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Tidelands Activation Programs (TAP)

As part of our efforts to support a vibrant and active waterfront, the Port of San Diego offers sponsorship to community organized events through the Tidelands Activation Programs, or TAP.

Fish balloons at a parade
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Tidelands Activation Programs (TAP)

Tidelands Activation Programs (TAP)

Special events bring communities together, create memories and long-lasting social ties.

An annual sponsorship initiative, the Port’s Tidelands Activation Programs (TAP) support special events that activate Port parks and other public spaces along the waterfront with new experiences and opportunities for all who live, work, and play on and around San Diego Bay. The Port has provided event sponsorships in some capacity since the 1990s. TAP was formalized in 2014 through Board of Port Commissioners Policy 771.

Some free, popular TAP events include the Port of San Diego Big Bay Boom, San Diego Bay Parade of Lights, South Bay Pride, the National School District Family Fun Run, Day at the Docks, Symphony by the Sea, and more. 

TAP Categories

There are four categories of TAP events to help balance where and when events occur and to better manage sponsorship resources. They are: 
 

  • Community Events 

    Community Events 

    This category supports events put on by eligible non-profits, which are free and open to people of all ages. Examples of events in this category include the Rady Children's Hospital Foundation—San Diego—Celebration of Champions and the Coronado Music Festival.  

    Click here for the 2025 Community event application

     

     

     

     

  • Civic Events

    Civic Events

    In this category, the Port budgets equal sponsorship to each Port member city (Chula Vista, Coronado, Imperial Beach, National City, and San Diego) to support free special events of their choosing, such as Symphony by the Sea and Chula Vista Earth Day Celebration. The events must be free, open to all ages, and held on Port tidelands. 

    Click here for the 2025 Civic event application

     

     

     

     

  • Expanded Access Events

    Expanded Access Events

    As a Port of communities, this category, added in 2023, aims to improve public access to the Port’s under-activated and underutilized parks via Port-funded and Port-branded community events that are free and open to everyone. The events are designed to appeal to a diverse population and feature the unique character of each public space.

    In 2024, the Port held three public special events to help bring communities together and connect them with the bayfront. These events occurred at Cesar Chavez Park in Barrio Logan on the San Diego Bayfront, Pepper Park on the National City Bayfront, and Bayfront Park on the Chula Vista Bayfront. For questions, please contact Parks & Recreation at 619.725.6001.

    Are you a local business or organization that would like to participate in the Port of San Diego's A Day at the Park event? Click here and fill out an interest form. 
     

     

     

     

  • Business Negotiated Events 

    Business Negotiated Events 

    This category supports production of prominent events with national recognition and/or have positive direct or indirect economic benefit to the Port, its tenant businesses, and the San Diego region. The Port of San Diego Big Bay Boom, Wonderfront Music and Arts Festival, San Diego Food + Wine Festival, and the Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade are examples of the diverse types of Business Negotiated Events. Special event producers seeking additional information on partnering with the Port of San Diego to bring world-class Business Negotiated Events to San Diego Bay may forward a prospectus to TAP@portofsandiego.org.

     

     

     

     

     

     

APPLICATION INFORMATION

The application portal for Fiscal Year 2025 (July 1 – June 30, 2025) is open. Additional qualifying information is on the first page of the application process. 

Click here for the 2025 Civic events application

Deadline to apply: 11:59 p.m. May 15, 2025

Click here for the 2025 Community events application

Deadline to apply: 11:59 p.m. April 30, 2025

participants line up to start a race
A man lifts a hat off of another's head

A Day at the Park

As part of the Expanded Access Events category, the Port engaged with community stakeholders to produce a series of Day at the Park events in Barrio Logan, National City, and Chula Vista. These multicultural celebrations were filled with local performers, artists, food and retail vendors, and family-friendly fun. Looking forward, the Port is excited to continue our community partnerships and plan more incredible events. To stay up to date with future community, tour, event, and recreational information, sign up for our emails! 

Click here to sign up for Port updates

As part of planning for the Day at the Park events, Port Parks & Recreation staff conducted six community outreach meetings in September 2023 to help identify the type and characteristics of the special events. Approximately 100 community residents participated in the six in-person / virtual outreach meetings. 

A Day at the Park Photo Gallery

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