Encinitas 40th - Betamaxx & Back to the Future (Free)

Encinitas is celebrating its 40th anniversary with a full day of free 80s-themed events on Saturday, October 3.

Event lineup:
🏖️ 8:00 AM–4:00 PM — Sandcastle Exhibition at Moonlight Beach
🛍️ 10:00 AM–2:00 PM — Cardiff 101 Farmers Market anniversary stop, with 40th anniversary tote bags/maps and an 80s outfit contest
🏛️ 10:00 AM–2:00 PM — Encinitas Historical Society & 1883 Schoolhouse exhibit on the history of Encinitas
🎨 10:00 AM–4:00 PM — Screen print the 40th Anniversary logo onto a canvas bag at Pacific View Arts Center, while supplies last
🖍️ 12:00–3:30 PM — Chalk Art Party at Pacific View Arts Center
💃 2:30–4:00 PM — 80s Line Dance Extravaganza at Pacific View Arts Center
📹 3:30–6:30 PM — 360 Video Booth with 1980s props at Moonlight Beach

🎸 4:00–6:00 PM — BETAMAXX, San Diego’s 80s tribute band, live at Moonlight Beach
🎬 6:30–8:30 PM — Outdoor screening of Back to the Future on the beach

The entire celebration is FREE, and 80s attire is encouraged.
I’m planning to get to Moonlight Beach around 3:30 PM, in time for the video booth, BETAMAXX and the movie.

Bring a blanket or low-back beach chair for the movie, along with a jacket for after sunset and some snacks if you’re staying through the evening.

📍 Moonlight Beach / Pacific View Arts Center, Encinitas
📅 Saturday, October 3, 2026

Full event details:
https://www.encinitasca.gov/government/departments/parks-recreation-cultural-arts/special-events/40th-anniversary

Parking: Free parking is available in the Moonlight Beach public lot, but it will likely fill early for a large event like this.
If the beach lot is full, downtown Encinitas street parking is another option. The Pacific Station Parking Garage, 687 S Coast Hwy 101, is also a convenient backup a few blocks from Moonlight Beach. The garage is open 24/7; the first hour has been listed as free, but additional parking may have a fee, so check the posted rates when you enter.
Give yourself a little extra time to find parking and walk over.