Few events celebrate the spirit of Pacific Beach as well as Pacific Beachfest, with the free event on Saturday, Oct. 5 offering sports, live music, food and drink, a kid’s area, vendors and more.
“Whether you have or haven’t been to Pacific Beachfest, you can expect to experience an event that highlights the personality of PB and the fun, fitness and family that make up our town,” said Sunny Lee, Discover PB’s executive director.
“You won’t want to miss out on the bands, the tacos or connecting with the community,” she said.
Discover PB is the community’s business improvement district and it hosts the event.
This year is Pacific Beachfest’s 25th anniversary, so the event is being presented in honor of Earl and Birdie Taylor, whose contributions helped shape the Pacific Beach community, according to event organizers.
The Taylors moved to Pacific Beach in 1923 and remained dedicated to the community for generations. They invested in developing the Crystal Pier, which opened on July 4, 1927, and the Pacific Beach Library has been dubbed the Earl and Birdie Taylor Library after the couple.
The couple’s grandson, Ron Taylor, continues to support local businesses and entrepreneurs, according to Lee.
“Everything is going to be bigger for our 25th — it will be a much bigger party than in the past, with official merchandise and a lot of fun energy,” Lee said.
Two sports events take place during the day — the Volo 4Sum Social Volleyball Tournament from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (registration closes on Oct. 1) and the PB 5K/Half Marathon (still accepting registrants for all, but day-of-race is only 5K entries for $65 and kids entries for $35).
The Half Marathon starts at 6:15 a.m. at the De Anza Cove parking lot; the 5K early wave at 6:45 a.m. on the beach at 700 Thomas Ave. and the 5K main wave at the same location at 10 a.m. There will also be a Kids 1K at 11:15 a.m. on the beach.
Before race day, entry fees are $140.67 for the half marathon, $55.08 for the 5K and $34.75 for the Kids 1K.
Register for the volleyball tournament or the various runs at pacificbeachfest.org/activities.
“We are really excited to start the event early this year, because we want to capture the energy from the athletes performing earlier in the day,” Lee said.
Another contest locals can enjoy is the 15th annual “Best of the Beach” Fish Taco Challenge.
“For $12, guests can get a sample of each of the fish tacos from our five local eateries and get to vote,” said Lee, noting the event takes place between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
The taco winner will be announced at 5:15 p.m. from the Main Stage.
A wide array of cuisines will be offered at the Taste of PB Food Court on Hornblend Street, and thirsts can be quenched at the BeachFest Bar/Beer Garden on Grand Avenue, where local favorites Bay City Brewing and Mate Maker Kombucha can be found.
Live music will take place on three stages. The event is headlined by Roots Covenant, with special guest Brinsley Aswad Forde, at the Main Stage on Hornblend, ending the evening.
Throughout the day, some of the hottest bands in town will perform at the Mavericks Stage in the beer garden, as well as the Main Stage. The Community Stage on Felspar Street will feature local performances.
Performances on the Main Stage begin at 9:30 a.m. with DJ Betty Bangs. It also includes 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., Orchards at 11:30 a.m., Alt Buzz at 2 p.m. and Russ Blvd at 4:45 p.m.
The Community Stage will showcase local talent, starting with the Crown Point Junior Music Academy at 11 a.m., followed by the Old School Skaters at noon, Pacific Beach Middle School at 1 p.m., Emmy Jones Band at 2 p.m., the Mission Bay High School Preservations and Mambo Orchestra at 3 p.m., Thriller San Diego at 4:45 p.m. and concluding with JT and the Contraptions at 5:30 p.m.
A Kids Action Area will feature beachside fun for the younger set, with games, arts and crafts, a rock wall and more.
Pacific Beach community groups will provide activities and giveaways for all attendees.
Visitors can shop locally at the PB Merchant Sidewalk Sale on the Boardwalk, as well as enjoy options from a number of vendors at the Arts and Craft Village on the Boardwalk and Garnet.
“Last year, about 30,000 people attended; we are expecting up to 50,000 this year, Lee said.
Want to go?
Pacific Beachfest
When: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5.
Where: Along the Pacific Beach Boardwalk, between Felspar Street to Thomas Avenue.
Cost: Admission is free, but some activities have a fee.
Details: pacificbeachfest.org or call 858-273-3303
Good to know: Streets will be closed off to traffic west of Mission Boulevard. There will be extra bike parking, rideshare drop off and Bird scooter parking at Thomas Avenue. Pay parking lots are nearby. No dogs allowed due to city park laws.