📰 WEEKLY PREVIEW |
* Top Stories: Craft Beer in Escondido |
Trivia Question❓What major San Diego County water reservoir, completed in 1895, sits within the city limits of Escondido and was one of the first large dams built in California? Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
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Something Fun is a one-of-a-kind boutique stocked with handcrafted and unique goods from local artists, makers, and specialty vendors. Whether you're shopping for yourself or hunting for the perfect gift, there's always something new to discover — fresh items arrive every single day. From whimsical figurines and plushies to candy, chocolate, and seasonal finds like Halloween items, Something Fun truly has a little something for everyone. It's the kind of shop that makes browsing a joy all on its own. Stop by their boutique at 416 E. Grand Ave (near S. Ivy Street) and see what catches your eye. You can also browse and shop online anytime at their website. |
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Escondido's craft-beer scene offers several ways to discover a neighborhood business and meet friends close to home. Escondido Social Taproom, at 132 North Kalmia Street, announced its October 9 opening with a focus on craft beers, boutique wines, and a relaxed gathering space. Founders Matthew Holden and Aldo Barboza bring local industry experience, while the rotating menu gives visitors a reason to check what is available before arriving.
At Backyard Brewery, 2229 Micro Place, Bill Carter turned years of homebrewing into a business that opened in 2022. Its official introduction highlights IPAs, Belgian-style ales, a blonde, and a stout, along with a connection to Wild West Home Brew Supply. Barley & Sword's The Tavern, at 800 West Grand Avenue, adds another local option; remember that its North Park location has separate listings.
Burgeon's The Oasis, at 649 Rock Springs Road, rounds out this four-stop introduction. Pick one venue that suits your group rather than feeling you need to visit them all. Check current hours, food availability, beverage choices, and age policies directly with the business, and arrange a safe ride if drinking. The full guide includes official business links and practical questions to help you plan a comfortable visit. Read More... |
Gather on Grand brings a free day of music, shopping, food, and family activity to downtown Escondido on Sunday, October 25, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Escondido Downtown Business Association lists arts and crafts vendors, handmade goods, local businesses, and live entertainment along Grand Avenue. Visitors can come for a short stroll or build a longer outing around the activities that interest them most.
The festival's entertainment guide lists a main stage at Broadway and a community stage at Maple Street, with scheduled main-stage performers including Virginia James, Jonny Tarr, and Mohavisoul. Another highlight is Art in the Garden, the juried art show at Heritage Garden near Juniper Street and Grand Avenue. It offers a chance to meet artists, learn about their work, and browse pieces directly from their creators.
Admission is free, while food, beverages, and purchases are separate. The association says free parking is available around downtown and in many city lots; check posted restrictions before leaving your vehicle. Wear comfortable shoes, bring water, and choose a meeting point if your group splits up. Check the organizer's latest event and performance listings before heading out, since schedules can change. Our full guide includes the official links and suggestions for planning your visit. Read More... |
Queen Califia's Magical Circle hosts a free Family Creativity Day on Saturday, October 24, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Kit Carson Park, 3333 Bear Valley Parkway. The gate opens at 9 a.m., and scheduled activities begin at 10 a.m. The event is part of the city's celebration of the sculpture garden's 23rd anniversary and gives families a local option for hands-on fun.
The schedule includes Native Crafts with UNCI, Inc. from 10 a.m. to noon, followed by CoLab Crafts from noon to 2 p.m.; Visit Escondido describes the afternoon project as macaroni mosaics. Sophie Rae provides acoustic music from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visitors can also see Fiber Expressions, the community knitting and crochet installation listed through October 24.
Created by Niki de Saint Phalle, the garden includes nine large sculptures, a snake wall, and a maze-like entry, with colorful mosaics throughout the setting. Choose the craft window that interests your family, bring water and comfortable shoes, and allow time to reach the garden inside the park. Check current organizer updates before leaving. Visit Escondido invites an RSVP for a chance to win a surprise bundle. The full story includes official program, venue, and RSVP links. Read More... |
Gather on Grand - A New Fall Escondido Tradition |
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Get ready for a fantastic day on Grand Avenue in historic downtown Escondido! Gather on Grand is a free, all-ages street festival celebrating community, creativity, and the region's rich agricultural heritage. This year's event features live music on multiple stages with seven performances throughout the day, hundreds of vendors offering handcrafted goods and international cuisine, and the Art in the Garden juried art show at Heritage Garden Park. Families will love the interactive kids' crafts and free hands-on art activities. Come stroll, shop, listen, and soak in the seasonal fall spirit with your neighbors! |
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Boo Bash Escondido: San Diego's New 100,000-Square-Foot Pumpkin Patch |
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Get ready for fall fun at Boo Bash Escondido, San Diego's newest 100,000-square-foot pumpkin patch making its California debut at Mershops North County Mall! This six-week seasonal festival features five distinct zones packed with attractions for all ages, including an immersive pumpkin patch, a 60-foot pumpkin bounce pad, petting zoo, gemstone panning, inflatables, face painting, carnival games, and so much more. Guests can also shop local food and retail vendors, enjoy live music every Friday and Saturday night, catch select movie nights, and take in rotating family entertainment throughout the season. Tickets start at just $5, making it an affordable outing for the whole family. Boo Bash runs Thursdays through Sundays — and daily closer to Halloween — from September 18 through November 1, 2026. Don't miss this spectacular fall celebration in Escondido! |
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📚 Escondido Public Library Events:
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New Business 🌿 Quarry Escondido: a local landmark gets a second life |
What's Trending? Escondido Buzz: Five Ways to Enjoy Fall this October!Escondido’s fall calendar offers cheerful outings for families and visitors after Thursday’s newsletter arrives. These five upcoming highlights bring together creativity, discovery, seasonal fun, and outdoor entertainment—all at Escondido locations.
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Local Shout-outs, Heroes, Causes, Fundraisers, Volunteer Opportunities
🌟 Local Shoutouts
🎉 Local Heroes
🌱 Local Causes
❤️ Fundraisers
🤝 Volunteer Opportunities
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If you apply to adopt, please let the Humane Society know that you saw the listing in The Escondido Buzz Newsletter! |
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💡 Answer to Trivia Question: Lake Wohlford (originally Escondido Dam / Escondido Reservoir) |
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Warmly, Charles Sisk Editor |