Chula Vista’s streets will come alive this weekend with the bright hues and tangy aromas of citrus as the 28th Annual Lemon Festival makes its much-anticipated return. The beloved summertime tradition, rooted in the city’s agricultural past, kicks off Saturday along Third Avenue, promising a day full of zesty fun, live entertainment, and vibrant community celebration.
Once hailed as the “Lemon Capital of the World,” Chula Vista continues to honor its agricultural legacy with this festive homage to the golden fruit that once defined the region’s economy. Though the lemon groves that once blanketed the area are now mostly gone, their legacy lives on each August as thousands of residents and visitors gather to soak in the citrusy charm. From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., the city’s historic downtown will be transformed into a lively hub featuring food vendors, artisan booths, live music, and family-friendly entertainment—all with a distinct lemony twist.
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This year’s event will host two stages of nonstop music, showcasing local bands and performers spanning genres from Latin fusion to rock and folk. The festival’s culinary offerings are a major attraction in their own right, with food trucks and local eateries serving lemon-infused specialties—everything from lemon churros and lemonade slushies to lemon-basil tacos and citrus-marinated barbecue. Visitors can also test their mettle in the popular lemon pie-eating contest or show off their flair in the quirky best-dressed contest, where participants are encouraged to don their most creative lemon-themed outfits.
Children will have their own slice of paradise in the “Lil’ Lemons” zone located in Memorial Park. This dedicated area features hands-on games, crafts, face painting, and interactive performances, ensuring fun for even the youngest attendees. Meanwhile, adults can unwind in the beer and wine garden, which offers craft brews, local wines, and shaded seating to relax while enjoying the live entertainment.
The festival’s mascot, Tarty the Lemon, is expected to make multiple appearances throughout the day, offering photo opportunities and high-fives to fans of all ages. Local businesses and artisans will also line the streets, showcasing handmade goods, lemon-scented candles, art, and more—giving visitors a chance to support the region’s small business community while soaking in the festive atmosphere.
Beyond the Lemon Festival itself, San Diego’s cultural calendar is packed with experiences for every interest this weekend. Art lovers can head to Encinitas for the opening night of a new exhibition at ICA San Diego / North titled Las Hermanas Iglesias: wontloversrevoltnow. This free, outdoor event will feature engaging contemporary artwork that explores themes of caregiving, collective healing, and resilience, accompanied by refreshments and interactive art-making activities for guests of all ages.
Further south in Point Loma, Bay City Brewing is celebrating its 10th anniversary with live music, limited-edition IPAs, and a menu of specialty tacos, transforming the brewery into a festive gathering space for craft beer lovers. Meanwhile, sports and fitness fans can cheer for athletes at the Major League Pickleball playoffs at the Barnes Tennis Center or participate in the America’s Finest City Half Marathon & 5K, a popular annual race that winds through some of San Diego’s most scenic neighborhoods.
For those seeking a cultural crescendo, the weekend will conclude with a performance by Grammy- and Emmy-winning singer and actress Cynthia Erivo, who will take the stage with the San Diego Symphony at the Rady Shell at Jacobs Park. While tickets to the main venue are limited, parts of the performance will be audible from the adjacent lawn and waterfront areas, allowing more people to experience the powerful outdoor concert setting.
Taken together, this weekend offers San Diegans and visitors a true showcase of the region’s diverse and thriving cultural life. From citrus-inspired street parties to museum openings and symphonic performances under the stars, the 28th Annual Lemon Festival and its companion events offer something for every interest and age group. It’s a vivid reminder of why summer in San Diego is so special—not just for its weather, but for its unmatched sense of community, creativity, and celebration.
