Wild Horses Festival
2026

What to Expect at Wild Horses Festival

The Wild Horses Festival experience begins the moment you approach Petco Park. The Gaslamp Quarter location means pregame options abound—restaurants, bars, and coffee shops within walking distance let you start the celebration early. Gates typically open in the late afternoon, with music running through the evening hours.

Inside the venue, festival-goers find multiple options for food and beverages. Petco Park's established concert infrastructure ensures smooth operations even with massive crowds. The stadium's field level and seating bowl both offer excellent views, with different ticket tiers providing options for every budget and preference.

Getting to Petco Park

Petco Park's downtown location makes it highly accessible via multiple transportation options. The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) Trolley delivers fans directly to the venue, with three trolley lines serving nearby stations including 12th & Imperial, Gaslamp Quarter, and Park & Market.

Free Park and Ride lots throughout the trolley system—including Old Town Transit Center, Grossmont Transit Center, and El Cajon Transit Center—let you avoid downtown parking hassles. For those who prefer rideshare, Uber and Lyft have designated pickup and drop-off zones near the stadium. Families benefit from MTS policies allowing children 12 and under to ride free with paying adults on weekends.

Wild Horses Festival Quick Facts

• Venue: Petco Park, 100 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA
• Typical Timing: Late December (exact 2026 date TBA)
• Duration: Approximately 7 hours of music
• Format: All-ages, single-day festival
• Genre Focus: Modern folk, country, Americana, roots music
• Presented By: Outriders
• Follow: @wildhorsesfestival on Instagram

Past Wild Horses Headliners

The festival's booking history demonstrates its commitment to top-tier talent:

• 2025: Mumford & Sons with Lord Huron, Sierra Ferrell, Lily Meola
• 2022: Cody Jinks (who called it "one of the best crowds I've ever played for")
• Previous Years: Zach Bryan, Post Malone, Midland, LeAnn Rimes, Whiskey Myers, Colter Wall, Trampled By Turtles, Ryan Bingham, Paul Cauthen, The Silent Comedy

San Diego in December

San Diego's December weather offers ideal conditions for an outdoor festival. Average temperatures in the mid-60s during the day and low-50s in the evening create comfortable conditions without the heat of summer festivals. The region's Mediterranean climate means rain is rare, though bringing a light jacket for evening hours is recommended.

The holiday season transforms San Diego into a festive destination beyond the festival itself. Visitors can extend their trip to enjoy the city's beaches, world-famous zoo, craft brewery scene, and diverse dining options. The Gaslamp Quarter's proximity to the venue puts entertainment, restaurants, and nightlife within easy walking distance.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wild Horses Festival 2026

When is Wild Horses Festival 2026?

The exact date for Wild Horses Festival 2026 has not yet been announced. The festival typically takes place in late December at Petco Park in San Diego. Previous editions have been held on dates between Christmas and New Year's Eve. Check back for updates as the 2026 date and lineup are announced.

Where is Wild Horses Festival held?

Wild Horses Festival is held at Petco Park in downtown San Diego, California. The stadium is located at 100 Park Boulevard in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter. This venue has hosted the festival since its inception and provides world-class infrastructure for large-scale music events.

What kind of music is featured at Wild Horses Festival?

Wild Horses Festival celebrates modern folk, country, and Americana music. The lineup typically features artists who blend traditional roots music with contemporary influences, including folk-rock, outlaw country, indie folk, bluegrass, and singer-songwriter performances. The festival is known for curating genre-blending artists who push beyond traditional boundaries.

How can I buy Wild Horses Festival 2026 tickets?

You can purchase Wild Horses Festival 2026 tickets through our secure resale marketplace once they become available. We connect fans with verified sellers offering authentic tickets at competitive prices. Our all-inclusive pricing means no hidden fees, and every purchase is backed by buyer protection.

Is Wild Horses Festival an all-ages event?

Yes, Wild Horses Festival is an all-ages event. Families and music fans of all generations are welcome at Petco Park for this celebration of Americana music. The festival format and timing make it accessible to attendees who may not typically attend multi-day camping festivals.

How long is Wild Horses Festival?

Wild Horses Festival is a single-day event lasting approximately seven hours. Gates typically open in the late afternoon, with performances running through the evening. This concentrated format delivers a full festival experience without the multi-day commitment of larger festivals.

Who has headlined Wild Horses Festival in the past?

Past Wild Horses headliners have included Mumford & Sons, Zach Bryan, Post Malone, and Cody Jinks. Supporting acts have featured Lord Huron, Sierra Ferrell, Midland, LeAnn Rimes, Whiskey Myers, Colter Wall, Trampled By Turtles, Ryan Bingham, Paul Cauthen, and many others. The festival consistently books major artists in the folk and country space.

How do I get to Petco Park for Wild Horses Festival?

Petco Park is accessible via multiple transportation options. The San Diego MTS Trolley serves three stations within walking distance: 12th & Imperial, Gaslamp Quarter, and Park & Market. Free Park and Ride lots are available throughout the trolley system. Rideshare services have designated zones near the stadium, and limited parking is available downtown.

What is the weather like for Wild Horses Festival?

San Diego's December weather is typically mild and pleasant. Expect daytime temperatures in the mid-60s Fahrenheit, cooling to the low-50s after sunset. Rain is rare, but bringing a light jacket for evening hours is recommended. The outdoor stadium setting takes full advantage of Southern California's famous climate.

Can I bring food or drinks to Wild Horses Festival?

Outside food and beverage policies are determined by Petco Park's event guidelines. The stadium offers extensive food and drink options inside, including various concession stands and bars. Check the official festival website closer to the event for specific policies regarding what items are permitted.

Are there hotels near Petco Park?

Yes, numerous hotels are located within walking distance of Petco Park in downtown San Diego. The Gaslamp Quarter and surrounding areas offer accommodations ranging from boutique hotels to major chains. Booking early is recommended as December holiday travel and the festival create high demand for downtown lodging.

Does Wild Horses Festival sell out?

Yes, Wild Horses Festival has sold out in previous years, with over 40,000 fans attending. The festival's growing reputation and limited single-day format create high demand for tickets. Securing tickets early through our marketplace helps ensure you don't miss out on this popular event.

Who produces Wild Horses Festival?

Wild Horses Festival is produced by Outriders, the same team behind the Country Stampede festival in Manhattan, Kansas, and the San Diego Rodeo at Petco Park. Their experience in producing large-scale country and Americana events ensures professional festival operations and quality artist bookings.

Is there parking at Petco Park for Wild Horses Festival?

Parking is available in lots surrounding Petco Park and throughout downtown San Diego. However, space is limited and parking can be expensive during major events. Using public transportation via the MTS Trolley or rideshare services is often more convenient and cost-effective for festival attendees.

Join the Herd at Wild Horses Festival 2026

Wild Horses Festival has established itself as the premier year-end celebration of modern folk, country, and Americana music on the West Coast. The combination of world-class headliners, a stunning venue in downtown San Diego, and the energy of tens of thousands of passionate fans creates an experience unlike any other festival.

Whether you're a longtime fan of the genre or discovering these sounds for the first time, Wild Horses welcomes you to celebrate the music that tells America's stories. The single-day format delivers concentrated energy and unforgettable performances without the marathon demands of multi-day festivals.

Stay tuned for Wild Horses Festival 2026 lineup and date announcements by following the festival on social media. When tickets become available, browse our marketplace to secure your spot for San Diego's biggest Americana celebration.