Encinitas turns 40 on Saturday, Oct. 3, with a full day of free, 1980s-themed events stretching from Moonlight Beach to Pacific View Arts Center.

The celebration marks four decades since voters in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, Leucadia, Olivenhain, Old Encinitas and New Encinitas chose to incorporate as one city. The vote passed with 69.3% approval on Oct. 1, 1986.

The day starts early. A sandcastle exhibition opens at 8 a.m. at Moonlight Beach, 400 W. C St., and runs until 4 p.m. By mid-morning, four venues are running at once:

• Cardiff 101 Farmers Market (3333 Manchester Ave., Cardiff), 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: anniversary tote bags, event maps and a prize for the best 1980s outfit.
• Encinitas Historical Society and 1883 Schoolhouse (390 W. F St.), 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: exhibits on the five communities and the incorporation process, oral histories from current and former mayors, 19th-century children's games, video documentaries and a communal mural.
• Pacific View Arts Center (380 W. F St.), 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: screen printing of the official 40th anniversary logo onto canvas bags, while supplies last.

The afternoon shifts into higher gear at Pacific View. A chalk art party runs from noon to 3:30 p.m., with a professional chalk artist guiding participants. An 1980s line dance extravaganza follows from 2:30 to 4 p.m.

The evening belongs to Moonlight Beach. A 360-degree video booth stocked with 1980s props opens at 3:30 p.m. San Diego 1980s tribute band BETAMAXX takes the stage at 4 p.m. for a two-hour set covering Michael Jackson, Madonna, New Order and Def Leppard. The night caps off with an outdoor screening of "Back to the Future" at 6:30 p.m. The city encourages beachgoers to bring blankets or low-back chairs.

The North Coast Current first reported the full event lineup. The city's official event page lists the complete schedule and encourages attendees to wear 1980s attire.

The anniversary logo adorning the celebration was designed by Sloane Donnelly, a junior at San Dieguito Academy and lifelong Cardiff resident. Donnelly won a city arts commission contest, chosen from four finalist designs, with a stick-figure surfer she called "the better version of the Cardiff Kook." "Everyone is so in the moment and laid back," Donnelly told The Coast News on Sept. 30.

All events are free. No registration is required.

Coming up: The Olivenhain Oktoberfest is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 4, and the 13th annual Encinitas Día de los Muertos celebration takes place Sunday, Oct. 25.