Live music, local artisans, and taco tasting at Pacific BeachFest

PACIFIC BEACH – Pacific BeachFest, a signature event featuring live music, a fish taco contest, a beach volleyball tournament, and more, returns for its 26th year on Saturday, Oct. 4 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Stretching along the iconic Pacific Beach boardwalk from Felspar Street to Grand Avenue, BeachFest brings together thousands of residents and visitors for a full day of live music, food, family activities, and free beachside fun.

This year’s celebration is held in honor of Earl and Birdie Taylor, for whom PB’s library is named, whose legacy of community giving continues to uplift the beach community. Event admission is free and open to the public.

“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. “We’re especially excited again this year to honor Earl and Birdie Taylor, showcase incredible music, highlight our famous Fish Taco Contest, and host fans for the SDFC watch party at the beach.”

Discover PB, the nonprofit business improvement district, is dedicated to revitalizing and promoting the beach community through events, beautification, and business support. Discover PB works to create a thriving, connected, and welcoming environment for all residents and visitors.

Pacific BeachFest is made possible thanks to the support of sponsors, including Airbnb, San Diego Mojo, San Diego FC, and San Diego Running Co. 

“Their partnership helps us bring this free community celebration to life,” said Lee.

For more information, a schedule of entertainment, or to learn how to participate, visit pacificbeachfest.org.

Pacific BeachFest

• Live music: Main Stage – 9:30 a.m. DJ Betty Bangs, 11 a.m. Rock of Ages, 1:30 p.m. Paging the 90s, 3:30 p.m. Fishing for Chips, 5:30 p.m. B-Side Players. 
  Beer Garden Stage – 3:30 p.m. Daniel Joseph, 5:30 p.m. SDFC watch party.  
  Community Stage – 9 a.m. Hailey Sage, 10 a.m. Danielle Angeloni, 11 a.m. Crown Point Jr. Music Academy, noon Old School Skaters, 1 p.m. PBMS Concert, Orchestra and Jazz Band, 2 p.m. Straight up Whatever, 3 p.m. MBS Preservationists and Mambo Orchestra, 4:45 p.m. Thriller San Diego, 5:30 p.m. Shoreline Blues. 
• Fish Taco Contest, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Some of San Diego’s top restaurants compete for the title of “Best of the Beach Fish Taco.” Guests can purchase tasting tickets to eat and vote for their favorites.
• Kids Action Alley: Family-friendly games, rides, and interactive activities designed for children of all ages.
• Vendors, local artisans: Stroll through dozens of booths featuring unique crafts, beachwear, and community organizations.
• Beach competitions: Watch or take part in athletic events, from volleyball tournaments from Volo to a sand soccer tournament by SDFC, a half-marathon, and a 5K by San Diego Running Co. 
• Beer garden and beverage oasis: Sip on local craft beer, cocktails, and refreshing beverages while enjoying DJs leading up to a San Diego FC watch party. Catch all the action of the SDFC match live on the big screen in the beer garden starting at 5:30 p.m., a new BeachFest tradition bringing soccer fans together at the beach.