San Diego Bayfair 2026

“Some people set up the same patch of sand on…”

For one weekend every September, Mission Bay turns into the loudest, fastest water in the country. San Diego Bayfair — 'the Thunderboats' to the regulars who claim the same patch of shoreline year after year — brings unlimited hydroplanes screaming across the bay at over 150 miles an hour, throwing rooster tails fifty feet high. It is the crown jewel of American powerboat racing, and it has roared across Mission Bay for more than sixty years. Beyond the racing: a car and motorcycle show, a barbecue cook-off, jet-ski freestyle, beer gardens, food vendors, and family zones spread along Crown Point and the surrounding beaches. Bring sunscreen, a low chair, and ear protection — the boats are felt as much as heard. The 62nd San Diego Bayfair runs September 18-20, 2026, on Mission Bay. Grandstand and pit-pass tickets are available through the official site; general shoreline viewing is part of the tradition.