Malk Hall, UC San DiegoLa Jolla & North Coastal
Free shelf-stable food and seasonal produce from the Hub Basic Needs Center. Students, staff and San Diego community members are all welcome.
Verified Oct 22 · UC San Diego
No catch
Fri, Oct 30, 7:00 PM
Spreckels Organ Pavilion, Balboa ParkCentral San Diego
ORGAN-ISM, a band with an organ, plays a Halloween tribute to Ozzy Osbourne, the Prince of Darkness, on the giant outdoor Spreckels Organ in Balboa Park.
Verified Oct 22 · Spreckels Organ Society
No catch
Fridays at 1pm
St. Paul's CathedralCentral San Diego
A free recital on the cathedral's landmark organ every Friday at 1pm, with a different organist each week.
Verified Oct 21 · stpaulcathedral.org
No catch
Fridays, Saturdays and select Sundays, 10am–noon
Timken Museum of Art, Balboa ParkCentral San Diego
Musical Masterpieces is a free piano series in the Timken Museum's Central Gallery, pairing live music with the paintings. Museum admission is always free.
Verified Oct 22 · Timken Museum
No catch
Fridays 6–8pm through Dec 4
Park de la Cruz GymnasiumCentral San Diego
Basketball skills and conditioning for kids 8–12 in the Park de la Cruz gym, Friday evenings 6–8pm through Dec 4. Questions: (619) 516-3141.
Verified Oct 22 · City of San Diego
Catch: Ages 8–12 · Register at the center or on SDRecConnect (code 136636)
Fridays 11am–2pm through Nov 20
Golden Hill Recreation CenterCentral San Diego
A free adult sewing and upcycling class at the Golden Hill Recreation Center, Fridays 11am–2pm through Nov 20. Questions: 619-235-1138.
Verified Oct 22 · City of San Diego
Catch: Ages 18–80 · Register on SDRecConnect (code 135009)
Fridays 8:45–10:45am through Dec 18 (closed Nov 27)
Rosa Parks Elementary SchoolCentral San Diego
California Western School of Law's Community Law Project gives free legal advice and referrals at Rosa Parks Elementary: law students working with volunteer attorneys. Advice only, not representation. No clinic during school closures or on Nov 27; the fall season runs through Dec 18. No public restrooms. Arrive early to improve your chances of being seen.
Verified Oct 22 · cwclp.org
Catch: For low-income and vulnerable San Diegans
Fridays 9–10am (none Nov 27 or Dec 25)
Chabad DowntownCentral San Diego
Jewish Family Service hands out produce, canned and dried goods and groceries every Friday morning at Chabad Downtown, for any San Diego County resident who needs food assistance.
Verified Oct 21 · Jewish Family Service
Catch: For San Diego County residents in need of food assistance · While supplies last
Fri, Oct 30 – Sat, Oct 31 · check hours
Participating Krispy Kreme shopsCountywide
Wear a costume to a participating Krispy Kreme on Oct 30 or 31 and get a free Original Glazed or Classic Ring doughnut, no purchase necessary.
Verified Oct 21 · Krispy Kreme
Catch: Must be wearing a costume · Participating shops only; check yours
Sat, Oct 31 – Mon, Nov 2
Old Town San Diego State Historic ParkCentral San Diego
A free, family-friendly celebration with crafts, community altars, local art and live performances. On Monday at 6pm a candlelit procession goes from Twiggs Street to El Campo Santo Cemetery. Free parking at the Caltrans headquarters, 2994 Sunset Street.
Verified Oct 21 · California State Parks
No catch
Every Saturday, 9:30–10:30am
Tijuana Estuary Visitor CenterSouth Bay
A one-hour guided bird walk along the McCoy Trail from the Tijuana Estuary Visitor Center, open to all ages with no reservation. Bring binoculars if you have them.
Verified Oct 22 · Tijuana River Estuary
No catch
Sat, Oct 31, 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
La Mesa Blvd. (Grant Ave. to Acacia Ave.)East County
Trick-or-treat at shops along La Mesa Blvd. Bring your own bag. Pet costume contest check-in is 3:30pm at the Fountain Courtyard by the trolley.
Verified Oct 22 · lamesavillageassociation.org
No catch
Mon & Thu 7:30–9pm, Sat 11am–12pm, through Nov 19
Golden Hill Recreation CenterCentral San Diego
Free Mexican folk dance classes at the Golden Hill Recreation Center: Beginner and Intermediate/Advanced (ages 8–75), plus a class for kids 7 and under. All meet Mondays and Thursdays 7:30–9pm and Saturdays 11am–noon through Nov 19. Questions: 619-235-1138.
