While our ocean-side streets may not be filled with autumn leaves, we San Diegans sense a change in season by a slight temperature slump balanced by increasing events across the county.

The new fall season brings about a slew of new events in San Diego - from Oktoberfest celebrations to community festivals and haunted houses gone haywire. Check out the top ten fall events in San Diego.

Party Alert: Locals abundant with spirit should leave this list to the parentals and discover the Top Ten Halloween Parties in San Diego.

Oktoberfest in El Cajon
Catch the second weekend of the El Cajon Oktoberfest October 10-12th for German entertainment, food, drink, arts and crafts. Visit the German-American Society for more information.

Sheraton Oktoberfest
On October 18th, the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina is throwing its own Oktoberfest, complete with homemade brats, authentic German beers from Paulaner Munchen, and the best of live German entertainment.

Haunted Birch Aquarium
The La Jolla Birch Aquarium at Scripps always frightens for fall. From October 24-26th, take a journey down the spirited pumpkin patch, visit the haunted Hall of Fishes - home to wolf eels, moon jellies and more, and brew up some fun with water games and interactive arts and crafts. Tickets are $12 for members. Get more information here.

The Boulevard BOO! Parade and Carnival
On Saturday, October 25th, this family-friendly spooktacular event will feature a Halloween themed parade down El Cajon Boulevard near San Diego State University at 11am, followed by the BOO! Carnival from 12 to 6pm at Clay Park. Bring the whole family for carnival games, rides, live entertainment by Eve Selis, local dance groups, vendor booths, a kids costume contest, and a haunted beer garden for the parents. Get more information here.

The Haunted Hotel
The official San Diego Haunted Hotel in the Gaslamp Quarter is where horror films come to life. From September 26th to November 1st, head to the corner of 4th and Market, and prepare to be petrified. Tickets are $14.99. Get more information and buy tickets here.

The Haunted Trail
Balboa Park embraces its dark and mysterious natural landscape with The Haunted Trail, running from September 26th to November 1st. This guided tour of terror is definitely no walk in the park. Find the Balboa Park Haunted Trail at Marston Point, just east of 6th and Juniper. Tickets are $14.99. Get more info and buy tickets here.

Scream Zone
The Del Mar Fairgrounds presents a labyrinth of blood-curdling entertainment at Scream Zone. From September 26th to November 1st, find your way through the House of Horror, dare to take your turn on the Haunted Hayride, and twist and turn through The Chamber maze, featuring the longest spinning Tunnel of Terror in San Diego. Tickets are $14.99. Get more information and buy tickets here.

The Whaley House
This famous haunted house in Old Town is the oldest brick building in Southern California, known as the Thomas Whaley family's mansion. In modern day Old Town San Diego, the Whaley House is known to still be home to old Thomas the ghost as well as the ghosts of his wife, daughters, and daughter's friend. Visit the Whaley House for special Halloween Ghost Tours from October 24th to October 31st. Tickets start at $6 per person. Get more information here.

Monster Manor
This famous Mira Mesa haunted house is rumored to have been inhabited by the Ghastley family, a family plagued by many curses since coming to America from the English Moors. Today, this home is known as Monster Manor, but little else is known for sure about the apparitions and mysterious inside. Tickets start at $5 per person. Get more information here.

Knott's Scary Farm
The 36 annual Halloween Haunt is reason enough to finally take the short trip to Knott's Berry Farm. From September 25 to October 30, select days off, walk-in and freak-out with 13 horrifying mazes and 7 electrifying shows, such as the Black Widow's Cavern for kids and Welcome to Sinster Lost Vegas, Nevadead for teens. Tickets start at $47.99 per person. Get more information and tickets here. (pictured)

Insider Tip: In between haunted houses and fear festivals, make sure to make a trip to Bates Nut Farm. Founded in 1921, this family-owned pumpkin patch is our favorite stop for pumpkin perusing and farm fun. After you pick your pumpkin, enjoy the hayrides and pony rides, as well as carnival games, balloons, face painting and more. Get updated hours, events and information here.

Now discover the top ten San Diego costume stores.