San Diego’s most beloved Louisiana festival is making its return – and this year, the good times start before the weekend even kicks off. Gator By The Bay is rolling back into Spanish Landing Park for four days of zydeco, blues, Cajun food, and more crawfish than you can shake a rubboard at.

A Free Thursday Kickoff to Get Things Going

Before the main event begins, kick things off at the free Thursday evening party at the Festival Stage. There’ll be an acoustic music jam, dancing, food trucks, drinks, and a meet-and-greet with GRAMMY-winning Wilson Savoy of The Pine Leaf Boys. It’s a pretty great way to ease into what’s about to be one seriously fun weekend.

More Than 100 Live Performances Across Seven Stages

The 2026 lineup is stacked. Headlining acts include:

• Jon Cleary & The Absolute Monster Gentlemen
• Dumpstaphunk (led by Ivan and Ian Neville)
• Chubby Carrier (GRAMMY winner)
• Geno Delafose & French Rockin’ Boogie
• Rick Estrin & The Nightcats
• The Pine Leaf Boys (led by GRAMMY winner Wilson Savoy)
• John Németh with the Johnny Vernazza Band
• Kirk Fletcher & Erika Baier
• Deke Dickerson & Mitch Polzak (Western Swing Kickoff)

San Diego’s own are well represented too:

• Sue Palmer’s Black & Blues
• Gregory Page
• The Farmers
• Whitney Shay with Laura Chavez
• Kimmi Bitter
• The Sleepwalkers
• Euphoria & Chunky Hustle Brass Bands

All the Crawfish, Gumbo, and Beignets You Can Handle

The Bourbon Street food court brings the full Louisiana spread – po’boys, jambalaya, étouffée, beignets, and a whopping 10,000 pounds of crawfish trucked directly from Louisiana.

If you want to take things a step further, the Taste of Louisiana Cooking Pavilion has live cooking demos where Southern chefs share the secrets behind Cajun and Creole classics. In addition, you can consider it a masterclass with snacks.

Dancing, Shopping, and a Whole Lot of Mardi Gras Energy

Never tried zydeco? The Bon Temps Social Club Dance Pavilion has free lessons led by expert instructors. Whether you’re a first-timer or working on your Cajun two-step, the dance floors at the Mardi Gras, Festival, and Bourbon Street stages are open and welcoming.

Stroll through the Mardi Gras Market for handmade jewelry, artwork, musical instruments, and festival goods, or just soak in the bayou atmosphere along the bay.

A Perfect Mother’s Day Weekend for the Whole Family

Gator By The Bay falls over Mother’s Day weekend, making it a natural spot for a family outing. Kids 17 and under get in free with a paid adult. Plus, there’s plenty of open space to explore, dance, and take it all in.

From the Bayou Grove Stage’s storytelling and jam sessions to the Mardi Gras parades, there’s something for everyone across the four days.

See you there!

With this lineup, you’ll want to grab tickets sooner rather than later.

📆 Thursday, May 7 – Sunday, May 10, 2026
📍 3900 N Harbor Dr, San Diego
🎟️ Get your tickets here
ℹ️ More info here

See you there, San Diego!