Sunday, November 22, 2026 | Downtown Encinitas
Some traditions just feel like home, and for me, the Encinitas Street Fair is one of them.
Having been born and raised in Encinitas, I have fond memories of walking along Coast Highway 101 as a little kid, exploring the booths, enjoying the food, and taking in all the excitement of the street fair. I remember when this tradition first began back in the 1980s, and it's pretty special to see it still bringing our community together more than 40 years later.
On Sunday, November 22, 2026, the Encinitas Holiday Street Fair returns to historic downtown Encinitas for another wonderful day of holiday shopping, live music, great food, and community fun.
A Hometown Tradition Since 1983
The Encinitas Street Fair tradition began in 1983 with the original Spring Street Fair. Over the years, it expanded to include the Holiday Street Fair, giving our community two opportunities each year to come together and celebrate everything that makes Encinitas special.
Now celebrating its 42nd annual Holiday Street Fair in 2026, the event has become a beloved North County tradition.
For those of us who grew up here, it's more than just a street fair. It's a little piece of Encinitas history. The town has certainly changed over the decades, but there's something comforting about seeing familiar traditions continue from one generation to the next.
Holiday Shopping with a Local Touch
One of my favorite things about the street fair has always been wandering through the vendor booths and discovering something unique.
You'll find local artisans, handmade jewelry, artwork, clothing, home décor, and plenty of creative holiday gifts you won't necessarily find in a big retail store.
It's also a wonderful opportunity to support local makers and small businesses, something that's always been an important part of the Encinitas community.
Live Music, Great Food & That Encinitas Vibe
Of course, no Encinitas Street Fair would be complete without great food, live music, and that laid-back coastal atmosphere we all love.
There's something about walking down Coast Highway 101, listening to music, running into familiar faces, and enjoying a beautiful Southern California day that makes this event so enjoyable.
Whether you're grabbing a bite from one of the food vendors or stopping into a favorite downtown restaurant, there's plenty to enjoy.
Make a Day of It in Downtown Encinitas
If you haven't spent much time in downtown Encinitas lately, the Holiday Street Fair is the perfect excuse to explore.
Take your time browsing the booths, stop for lunch, visit some of the local shops, and maybe finish the afternoon with a walk down to the beach.
From the historic storefronts to the ocean just a few blocks away, downtown Encinitas still has that special coastal charm that made growing up here so memorable.
Event Details
Event: 42nd Annual Encinitas Holiday Street Fair
Date: Sunday, November 22, 2026
Location: Historic South Coast Highway 101, Downtown Encinitas
Highlights: Holiday shopping, local artisans, food vendors, live music, and community entertainment
A Little Piece of Encinitas History
Having grown up in Encinitas, I love seeing traditions like the Holiday Street Fair continue year after year. So much has changed since I was a kid, but events like this remind me of the small-town coastal community I grew up loving.
Whether you've lived here your whole life, recently moved to North County, or are just visiting for the weekend, I hope you'll take some time to experience this wonderful local tradition.
I'll always have a soft spot for Encinitas, and the Holiday Street Fair is one of those events that makes me proud to call it my hometown.