One of the most anticipated Little Italy San Diego events is coming back this summer. And if past years are any indication, tickets will sell out. KEX Fest returns on June 7, 2026, at Kettner Exchange. The event has become one of the most popular San Diego restaurant festivals, drawing 500 food lovers for an afternoon of incredible dishes, drinks, and energy throughout the entire building.
The event sells out every year. But this year brings something new that will make KEX Fest even more exciting.
KEX Fest Grows Into a Celebration of San Diego’s Food Community
From the beginning, KEX Fest has been about bringing people together through great food, drinks, and the energy that fills Kettner Exchange. Over the years, the event has grown into one of the most anticipated culinary gatherings in the city.
For 2026, Chef Brian Redzikowski is building on that success by expanding KEX Fest’s focus to highlight the wider community that helps make the restaurant thrive.
The festival will now shine a bigger spotlight on the farmers, fishermen, and chef collaborators who supply ingredients, share ideas, and contribute to the creative spirit behind the kitchen. By bringing these partners into the event itself, KEX Fest becomes more than a party. It becomes a celebration of the relationships and local talent that power San Diego’s dining scene.
The result is an experience that still has the lively energy guests expect, but now offers an even deeper connection to the people and ingredients behind the food.
KEX Fest Guest Chefs
One of the most exciting additions this year is the involvement of guest chefs who have strong connections to the Kettner Exchange team.
- Head Chef Aidan Owens from Herb & Wood and Chef John Bautista from Ember & Rye are expected to participate, bringing their own culinary style to the event.
- Another chef guests can look forward to seeing is Edgar Carrillo. Carrillo has a long history with the team at Kettner Exchange. Now based in Mexicali, he will return for KEX Fest to showcase his cooking and reconnect with the community that helped shape his career.
- An exciting addition to the lineup is Dennis Vu of Chao Club. Vu recently collaborated with the team on a pop-up and quickly made an impression with bold Southeast Asian flavors.
- Seafood will also play a big role in the event thanks to the relationship Chef Brian Redzikowski has built with local fishermen, including Joe.
- Local farmers will also be part of the story behind the dishes served at KEX Fest, including Jack Ford. Ingredients from his farms are expected to appear in several of the dishes served throughout the event.
- There will also be visiting talent with roots connected to the restaurant’s history, along with emerging chefs showcasing fresh ideas and global flavors. These collaborations will give guests the chance to taste dishes from several creative kitchens all in one place.
KEX Fest 2026: Focus on the Food
While music, drinks, and great vibes have always been part of the experience, the 2026 version of KEX Fest puts the spotlight firmly on the food.
Expect interactive stations where chefs cook and serve dishes directly to guests. There will also be demonstrations that highlight the ingredients and techniques behind the plates.
One of the standout moments will be a live tuna breakdown by Chef Nick DeVries from Kettner Exchange. Watching a whole fish being prepared for service always draws a crowd and gives guests a look at the skill involved in working with premium seafood.
This kind of hands-on culinary experience is one reason KEX Fest continues to stand out among San Diego restaurant festivals.
A Festival Designed for the Kettner Exchange Space
Part of what makes KEX Fest unique is the setting.Instead of taking place in a massive outdoor field, the festival spreads throughout the multi-level space of Kettner Exchange. Guests move between indoor lounges, outdoor patios, and rooftop areas while discovering new dishes and drinks at each stop.
Every level has its own vibe. That layout turns KEX Fest into an immersive food party rather than a traditional tasting event.
It is also one of the reasons the festival has become a standout among Little Italy San Diego events.
Mark Your Calendar
KEX Fest will take place on June 7, 2026, beginning at 1:00 PM at Kettner Exchange in Little Italy. You can see more information and get tickets here.
With a fresh focus on community, collaborations with guest chefs, and a deeper connection to the farmers and fishermen behind the ingredients, this year’s KEX Fest promises to be the most food-focused version of the event yet.
One Response
KEX Fest sounds like a fun time. Any recommendations for specific restaurants to check out?