Port of San Diego Big Bay Balloon Parade

Between the madness of the Christmas gift-giving and New Year’s partying, the Port of San Diego Big Bay Balloon Parade gives San Diegans a chance to spend quality time with family and friends. At 10am on Wednesday, Dec. 28th, Downtown’s bayside streets will attract more than 100,000 spectators for America’s largest balloon parade.

With topnotch marching bands, floats, drill teams, and more sky-encompassing balloons than any other parade in the world, this event provides authentic appeal and entertainment. Presented by San Diego County Credit Union as a Bridgepoint Education Holiday Bowl Production, this spectacle that will be broadcasted on Cox Channel 4 highlights more than just a balloon-filled sky and street-side restaurants, cafes, and performances. The Bumble Bee Foods 5K, the 15th Annual Wienerschnitzel Wiener Nationals, and the Amtrak Big Bay Family Festival (9am to 1pm, free all-ages event) are other festivities luring people out to the parade. For music enthusiasts, check out the Battle of Bands at the Big Bay Family Festival at 11:45am.

Departing near the County Administration Building on Harbor Drive and running south on Harbor, the parade ends on the corner of Harbor Drive and Pacific Highway near Seaport Village. Grandstand seating tickets provide ideal viewing of the parade, bands, and specialty unit performances. Tickets cost $15 until Dec. 14th and increase to $20 will-call only tickets on Dec. 15th. Or if looking to avoid ticket costs, there’s good news — street-side viewing is free and full of all types of San Diego-styled entertainment. For more information about the Big Bay Balloon Parade locations, closed streets, and parking, view the parade information sheet here.

Discover more San Diego events and follow our San Diego lifestyle blog