KEX Fest is Back for its 8th Year and the Lineup is the Best Yet

Kettner Exchange’s annual food and beverage festival returns to Little Italy for its eighth edition, and if you’ve been before, you already know what a good afternoon this is.

If you haven’t, this is the year to go. KEX Fest is an all-inclusive afternoon of cuisine, wine, beer, spirits, live music, and immersive activations . And the 2026 lineup is the most expansive one yet.

Food Worth Showing Up For

Executive Chef Brian Redzikowski leads the culinary side of things alongside a lineup of featured guest chefs. Beyond the main kitchen, a series of restaurant pop-ups and specialty stations fill out the festival grounds:

• The Waverly Cardiff
• The Whaling Bar La Jolla
• Devil’s Dozen Donut Bar
• Bao Street Bun Pop-Up

There’s also a full pig roast and a whole fish breakdown happening on-site, which is exactly as impressive as it sounds.

Drinks From Every Angle

The beverage program covers a lot of ground. Wine, beer, and spirits tastings run throughout the afternoon alongside sommelier-led pairings.

Specialty cocktail experiences include a Condesa Gin Bar Takeover, a Hendrick’s Lemonade Stand, The Art of the Martini hosted by Bombay Sapphire, and a Syrah Silent Disco and Wine Tasting.

There’s also a Select Spritz Cart, Tito’s Parklet Bar, and The Grass Skirt Tiki Speakeasy rounding out the drinks side.

More Than Just Food and Drinks

KEX Fest has always leaned into the experience side of things, and this year is no different. Alongside live music from Jazz House and DJ Carlo, the afternoon includes an aura photo booth, glitter bar, tarot card reader, and astrology reader.

It’s the kind of festival where you can drift between a martini masterclass and a tarot reading without it feeling out of place.

The VIP Upgrade

New this year, VIP ticket holders get guaranteed access to every station and activation, plus dedicated hosting from the Kettner Exchange team to guide them seamlessly through the afternoon.

VIP perks include a welcome cocktail, chef’s amuse-bouche, commemorative KEX wine glass, smudge station experience, early entry, and access to the VIP Lounge and Sake Chef’s Table.

See you there!

Eight years in and KEX Fest keeps getting better. Lock in your tickets and make a Sunday of it.

📆 Sunday, June 7, 2026 | 1 PM – 7 PM
📍 2001 Kettner Blvd, San Diego
🎟️ Get your tickets here
ℹ️ Find out more here

See you there, San Diego!