Summer coming to an end is prime time for Discover Pacific Beach, which has two major events: the Heart of PB Restaurant Walk on Sept. 18, and Pacific BeachFest on Oct. 5.
The business improvement district for the community, Discover Pacific Beach is the second largest bid in San Diego. With more than 1,400 member businesses, Discover Pacific Beach’s mission is to revitalize and promote PB both physically and economically.
At this year’s restaurant walk on Sept. 18, get ready for an evening filled with delicious food, local vibes, and stunning art installations from Dawes to Lamont streets along Garnet Avenue.
Attendees can have a stroll on a self-guided food tour from 4-9 p.m., sampling a variety of menus from restaurants for only $35 pre-sale, $40 the day of the event. Purchase tickets online or in person at will-call the day of the event at the Discover Pacific Beach office at 1503 Garnet Ave.
“As we enjoy the final stretch of summer, we’re excited for what we like to call ‘locals’ summer,’” said Sunny Lee, Discover Pacific Beach’s executive director. “Invite your friends and family to come down to Pacific Beach and explore all the incredible businesses that make our community unique.”
PACIFIC BEACHFEST
Lee pointed out that this year is special for Pacific BeachFest on Saturday, Oct. 5 from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. on the boardwalk from Grand Avenue to Felspar Street.
“It’s a major milestone, 25 years of Pacific BeachFest,” Lee said noting the annual event is “presented in honor of Earl and Birdie Taylor.”
There will be plenty of free, family-friendly fun and activity on the beaches and along the boardwalk at Pacific BeachFest. The action starts early on the shoreline with action sports tournaments, Volo 4Sum Social Volleyball, and Pacific Beach 5k/Half Marathon with an early wave and a main run.
Throughout the day, thousands of Pacific BeachFest-goers can enjoy live music on two stages featuring the best local talent.
Guests can also shop and browse among the dozens of fine arts and crafts displays and visit the many eclectic shops and popular restaurants at the PB Merchant Sidewalk Sale. The Taste of PB Food Court will also provide a variety of restaurants. Festival-goers are encouraged to check out local bars and restaurants.
The 10th Annual Best of the Beach Fish Taco Contest will take place from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. The people of San Diego are the judges for five restaurants that will provide fish taco samples. Tickets are $12 and include five tacos. You can purchase the tickets on the day of the event at the food court. Last year’s winner was Sandbar Sports Grill. For more information, visit pacificbeachfest.org.
“The Taylor family remains deeply connected to our community, and we’re honored to celebrate their contributions during the upcoming BeachFest,” said Lee about the continuing community tradition adding, “Let’s make the most of this special time in PB. Whether it’s enjoying a meal at your favorite spot, or supporting local shops, let’s come together to celebrate the rich history and bright future of our beloved Pacific Beach.”
EARL & BIRDIE TAYLOR
The legacy of Earl and Birdie Taylor began when they moved from Kansas to Pacific Beach in August of 1923, with their children Erma and Vernon. Drawn to the small-town charm of PB, the Taylors invested in local real estate, including the development of the iconic Crystal Pier, which opened to great fanfare on July 4, 1927.
Though the Great Depression challenged their progress, Earl and Birdie’s vision for PB never wavered. Their resilience and love for the community paved the way for growth, and their children carried on the family legacy.
In 1997, Vern Taylor and Erma O’Brien honored their parents’ memory by helping fund the construction of the Earl and Birdie Taylor Library, a cornerstone of the beach community. Today, Earl’s grandson, Ron Taylor, continues the family’s commitment to Pacific Beach. As an entrepreneur and early pioneer in skateboard manufacturing, Ron has reinvested his success into PB, supporting small businesses and local entrepreneurs.
FARMERS MARKET
Discover Pacific Beach also sponsors the Tuesday Farmers’ Market offering an assortment of fresh produce, artisanal goods, and more from 2-7 p.m. at 901 Hornblend St. Guests will find whatever they’re looking for whether they’re seeking farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, handmade crafts, or delicious ready-to-eat treats. Local vendors cater to everyone’s needs. Come stroll through the market where you’ll find everything from seasonal produce to unique gifts and goodies.
HEART OF PB RESTAURANT WALK
Participating restaurants: Better Buzz Coffee – pumpkin spice latte and Buzz energy drinks, Broken Yolk Cafe, Cafe Athena – pastitsio, falafel, rice pudding, Desserts by Clement – croissant and macarons, Local H2O PB, Mr. Frostie – ice-cream, PB Fish Shop – shrimp, Sauced Pizza – creamy pesto, chicken and sundried tomato penne pasta with garlic bread, Scuderie Italia – choice of rigatoni salsiccia, pizza, Slowly, TapRoom – mac and cheese, Santa Fe pasta (veggie), Tavern, Woodstock Pizza, Yogurt on the Rocks – soft serve and toppings.
Participating businesses: Aztec Graphics – local Tiki artist, musicians Dave Humphreys, guitarist, and Wolfgang on the keyboard. Sugoi! Tattoos and Piercings – displayed art, tattoo consultations, discounted flash tattoos, and merch for sale. Artists will be painting electric boxes within the footprint during the event.
