Southern California has amazing food festivals all year. Top chefs, local wineries, and unique dishes come together in one place. You can taste award-winning wines, enjoy Baja street food, or try new flavors at big events.
I expect 2026 to be another strong year for SoCal food festivals. These events continue to grow, with better chef lineups, more unique food offerings, and drink selections that go beyond the basics. They keep raising the bar and giving food lovers a reason to plan ahead. If past years are any sign, this is another season worth showing up hungry.
This list is being updated as new food festivals are added. Add your name (below) to be notified of the latest events.
2026 SoCal Food Festivals You Should Know About
Palm Desert Food & Wine Festival 2026
March 19–22, 2026
11:00 AM to 3:30 PM
Location: The Gardens on El Paseo, Palm Desert, California
Ticket Price: Saturday Grand Tasting: $158.61
Purchase Tickets: online tickets
Description: Palm Desert Food & Wine is one of Southern California’s standout food festivals, bringing together top chefs, acclaimed wineries, craft brewers, and more for a four‑day culinary celebration in the heart of the Coachella Valley. The event features a James Beard Gourmet Four‑Course Luncheon, hands‑on cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs, and multi‑day grand tastings where guests can sample dozens of wines, beers, spirit brands, and bites from local and regional restaurants.
Additional Info: Four days of tasting experiences, cooking demos, and grand tastings. More than 60 wines, craft beers, IPAs, and ciders to try. Celebrity chef appearances and curated food pairings.
Live Fire Temecula Food Festival
Sunday, April 19, 2026
11:00 AM to 3:30 PM
Location: Temecula Creek Inn (a historic Stone House grounds in Temecula, CA 92592)
Ticket Price: $175 – $250
Purchase Tickets: Click here
Description: Live Fire Food & Wine Festival comes back to Temecula in April 2026 as one of the first big food festivals of the year. This 21+ outdoor festival is all about open-fire cooking. You’ll find chefs cooking over wood and flame, drink pours from wineries, breweries, and distilleries, and live music throughout the day. The setting among oak trees and rolling greens at Temecula Creek Inn makes it a great place to spend a full afternoon tasting, exploring, and seeing friends.
Additional Info: 20 chefs cooking over open flame. Pours from about 18 winery, brewery, and distillery partners. Live music and plenty of space to walk around and try new things.
California Wine Festival
May 29-30, 2026
Event times vary
Location: Park Hyatt Aviara Resort
Ticket Price: Coming soon
Purchase Tickets: https://www.bernardowinery.com/pages/san-diego-county-vintners-association-2022-wine-festival
Description: Event includes Sunset Rare & Reserve Tasting, Beachside Wine Festival.
San Diego County Vintners Wine Festival
May 31, 2026
3-6 PM
Location: Bernardo Winery
Ticket Price: $77 for Early Bird
Purchase Tickets: https://www.bernardowinery.com/pages/san-diego-county-vintners-association-2022-wine-festival
Description: Nighttime festival showcasing Japanese culture through food vendors, games, and products.
626 Night Market – Costa Mesa
May 29-31, 2026
3-11 PM
Location: 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA, 92626
Ticket Price: $5.90
Purchase Tickets: https://626nightmarket.com/city/costa-mesa
Description: Nighttime festival showcasing Japanese culture through food vendors, games, and products.
KEX FEST
June 7, 2026
1 PM
Location: Kettner Exchange, Little Italy
Ticket Price:
Purchase Tickets: Not available yet
Description: KEX Fest at Kettner Exchange is one of the lively food festivals where chefs, farmers, and fishermen come together for an afternoon of tastings. Guests move through the restaurant’s different spaces, sampling creative dishes, seafood, drinks, and chef collaborations while experiencing one of the most popular culinary events in Little Italy.
Additional Info: Guest chefs from across the region will join the kitchen team at Kettner Exchange, including Aiden Keenan of Urban Wood, John Bautista of Ember & Rye, Edgar Carrillo, and Dennis Vu.
Agave Fest
June 19, 2026
6 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Estancia La Jolla
Ticket Price: $103.22
Purchase Tickets: Online
Description: Agave Fest brings together tequila tastings, mezcal experts, Baja-inspired dishes, live entertainment, and a lively outdoor atmosphere beneath the palm trees at Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa.
Additional Info: Ticket includes access to unlimited food and beverage experiences, live entertainment, and performances.
Scoop Ice Cream Festival
June 28, 2026
Noon – 4:00 PM
Location: 30th Street & North Park Way (North Park)
Ticket Price: Starting at $48.79
Purchase Tickets: Online
Description: Who doesn’t love food festivals that are all about ice cream? This annual event is a celebration of sweet treats, and 100% of net proceeds from the event go directly to Feeding San Diego.
Additional Info: Four celebrity judges will vote for the best flavor.
