Community Invited to Celebrate Pepper Park Reopening at “A Day at the Park” Event on April 4
Contact: Kelley Lieberman, 619.643.0154, klieberman@portofsandiego.org
The Port of San Diego invites the community to attend “A Day at the Park: A Port Experiences Series” event at Pepper Park. The free family-friendly festival is scheduled for Saturday, April 4, 2026, from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. This Port-sponsored multicultural celebration features local performers, artists, food vendors, activities for kids, and more. Attendees are encouraged to bring picnic blankets or lawn chairs to sit and enjoy the day’s festivities.
“A Day at the Park” will also celebrate the completion of the Pepper Park Phase 1 Improvements Project on the National City Bayfront. It is the perfect opportunity for the community to explore the park’s new features, including a pirate-themed playground and the first splash pad at a Port park.
“We’re excited to welcome everyone to the newly updated Pepper Park for a day of celebration, connection and community,” said Commissioner GilAnthony Ungab, M.D., National City’s appointee to the Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners. “We look forward to gathering with friends and family to enjoy amazing performances, delicious food, and fun activities along the National City Bayfront.”
Event Details
- Date: Saturday, April 4, 2026
- Time: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Location: Pepper Park, 3299 Tidelands Ave, National City, CA 91950
- Who: Local performers include PASACAT Philippine Performing Arts Company, Sabrosas Latin Orchestra, Harana Band of San Diego, Sweetwater High School’s Mariachi Nuevo Aguadulce, and musicians from the San Diego Symphony. Local food vendors include Kujo Eats, Valerio’s Bakery, Rodeo’s Taquizas, Mayari Coffee, Goodeatzkitchen, Cups and Straws, and MaBella Creations.
Parking and Free Shuttle Information
Parking is available at or near Pepper Park. Free shuttle services are also available from 10:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. and will run approximately every 30 minutes from:
- Paradise Valley Hospital, Medical Office Building, the South Gated Employee Parking Lot at 655 Euclid Ave, National City, CA 91950
- Olivewood Elementary School at 2505 F Ave., National City, CA 91950
Additional Information
The event is free to attend. Guests who sign up for A Day at the Park: Pepper Park email reminders will have the opportunity to collect a free water bottle at the event (with proof of email reminder), while supplies last.
Additional “A Day at the Park” events are planned in 2026 in Barrio Logan on April 11 and at Chula Vista Bayfront Park in June. More details will be announced at a later date. The public can visit portofsandiego.org/day-at-the-park for the latest updates.
This is the third year of the event series. In 2025, the Port welcomed hundreds of people at events in Barrio Logan and the Chula Vista Bayfront. The Port previously hosted “A Day at the Park” at Pepper Park in 2024, which was paused last year due to construction.
The “A Day at the Park” event series is sponsored under the Port of San Diego’s Tidelands Activation Program (TAP). TAP supports and produces events that activate the waterfront and improve public access to San Diego Bay.
ABOUT THE PORT OF SAN DIEGO
The Port of San Diego serves the people of California as a specially created district, balancing multiple uses on 34 miles along San Diego Bay spanning five cities. Collecting no tax dollars, the Port manages a diverse portfolio to generate revenues that support vital public services and amenities.
The Port champions Maritime, Waterfront Development, Public Safety, Experiences and Environment, all focused on enriching the relationship people and businesses have with our dynamic waterfront. From cargo and cruise terminals to hotels and restaurants, from marinas to museums, from 23 public parks to countless events, the Port contributes to the region’s prosperity and remarkable way of life on a daily basis.
About Port of San Diego Experiences
Port of San Diego Experiences welcomes businesses, residents and visitors from across the globe to enjoy and prosper from our dynamic waterfront.
As a treasured destination, the Port provides unique opportunities to captivate visitors and ensure everyone is welcomed, connected and inspired by our beautiful waterfront.