The 5th annual Mission Bayfest returns to San Diego’s scenic Mariner’s Point Park on the Mission Bay waterfront on Friday, October 16th through Sunday, October 18th, 2026. Gates will open at 3pm on Friday and noon on the weekend, with Cali reggae musical acts performing live across two stages well into the night.
And when we say the 2026 lineup is next-level, we mean it.
Headlining this year’s event is none other than Rebelution on Friday, Kolohe Kai on Saturday, and The Offspring on Sunday. Talk about a widespread reach! Joining Rebelution on Day One is roots reggae heavyweights Steel Pulse, alongside The Movement, Surfer Girl, The Gaslamp Killer, King Cruff, Joe Samba, Doah’s Daydream, and Cappo Kelley.
Saturday keeps the party going with Common Kings, SOJA, Landon McNamara, For Peace Band, Ooklah the Moc, Eureka Sound, Kekoa the Artist, Kela Saco, and R&B 4 Da Wahine, while Sunday showcases The Interrupters, Goldfinger, The Expendables, Jakobs Castle, Sitting on Saturn, Kyle Smith, Emo Night, The Ries Brothers, Sullvn, The Resinators, and The Last Call before The Offspring closes it all down.

Tickets are available at the official Mission Bayfest website now. In addition to General Admission tickets, the festival offers two levels of VIP — Standard and SMKFLWR Platinum. Standard VIP gets you expedited entrance to the fest, as well as front-of-stage pit access, a dedicated VIP viewing area with crowd control, dedicated restrooms, lounge seating (we’re talking couches, ottomans, chairs, etc.), belly-up tables, and –lest we forget — $2 discounted tacos.
The discount is all you need to know…
For those that want the ultimate experience, you can always opt for the limited SMKFLWR Platinum VIP passes, granting you everything in Standard VIP plus a dedicated Platinum entrance with golf cart transport to the lounge area, a personal concierge, backstage access, another elevated shaded viewing lounge, two complimentary merch items, premier side-stage viewing, a hosted premium bar (offering beer, craft cocktails, and wine), a catered chef-curated food experience by chef Billy Butters, and a backstage tour on Saturday, October 15th (although soundcheck access not guaranteed).
Whatever you end up choosing, you’re going to be glad you’re there. And, on that note, there are several ways to get to and from the venue, so make sure to plan ahead! Beach area parking and traffic is always a concern, so consider free parking at the Hospitality Point Dirt Lot (1840 Quivira Way), with a complimentary shuttle to the festival entrance. There’s also ADA parking, with 12 accessible spaces at Bonita Cove East Parking Lot — first-come first-served. Last, there’s always public transit, with the MTS Route 8 bus running from Old Town to a stop near the festival (Mission Blvd. and W. Mission Bay Dr.). Rideshares and bikes are also encouraged!
Mission Bayfest is quickly becoming a yearly musical highlight in San Diego, so make sure to get your tickets before they sell out. Hope to see you there!
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Disclaimer: All views presented in this album review are those of the reviewer and not necessarily those of Top Shelf Music.
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