Heritage Fire
June 28, 2026
3:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: Ingram Plaza
Ticket Price: Starting at $109
Purchase Tickets: Online
Description: Enjoy bold flavors and smooth spirits with unlimited wings and whiskey. Festival attendees will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite chicken wing flavor as Pechanga’s chefs compete to determine whose culinary creation reigns supreme.
Whiskey And Wings Festival
July 11, 2026
11 AM
Location: Pechanga Resort Casino
Ticket Price: Starting at $120
Purchase Tickets: Online
Description: The event is one of the most popular all-inclusive walk-around food festivals, featuring food prepared by some of San Diego’s most talented chefs and restaurants.
Additional Info: Guests will vote for their favorite bite of the day
California Wine Festival
July 17-18
Event times vary
Location: Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort
Ticket Price: N/A
Purchase Tickets: Online
Description: Event includes Sunset Rare & Reserve Tasting, Beachside Wine Festival.
Terranea Food & Wine Festival
July 26, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Terranea Resort
Ticket Price: Available upon booking; pricing varies by ticket type and resort packages.
- Purchase Tickets: Click here
- Description: Set against the Pacific Ocean, this luxury food festival showcases signature dishes from Terranea’s acclaimed restaurants alongside bites from regional chefs, wineries, breweries, and distilleries. Guests can enjoy unlimited tastings, live music, and breathtaking coastal views throughout the afternoon.
- Additional Info: Event is for guests ages 21 and older.
San Diego Brew Festival
August 8, 2026
12:00 PM – 4:00 PM (Early Admission begins at 12:00 PM; General Admission begins at 1:00 PM)
Location: Preble Field at Liberty Station, 2455 Cushing Road, San Diego, CA 92106
Ticket Price: General Admission $50; Early Admission $65; Designated Driver tickets available at the door for $20
Purchase Tickets: Click here
Description: One of San Diego’s longest-running food festivals for craft beer fans, the San Diego Brew Fest features more than 70 breweries, over 200 beers, local food trucks, live music, and lawn games at Liberty Station. Guests can sample beers from local and international breweries while enjoying an afternoon outdoors.
Additional Info: Must be 21+ to attend; unlimited beer samples included with admission; food sold separately; no pets allowed; event is rain or shine; tickets are non-refundable.
Pacific Wine & Food Classic
Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026
Time: VIP Early Entrance: 1:00 PM; General Admission: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort, 1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Ticket Price: Early Bird and VIP ticket pricing varies
Purchase Tickets: Click here
Description: The Pacific Wine & Food Classic is one of Southern California’s premier food festivals, bringing together 35+ restaurants, 100+ wines, premium craft cocktails, and coastal views for an all-inclusive culinary experience. The 2026 festival also introduces the new Bubble Garden.
Additional Info: This is a 21+ event. Food, wine, and cocktails are included with admission, with no additional tasting fees. The outdoor festival is a strolling experience rather than a seated event. Parking is available for $20, but space is limited. The event is rain or shine, and tickets are non-refundable.
Tacos & Tequila Festival
September 19, 2026
Time: VIP Admission: 11:00 AM; General Admission: 1:00 PM
Location: Pechanga Summit Events Center, Pechanga Resort Casino, 45000 Pechanga Parkway, Temecula, CA 92592
Ticket Price: VIP $160; General Admission $120; Designated Driver tickets available through the Box Office
Purchase Tickets: Click here
Description: One of Southern California’s most flavorful food festivals, Pechanga’s Tacos & Tequila Festival features unlimited tacos, award-winning tequila, desserts, live music, chef competitions, and a live auction. Guests can also vote for their favorite taco as Pechanga’s chefs compete for top honors.
Additional Info: Guests must be 21 or older with valid government-issued ID. Proceeds benefit Habitat for Humanity Inland Valley. Designated Driver tickets are available, and tickets can be purchased online or through the Pechanga Box Office.
Manhattan Beach Food & Wine
Date: Friday, September 25 – Saturday, September 26, 2026
Time: VIP Early Entry: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM; General Admission: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM (each evening)
Location: Westdrift Manhattan Beach, 1400 Parkview Ave., Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Ticket Price: Early Bird pricing available through August 6; VIP and General Admission ticket prices vary
Purchase Tickets: Click here
Description: Manhattan Beach Food & Wine is one of Southern California’s premier food festivals, featuring more than 20 acclaimed chefs and restaurants, premium wineries, craft breweries, spirits, non-alcoholic beverages, live entertainment, and unlimited tastings during two Grand Tasting celebrations.
Additional Info: This is a 21+ event. VIP tickets include one-hour early admission with exclusive access before general entry. The festival benefits the Careers through Culinary Arts Program, helping underserved students pursue careers in the hospitality industry.