Verified Oct 22 · City of San Diego
Catch: Ages 8–75, or the 7-and-under class · Register on SDRecConnect (codes 135108, 135109, 135110)
Saturdays 10–11am through November
Southcrest Recreation CenterCentral San Diego
Free art classes every Saturday morning, 10–11am, at the Southcrest Recreation Center (October and November sessions). Questions: 619-527-3413.
Verified Oct 22 · City of San Diego
Catch: Register on ActiveNet (code 136142 for October, 136143 for November)
Sat, Oct 31, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Los Peñasquitos Ranch HouseNorth County Inland
A City of San Diego compost and mulch giveaway: nutrient-rich compost for your garden at no cost.
Verified Oct 21 · City of San Diego
Catch: The city's page links to Eventbrite to register; sign up to be safe
Sat, Oct 31, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Carlsbad VillageLa Jolla & North Coastal
Trick-or-treating, crafts, games and a costume contest around the Village, with carnival games and a bounce house at the Boys & Girls Club.
Verified Oct 22 · carlsbad-village.com
Catch: Free pumpkin candy buckets only for the first 250 kids
Mondays, Saturdays and Sundays at 11am and 2pm
Robinson Rose Visitor Information Center, Old Town San Diego State Historic ParkCentral San Diego
A 45-minute guided walk through San Diego's early history with state park interpretive staff, stopping at La Casa de Machado y Stewart, La Casa de Machado y Silvas and La Casa de Estudillo.
Verified Oct 22 · California State Parks
Catch: Runs as staffing permits · Limited to 18 people; sign up at the visitor center front desk
Saturdays, 9am–3pm
Poway Household Hazardous Waste Collection FacilityNorth County Inland
Poway residents can drop off leftover paint, pesticides, pool chemicals, batteries, fluorescent bulbs and electronics (TVs, monitors, computers, phones, microwaves) for free at the City's collection facility. No appointment. Bring no more than 15 gallons or 125 pounds at a time, in containers of 5 gallons or less. Closed Saturdays Nov 28 and Dec 26, 2026 and Jan 2, 2027.
Verified Oct 22 · poway.org
Catch: Poway residents only; bring a formal ID or a current utility bill
Sun, Nov 1, 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
California Center for the Arts, EscondidoNorth County Inland
The 31st annual festival: community altars, a Catrina and Catrín contest, ballet folklórico, live music and art across the campus, with the museum free all evening.
Verified Oct 22 · artcenter.org
No catch
Sun, Nov 1, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Spreckels Organ Pavilion, Balboa ParkCentral San Diego
The Sunday organ concert becomes a children's opera with Opera4Kids. Arrive at 1:30pm for a hands-on Build a Pipe Organ activity.
Verified Oct 22 · Spreckels Organ Society
No catch
Sun, Nov 1, 3:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Third Avenue, downtown Chula VistaSouth Bay
Live music and dance on four stages, an ofrenda competition, a Catrín and Catrina contest, a car show, kids' crafts and a community altar on Davidson.
Verified Oct 22 · downtownchulavista.com
No catch
Sundays at 2pm, year-round
Spreckels Organ Pavilion, Balboa ParkCentral San Diego
Hour-long outdoor concerts on the Spreckels Organ in Balboa Park, every Sunday at 2pm, rain or shine, all year. Bring a picnic and grab a bench.
Verified Oct 21 · Spreckels Organ Society
No catch
Sun, Nov 1, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Plaza de Panama, Balboa ParkCentral San Diego
A free community celebration on the Plaza de Panama with live performances, family art-making and an ofrenda. The museum itself is free from noon to 5pm that day. Free museum entry is noon–5pm, not from 11am.
Verified Oct 21 · San Diego Museum of Art
Catch: The Taco Party the same day is a separate ticketed event
Sun, Nov 1, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
San Diego Craft Collective, Dorothea Laub Building, Liberty StationCentral San Diego
Free crafts, music and a musical procession at 1:30pm, at the San Diego Craft Collective in the Arts District.
Verified Oct 22 · sandiegocraft.org
Catch: RSVP requested so organizers can plan
Wed–Sun 11am–5pm; free 1st Sunday 11am–5pm and 1st Friday 5–8pm
Oceanside Museum of ArtLa Jolla & North Coastal
OMA is free for everyone all day on the first Sunday of each month and 5–8pm on the first Friday. It's always free for ages 17 and under, college students and active military with dependents.
Verified Oct 22 · oma-online.org
Catch: Others pay $15 outside the free days · Student or military ID for those groups
Sun, Nov 1, 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Lakeside Community CenterEast County
A free family festival where you smash your old pumpkins and take home free compost for your garden (self-serve, while supplies last).
