The San Diego waterfront is one of the stars at Wonderfront Music and Arts Festival, and it’s where you’ll catch dozens of musicians playing multiple venues, including the waterfront parks, on piers and on boats.
A 400-person water taxi set with a bar and its own performers can take you from venue to venue, and back again. If the water taxi doesn’t tickle your fancy for boats, Wonderfront partners with Flagship Cruises and Events to throw yacht parties; there are cocktail and after party cruises for the partiers, and harbor tours, dinner and sunset cruises for the calmer crowd. Hop on the Marietta Boat, for example — a floating party that takes you back and forth between the Broadway Port Pier and the Embarcadero Park South dock.
For those who’d rather be next to the water, you can hang on the beach and partake in the many activities offered while listening to music, like corn hole or ping pong. You can also play soccer in a cano cage, which is a fun new way to play in a small, portable enclosed field. San Diego’s Seaport Village is also worked into the festival grounds, which offer a variety of eating and shopping options; think Mardi Gras-themed barbecue at Louisiana Charlie’s paired with whiskey shots from Old Harbor Distilling Co. before hitting San Diego Surf Co. for a new bikini.
The lineup showcases pop, rock, EDM, country and more. While this year’s lineup has yet to be announced, last year’s included Atlanta-based hip hop duo Earthgang, Americana rockers Kings of Leon, electronic duo Hippie Sabotage and pop queen Gwen Stefani.
The Specs
- In 2022, around 30,000 people attended Wonderfront, which was a nearly 50 percent decline from 2019. The festival didn’t occur in 2020 or 2021 due to Covid-19.
- Need a place to stay? Check out this review of one of San Diego’s coolest hotels. And here’s our guide to California.
- Tickets are not yet on-sale for 2023. You can sign up for updates here.
FAQs
How close is Wonderfront Music and Arts Festival to the nearest airport?
Downtown San Diego Waterfront Park is only a six minute drive from San Diego International Airport.
How can I learn more and stay up-to-date on the festival?
Here is a link to the mobile app.
Is there somewhere I can put my stuff?
Yes, you can rent a locker that also comes with an outlet to charge your phone.
Who is playing at Wonderfront?
The lineup has not been released at the time of this writing.
