San Diego Spirits Festival 2026
The 17th Annual San Diego Spirits Festival returns to La Jolla on Saturday, September 26 and Sunday, September 27, 2026. This two-day celebration brings cocktails, premium spirits, culinary bites, live entertainment and contemporary art together at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego.
Designed for cocktail enthusiasts, hospitality professionals and curious guests looking to experience new flavors, the festival offers access to established beverage brands, boutique producers and emerging spirits. Guests can sample a wide selection of whiskey, bourbon, tequila, mezcal, rum, gin, vodka, liqueurs and ready-to-drink beverages while enjoying coastal views from one of La Jolla’s best-known cultural venues.
San Diego Spirits Festival Dates and Times
| Date | Festival Hours | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday, September 26, 2026 | 2:00 PM–6:00 PM | Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego |
| Sunday, September 27, 2026 | 1:00 PM–5:00 PM | Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego |
Both festival sessions run for four hours. Guests can purchase admission for Saturday, Sunday or both days, depending on current ticket availability.
San Diego Spirits Festival Location
The festival takes place at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego in La Jolla.
Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego
700 Prospect Street
La Jolla, CA 92037
MCASD overlooks the La Jolla coastline and includes expansive indoor and outdoor spaces. The San Diego Spirits Festival uses multiple areas and levels throughout the museum, allowing guests to move between cocktail stations, culinary experiences, entertainment spaces and contemporary art displays.
What to Expect at the Festival
The San Diego Spirits Festival combines beverage tasting with food, culture, music and visual art. Guests can meet representatives from spirits companies, learn about different products and experience cocktails prepared with both familiar and newly released liquors.
The festival’s spirits selection can include:
- Whiskey and bourbon
- Tequila and mezcal
- Vodka and gin
- Rum and brandy
- Liqueurs and cognac
- Ready-to-drink cocktails
- Seltzers and other packaged beverages
The festival welcomes both experienced spirits collectors and casual cocktail drinkers. Brand representatives and hospitality professionals are available throughout the event, giving attendees opportunities to learn about ingredients, production methods and cocktail preparation.
All-Inclusive Cocktail Tastings
Festival admission includes access to cocktail and spirits tastings offered within the event. The current event information promotes unlimited craft cocktail samples from more than 65 participating spirits brands.
Samples are intended for responsible tasting during the scheduled festival session. Guests are encouraged to pace themselves, drink water, eat during the event and arrange safe transportation after leaving the venue.
Culinary Bites
Food is an important part of the San Diego Spirits Festival experience. Participating restaurants and culinary partners serve tasting-sized bites designed to complement the beverages available throughout the venue.
Previous editions have included sushi, Mediterranean dishes, seafood, tacos and other locally prepared food. Restaurant participation and available dishes can vary by day and may differ between the Saturday and Sunday sessions.
Live Entertainment
The festival includes live music and cultural entertainment alongside its cocktail and culinary offerings.
The current 2026 ticket listing features performances from Crystal Star, singer-songwriter Andrew Cole and flamenco guitarist Jason Jenkins. Entertainment may also include DJs, dancers and other live performances across the museum’s event spaces.
The combination of live entertainment, coastal views and contemporary art creates a setting that is different from a traditional trade tasting or indoor beverage exhibition.
Contemporary Art and Coastal Views
Holding the festival at MCASD gives attendees access to a setting centered on modern art and architecture. The museum is dedicated to contemporary art and houses a collection of more than 5,700 works created after 1950.
Festival spaces extend across the venue’s indoor rooms and outdoor terraces, with views of the La Jolla coastline. The location allows guests to experience spirits, food, art and entertainment within the same event.
San Diego Spirits Festival Tickets
Official tickets are available through the San Diego Spirits Festival website and its authorized Eventbrite page.
The event is restricted to guests who are at least 21 years old. A valid government-issued photo ID is required for entry. Guests under 21 are not permitted, even when accompanied by an adult.
Ticket sales are final, and the current Eventbrite policy states that refunds are not available. Guests should confirm the selected date before completing their purchase.
Parking and Transportation
Limited street parking is available around the museum and on nearby streets. Parking restrictions and time limits may apply, particularly on Saturday.
Because the festival includes alcoholic beverage tastings, rideshare services, taxis and designated drivers are recommended. Guests should allow additional time for La Jolla traffic, parking, ticket verification and entry.
What to Wear
The festival has a stylish social atmosphere, but there is no need for formal clothing. Smart-casual attire and comfortable shoes are suitable for moving between the museum’s indoor rooms, terraces and tasting stations.
Guests may also want to bring a light layer because temperatures near the coast can become cooler later in the afternoon.
About the San Diego Spirits Festival
The San Diego Spirits Festival is an annual cocktail and beverage event held near the end of summer. It moved to the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego in La Jolla in 2022 and returns in 2026 for its 17th year.
The event connects cocktail enthusiasts, beverage brands, bartenders, chefs, restaurant professionals and members of the hospitality industry. It has also been recognized by Fodor’s as one of America’s notable cocktail festivals.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the San Diego Spirits Festival in 2026?
The festival takes place on Saturday, September 26 and Sunday, September 27, 2026.
What time does the San Diego Spirits Festival start?
Saturday’s session runs from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Sunday’s session runs from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
Where is the festival held?
The event is held at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, located at 700 Prospect Street in La Jolla.
Is the San Diego Spirits Festival only for adults?
Yes. All attendees must be at least 21 years old and present a valid government-issued photo ID.
Are cocktails included with admission?
Festival admission includes access to the cocktail and spirits tastings available during the selected session.
Is food available at the festival?
Yes. The festival includes tasting-sized culinary bites from participating restaurants and food partners.
Where can I purchase official tickets?
Official tickets are available through the San Diego Spirits Festival website and its authorized Eventbrite ticket page.
Are festival tickets refundable?
No. The current ticket policy states that ticket purchases are nonrefundable.
Important Event Information
Festival hours, participating spirits brands, restaurants, performers and event experiences may change. Guests should confirm the latest information through the official festival and ticket pages before attending.
Attendees should drink responsibly and arrange safe transportation after the event.
Enjoy 5 unique settings with a silent auction, and of course unlimited cocktails! Tickets are all-inclusive and include unlimited cocktails and live entertainment. For tickets and information, contactwww.sandiegospiritsfestival.com and www.facebook.com/SanDiegoSpiritsFestival, also @spiritsfestival
