There will be lots of free fun and family-friendly activity on the beaches and along the boardwalk at this year’s version of the popular Pacific BeachFest on Saturday, Oct. 4 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Like other coastal happenings, Pacific BeachFest has lots of booths with hand-crafted items and food vendors — and plenty of music. But what makes it special is the physical activities the public is invited to take part in.?The action starts early on the sandy shoreline with the Healthy Souls Volleyball Tournament featuring Class A teams from throughout Southern California. There’s also the Revolt in Style Summer Surf Series Pro/Am Surf Competition for all ages, where surfers will surf on the south side of Crystal Pier for this one-time opportunity. Then there’s the Xterra Boards Pacific BeachFest 5K fun run, the only fun run along the sand and boardwalk.
 “Pacific BeachFest is Discover Pacific Beach’s signature festival who’s mission is to highlight Pacific Beach, its businesses and active living lifestyle throughout the region and beyond,” said Sara Berns, Discover PB’s executive director. “Pacific BeachFest is unique in that we (DPB) prioritize vending opportunities to local Pacific Beach businesses including an exclusive merchant area and food court,” she said. “As part of Pacific BeachFest, we highlight the Action Sports industry synonymous with Pacific Beach including a 5K fun run, pro-am volleyball and surf contest. Pacific BeachFest is a great day to come out and have a good time whether young or old and celebrate all that is Pacific Beach.”
Berns reminded people about the Best of the Beach Fish Taco Contest where “the people decide who reigns in fish tacos at the beach by purchasing a ticket to sample six fish tacos from local competitors and cast their vote.”
“The winner will receive the coveted title and trophy for one as ‘Best of the Beach’ fish taco,” Berns said. Throughout the action-packed day, thousands of BeachFest goers can enjoy live music on three stages: the Car 2 Go Main Stage, featuring world beat dance music; the San Diego County Credit Union Community Stage, featuring the best talent in Pacific Beach; and the Ocean Park Inn Grand Stage, where the hottest DJs and reggae will be featured in the Dos Equis Beer Garden.
Guests will have a chance to vote at the sixth annual “Best at the Beach” Fish Taco Challenge and can enjoy a craft beer with an ocean view in the Dos Equis Beer Garden and take part in wine tastings by Turquiose Cellars.
Shop and browse among the dozens of fine arts and crafts displays and visit the many eclectic shops and popular restaurants in this laid-back beachside community at the PB Merchant Sidewalk Sale presented by Superpawn and Taste of PB Food Court.
KyXy/Energy 103.7 presents Kids Action Alley, where the youngest dudes and dudettes will be kept busy with beachside rides, as well as other free fun games and activities. Local community groups from Pacific Beach will welcome you to the neighborhood with goodies and fun activities. 
Register for the Pacific Beachfest 5K Run at www.pacificbeachfest5k.com.
For more information, visit www.pacificbeachfest.org, or call (858) 273-3303.