Beach and bay-area events, Oct. 1 through Oct. 23:

• SATURDAY, Oct. 1 Pacific BeachFest will be held on Saturday, Oct. 1 on the boardwalk from Diamond Street to Thomas Street. The public is invited to enjoy this free, family-friendly outdoor celebration of the beach between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Get your fill of beach volleyball, music, food, fine arts and crafts, fireworks and other activities This event has something for everyone, rides for the kids, shopping for adults, fish tacos from the best at the beach, a radical beach volleyball competition and a fireworks display that the whole family can enjoy together. For more information, visit www.pacificbeachfest.org-pbfest/index.htm. • WEEKENDS, Beginning Oct. 1-2 SeaWorld San Diego launches its “Halloween Spooktacular,” in which children can meet some spooky and not-so-spooky animals, pose for pictures with mesmerizing mermaids and trick-or-treat in a sea-inspired atmosphere. Festivities are geared for kids 12 years and under, who are invited to come in costume and enjoy animal meet-and-greets, special Halloween shows and colorful costumed characters from 1 to 6 p.m. “Halloween Spooktacular” is included with park admission. For more information, call (800) 25-SHAMU or visit www.seaworldsandiego.com. • FRIDAY, Oct. 7 San Diego Rowing Club, one of the oldest rowing clubs in the United States whose mission is to promote the sport of rowing to San Diego area youth is hosting an Argentina-themed Pampas Party on the “plains” of the beautiful Garty Pavilion in Mission Beach. The event kicks off the organization’s fall fundraising campaign. The event will begin with a cocktail hour at 5 p.m., and will feature a variety of Malbec wines, Argentinian cheeses and a three-course dinner catered by the Pampas Argentine Grill of San Diego. It will also feature a 50/50 raffle, “musica” from the Pampas region, a tango dancer and more. The cost is $75 per person. Proceeds go toward upgrading the Rowing Club’s fleet of shells and for new oars for the Juniors program. A portion of the ticket price ($50) is tax deductible. For more information, call (858) 488-1893, or visit www.sandiegorowing.org. • Oct. 7-9 The 16th annual Polish Festival kicks off in Pacific Beach for three days at St. Maximillian Kolbe Polish Mission in a tribute to the Polish heritage, pride as American citizens and San Diegans, and an expression of the legendary Polish hospitality. During the festival, there will be performances of Polish folk dances and various bands. There will also be street dancing with live music, Polish food and imported Polish beer. Polish souvenirs, T-shirts, jewelry, traditional Polish souvenirs, national ornaments, and arts and crafts will be sold. The festival takes place on Friday, Oct. 7 from 5 to 10 p.m. (21 and over only), Saturday, Oct. 8 from noon to 11 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 9 from noon to 6 p.m. at the mission, 1735 Grand Ave. For more information, visit www.polishmis-sion.org/festival/index.php. • SATURDAY, Oct. 15 The National Psoriasis Foundation will host its annual Walk to Cure Psoriasis in San Diego at Mission Bay Park’s Crown Point, located at 1799 Moorland Drive). The event will raise funds for the foundation’s research, education and advocacy programs. Free registration takes place at 8 a.m. with the walk beginning at 9 a.m. To register or for more information, visit walk.psoriasis.org/sd-walk or call (877) 825.WALK. • SUNDAY, Oct. 23 Stop Diabetes® will host “Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes” at De Anza Cove on Mission Bay. The event, which is expected to draw more than 1,500 participants, is a one-day signature fundraising walk benefiting the American Diabetes Association. Every dollar raised plays a role in preventing and curing diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. For more information, to register or to volunteer, call (888) DIABETES, or visit www.diabetes.org/stepoutsandiego.