Few events celebrate the spirit of Pacific Beach quite like Pacific BeachFest. Taking place on Saturday, October 5, this free event will feature sports, live music, food and drinks, a children’s area, concessions and more.
“Whether you’ve been to Pacific BeachFest before or not, you’ll experience an event that highlights the personality of PB and the fun, fitness and family that make up our town,” said Sunny Lee, executive director of Discover PB.
“You won’t want to miss the bands, the tacos and the community interaction,” she said.
Discover PB is the local business improvement district and is hosting the event.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of Pacific BeachFest, and event organizers say the event is held in honor of Earl and Birdie Taylor, whose contributions to shaping the Pacific Beach community were huge.
The Taylors moved to Pacific Beach in 1923 and have contributed to the community for generations. They invested in the development of Crystal Pier, which opened on July 4, 1927. The Pacific Beach Library is named after them as the Earl and Birdie Taylor Library.
The couple’s grandson, Ron Taylor, continues to support local businesses and entrepreneurs, Lee said.
This panoramic photo from Pacific BeachFest shows vendors and crowds with the iconic Crystal Pier in the background. (Courtesy of Discover PB)
“Everything will be even bigger for the 25th anniversary. It will be a much bigger party than ever before, with official merchandise and lots of fun energy,” Lee said.
Two sporting events will be held during the day: the Volo 4Sum Social Volleyball Tournament, running from 9am to 4pm (registration closes October 1st) and the PB 5K/Half Marathon (still accepting all participants, but race day entry fees are only $65 for the 5K and $35 for children).
The half marathon will start at 6:15 a.m. in the De Anza Cove parking lot. The early 5K start will be at 6:45 a.m. on the beach at 700 Thomas Ave., and the main 5K start will be at the same location at 10 a.m. There will also be a Kids 1K on the beach at 11:15 a.m.
Entry fees the day before the race are $140.67 for the half marathon, $55.08 for the 5K and $34.75 for the kids’ 1K.
Registration for the volleyball tournament and various runs can be found at pacificbeachfest.org/activities .
“We’re really excited to start the event earlier this year as we want to capture the energy of the athletes performing earlier in the day,” Lee said.
Another contest for locals to enjoy is the 15th annual “Best of the Beach” Fish Taco Challenge.
“For $12, guests will get one fish taco sample from each of five local eateries and can vote,” Lee said, noting the event will run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The taco winner will be announced on the main stage at 5:15 p.m.
The Taste of PB food court on Hornblend Street serves up a variety of cuisines, while the BeachFest bar/beer garden on Grand Avenue is sure to quench your thirst with local favorites Bay City Brewing and Mate Maker Kombucha.
Live music will take place across three stages: The event will be headlined by Roots Covenant on the Hornblend Main Stage, with special guest Brinsley Aswad Ford performing to close out the night.
This year’s Pacific BeachFest will feature performances on three stages and plenty of musical entertainment. (Courtesy of Bradley Schweit/Discover PB)
Throughout the day, the Mavericks Stage and Main Stage in the Beer Garden will feature some of the city’s hottest bands, while the Community Stage on Feldspar Street will showcase local performances.
Performances on the main stage will begin with DJ Betty Bunz at 9:30 a.m., followed by Rock of Ages at noon, Paging the 90s at 3 p.m. and Roots Covenant at 5:30 p.m.
The Beer Garden Stage will feature Rock of Ages at 9 a.m., Orchard at 11:30 a.m., Alto Buzz at 2 p.m. and Russ Boulevard at 4:45 p.m.
The Community Stage will showcase local talent, starting with Crown Point Junior Music Academy at 11 a.m., followed by Old School Skaters at noon, Pacific Beach Middle School at 1 p.m., Emmy Jones Band at 2 p.m., Mission Bay High School Preservations and Mambo Orchestra at 3 p.m., Thriller San Diego at 4:45 p.m. and JT and the Contraptions at 5:30 p.m.
The Kids Action Area offers beachside fun for little ones, including games, arts and crafts, a rock wall and more.
Pacific Beach community groups will be providing activities and giveaways for all participants.
Visitors can shop local at the Boardwalk’s PB Merchant Sidewalk Sale, as well as enjoy items from the many vendors at the Boardwalk and Garnet Arts & Crafts Village.
“Last year about 30,000 people participated and this year we expect it to reach 50,000,” Lee said.
Do you want to go?
Pacific Beach Fest
Date and time: Saturday, October 5th, 9am to 7pm.
Location: Along the Pacific Beach Boardwalk, from Feldspar Street to Thomas Avenue.
Cost: Entry is free, but some activities incur fees.
More information: pacificbeachfest.org or call 858-273-3303.
Good to know: Mission Boulevard will be closed to traffic west. Additional bike parking, rideshare drop-off areas, and Bird scooter parking are available on Thomas Avenue. Paid parking is available nearby. Dogs are not allowed per city parks code.
