Harborfest Returns to Chula Vista

After a seven year absence Harborfest returns! With its mix of live music, Lucha Libre, classic cars, local food, artisan shopping, mermaids, environmental education and activities on the water, HarborFest offers a little bit of everything. Best of all, general admission is free.

HarborFest takes place Saturday, August 22, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Bayside Park, 999 Bayside Parkway in Chula Vista. Free nearby parking and shuttles are available, and visitors can also access the waterfront by trolley.

Whether you're looking for a family-friendly San Diego weekend activity, a new South Bay festival to explore, a waterfront food adventure or simply an excuse to spend the day by the bay, Chula Vista's HarborFest is shaping up to be one of August's best family events in San Diego.

Live Entertainment Brings the Bayfront to Life

Music and performances will be a major part of the HarborFest experience, with entertainment happening throughout the day.

The festival's Flagship Stage will provide live music and entertainment overlooking the water, while the Dockside Beats Latin Stage brings Latin-inspired performances and energy to the waterfront. The festival describes the musical lineup as ranging from yacht rock and Latin beats to high-energy dance, giving visitors plenty of opportunities to enjoy the music while exploring the festival.

HarborFest also brings plenty of action beyond the music stages. At Harbor Showdown, visitors can experience the excitement of Lucha Libre Mexican wrestling, while families can enjoy bounce houses and other activities.

Get Out on the Water

One of the things that makes HarborFest different from a typical summer festival is that the bay isn't simply the backdrop—it is part of the experience.

The Water Way offers visitors the opportunity to get active on the water with activities including:

• Kayaking

• Paddleboarding

• Water rollers

• Seal Tours

• Waterfront demonstrations and experiences

Chula Vista Water Sports will offer kayaking and paddleboarding opportunities, with equipment and instruction available for visitors of different ages and experience levels. The Seal Tour offers another way to experience the San Diego Bay, combining a guided land-and-water adventure with views of the waterfront and local marine life.

For families, Mermaids & Mariners Cove adds a little fantasy to the day with live mermaid performers, photo opportunities, glitter, hair braiding and marine-themed face painting.

Kids can also take part in the Harbor Explorer Treasure Hunt, exploring the festival's maritime village and collecting stamps in a Harbor Explorer Passport along the way.

Come Hungry: HarborFest Food Lineup

Food is definitely one of the highlights of this year's HarborFest, with a variety of vendors serving everything from tacos and Filipino favorites to Italian food, Cajun dishes, Brazilian bites and sweet treats.

Visitors can grab Tijuana-style tacos, quesatacos and mulitas from Frida's Tacos, while Big Boyz Tacos will serve Mexican favorites including tacos, quesadillas, mulitas and corn in a cup.

For something different, festivalgoers can try MJ's Bellychon Fry Basket for Filipino specialties like lechon, lumpia and loaded fries, or visit The Gumbo Pot for Cajun and Creole favorites including gumbo, jambalaya, red beans and rice, shrimp Creole and shrimp étouffée.

Other choices include:

• Giammarino Italian Specialties – arancini, fried ravioli, sausage sandwiches and cannolis

• Ms. Kim's Kitchen – teriyaki, yakisoba, pad thai, dumplings and boba

• MC's Kitchen – sliders, mac and cheese, cornbread and soul rolls

• Brazuca Bites – Brazilian croquettes and churro treats

• Mediterranean Delite – gyros, kebabs, pita sandwiches, Philly cheesesteaks and crab fries

• Bradmar/Chimi Chimi – Argentinian-inspired street food, including steak and choripan

• Chef Woods The Black Thai – Thai curries, fried rice, pad thai and curry fries

• Salt N Pepper Truck – gourmet melts, hoagies, loaded fries and hot dogs

  
  

And don't skip dessert. HarborFest's sweet offerings include Toro Churros and Donuts, Chubby's Cones, SoCal Frozen Mx raspados, Jingle Sprinkles shave ice, Chocolate Moonshine, Banana Mama's whipped banana puddingand more.

For those looking to cool down, there will also be fresh-squeezed lemonades, fruit beverages, milk teas, cold brews, matcha drinks and other refreshing options.

Waterfront Drinks and Tastes

Adults can make their HarborFest experience even more festive with the Waterfront Tap Garden, offering craft beer, cocktails, mocktails and lounge experiences alongside the Flagship Stage.

Over at the Golden Hour Wine & Spritz Garden, guests can enjoy chilled wines and sparkling spritzes near the Dockside Beats Latin Stage.

For those looking for a more elevated festival experience, the Tides & Tastes Pass provides shaded lounge seating, preferred viewing near the Flagship Stage, dedicated restrooms, private bar access, a chef-curated taco plate and two hosted beverages, including beer, wine or non-alcoholic options.

Classic Cars Meet the Waterfront

Car enthusiasts will want to make time for Ships of the Land – Classic Car Expo, where exotic and classic automobiles will be displayed alongside the shoreline.

The combination of polished classic cars, the marina and San Diego Bay should make this one of the festival's more photogenic areas—and a fun stop for anyone who enjoys cars or photography.

HarborFest 2026 at a Glance

What: Chula Vista HarborFest

When:Saturday, August 22, 2026

Time:10 a.m.–6 p.m.

Where:Bayside Park, 999 Bayside Parkway, Chula Vista, CA 91910

Admission:Free

Highlights:Live music, Lucha Libre, classic cars, food vendors, artisan market, mermaids, kayaking, paddleboarding, Seal Tours and family activities.

For the latest lineup, vendor information and event updates, visit the official Chula Vista HarborFest website.