Holo Holo Music Festival - San Diego 2026 Guide

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Waterfront Park
1600 Pacific Hwy, San Diego, CA 92101
|
Date:
Jul 18, 2026 to Jul 18, 2026
Hours:
Saturday 12:00 PM to 10:30 PM
Cost:
GA Starting at $70 + Fees ($83.93) per person
San Diego’s Holo Holo Music Festival 2026 is a celebration of island and reggae music. Explore event details, ticket offers, see who’s performing & more!

Key Takeaways

Todd Sarouhan
Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. This means if you make purchases through them, I may be compensated at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.
Holo Holo Music Festival San Diego Guide
Holo Holo Basics
Ticket & Hotel Info
2026 Performance Lineup
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Beyond the Music

Highlights

Holo Holo Music Festival San Diego Guide
Things to Do
Getting There
Tips
Holo Holo Music Festival San Diego Guide
Things to Do
Getting There
Tips

San Diego's Getting Hyped for the 2026 Holo Holo Music Festival!

Holo Holo Music Festival - San DiegoFestival guests enjoying food and tropical dancers during a sunny outdoor island music festival in San Diego

I love a live music festival, especially one that's held in San Diego in the summertime. A warm breeze, palm trees, blue skies, and island vibes await as the city once again welcomes the Holo Holo Music Festival to town!

Attendees can expect to groove to the sounds of reggae and island beats as several live acts take to the stage to entertain. And if this event is anything like last year's unbelievable experience, then I can tell you that the festival will be an energizing, family-friendly event perfect for laid-back island music lovers!

Island reggae band performing live on stage at an outdoor San Diego music festival with colorful concert lights
Island reggae band performing live on stage at an outdoor San Diego music festival with colorful concert lights

When and Where is the San Diego Holo Holo Music Festival in 2026?

This year's San Diego Holo Holo Music Festival will be being held Saturday, July 18th, 2026. This is a notable date change as the 2025 Holo Holo Music Festival was held at the end of August.

The location has changed as well! This year Holo Holo will be held at Waterfront Park at 1600 Pacific Highway in the Embarcadero neighborhood along the beautiful San Diego Bay, not at Gallagher Square located just outside Petco Park. You'll also want to note that this year's festival will be a one-day event, compared to last year's two days of music.

This will be the fourth year that San Diego will welcome the Holo Holo Music Festival, once again presented by Good Vibez. 'Holo Holo', meaning 'to travel, to sail, to move' has additional tour dates set for Sacramento, Avila Beach, and Long Beach, California. There were also dates in Irvine and San Jose in April.

If you're going to be in San Diego for the Holo Holo Music Festival, you also should check out our Petco Park Events Guide 2026 for more fun live events like San Diego Padres baseball games and a full lineup of awesome concerts still to come in 2026! While this year's Holo Holo won't be held at Gallagher Square, Petco Park is only about a 10-minute drive from Waterfront Park.

Who are the Headliners at the Holo Holo Music Festival in San Diego?

The headliners will include The Green, HIRIE, and Natural Vibrations. For me personally, I also really like Ekolu!

Local Tips
Skip the Parking Hassle - Take the Trolley
Locals never drive to Waterfront Park for events. The Blue Line trolley drops you right at County Center / Little Italy station, just a 5-minute walk away. It's faster, cheaper, and you'll avoid the downtown parking nightmare. Plus, you can enjoy a few drinks without worrying about driving home!

Ticket Information & Where to Stay

Tickets are still available for San Diego Holo Holo as are incredible places to stay near the venue.

Let's have a look first at the best ways to buy tickets and also a few of our favorite hotels near the Waterfront Park area!

Guests entering a tropical-themed outdoor music festival in San Diego at sunset with palm trees and decorated entry gates.
Guests entering a tropical-themed outdoor music festival in San Diego at sunset with palm trees and decorated entry gates.

How Can I Buy Tickets to the Holo Holo Music Festival?

