Clairemont has always felt a bit like a small town in a big city. Even though it’s San Diego’s largest neighborhood, it doesn’t feel that way. It feels like family. And this Saturday, when Clairemont Family Day returns for its 36th year on September 12, it will be all about family, friends, and fun.
Clairemont Family Day is the only day of the year when you will find a car show, pony rides, a beer garden, live music, and a rock climbing wall all in one place in Clairemont.
Here’s what’s happening at Clairemont Family Day
The festivities kick off at 9 am and run through 4 pm at South Clairemont Park with a packed schedule. Here’s the full lineup:
- 7 am-9 am: Bay Park Community Council is sponsoring a pancake breakfast inside the recreation center.
- 9 am-3 pm: San Diego Association of Car Clubs is sponsoring The Greatest Show on Turf Classic Car Show on the west field.
- 9 am-4 pm: Kids can enjoy bouncing on bungee trampolines, scaling a climbing wall, sliding down inflatable slides, and barreling through obstacle courses inside the Clairemont Fun Zone on the east field. This is a paid zone. Wristbands are available for purchase at the information booth for $15.
- 9:30 am and 11 am: St. Columbia School and Preschool is sponsoring a magic show for kids (adults can join in on the fun, too). Prepare to be amazed by Joe Mystic, the magician performing on stage!
- 10 am: Get captivated by the Clairemont Cheer team as they perform.
- 10:30 am: Don’t miss the welcome ceremony on the main stage.
- 10 am-1 pm: Free pony rides are always a fan favorite! Juni’s Pediatric Dentistry is sponsoring this fun-filled adventure for kids on the north field.
- 10 am-2 pm: All ages can participate in a scavenger hunt meant to test your sleuthing skills.
- 10 am-4 pm: Check out the monkey bridge and activities shared by Clairemont Scout Packs 260 and 277 on the north field.
- 11 am: Sit back and enjoy a Tai Chi demonstration on the main stage by fifth-generation Tai Chi Master Henry Chen and his students from the Tai Chi Wellness Center. You’ll be captivated by this moving meditation, swords and sabers, and self-defense performance.
- 11:30 am: The Rap-A-Tap dancers will put on a show you can’t miss.
- 11 am-3 pm: Visit the Clairemont Pool lawn area for a bubble activity and demonstrations on swim safety, appropriate use of a life jacket, rescue techniques, CPR, and first aid. The City of San Diego Parks & Recreation Aquatics Department is supporting this activity.
- 12 pm: Dancers from local dance studio Balletiquette will perform.
- 12 pm-3 pm: Calling all Bobby Fischers! The Balboa Library is sponsoring a free youth chess tournament at the recreation center, and every participant earns a prize. Register here.
- 12: 30 pm: Who doesn’t love a great Thriller dance? Channel your inner Michael Jackson and join in on the flash mob rehearsal on the east field.
- 1 pm: Enjoy the tunes of local band, 3 Car Garage, as you stroll through the park.
In addition to the activities, plenty of food will keep you and the kids sated. Food vendors include: Sandwich Emporium, Chick-fil-A, Mariposa Ice Cream, CAKED, Kona Ice, and B’n’B Kettle Corn. La Taqueria Jalisco will also be there with options for vegetarians and vegans.
The beer garden will also return for this year’s event, with beer and seltzers from Coronado Brewing Company.
The South Clairemont Park and Recreation Council organizes Clairemont Family Day, with support from the Clairemont Town Council and its many sponsors. This year’s primary sponsor is local Clairemont construction company, K-Co Construction.
Clairemont Family Day history
Clairemont Family Day began in the 1990s, and many of the kids who grew up in the neighborhood going to this annual event are now bringing their own kids to enjoy what has become a Clairemont tradition.
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“For 36 years, Clairemont Family Day has been a highlight of the Clairemont community, and it keeps getting better each year with more activities, more participation by our youth groups and performers, and more dedication to bringing everyone together,” said Emily Cottrell, South Clairemont Park and Recreation board member. “Clairemont Family Day is the only festival organized for our community, by our community.”
Behind the scenes
Putting together an event like Clairemont Family Day is no easy feat and is made possible only by the many volunteers, including people from all over Clairemont.
“The organizing committee is made up of community volunteers who meet regularly for six months during the year,” explained Emily. “We represent various parts of the Clairemont neighborhood, from longtime residents to business owners, working parents, and retirees. The community truly comes together to organize and sustain the event.”
The details you’ll want to know about Clairemont Family Day
Clairemont Family Day
Saturday, September 12, 2026
9 am–4 pm
South Clairemont Park & Recreation Center
3605 Clairemont Drive
Admission and the classic car show are free. Some attractions, including the Fun Zone, cost extra. Parking around the park is very limited. However, parking is available at Clairemont High School, and free shuttles run to and from the park during the event.
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