San Diego Union-Tribune (Sunday)
Restaurant week, fall fun and other great events to usher in the season
Fall is officially under way and there are lots of fun activities on the calendar this week to help kick off the season.
San Diego Restaurant Week makes tasty return
Foodies, you’ll want to save your appetite for this one. Restaurant Week is returning for its second biannual run, with more than 100 restaurants serving up prixfixe dining options.
The eight-day event will run from today through Oct. 8. Restaurants from the South Bay to East County to the far reaches of northern Oceanside and Fallbrook are participating, offering meals and three-course dining experiences starting at $20.
Restaurant Week is a great way to experience the diverse food scene in the region, with options for every palate. Tickets aren’t required but reservations are recommended.
Many of the participating restaurants offer patio seating and/or curbside siding, so you can enjoy your meal in the San Diego sunshine or under the stars.
Visit sandiegorestaurantweek.com/restaurants.
Spooky season starts at Belmont with Fall Fest
Belmont Park is kick starting its spooky festivities with the Beachside Fall Fest taking place now through Oct. 31.
Ghouls, goblins, friends and families can join in on the fall spirit at Mr. Jack O Lantern’s Pumpkin Patch and other fun installations. Free trick-or-treating will happen every Sunday in October, and live music performances and a beer garden are expected every Friday night.
Specialty treats, attractions and other fun seasonal happenings will set the fall mood.
Annual passes to Belmont Park start at $120. Prices for day passes and ticket bundles vary by guests’ height and ticket quantity.
Visit belmontpark.com.
Cool down with your pup at ice cream social
The dog days of summer might be over but the fun is just starting at the Lafayette Hotel. On Monday, Sept. 26, the hotel’s restaurant Hope 46 will have happy hour specials all day for you and your pup.
All dogs are welcome at the pet-friendly restaurant. In fact, they’re encouraged to show up dressed up in costumes.
A special pup menu featuring ice cream and $6 drinks for their owners, plus other goodies for both humans and canine companions will be available.
The Lafayette Hotel is at 2223 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego.
Visit lafayettehotelsd.com.
Padres face Dodgers in three-game series
The San Diego Padres are set to play against the Los Angeles Dodgers in a three game-series this week, from Tuesday to Thursday.
All games start at 6:40 p.m. At the ball game, you’ll be able to sip and munch on some local favorites including tri-tip nachos from Seaside Market, burgers from Hodad’s and ice cream served in a plastic, reusable capshaped cup stamped with the Padres logo.
As far as transportation goes, your best bets are paying for prepaid parking on the Padres website or taking public transportation like the trolley, Coaster, bus or a ride-share service to the ballpark to avoid traffic.
Tickets start at $40 and can be purchased on Ticketmaster.
Oktoberfest celebration happening today in Encinitas
A free family-oriented Oktoberfest hosted by the Encinitas Chamber of Commerce is taking place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. today along Mountain Vista Drive, between Wandering Road and Rambling Road.
The festival will feature a parade at noon, as well as live entertainment including Bavarian music and dance troupes, German food and beer, international refreshments, two beer gardens and local artisan products.
Attendees will also enjoy a family fun zone, carnival rides, games and a street craft fair with more than 175 local vendors.
Visit encinitasoktoberfest.com.