You can buy your tickets through TIXR via the Holo Holo Music Festival site. If you're thinking you'd like to check out the event this year, I can say from experience that you won't want to wait because some ticket options typically sell out. Do know too that all sales are final.

General admission tickets are currently available for $83.93. If you've got a group that would like to attend, there's a 4-pack of tickets you can get for just $292.62.

Kids tickets (ages 4-10), or Keiki passes, are available for $70.23.

If you want to elevate your experience, you can still splurge on VIP passes for $190.95. VIP access will include all of the GA perks plus exclusive viewing areas, VIP bars, and restrooms. Note that any child over 3 needs their own VIP ticket to enter the VIP zone. If you can gather a few friends or family to join, VIP 4-packs are also available for $750.14.

Pool with Cabanas at the Carte Hotel San Diego Downtown
Pool with Cabanas at the Carte Hotel San Diego Downtown

Hotels We Love Near Waterfront Park

Whether you're coming to the festival for one night or want to make a weekend out of it, getting a hotel nearby can really add to your experience. I can say from year's past that having a room at a nearby hotel where me and my friends can rest after the festival has been a fantastic addition, and totally worth the cost!

With that in mind, I suggest that you check out the Carte Hotel San Diego Downtown, Curio Collection by Hilton. At about 10 minutes' walk from Waterfront Park, the hotel is very clean, has modern rooms, and a rooftop pool you won't want to miss.

The Wyndham San Diego Bayside, located literally across the street from the festival grounds, is another of my favorites. It features beautiful bay views, multiple onsite restaurants, and a 24-hour staff that is incredibly friendly.

If you'd like more ideas for places to stay nearby, our team at Go Visit San Diego always likes to recommend checking out some of the best hotels near the Convention Center and best hotels in Downtown San Diego for a wide variety of additional options.

You could also take a look at the travel packages offered directly through the Holo Holo site. They've got deals on ticket and hotel bundles for two- or three-night stays.

Featured Hotel
Hard Rock Hotel San Diego
Exterior view, Hard Rock Hotel San Diego
Boutique
Boutique
Near Bay
Near Bay
Pool
Pool
4 Stars4 Stars4 Stars4 Stars
Dining at MaryJane’s, viewing famous rock memorabilia, and visiting Old Town San Diego are some of our favorite reasons to stay at the iconic Hard Rock Hotel.
Prices Starting at $189
Check Availability

The Amazing 2026 Music Lineup

Crowd enjoying a nighttime outdoor reggae music festival in San Diego with palm trees, stage lights, and live performers
Crowd enjoying a nighttime outdoor reggae music festival in San Diego with palm trees, stage lights, and live performers

The Holo Holo Festival has some amazing artists coming to town in the genres of island music, reggae, and more! Let's have a look at who you can expect to see in 2026!

Festival Lineup

Here is a complete list of artists scheduled to perform at Holo Holo San Diego 2026. Times have not yet been listed, so you may want to check back with the festival's website for more info. as we get closer to July 18th!

  • The Green
  • Hirie
  • High Watah
  • Ekolu
  • Natural Vibrations
  • Wavvy
  • Pau Hana
  • Western Conference

If you're planning on attending and really looking forward to any single performance, I always tell my friends to check the festival website for any last-minute lineup changes.

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Local Tips
What Attractions are Included with a Go City San Diego Pass?

Attractions that you can visit with a Go City San Diego pass include:

The San Diego Zoo, Birch Aquarium at Scripps, SeaWorld San Diego, Safari Park, LEGOLAND CA, Harbor Cruise, USS Midway Museum, the NAT Museum, Whaley House, Petco Park Tour and many, many more!

Want to save more? Use our exclusive discount code GVSD5OFF!

Good Vibes: Fun for All Ages!

One of the big things I love about this festival in particular is that it's incredibly family-friendly, which means that your whole family can enjoy a day of laidback music!

