Feel the Beat at San Diego’s Brazilian Festival
San Diego is throwing the 17th Annual Brazilian Festival, and it’s turning Waterfront Park into a full-blown carnival for the day.
If you love drum beats you can feel in your chest, food worth planning a whole afternoon around, and dancing by the water, this is the one to circle.
Live Music and Carnival Energy All Day
The lineup is stacked. Latin Grammy nominee Paula Lima headlines with a set of Brazilian soul, samba, and funk, while Vitin, formerly of Onze:20, brings his reggae-pop sound to the stage.
Want to actually learn something? Forromeno will have you picking up Forró, a fun, rhythmic partner dance, in no time.
On top of all that, expect high-energy Capoeira circles and a full Carnival Parade complete with samba dancers and thunderous drum lines rolling through the park.
A Taste of Brazil
Come hungry, because the food lineup is doing some serious heavy lifting. Grab Churrasco straight off the skewer, bite into a crispy Coxinha stuffed with chicken, or cool off with an Açaí bowl or a Guaraná soda.
If you’re looking for something stronger, swing by the cocktail garden for a proper Caipirinha, Brazil’s national drink. Either way, you’re not leaving this festival on an empty stomach.
Plan on making at least two trips through the food area, because one pass through definitely won’t be enough.
A Few Tips Before You Drive in
Downtown parking can be a pain, so here’s the move: hop on the MTS Trolley, Blue or Green Line, and get off at the County Center/Little Italy Station, just one block from the festival gates.
Driving in? There’s a paid parking structure right under Waterfront Park with entry off Ash Street, plus a few local lots around Little Italy, though those tend to fill up fast.
See you there!
Drums, dancing, and some of the best Brazilian food San Diego will see all year. Bring your energy and your dancing shoes.
📆 Saturday, August 29, 2026 | 2 PM – 11 PM
📍 1600 Pacific Hwy, San Diego
🎟️ Grab your tickets here
ℹ️ Get more details here
See you there, San Diego!
