32nd Pacific Islander Festival

September 26 & 27 • Ski Beach, San Diego

Experience the largest Pacific Islander Festival in the US!

900+

ENTERTAINERS

60+

CRAFT VENDORS

30+

COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS

20+

FOOD BOOTHS

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The Pacific Islander Festival is an annual celebration of the rich cultures, traditions, and indigenous peoples of Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia. Hosted by the Pacific Islander Festival Association (PIFA), it is the largest Pacific Islander festival in the U.S. and features traditional music, dance performances, cultural workshops, and a wide variety of authentic island food and craft vendors.

  • This year PIFA is on September 26th & 27th at Ski Beach, Mission Bay in San Diego, California.

  • While admission is free, parking directly at Ski Beach is extremely limited and strictly regulated.

    Ride Share: Recommended to arrive at a nearby location and walk into the festival. The parking lot by the festival has heavy traffic and might not allow drop-offs.

    Accessible Parking: While there are ADA parking spots available close to the entrace, they fill up quickly. It is recommended to either come early or attendees needing assistance may be dropped off at the festival entrance. Please be advised this will be heavy with traffic so come early!

    Free Parking & Shuttle: We highly recommend utilizing our free public parking lots and taking the event shuttle.

    Shuttle-service parking is located at:

    • The Sunrunner Lot (Interstate 5 and Sea World Drive exit)

    • Hospitality Point (Quivera Blvd at Quivera Rd)

  • Admission to the festival is completely FREE! Bring your family, friends, and neighbors to enjoy a weekend of cultural pride and community spirit.

    While admission is free, we highly encourage bringing a non-perishable food item to place in our food collection bins at the entrance to support local community programs . You can also support our mission by purchasing official PIFA merchandise or participating in our fundraising events .

  • The festival opens to the public at 7:30am both days and ends an hour after the last performance. Check back again for updates on the PIFA Schedule of Events.

  • All vendors will accept cashless payments however only some will accept cash. ATMs will be available on the festival grounds.

  • To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all guests, please note the following items and activities are not allowed:

    1. Coolers of any size

    2. Outside food or drinks—please support our amazing vendors by purchasing on-site

    3. Tents, umbrellas, or pop-up canopies

    4. Weapons, alcohol, smoking, vaping and drones

    5. Pets of any kind. Only registered service animals are allowed and unruly service animals and owners will be asked to leave.

    All attendees will be subject to a security screening upon entry. We appreciate your cooperation in creating a safe and welcoming environment.

  • We are proud to host over 100+ diverse vendors from across the region, bringing you a vibrant marketplace that celebrates the spirit of the Pacific Islands. Our booths are divided into four distinct experiences:

    • Authentic Island Food Booths: Feast your way through the Pacific! From traditional kalua pork, chicken katsu, and fresh poke, to shaved ice, we have dozens of food vendors serving up authentic culinary dishes.

    • Cultural Village & Workshops: Immerse yourself in the traditions of Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia. These hands-on booths offer interactive cultural workshops, traditional weaving, navigational explanations, carving demonstrations, and educational displays.

    • Specialty Craft & Retail Booths: Shop a massive selection of unique island merchandise, including authentic handmade crafts, traditional clothing, shell leis, island jewelry, and beautiful Pacific Islander artwork.

    • Informational & Community Booths: Connect with local organizations, health resources, educational programs, and community advocates dedicated to supporting and empowering our Pacific Islander families.

  • Unfortunately our applications for 2026 are closed. We open applications around early March until end of June or until we are filled.

  • Become a member! We will have our membership booth at the festival to answer any questions you have about our organization or help you sign up and join the team!

  • Follow us on instagram @PIFASanDiego to stay up to date! Message us your questions or send us an email info@pifasandiego.com. We will try our best to answer you before the festivities take place

  • If you are a photographer, videographer, sponsor, or member of the press/TV media looking to cover or support the festival, we would love to connect with you! Please direct all media inquiries, press pass requests, and sponsorship proposals to our dedicated media team at media@pifasandiego.com.

Apply to be a part of PIFA 2026!

Information Booth Application

Become a Sponsor

Download 2026 Sponsorship Deck

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Save When You Stay

Make Mission Bay Your Home for PIFA 2026

At the heart of PIFA, Mission Bay is more than a location—it’s an experience. Stay just steps from the festival at the stunning bayfront hotels of Discover Mission Bay, where island spirit, luxury, and PIFA excitement come together. Book your stay today.

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