Poway rolls out its biggest community celebration of the year this Sunday, October 4, when the Poway Fall Festival takes over Midland Road between Poway Road and Hilleary Place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Organizers describe it as a signature community event that brings together residents, businesses, nonprofit organizations and regional visitors for a day of food, music and family fun, all free to attend.
The festival is hosted by the Poway Chamber of Commerce and is billed as a signature community event by festival organizers, according to The San Diego Union-Tribune. The event has long been one of the chamber's biggest fundraisers, and last year's Oct. 5 gathering was described by the paper as one of the group's largest of the year. This year's festival, per business.poway.com, is always free to attend.
Hundreds of local vendors will line Midland Road, showcasing handcrafted goods, unique products, services and community resources, alongside food trucks and specialty food vendors serving up festival fare. Kids won't be left out either, with interactive activities and family-friendly attractions planned throughout the day. Live music and stage entertainment will also be part of the mix, and San Diego Street Fairs notes the entertainment will be spread across two stages this year.
Classic Cars and a Beer Garden for the Grown-Ups
Car buffs will want to make time for the festival's classic car show, which will feature vintage and restored vehicles on display. For attendees 21 and older, a beer and wine garden will also be part of the festival grounds, rounding out an event that mixes small-town charm with big crowds.
The festival isn't a one-off, either. The same stretch of Midland Road hosted the first annual Poway Spring Festival on Sunday, May 31, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., according to poway.com, with a nearly identical lineup of vendors, food trucks, kids' activities, live music, a classic car show and a beer and wine garden. That spring debut suggests the Chamber is leaning further into street-fair programming beyond its traditional fall date.
Parking and Getting There
Because street parking around Midland Road fills up quickly, festival-goers are encouraged to walk, carpool, use rideshare services or arrange drop-offs. For those driving, parking will be available at the Poway City Centre shopping center at 13644 Poway Road, the Lowe's parking lot at 13750 Poway Road, and the Town & Country Center at 13414 Poway Road.
Vendor and Sponsorship Opportunities
Businesses, artisans, nonprofits and community organizations interested in participating are encouraged to reserve space early. The festival offers sponsorship opportunities at multiple investment levels, giving organizations exposure before, during and after the event.
The Poway Chamber of Commerce provides vendor applications, sponsorship information and event details at poway.com/poway-fall-festival. Those with questions can reach the chamber by phone at 858-748-0016 or by email at [email protected]. Sponsorship inquiries specifically can also go to Mike Leland at [email protected], according to business.poway.com's event listing.
