The 18th annual La Jolla Art and Wine Festival (LJAWF), happening on October 10 and 11, 2026, continues to put the “fun” in fundraiser. Held in the heart of La Jolla’s iconic coastal village along Girard Avenue (between Prospect Street and Torrey Pines Road), this nationally renowned, juried art show is free to attend and open to all ages.
Since its beginning, the La Jolla Art and Wine Festival has donated more than $1.7 million to support underfunded programs at La Jolla’s public schools, which benefit more than 4,000 students.
The LJAWF features something for everyone, including art, a silent auction, roving entertainment, a gourmet marketplace, a family art center, and an extensive wine and beer garden featuring premier wineries from around the world and many of San Diego’s nationally recognized breweries.
Over 170 World-Class Artists
More than just an art show, this vibrant event features many renowned artists. Girard Avenue will become an art lover’s paradise as more than 170 juried artists from across the U.S. and Mexico showcase works in various mediums, including painting, sculpture, jewelry, photography, ceramics, glasswork, and more.
All artists are handpicked by a distinguished jury of art professionals. The 2026 featured artist is Doug Merskin, a mixed-media artist with studios in Florida and California. He builds his sculpted, three-dimensional pieces from acrylics, mineral pigments, and metallic powders on surfaces he bends with heat, and much of his work takes the ocean as its subject.
Excellent Wineries and Breweries
The ticketed Wine & Beer Garden is a 21+ experience featuring 35+ premier wineries, craft breweries, and distilleries worldwide, including top San Diego breweries.
Expect to sip selections from standout producers while enjoying live entertainment and a festive, social vibe throughout the day.
There are three ticket levels this year. Every ticket includes entry, live music, shaded seating, the dance floor, and a reusable tasting cup. A tasting can be wine, beer, spirits, food, or a non-alcoholic drink.
- General Admission: five tastings
- General Admission Plus: eight tastings
- VIP: 10 tastings, unlimited in-and-out privileges, a dedicated VIP entrance, and a limited-edition festival tote
The garden has limited capacity, so the festival recommends buying ahead on its Wine & Beer Garden ticket page. Everyone needs ID to get in, and children are not allowed inside the garden.
Family Fun at the Geppetto’s Toys Family Art Center
Located on Wall Street at Girard Avenue, the free Geppetto’s Toys Family Art Center offers hands-on art activities, games, crafts, and educational fun for children of all ages. The 2026 lineup includes:
- Ballet and dance for kids with the Rosin Box Project
- Robotics with La Jolla Youth Robotics
- Gymnastics, aerial acrobatics, and parkour with Momentum Acrobatics
- Crafts, prize drawings, and giveaways from Geppetto’s Toys
- Hands-on crafts with the La Jolla/Riford Library
- Face painting by Orion Doodles
San Diego artist Brandon Fuqua, known as Barfo, will also be painting his colorful monster characters live in the Family Art Center throughout the weekend.
Live Music and Entertainment
Local bands and musicians play live in the Wine & Beer Garden on both days, with styles running from Latin jazz to reggae and a short set from San Diego Opera performers. Out on Girard Avenue, roving entertainers include:
- Stilt walkers
- Interactive acts
- Dancers
- Circus performers
- Musicians
Pet Adoptions & Silent Auction
In addition to the art and entertainment, the La Jolla Art and Wine Festival will host pet adoption stations along Girard Avenue in partnership with local rescue organizations.
Bidding for the silent auction is online and opens Friday, October 2, so you can bid from your phone before and during the festival. Packages have included:
- Two-night hotel stays
- Fine dining and winery experiences
- Brewery tours
- Theater tickets
- Family attractions
- And artwork from participating LJAWF artists
All proceeds from the auction benefit La Jolla’s public elementary, middle, and high schools, supporting vital programs in art, music, science, PE, technology, and on-site medical care.
Gourmet Food
A day at the La Jolla Art & Wine Festival isn’t complete without savoring bites from some of San Diego’s favorite food vendors.
From street-style tacos to wood-fired pizza and sweet treats, the festival offers plenty of options to pair with your wine or enjoy on the go as you explore the festival.
Giving Back: The LJAWF Mission
The La Jolla Art & Wine Festival Foundation is a nonprofit committed to:
- Supporting underfunded programs at La Jolla public schools
- Bringing world-class art to the community
- Promoting local businesses and cultural vibrancy
La Jolla Art and Wine Festival Hours and Important Info
Take note of these details:
- Saturday, October 10, 2026 | 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Sunday, October 11, 2026 | 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Wine & Beer Garden | noon – 6 p.m. both days, last pour at 5:30 p.m.
Admission:
- Free and open to all ages
- Ticketed Wine & Beer Garden (21+)
Transportation Tips:
- Street parking and paid lots are available around the village, and the festival’s visitor page links to ACE Parking, where you can reserve a spot in a nearby lot ahead of time
- Public transportation and ridesharing are encouraged due to limited village parking
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re an art enthusiast, wine lover, local supporter, or just looking for a fun thing to do in La Jolla, the La Jolla Art and Wine Festival offers a little bit of everything—with purpose.
With its mix of world-class art, incredible sips, family fun, and community spirit, it’s no wonder this event has become a beloved La Jolla tradition.
Mark your calendar for October 10–11, 2026, and come experience how giving back can be this much fun.