Family sitting on a blanket and enjoying live music at a sunny outdoor San Diego festival with palm trees and a stage nearby
Family sitting on a blanket and enjoying live music at a sunny outdoor San Diego festival with palm trees and a stage nearby

Family-friendly Vibes

Island music and reggae are rooted in 'connection, culture, and movement'. These are things I want to expose my kids to. If you too want to make a family outing out of the Holo Holo Festival, know that it will have a family-friendly atmosphere and kids will be welcome!

You'll even be able to bring your stroller, something that's quite rare for music festivals. Children under 3 will be free. Children ages 4-10 will require a child pass.

Friends raising drinks at sunset during an outdoor San Diego music festival with a concert stage in the background
Friends raising drinks at sunset during an outdoor San Diego music festival with a concert stage in the background

Brews & Bars

Anyone 21 and over will be able to take advantage of the full bars throughout the venue, featuring your favorite brews and booze.

While I don't have a complete list of the breweries participating at Holo Holo this year, I can say that the local San Diego beer selection at events like these is usually very impressive. If you enjoy more than your average beers to choose from, I'm guessing you won't be disappointed!

Visitor Information, Parking & Transportation Info

View of Downtown San Diego from Waterfront Park in Harborview
View of Downtown San Diego from Waterfront Park in Harborview

Since Waterfront Park is located in Downtown San Diego, I can tell you that traffic can be challenging and parking can be tough, especially around events.

Planning ahead is key so you don't waste any time and can get there to start having fun.

What are the Best Parking Options?

If you want to drive to the event, head towards downtown and look for signs heading to the Port of San Diego Cruise Ship terminal or the Little Italy neighborhood. Waterfront Park is nearby both of these!

It's recommended to book parking through the SpotHero app. Information can be found on the Waterfront Park SpotHero Parking Page, which will allow you to choose from different lots.

San Diego Trolley at the Gaslamp Quarter Station
San Diego Trolley at the Gaslamp Quarter Station

Public Transportation & Additional Options

I always recommend taking the San Diego Trolley to the Waterfront Park area. It's hands down the easiest way to get to the venue without the stress of traffic and parking. I'd 100% recommend this option!

You can also ride your bike or use a San Diego rideshare if you don't want to look for or pay for parking.

Will the Holo Holo Festival be ADA accessible?

The festival will be fully accessible. There will be an ADA entry lane as well as accessible viewing areas. Service animals will also be permitted.

Check the festival site for a full list of ADA options.

Know Before You Go

Live reggae band performing for a large festival crowd in San Diego with palm trees and colorful stage lighting
Live reggae band performing for a large festival crowd in San Diego with palm trees and colorful stage lighting

You'll want to be prepared when it comes to payment and festival policies to avoid potential headaches. As a huge music festival fan myself, our team at Go Visit San Diego has learned a thing or two from attending festivals such as the Into the Horizon music festival at this exact venue.

Below are a few things to keep in mind!

Payment Options

All concessions and food vendors will only take credit cards and paperless payments. No cash! If you only have cash, a reverse ATM will be available.

Can I Bring My Own Chair?

No, chairs, tents, and umbrellas will not be permitted. Blanket and lawn mats however will be allowed.

Festival Policies

  • All bags will be searched. I can tell you from personal experience that the security can be very thorough. Clear bags up to 12" x 6" x 12" are allowed. Small clutch bags, size 6" x 9" 5x7 that are not clear will be searched and add time to your entry. If your bag isn't the approved size, there's a good chance you won't be allowed to bring it in.
  • Free water refill stations will be located throughout the festival so bring your water bottle to fill up!
  • All tickets will need to be exchanged for a wristband. You'll want to keep it on throughout the festival because if you take it off or lose it, you won't be able to get another one.
  • No outside food or beverage will be allowed.
  • Smoking and vaping will not be allowed within the park or event grounds.

What Other Music Festivals are Coming Up in San Diego?

If you're into live music festivals like Holo Holo, I can also highly recommend checking out the upcoming Adams Avenue Street Fair and Mission Bayfest Reggae Music Festival.

Both of these events are set for the fall of 2026 and will not disappoint!

What Happens if it Rains?

While it's not likely that it rains, the festival is rain or shine, so plan accordingly!

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