Don’t Miss This Epic Beach Day Party!
San Diego offers the simplest of life’s satisfactions—and great fall weather is on top of that list. With endless beach options across the city along with the best outdoor activities, locals get the unique opportunity to enjoy them all in one place the first weekend in October. Pacific Beachfest is celebrating its 10th year; it’s a day packed with the best food, drinks and fun the city has to offer. Live music, local shopping, epic volleyball tournaments and taco tastings will be just some of the events that will take over the boardwalk on the buzziest beachfront in the city on Oct. 7 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Here are five reasons why we’re excited to kick off a SoCal October at Pacific Beachfest!
1 | Volo 4 Sum Volleyball Tournament
Ever seen a superhero spike on their opponents? What about a group of bananas? Now is your chance. Smack dab on the sand, next to the Pacific Beach Pier, will be the fifth annual Volo 4 Sum Volleyball Tournament, where teams go head-to-head while dressed in outrageous costumes. Volo Sports San Diego is known for hosting recreational sports leagues across the city all year long, providing a fun way to get active and meet new people.
Their 4 Sum Volleyball Tournament only comes once a year, and players of all skill levels are welcome! Sign up for super social, intermediate or competitive teams in sizes of 2v2, 4v4 or 6v6. If you aren’t entirely confident in your ball-handling skills, there’s prizes for more than just taking the trophy, including the award for best-dressed participant. Celebrate the start of spooky season and get competitive in your most clever costume or simply cheer from the sidelines at this rowdy event!
2 | Best of the Beach Fish Taco Contest
The question that divides San Diegans everywhere now gets a final say: who’s got the best fish taco this side of the border? It’s time to make your voice heard at the Best of the Beach Fish Taco Contest, where five local restaurants will be providing fish taco samples from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m, and we (the people) get to decide who’s crowned champion. It’s the tastiest vote you’ll have in this lifetime, and tickets are only $12 to participate. Sandbar Sportsbar & Grill in Mission Beach took the crown last year, but there are many fish (tacos) in the sea. Tickets are available for purchase at the food court the day of the event. These restaurants cast their lines; you cast your vote.
3 | 3 Stages of Live Music + a DJ Lounge
It wouldn’t be a Southern California Saturday without the sound of live music. As you’re strolling the tents, eating tacos and talking among new friends, there will be live music from stages set up on the boardwalk all day long. Three stages will feature tunes of all kinds, including local bands, from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. Past performers included Martin McDaniel, DJ Rock Star and local groups like the Moonshine Beach Dance Team and the PB Middle School Band. The official lineup will be released soon, so stay tuned! Regardless, we have a feeling your favorite genre will have more than a few featured artists.
4 | Kids Action Alley
Pacific Beachfest is action-packed for all ages. Bring the whole family along and let your kids get their kicks at the Kids Action Alley! All along the boardwalk, community organizations and schools will have booths full of goodies and activities set up to keep the fun going, featuring interactive games with prizes. There will be beachside rides and a huge climbing wall provided by the YMCA, offering a little bit of adrenaline among the arts and crafts. For the competitive kids, there’s a 1K race that starts at 1 p.m.
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5 | Pacific Beach Half and 5K
Runners, rejoice! Rev it up a bit before your big day of relaxation by joining in on the inaugural Pacific Beach Half Marathon and the 10th annual Pacific Beach 5K. Sign up for the race length of your choosing, whether you’re looking to take on the challenge of the 13-mile half marathon or a more moderate 5K to get your cardio fix. Move at your own mellow pace or come completely trained and ready; the half marathon is the official kickoff to the festival, with a 6:15 a.m. start time. The 5K has two times to choose from: 6:45 a.m. or 10 a.m. All runners receive a tank top, completion medal, free photos and a complimentary drink ticket!
See you there, PB!
Jaclyn is a sunshine chasing San Diego native with an extensive writing background. When she isn’t word-smithing, you can find her playing beach volleyball, skating the boardwalk, or on a rooftop enjoying a drink in the sunshine with her pals.