Verified Oct 21 · San Diego County
Catch: RSVP on Eventbrite · Bring your own tools and containers for compost
Every day in November
USS Midway MuseumCentral San Diego
For Veterans Month, U.S. veterans and one guest get free same-day admission at the ticket booth all November.
Verified Oct 22 · USS Midway Museum
Catch: Bring proof of service (DD-214, VA card, retired military card) · Ticket booth only, not online
Thu, Oct 29, 5:00 PM
Conrad Prebys Concert Hall, UC San DiegoLa Jolla & North Coastal
New compositions get their world premiere at UC San Diego's Conrad Prebys Concert Hall.
Verified Oct 21 · UC San Diego Music
Catch: Free RSVP required at music.ucsd.edu/tickets
Thu, Oct 29, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
North Park Recreation CenterCentral San Diego
A free Halloween party with a costume contest, carnival games, jumpers, a game truck and a magic show.
Verified Oct 21 · City of San Diego
No catch
Mon, Nov 2, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Athenaeum Music & Arts LibraryLa Jolla & North Coastal
Violinist Julia Pautz and pianist Tina Chong play a free one-hour mini-concert at the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library. No tickets or reservations needed; seating is limited and first come, first served. Donations welcome.
Verified Oct 22 · ljathenaeum.org
No catch
Tue, Nov 3 · check hours
San Diego Natural History Museum, Balboa ParkCentral San Diego
Free admission at San Diego Natural History Museum on its Residents Free Tuesday, for San Diego city and county residents and active military.
Verified Oct 22 · Balboa Park
Catch: San Diego city/county residents and active military + dependents only; bring photo ID showing your address · Films not included
Tue, Nov 3 · check hours
Fleet Science Center, Balboa ParkCentral San Diego
Free admission at Fleet Science Center on its Residents Free Tuesday, for San Diego city and county residents and active military.
Verified Oct 22 · Balboa Park
Catch: San Diego city/county residents and active military + dependents only; bring photo ID showing your address · Films not included
Tue, Nov 3, 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Imperial Beach Library (Teen Room)South Bay
Feeding San Diego hands out free non-perishable food. No registration needed.
Verified Oct 22 · San Diego County Library
Catch: One package per family, while supplies last
Ongoing
Federal recreation sites (e.g. Cabrillo National Monument) or Recreation.govCountywide
Current military and dependents get a free annual America the Beautiful pass; veterans and Gold Star families get a free lifetime pass. Covers entrance fees at federal sites like Cabrillo National Monument.
Verified Oct 21 · National Park Service
Catch: Military, dependents, veterans or Gold Star families only · Show photo ID with the pass · Federal sites only, not state or city parks
Ongoing
San Diego County Library (Discover & Go)Countywide
San Diego County Library cardholders can reserve free day passes to the San Diego Zoo, the New Children's Museum, Museum of Us, San Diego Museum of Art, the San Diego County Fair, SDSU Athletics, Skateworld and more.
Verified Oct 21 · San Diego County Library
Catch: San Diego County Library card required (numbers start 01535) · Up to 2 reservations at a time; book up to 3 months ahead · Some attractions allow one pass per year; each sets how many people a pass admits · Photo ID must match the name on the pass
Ongoing
San Diego Zoo, Balboa ParkCentral San Diego
Active-duty service members get complimentary admission to the San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park. Bring your valid active-duty CAC card.
Verified Oct 22 · zoo.sandiegozoo.org
Catch: Active-duty military only, with a valid CAC card · Covers the service member only, not family
Ongoing
USS Midway MuseumCentral San Diego
Active-duty military with valid ID, reservists and kids 3 and under get into the USS Midway Museum free. Veterans pay a discounted $26.
Verified Oct 21 · USS Midway Museum
Catch: Active duty, reservists or kids 3 and under only; others in your group pay · Free guests get tickets at the booth on the day
Thu–Sat 11am–7pm, Sun 11am–5pm; free for all 2nd Sundays and 3rd Thursdays
Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, La JollaLa Jolla & North Coastal
MCASD La Jolla is free for everyone every second Sunday and third Thursday of the month. It's free every day for visitors 25 and under, military, SNAP/EBT cardholders and visitors with disabilities.
Verified Oct 22 · Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego
Catch: Others pay $25 outside the free days
Ongoing; hours vary by site
Multiple locations countywide
Free food distributions across the county, given to everyone without charge. Enter your zip code in the Find Food map to see distributions near you.
Verified Oct 21 · Feeding San Diego
No catch
