Gator by the Bay returns to Spanish Landing Park

The beloved Louisiana-themed music fest is Thursday, May 11-Sunday, May 14.

SD Gator by the Bay festival

Gator by the Bay features 100+ musical acts.

Photo via Jeff Beeler

Spanish Landing Park will have Big Easy vibes when Gator by the Bay rolls in today through Sunday, May 14 — the annual Louisiana-themed music and food festival beloved on “this side of the bayou.”

The waterfront fest presented by the San Diego Bon Temps Social Club features 100+ musical acts across seven stages, tapping into genres like zydeco, blues, Cajun, rockabilly, swing, salsa, and New Orleans jazz. If that makes you want to boogie, hop into free dance lessons throughout the weekend.

SD Gator by the Bay festival

The Louisiana-themed fun is vibrant at Gator by the Bay.

Photo via Brad Elligood

The shindig also features traditional Southern cuisine — from seafood gumbo to beignets — plus 10,000 pounds of live crawfish hauled in from southwest Louisiana. Oh, and don’t miss the cooking demos so you can recreate the flavors at home.

Tickets are still available in single-day or multiple-day options. Bonus: Kids age 17 and under get in free with a paid adult. 🎟️

Cue the tunes and see you later, gator.

More from SDtoday
Over the next 10 days, we’re launching a reader-driven campaign to sustain what we do best.
Including gifts for significant others, retirees, holiday parties, young people, and gifts that ship fast.
Dining in San Diego is always a fresh experience, with new restaurants popping up all the time — and more on the way.
More than 60 local museums + attractions will offer free admission for kids age 12 and under from Wednesday, Oct. 1 to Friday, Oct. 31.
No cash? No problem. Whether you are spending a day or a lifetime in San Diego, these are some of the best offerings that won’t break the bank.
This list of volunteer opportunities in America’s Finest City includes everything from helping the hungry to cleaning up local beaches.
The Joan and Irwin Jacobs Performing Arts Center will serve as Cygnet Theatre’s new home.
We’re here to make your flying process plane and simple.
Whew, 2025 is shaping up to be an eventful year in America’s Finest City.
Reach your local community with our help.