What is happening, Chula Vista? Summer is over and today is the first day of fall, which means it is time for my annual countdown. These are the top three summer events I attended, had fun at, and left with great vibes. This year brings a new event onto the list, and one of my favorites from last year barely hung on. I will get into that as we go.
A couple of ground rules first. Farmers markets are out. They happen all the time, so they’re a lifestyle, not an event. The World Cup festivities in downtown Chula Vista are out too. Big deal, absolutely, but it is a once-every-four-years thing, and this list is for the events that come around every summer.
Let us count them down.
#3: The 29th Annual Chula Vista Lemon Festival
This one barely squeaked in, and I say that as a big fan. The Lemon Festival happens right in downtown Chula Vista, I love it, and I support it every year. I even had a booth out there this time, and we did great selling T-shirts. Thank you so much to everyone who came out and showed some love.
But I have to be honest with you. This year felt like it was missing something. A few things stood out. We needed a car club showing off their cars. A lot of people want to see more than just vendor booths. The main stage only had one decent band, and it felt more like a side stage than a main attraction. The kids’ area was very expensive if you wanted to do all of the activities and bounce houses. I am also not sure the event was promoted enough, because it didn’t feel as well attended as it has in years past. I would love to see some kind of games people can actually participate in. Even carnival rides would be awesome.
Several city council members stopped by my booth, and I gave them all the same message: we need to do better. Next year is the 30th Annual Lemon Festival, and a milestone like that deserves a big celebration. I am going to be poking the city and the organizers between now and then, so consider yourselves warned.
If you went, tell me what you thought in the comments. It is still a great family event, and I will always support it, but it was not at its best this year.
#2: The 3rd Annual Rewind Festival at Cota Vera
This was the surprise hit of the summer. For the past two years, I wanted to go and was out of town both times, so this year I made sure my calendar was clear. It was well worth it. I had heard from others that the Rewind Festival was fun, and boy, were they right.
All three cover bands showed up and played their hearts out, and everybody was dancing. Plenty of food trucks meant no waiting in line, which is basically a summer miracle. A vendor market full of local businesses rounded it out, and the vibes were great from start to finish. They also had a retro arcade with throwback games, all free to enjoy. Things like that made the event so much fun.
It all took place at Central Square Park in the Cota Vera community, and the organizers did a great job putting it together. Big shout-out to all of them. If you missed it, go watch my video recap, because you will want this one on your calendar next year. The moment they announce the date, I will pass it along.
#1: Chula Vista Harbor Fest (The Return)
If you have been following me for a while, you saw this coming. Harbor Fest is back, and it came back big time right at the J Street Marina. I heard so many rumors that it was returning, and I have been waiting for this one. Seeing it finally happen made it the summer event Chula Vista needed.
There were plenty of vendors, but there was also lots to see and do. Lucha libre matches, car clubs, a huge main stage with some really good live bands, and a beer garden that was a lot of fun. The VIP tickets got you a shaded area, free tacos, and two free drinks. Everything was well organized, and I cannot stop talking about it.
In fact, I made a video calling on the Lemon Festival organizers to come down to Harbor Fest and start taking notes. What I saw at the marina is exactly what I want to see at the Lemon Festival. Watch my recap video, and if you were there, let me know what you thought, because this was hands down my number one summer event.
Honorable Mentions
I love the Cruise for the Cause every year at the Otay Ranch Town Center. It almost edged out the Lemon Festival on this list, but I had to keep my Lemon Festival streak alive.
I also want to give a shout-out to Day at the Park, held at the J Street Marina. It is a fun family event hosted by the Port of San Diego, with plenty of vendors and live music that was awesome.
What Was Your Favorite Summer Event?
There you have it, Chula Vista. Those are my top three summer events that happened right here in our community. This is what I love about our community, and it is why I post the free, family-friendly events every chance I get. Check the Chula Vista Living events calendar to see what is coming up, and keep following me on all the social channels, including Instagram and Facebook at @livingchulavista.
The holidays are right around the corner, and there are so many events I cannot wait to tell you about. Nothing has been officially announced yet, but once it is, you know I will be spreading the word. There is one at the Gaylord I am especially excited about, and I already have my tickets.
One last thing. Thank you to everyone who came up to me at these events to say thanks for what I do. I love doing this, and it means the world to me. Let me know in the comments what your favorite summer event was, and I will see you out there.
