HARBORFEST 2026

After a six-year hiatus, HarborFest is making its long-awaited return to the Chula Vista waterfront on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., bringing together residents and visitors for a vibrant celebration of South Bay culture, maritime heritage and community connection.

As one of the City of Chula Vista's signature events, HarborFest returns reimagined for 2026 with an exciting new energy, expanded programming and immersive experiences designed to celebrate the city's evolving waterfront. Set directly along the bay, the free family-friendly festival invites guests of all ages to explore interactive water activities, live entertainment, artisan markets, cultural experiences, delicious local food and more.

"We're excited to welcome back one of Chula Vista's signature events and celebrate everything that makes our city special, from our vibrant community to our beautiful waterfront," said Chula Vista Mayor John McCann. "HarborFest brings people together to celebrate local pride, support our businesses and culture, and enjoy a fun, family friendly experience with something for everyone."

HarborFest 2026 will feature a variety of thoughtfully curated event experiences throughout the waterfront. Guests can enjoy live entertainment at the Flagship Stage and Waterfront Tap Garden, vibrant cultural performances at the Dockside Beats Latin Stage, and a curated artisan marketplace at The Coastal Collective featuring local makers and coastal-inspired goods. Families can explore Mermaid & Mariner Cove, a dedicated kids area filled with hands-on activities and entertainment, while Harbor Showdown & Street Eats will bring together exciting competitions like Lucha Libre fights and diverse local food vendors. The festival will also include Ships of the Land Car Show and immersive waterfront experiences through The Water Way.

One of HarborFest's most unique features is its direct connection to the water, giving attendees the opportunity to actively experience the bay through free kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing activities and seal tours available for a small fee. As one of the only festivals in the region centered around life on the waterfront, HarborFest offers an experience unlike any other in South Bay.

Taking place during celebrations, the event will feature interactive educational booths, sustainability-focused activations and community partnerships dedicated to promoting environmental awareness and supporting waterfront communities.

Since 2019, the Chula Vista bayfront has undergone a significant transformation, and HarborFest 2026 reflects that evolution with refreshed aesthetics, expanded programming and a vibrant new vision for the future of the waterfront. Designed to be inclusive, accessible and welcoming for all ages, the event will offer free nearby parking with shuttles to take guests to and from the festival and convenient trolley access for attendees. Those attending can also, embrace the waterfront experience by taking the new ferry route with Flagship Cruises & Events. The daily water taxi services depart from Chula Vista every two hours starting at 8 a.m., with the last departure at 7 p.m. with one-way tickets costing only $15.

While admission is free, guests have the option to elevate their experience through a limited number of curated "Tides & Tastes Pass" tickets, designed as a relaxed waterfront retreat with comfort, shade and easy access to HarborFest's biggest moments. The upgraded experience includes preferred viewing access near the Flagship Stage, shaded lounge seating, dedicated restrooms, private bar access, one chef-curated taco plate, and two hosted beverages including beer, wine or non-alcoholic options.

Advance "Tides & Tastes Pass" tickets are available through July 15 for $49 plus fees. Standard pricing from July 16 through August 21 is $59 plus fees, and day-of tickets on August 22 will be available for $69 plus fees, while supplies last.

For more information, event updates, and tickets, visit https://cvharborfest.com/.