California has long been a melting pot of cultures, and San Diego exemplifies this diversity by celebrating the rich heritage of the American South. At the Gator By The Bay Festival, San Diego comes together to honor and cherish the food and music of the Southern region in a fete that brings the entire community together.
Highlights
- The Gator By The Bay festival will be held during the Mother’s Day weekend, between May 8 and 11.
- The festival is a celebration of the culture of Louisiana and includes several family-friendly activities.
- The event will be held at the Spanish Landing Park in San Diego.
A Louisiana-Themed Festival in San Diego
The performance lineup has Roots, Americana, and Blues musicians among many others. (Source: San Diego Official Website)
Gator By The Bay festival is a four-day extravaganza that brings together the music, spirit, and food of southwest Louisiana. It is the largest, most authentic celebration of Louisiana outside of the state. The festival is laden with family-friendly activities, a whole lineup of musical artists, and a menu to cater to the most passionate food enthusiasts.
Music Festival Lineup
The performers at the event include Latin Funk and Hip Hop group Ozomatli, Nathan and the Zydeco Cha Chas, Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys, Sugaray Rayford, and DK Harrell, among many others. Roots legend, musician James Intveld and the Honky Tonk Palominos are also performing exclusively on Thursday.
Selwyn Birchwood, Dave Stuckey and the Hoot Owls, Chris Cain, and Carl Sonny Leland’s Boogie Woogie Boys. SD Roots rock performers The Farmers and Blues singer Whitney Shay will also be performing at the event. Sue Palmer is also bringing the Motel Swing Orchestra on Saturday. Americana singer Kimmi Bitter and The Sleepwalkers, as well as Mitch Polzak, the Chunky Hustle Brass Band, Wayne Singleton & Same Ol’ 2 Step, The Revelers, Ruben Moreno & Zydeco Re-evolution, will also be attending as performing artists during multiple days of the festival.
Activities for All Ages
The Gator By The Bay Festival is often known as “Mardi Gras in May.” The festival has something for every attendee, irrespective of their age. S
ome of the activities at the event include cooking demos, dance lessons, live performances across seven stages, and over 100 acts throughout the four days. However, the main attraction remains the food and the 10,000 pounds of crawfish that are flown straight down from the bayous.
Ticketing and Admission
The tickets for the event are available across many different categories. Interested attendees can buy tickets either for any one day, three days, or all four days of the festival. The categories and pricing are listed below:
- General Admission for Thursday Night Kickoff: $57 – $68
- Table Seating for Thursday Night Kickoff: $154 – $164
- General Admission for Saturday Night Dance: $32
- Patron Pass for Saturday or Sunday: $232 – $254
- Patron Pass for two days: $466 – $487
- Patron Pass for four days: $612 – $633
- General Admission for any one day: $78 – $88
- General Admission for Friday, Saturday, or Sunday: $68 – $88
- General Admission for three days: $200 – $232
- General Admission for four days: $254 – $275
The General Access passes include entry to the venue, while the Table Seating admission for Thursday will have reserved seating and dinner, with wine and dessert available for purchase. The Patron Passes will offer access to the festival grounds, the bayfront Patron Area, complimentary beverages and catered lunch, and access to VIP restrooms.
Those who purchase Patron Passes will also be able to avail of a 20% discount on select event merchandise. Kids under the age of 17 will be allowed free admission, given that ticketed adults accompany them.
The Gator By The Bay festival will take place from May 8 to 11, 2025, on the 2nd weekend of May, which coincides with Mother’s Day. The gates will open at 10:30 am every day, except on Kickoff Thursday. More details will be available on the Gator By The Bay festival’s official website.
