Family friendly Pacific BeachFest, showcasing live music, a fish taco contest, a beach volleyball tournament and local shopping, returns Saturday, Oct. 3 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Stretching along the Pacific Beach boardwalk from Felspar Street to Grand Avenue, BeachFest brings together thousands of residents and visitors for a day of live music,
food, family activities, and fun.
During the event, streets will be closed to traffic west of Mission Boulevard so street parking outside of the festival will be limited. Pay attention to “no park signs.”
There will be extra bike parking, a ride share drop off and scooter parking at Thomas Avenue. Guests are encouraged to use alternative transportation to the event. There are also several paid parking lots nearby.
“Pacific BeachFest is more than a festival – it’s a celebration of our community, our culture and our beach,” said Sunny Lee, executive director of Discover Pacific Beach, the
community’s nonprofit business improvement district.
Events and areas at the fest include:
Fish Taco Contest
The people will decide the best fish taco as five restaurants provide samples for judging from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tickets for $20 include five tacos and are available the day of the event at the food court. The 2025 winner was Duck Dive.
Main Stage on Hornblend
- 9:30 a.m. DJ Betty Bangs
- 11 a.m. Paging the 90s
- 1:30 p.m. Rock of Ages
- 3:30 p.m. Fishing for Chips
- 5:30 p.m. The Sleepwalkers
Grand Avenue Stage
- 9 a.m. DJ Tony A
- 11:30 a.m. DJ Betty Bangs
- 2:30 p.m. DJ Brian Rose
- 5 p.m. TBD
Community Stage
- 9 a.m. Nancy & Nico
- 10 a.m. Tap Fever Studios
- 11a.m. Crown Point Jr. Music Academy
- 11:50 a.m. Old School Skaters
- 12:50 p.m. PBMS Concert, Orchestra & Jazz Band
- 2 p.m. The Hazards
- 3 p.m. MBHS Preservationists & Mambo Orchestra
- 4:45 p.m. Thriller San Diego
- 5:30 p.m. Shoreline Blues
Kids Action Alley
Youngsters will be kept busy with beachside rides as well as other free fun games and activities. The YMCA will fill the area with a climbing wall and more. Local schools and community groups from Pacific Beach will also offer goodies and activities.
Local shopping
Shop and browse over 60 arts and crafts displays and visit the many eclectic shops and
popular restaurants at the PB Merchant Sidewalk Sale. Many local businesses will have
booths. The Arts and crafts village is along Garnet Avenue and on the boardwalk between Felspar and Garnet.
Beach Volleyball Tournament
Returning to PB Beachfest, this popular tourney features fun challenges for extra
points with prizes up for grabs for winning teams and the best costumes. All levels welcome for this co-ed event. Register at Volo.
Pacific Beach Half and 5K Runs
Saturrday, 7:30 a.m – Pacific Beach 5K – Early Wave
9 a.m. – Pacific Beach 5K – Main Wave
10:15 a.m. –Pacific Beach Kids 1K
Sunday, Oct. 4
6:30 a.m. – Pacific Beach Half Marathon
For more information, a schedule of entertainment, or to learn how to participate, see
Pacific Beach Fest.
