Entering its sixth year, the San Diego Fermentation Festival is an annual outdoor festival celebrating the revival of fermented foods and beverages in San Diego and all across southern California!
What’s at the Festival?
- Demos & Workshops- Classes and demos given by fermentation experts covering how and why to make and eat fermented foods and beverages and the latest trends and scientific information on gut health.
- Makers Marketplace- Stroll through the fermentation-themed farmers market avenue, discovering the latest small and regional businesses with the latest in healthy nutrient-dense foods and beverages
- Ambrosia Garden- (21+) featuring tasters of fermented adult craft beverages such as mead, beer, cider, kombucha and wine. Plus a keeper souvenir tasting glass!
- Wellness Pavilion- Yoga, massage, acupuncture, sound healing and other alternative healing modalities to keep your whole self healthy!
- Food Trucks
- Live Music & Games
- Farm Tour
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I purchase tickets at the Festival?
A: We strongly encourage you to purchase tickets online ahead of time, as we may sell out. The ticketing site will be open up until 11:59pm on February 16 (the day before the Festival begins). That said, there will be tickets for sale at the door for $5 more than the pre-purchase ticket price.
Q: Where is the Festival being held?
A: At Leichtag Commons, 800 Ecke Ranch Rd, Encinitas, CA 92024. It is a beautiful outdoor venue with views of the Pacific Ocean.
Q: What street address should I use to get to the Festival?
A: You must enter from the Quail Gardens Drive (east) side of the property. 800 Ecke Ranch Road, Encinitas, CA 92024 should navigate you there. Please do NOT enter from Saxony Road by car (you will be re-directed to the other side).
Q: What if it rains?
A: The Festival is rain or shine! All the major areas (stages, Wellness pavilion, Ambrosia Garden, Food areas) are covered by tents.
Q: What are the hours of the Festival?
A: The 2020 festival Hours are from 12:oopm to 6:oopm.
Q: May I Bring My Infant into the Ambrosia Garden if s/he is strapped to me?
A: NO. Unfortunately, ABC (the state Alcohol & Beverage Commission) has made it very clear that no one under 21 is allowed in the Ambrosia Garden. Please plan accordingly.
Q: Who Can enter the Ambrosia Garden?
A: People who are 21 years of age or older on May 3, 2020, who have purchased an Ambrosia Garden pass or upgrade may enter the Garden.
Q: Can I “share” an ambrosia garden ticket with a friend if I don’t plan to use all my Drink tickets?
A: Unfortunately, no. Everyone in the Ambrosia Garden must have their own wristband.
Q: What if I bought a General Admission ticket, and now I want to go into the Ambrosia Garden?
A: No worries! You can upgrade your ticket at the Ticketing Area when you arrive at the festival.
Q: Do children under 12 need a ticket?
A: Children under 12 years old who are accompanied by an adult with a paid ticket are admitted free. No ticket is required for children under 12.
Q: What should I bring to the Festival?
A: Your ID (so we can check you in and verify your age), closed-toed shoes (the festival takes place in a mowed field), rain gear and umbrella in the unlikely case of rain, a few layers to stay warm, and extra spending money to purchase goodies from the Makers Marketplace.
Q: Can I bring my pet?
A: Only service animals are allowed at the Festival.
Q: What kind of Food options will be available at the Festival?
A: There will be a wide selection of makers serving hot and cold coffee drinks and vegetarian, vegan and gluten free fare. And of course, there will be plenty of fermented goodies to sample in the Makers Marketplace!
Q: How Do I enter the festival grounds by car? What is the street address?
A: Unless you are a vendor, you must enter the property from the Quail Gardens Drive side (800 Ecke Ranch Road). You will be directed by staff on where to park. If you are used to entering from Saxony Road, please note that you will be redirected around the other side.
Are the classes and demonstrations free with general admission? I was very disappointed at the Sourdough Festival at 123 Farm where you had to pay for the sourdough demonstration and they even ran out of sourdough bread to purchase. I feel like this may be many of the same vendors.
Hi Nancy,
Yes! All the classes and demos are free with the ticket admission. There would only be extra charges for take-away items (like sourdough starters, DIY sauerkraut, e.g.) All the vendors we invite are very well stocked, and we let them know how many guests we are expecting so that they plan accordingly.
See you at the Festival!