San Diego Spirits Festival
Date: Saturday, September 26 – Sunday, September 27, 2026
Time: Saturday: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM; Sunday: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, 700 Prospect Street, La Jolla, CA 92037
Ticket Price: Saturday General Admission: $85; Sunday General Admission: $65
Purchase Tickets: Click here
Description: The San Diego Spirits Festival is one of Southern California’s most distinctive food festivals, combining unlimited craft cocktails, more than 65 premium spirit brands, artisanal food, live music, entertainment, and stunning La Jolla coastal views.
Additional Info: This is a 21+ event. All-inclusive tickets include unlimited cocktails and spirits, entertainment, and artisanal bites from participating restaurants. The 17th annual festival celebrates cocktails, culture, and San Diego’s vibrant spirits scene. Tickets are non-refundable.
San Diego Sake Festival
September 27, 2026
Time: VIP & Nonbei Admission: 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM; General Admission: 3:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Location: Julep Venue, 1735 Hancock St., San Diego, CA 92101
Ticket Price: General Admission Early Bird starting at $65; VIP and Nonbei ticket pricing varies
Purchase Tickets: Click here
Description: Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the San Diego Sake Festival is one of Southern California’s premier sake festivals, featuring more than 100 premium sake and shochu tastings, over 50 booths, food pairings, cultural workshops, and the traditional Japanese kagami-biraki sake barrel ceremony.
Additional Info: VIP and Nonbei tickets include one-hour early admission, first access to 150+ sake and shochu tastings, and a $10 food voucher. This event is for guests 21 and older. Early Bird ticket quantities are limited and typically sell out quickly.
Del Mar Wine + Food Festival
Sept 30 – October 4, 2026
Events all week.
Location: Del Mar Polo Fields (Surf Sports Park, 14989 Via de la Valle, Del Mar, CA 92014)
Ticket Price:
Purchase Tickets: Online tickets
Description: The Del Mar Wine + Food Festival returns for a weeklong celebration of Southern California’s food and wine culture. The festival brings together top chefs, acclaimed restaurants, and world-class wineries for tastings, dinners, and special culinary events. The highlight is the Grand Tasting, where guests enjoy unlimited food and drink samples, live entertainment, and interactive lifestyle experiences in a lively outdoor setting.
Additional Info: 21+ only; valid ID required. All ticket sales are final. Tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable. A portion of proceeds benefits Feeding San Diego. Parking is available, but rideshare is recommended.
Celebrate the Craft
October 18, 2026
11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Location: Lodge at Torrey Pines
Ticket Price: Early Bird Admission: $361.44
Purchase Tickets: Online tickets
Description: For more than two decades, Celebrate the Craft has showcased regionally grown ingredients, the finest chefs, food artisans, renowned wineries, and craft beer.
Additional Info: 21+ only; valid ID required. All ticket sales are final. Tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable. A portion of proceeds benefits San Diego Food Bank.
La Jolla Art & Wine Festival
October 10–11, 2026
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day
Location: Girard Avenue, La Jolla, CA 9203
Ticket Price: Free admission; Wine & Beer Garden tickets: $55+ (pricing subject to change
Purchase Tickets: Online tickets
Description: This popular La Jolla event is one of San Diego’s most well-known food festivals. It features over 170 juried artists, wines from 35+ wineries, craft beer, spirits, and a wide range of gourmet food. Guests can also enjoy live entertainment and family-friendly activities, including the Geppetto’s Family Art Center and pet adoption stations.
Additional Info: Proceeds from this two-day food festivals event benefit local public schools; 21+ for Wine & Beer Garden; ID required; All sales final; tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable
San Diego Food + Wine Festival
November 6-8, 2026
Events each day
Location: Port of San Diego, Embarcadero Marina Park North, San Diego, CA
Ticket Price: Pricing varies for each event
Purchase Tickets: Click here
Description: Icons + Legends, Grand Tasting and Grand Fiesta are the signature weekend events. The San Diego Food + Wine Festival has gone well beyond a traditional food and wine tasting. It brings together chefs from San Diego, Southern California, Mexico and across the country, while putting the relationship between San Diego and Baja at the center of the experience.
Additional Info: 21+ only; ID required; All sales final; tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable; Check the event website for specific times and activities
Palm Springs Food & Wine Festival
Friday, November 13 – Sunday, November 15, 2026
Friday Opening Reception: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Saturday & Sunday: VIP Admission: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM; General Admission: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PMLocation: Downtown Park, Palm Springs, CA
Ticket Price: General Admission $155; VIP $225; Military/Veterans $95 (with valid ID)
Purchase Tickets: Click here
Description: The Palm Springs International Food & Wine Festival is one of Southern California’s premier food festivals, bringing together celebrity chefs, award-winning wineries, craft spirits, breweries, gourmet food, cooking demonstrations, and live entertainment in the heart of downtown Palm Springs.
Additional Info: Guests must be 21 or older to attend. The festival is held rain or shine. VIP tickets include early admission and access to exclusive tasting experiences.
