Ocean Beach is a small neighborhood community of San Diego, California. Often missed by the majority of visitors to San Diego throughout the year, despite its close proximity to Sea World, Ocean Beach welcomes up to 70,000 people in late June, as visitors pour into this small, beach side town to celebrate the annual street fair and chili cook-off. Ocean Beach Street Fair provides a mix of music, food, artists and entertainment for a fun day out.
Ocean Beach Artists' Alley
One of the main attractions of the Ocean Beach Street fair is Artists' Alley. Artists are selected by a jury each year and include art demonstrations, hand crafted products and unique items. Some of the artists to be found at the Ocean Beach Street Fair include painters, photographers, jewelry makers and bath and body craft makers. Artists' Alley is found in the center of Ocean Beach. Traffic is restricted in the area throughout the event to enable full use of the streets by artists.
Ocean Beach Chili Cook-Off
Ocean Beach Chili Cook-Off is located at the end of Newport Avenue and operates from 10 am to 3 pm on Street Fair day (check for local changes). Many amateur cooks make competitive chili dishes which are available for sampling by the public for a small fee. Prizes are awarded to the eventual chili winners at the end of the event.
Ocean Beach Street Fair Bands
Music is provided throughout the day by local Ocean Beach bands on the 92107 stage along Newport Avenue. Check local listings for news of featured bands. A variety of music is showcased demonstrating the talents of many local bands in the area.
Ocean Beach Street Fair Attractions and Events
Ocean Beach Street Fair holds a number of other events and attractions throughout the day. These include:
- Community Mural Project – both children and adults are invited to contribute to the creation of a large, local mural
- vendor booths offering food and merchandise along the side streets of Newport Avenue. Local bars and restaurants are also open for business throughout the day
- Skateboard Exhibition – located on Cable Street and offered by Ocean Beach Skate and Surf Shop
- Wonderland's Children Area – pony rides and more.
How to Get to Ocean Beach Street Fair
In 2010, Ocean Beach Street Fair is held on June 26 between 10 am and 8pm; for subsequent years, check local listings. Ocean Beach is located at the end of I-8. The event is held on Newport Avenue and the surrounding streets in the center of Ocean Beach. The event is extremely busy so come prepared with small children. Although Ocean Beach is dog friendly, it is advisable to leave dogs at home or in the hotel on street fair day.
Many streets are closed to traffic throughout the day so arrive early and take one of the free shuttles into Ocean Beach, located on Sea World Drive or near Robb Field. Shuttles run every hour on the hour from Sea World Drive and every half hour on the half hour from Robb Field.
Ocean Beach Street Fair
Every year, the fourth Saturday in June brings Ocean beach alive with music, fun and entertainment. Visitors and locals alike of the San Diego area enjoy this free event which has grown over the years to become a local tradition. A visit to Ocean Beach Street Fair will provide an insight into one of San Diego's neighborhood beach communities – as well as proving to be a fun day out!
For Further Information:
Ocean Beach Main Street Association
Sharon Falsetto - Sharon Falsetto is a business owner, certified clinical aromatherapist & professional writer with a life-long interest in plants.
