Farm to Bay Chula Vista Returns with Food, Wildlife, and Coastal Conservation
The Farm to Bay Chula Vista event, known as “Feast Among Sea Creatures,” offers adults a rare opportunity to enjoy locally sourced cuisine while surrounded by the vibrant wildlife of San Diego Bay. Taking place Saturday, August 2nd at the Living Coast Discovery Center, this unique celebration blends gourmet dining with up-close encounters with animal ambassadors, including owls, hawks, sea turtles, jellyfish, and more. It’s a night that combines local flavor with conservation impact.
Now in its 16th year, Farm to Bay Chula Vista is held on the scenic grounds of the San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Guests can enjoy a sunset dinner in a marshland setting, taste wines from local vineyards, and interact with both land and marine animals, all while supporting the center’s mission to inspire care for coastal wildlife and habitats.
As the Living Coast Discovery Center’s largest annual fundraiser, the event raised more than $128,000 last year. Those funds support hands-on educational programs, summer camps, and school field trips for thousands of students. With recent federal funding cuts exceeding $80 million, community-driven fundraising efforts like Farm to Bay Chula Vista play a vital role in keeping these programs accessible, often at no cost to local schools.
The event also champions sustainability. Committed to its zero-waste goal, less than 10% of the evening’s waste is sent to landfills. Vendors use compostable or reusable serving materials, and a volunteer team helps sort recycling and compost. This eco-conscious approach underscores the event’s commitment to preserving the coastal environment.
Tickets are $120 and available at thelivingcoast.org. The event is for adults 21 and over, and advance purchase is strongly recommended due to limited availability. Whether you’re a food lover, an animal enthusiast, or a conservation supporter, Farm to Bay Chula Vista offers an evening of meaning, memory, and mission.
About the Living Coast Discovery Center
The Living Coast Discovery Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit zoo and aquarium located within the San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge in Chula Vista. Founded in 1987 as the Chula Vista Nature Interpretive Center, it has evolved into a vibrant community hub that welcomes approximately 70,000 visitors each year for interactive exhibits, daily animal encounters, and conservation-focused programs.
Guided by its mission to inspire the community to connect with and care for our coastal environment, the Center offers educational field trips, scout programs, composting workshops, and public hikes that reach thousands of schoolchildren annually.
