Since its debut in 2019, Wonderfront Music & Arts Festival has been staged along the bayfront at Embarcadero Marina Park North, evolving into one of the region’s most prominent multi-day music festivals. But according to festival leadership, a combination of logistical constraints, rising production costs, environmental review requirements, and capacity limitations has prompted a reevaluation of the venue as the event looks toward future growth.
Festival co-founder Paul Thornton recently acknowledged that while the Embarcadero location offers iconic views and strong Port support, it has become increasingly difficult to scale the event. Park refurbishments, new landscaping, restricted flat ground, and sightline challenges have all complicated stage placement, sponsor activations, and audience flow. As Wonderfront has grown, organizers say they have encountered physical limits that make long-term expansion at the site difficult.
In addition to relocating, Wonderfront plans to shift back to a fall calendar, returning to the season in which the festival originally launched. The move comes after weather issues impacted recent spring editions, including unseasonably cold and wet conditions that dampened attendance despite strong lineups and favorable early ticket sales. Organizers have indicated that targeting fall dates could offer greater scheduling flexibility while better aligning with tourism patterns and festival logistics.
The timing of Wonderfront’s search for a new venue is notable, coming as KAABOO appears to be officially finished after years of legal disputes, failed comeback attempts, and unresolved financial issues. Once San Diego County’s largest destination music festival, KAABOO’s collapse has left a significant gap in the regional festival ecosystem, particularly in the fall. With that void now firmly in place, industry observers have begun speculating whether Wonderfront could ultimately step into the space KAABOO once occupied, both figuratively and geographically.
One potential option being quietly discussed is Del Mar Fairgrounds, a venue with a long history of hosting large-scale music festivals and major events. The Fairgrounds offer significantly more space, established infrastructure, and fewer waterfront-related regulatory hurdles than downtown sites. Del Mar also previously demonstrated the ability to accommodate crowds well beyond Wonderfront’s current capacity, something organizers have indicated is essential for the festival’s next phase.
Another possibility, though more complex, is Petco Park, which has long been floated as a potential home for large music festivals following KAABOO’s aborted move there in 2020. While that effort ultimately unraveled amid contractual disputes and pandemic-related disruptions, Petco Park remains one of the few venues in San Diego capable of hosting a festival-scale event with built-in staging, crowd management systems, and centralized infrastructure.
The timing of Wonderfront’s search for a new venue is notable, coming as KAABOO appears to be officially finished after years of legal disputes, failed comeback attempts, and unresolved financial issues. Once San Diego County’s largest destination music festival, KAABOO’s collapse has left a significant gap in the regional festival ecosystem, particularly in the fall. With that void now firmly in place, industry observers have begun speculating whether Wonderfront could ultimately step into the space KAABOO once occupied, both figuratively and geographically.
One potential option being quietly discussed is Del Mar Fairgrounds, a venue with a long history of hosting large-scale music festivals and major events. The Fairgrounds offer significantly more space, established infrastructure, and fewer waterfront-related regulatory hurdles than downtown sites. Del Mar also previously demonstrated the ability to accommodate crowds well beyond Wonderfront’s current capacity, something organizers have indicated is essential for the festival’s next phase.
Another possibility, though more complex, is Petco Park, which has long been floated as a potential home for large music festivals following KAABOO’s aborted move there in 2020. While that effort ultimately unraveled amid contractual disputes and pandemic-related disruptions, Petco Park remains one of the few venues in San Diego capable of hosting a festival-scale event with built-in staging, crowd management systems, and centralized infrastructure.
Festival organizers have not publicly confirmed any specific venues under consideration, and Port of San Diego officials have stated they remain open to working with Wonderfront in the future. However, the fact that the festival is no longer scheduled on Port tidelands for 2026 signals that alternatives are actively being explored.
Wonderfront’s evolution also comes under new ownership. The festival was acquired by La Jolla-based Events.com in late 2024, a move that brought increased emphasis on long-term sustainability and scalability. Events.com leadership has previously stated its goal of transforming iconic events into durable, revenue-generating assets rather than one-off productions - a strategy that may require a venue capable of supporting larger audiences and more robust sponsorship opportunities.
Despite the uncertainty, Wonderfront organizers have indicated the festival will return in 2026, with formal announcements regarding dates, location, and format expected in the coming months.
As San Diego continues to grapple with the challenges of hosting large-scale cultural events - from permitting and environmental review to neighborhood impact and infrastructure - Wonderfront’s next move may help determine whether the region can sustain a permanent, flagship music festival in the post-KAABOO era.
Where the festival ultimately lands could reshape San Diego’s live music landscape for years to come.
For more information about Wonderfront Festival San Diego, visit wonderfrontfestival.com.
Wonderfront’s evolution also comes under new ownership. The festival was acquired by La Jolla-based Events.com in late 2024, a move that brought increased emphasis on long-term sustainability and scalability. Events.com leadership has previously stated its goal of transforming iconic events into durable, revenue-generating assets rather than one-off productions - a strategy that may require a venue capable of supporting larger audiences and more robust sponsorship opportunities.
Despite the uncertainty, Wonderfront organizers have indicated the festival will return in 2026, with formal announcements regarding dates, location, and format expected in the coming months.
As San Diego continues to grapple with the challenges of hosting large-scale cultural events - from permitting and environmental review to neighborhood impact and infrastructure - Wonderfront’s next move may help determine whether the region can sustain a permanent, flagship music festival in the post-KAABOO era.
Where the festival ultimately lands could reshape San Diego’s live music landscape for years to come.
For more information about Wonderfront Festival San Diego, visit wonderfrontfestival.com.
Originally published on January 21, 2026.
