Fall Art, Wine, Food, Garden, Design and Home Events in San Diego

Nopalito Farm & Hopyard. Photo by Gary Payne.

OCTOBER

I’m going to be shopping for plant sales that are abundant in October—just in time for fall sowing. I’ll be checking: The San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas for its Fall Plant Sale (Oct. 19-20) and Cactus and Succulent Show (Oct. 26-27), and Balboa Park for the Fall California Native Plant sale (Oct. 12) and the local Orchid Society show and sale (Oct. 26-27) both at Casa del Prado. —Katie Mullin

Now in its 10th year, the Green Homes Tour on Oct. 19-20 showcases innovative uses of eco-friendly home construction in the county. We’re big fans of green buildings, and love this opportunity to peek into actual, living examples of some of the environmentally friendly materials, green tech and other features inside our neighbor’s homes. —Julia Evans

The Latin American Art Fair descends upon Barrio Logan’s amazing Bread & Salt arts and events space on Oct. 12-13, featuring art and sculpture by over a hundred artists from Mexico, Central and South America, as well as showcases music and food from the region. There’s an opening night VIP party on the 11th. —Julia Evans

The La Jolla Art and Wine Festival runs Oct. 12-13 with a silent auction, kid-friendly activities, live music, lots of wine and it’s pet-friendly! Besides, the featured artist, Carolyn Johnson makes incredible designs on used surfboards using a marbled resin technique and that is beyond cool. —Julia Evans

Saturday Oct. 12 marks the 7th annual San Diego Modern Home Tour, which is a partnership of Modern Architecture + Design Society and San Diego Architectural Foundation. It’s a great chance to tour homes in Banker’s Hill, Sunset Cliffs, La Jolla, Encinitas, Pacific Beach and Bay Park and get to know local designers, architects and homeowners interested in modern design. —Julia Evans

Art San Diego takes over the Convention Center (plus affiliated events at area galleries like the Athenaeum) Oct. 10-13 and features contemporary and modern art, programming like talks, craft projects and live art, film screenings and more.

The third annual Valle Food and Wine Fest takes place Oct. 5 at Javier Plascencia’s stunning Finca Altozano restaurant in Baja’s wine country, just a short drive from the border. A whole host of celebrity chefs will be there with tasting stations, wine, beer, entertainment and more. If you haven’t been to Valle de Guadalupe yet, go. —Julia Evans

SEPTEMBER

There are two pumpkin days at Stehly Farms coming up, on Sept. 29 and Oct. 6, with food trucks and the works. Pumpkin patches are way better than getting your pumpkins at the store, and this patch is an organic one! —Phoebe von Reis

I might take a peek at San Diego Bonsai Club’s Fall Show/Sale and Demonstrations. Who knows? I may start up a new hobby and create a miniature version of a hobbit scene for my kids. The free event is held Sept. 29 and 30 at Casa del Prado, Room 101, in Balboa Park. —Katie Mullin

I’m looking forward to visiting great gardens on Sept. 28 during the Master Gardener Association of San Diego County’s Fall Garden Tour. The gardens will feature educational displays, and I’m always eager to learn anything new. —Katie Mullin

Farm to Fork Week is Sept. 8-15 and celebrates restaurants, farms, bars, brewers, wineries and more that prioritize sustainable and local farming and culinary practices. It’s chock full of events and special menus. Find our preview here. —Julia Evans