On the Steps at SDMA: Centennial Edition Brings Free Music and Art to Balboa Park

The San Diego Museum of Art is hosting a special Centennial Edition of its popular On the Steps community program, and it’s one of those rare free events that brings together live music, dance performances, family-friendly art-making, and community booths all on the front steps of the museum.

All performances feature San Diego-based talent, celebrating the vibrant creativity of the city we call home, and admission to the museum is also free throughout the day.

On the Steps at SDMA

Performance Lineup Throughout the Evening

MC Maru will serve as Master of Ceremony for the evening, keeping energy high between performances. Peach Cooler kicks things off, followed by Gregory Page, and Lady Dottie and the Diamonds closes out the night.

Flashpoint Skate will also be performing throughout the event, adding another dynamic element to the evening’s entertainment. The performances run from late afternoon into the evening, giving you plenty of time to catch different acts depending on when you arrive.

Family-Friendly Art-Making and Community Booths

Beyond the performances, there are family-friendly art-making activities and artist and community-hosted booths set up throughout the event. It’s the kind of setup where you can wander between activities, catch a performance, grab some art supplies, and connect with local artists and community organizations all in one place.

The front steps of SDMA become a gathering space for the community rather than just a museum entrance.

Free Museum Admission All Day

Free admission to The San Diego Museum of Art runs from 10 AM to 7:30 PM, so you can explore the galleries before or after checking out the outdoor programming. It’s a solid opportunity to experience both the museum’s collections and the community celebration happening on the steps without worrying about ticket costs.

san diego museum of art on the steps event

See you there!

On the Steps at SDMA has always been one of Balboa Park’s better free community events, and this Centennial Edition brings extra programming to celebrate the museum’s milestone year.

📆 Saturday, February 28, 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM
📍1450 El Prado, Balboa Park, San Diego
🎟️ Free event
ℹ️ More info here

See you there, San Diego!

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Event Details
  • Start Date
    February 28, 2026 4:30 pm
  • End Date
    February 28, 2026 7:30 pm
  • Status
    All done
  • Location
  • Venue
    • San Diego Museum of Art
  • Address
    1450 El Prado San Diego, CA
  • More Info
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Event Details
  • Start Date
    February 28, 2026 4:30 pm
  • End Date
    February 28, 2026 7:30 pm
  • Status
    All done
  • Location
  • Venue
    • San Diego Museum of Art
  • Address
    1450 El Prado San Diego, CA
  • More Info
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