San Diego International Food and Music Festival by SD International Food & Music Festival at Embarcadero Marina Park North
Summary
SCH Number
2026100929
Public Agency
San Diego Unified Port District
Document Title
San Diego International Food and Music Festival by SD International Food & Music Festival at Embarcadero Marina Park North
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
10/26/2026
Document Description
The proposed project is the San Diego International Food & Music Festival, a free-to-attend special event, which would take place at Embarcadero Marina Park North (EMPN) in the City of San Diego, California in the month of October. The proposed project would consist of a free-to-attend food and music festival, which would include live music, entertainment (such as show cars), and food and beverage vending. The event and related setup and breakdown would have an approximate duration of two (2) days (one day for set-up and day one of the event, one day for the second day of the event with breakdown at the end of day). The event would have an estimated attendance of 4,000 people.
The event area is limited to the portion of EMPN which sits south of the roundabout turn and would be temporarily fenced off, but public access to surrounding park areas, sidewalks and the waterfront promenade would remain open throughout setup, the event, and breakdown. Temporary (two day) closures would be limited to the designated event footprint which includes most of the park and the parking lot at EMPN. ADA access and emergency vehicle access would be maintained at all times. Event staff would direct pedestrians around work areas during setup and breakdown to ensure safe public access.
Temporary event equipment would include interlocking fencing close to the entrance of EMPN at the south end of the roundabout, perimeter fencing surrounding the stage area for safety and crowd control, event lighting within the beer garden/bar area, tables with chairs in the designated dining area, and approximately 50 audience chairs positioned in front of the stage. Additional event equipment would include roll off bins in the parking lots, vendor canopies, waste receptacles, portable restrooms, event signage, and other temporary furnishings necessary for festival operations. All equipment would be removed following the event.
Amplified sound would be limited to approved event hours and would not exceed 85 dB between the sound board and the water's edge. Event staff would monitor sound levels using a decibel meter throughout the event and adjust volume immediately if needed. Amplified sound would end at 7:00 PM and only acoustic (unamplified) performances would occur after that time.
The proposed project would require the temporary use of the parking lot (approximately 80 parking spaces) at EMPN for event operations such as food trucks, vendor support and event infrastructure, with the exception of approximately two (2) handicap spots on the north end of the parking lot which would remain open throughout setup, the event and breakdown. Signage shall be placed near the entrance of the EMPN parking lot to notify members of the public about parking closures a minimum of 72 hours in advance of the event. Parking for the general public and event attendees would be available at nearby parking facilities and side streets.
Due to its temporary nature and limited scope, the proposed project would generate a minor amount of vehicle trips and would require limited use of equipment. Therefore, impacts related to air quality, greenhouse gas emissions, and transportation and traffic are not anticipated to occur. Furthermore, the Applicant would be responsible for complying with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding construction demolition debris, hazards and hazardous materials, and stormwater.
Contact Information
Name
Michael Carrasco
Agency Name
SD International Food & Music Festival
Job Title
Organizer
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Phone
Name
Justin Huitema
Agency Name
San Diego Unified Port District
Job Title
Planner I
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Cities
San Diego
Counties
San Diego
Regions
Southern California
Other Location Info
400 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
CEQA Guidelines Sections 15304 (Class 4) and 15323 (Class 23)
Reasons for Exemption
The proposed project is determined to be Categorically Exempt pursuant to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15304 (Minor Alterations to Land) and 15323 (Normal Operations of Facilities for Public Gatherings) and Section 3.d. of the District’s Guidelines for Compliance with CEQA because it would be for a temporary event that would result in no permanent effects on the environment, and would not involve the removal of mature, scenic trees. Section 3.d. of the District’s CEQA Guidelines and CEQA Guidelines Section 15323 are as follows:
3.d. Minor Alterations to Land (SG § 15304) (Class 4): Includes minor alterations in the condition of land, water and/or vegetation not involving removal of mature, scenic trees;
AND/OR
Normal Operations of Facilities for Public Gathering (SG § 15323) (Class 23):
Consists of the normal operations of existing facilities for public gatherings for which the facilities were designed, where there is a past history of the facility being used for the same or similar kind of purpose. For the purposes of this section, “past history” shall mean that the same or similar kind of activity has been occurring for at least three years and that there is a reasonable expectation that the future occurrence of the activity would not represent a change in the operation of the facility. Facilities included within this exemption include, but are not limited to, racetracks, stadiums, convention centers, auditoriums, amphitheaters, planetariums, swimming pools, and amusement parks.
The District has determined none of the six exceptions to the use of a categorical exemption apply to this project (CEQA Guidelines Section 15300.2).
County Clerk
San Diego
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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