Spring Harp Fest, Free Annual Music Festival Showcasing the Harmonica, Returns to La Mesa April 4
CONTACTS: Paula Roberts, paula@aquacrg.com, 619-794-6406
John Frazer, harmonicajohns@cox.net, 619-709-2217
DETAILS
EVENT: Spring Harp Fest – Free Outdoor Music Festival Celebrating the Harmonica
DATE: Saturday, April 4, 2026
TIME: 11 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
LOCATION: Harry Griffen Regional Park, 9550 Milden Street, La Mesa, CA 91942
OVERVIEW
Start your Easter weekend with a free, fun, family-friendly event! Spring Harp Fest, an all-day music festival, has been a San Diego tradition since 1999. Its 2026 harmonica music showcase is headlined by internationally acclaimed performing artist Brody Buster andpresents six SoCal bands, each with a featured harmonica soloist. Activities at the Harp Fest include competition for emerging harmonica artists, a dance floor, food trucks, booths, and raffles.
Since 1999, the Spring Harp Fest has introduced music-lovers to exciting local bands and their harmonica soloists. The daylong, family-friendly outdoor music festival, held annually at the beautiful Harry Griffen Park amphitheater, also hosts a competitive jam session for amateur harmonica artists, with trophies awarded to its top youth and adult players.
MORE
Guests are encouraged to bring their kids, pets, and coolers. “Mouth harps” (harmonicas), hula hoops, cameras, bubbles, and dancing shoes are welcome! Spring Harp Fest includes food trucks, merchandise tents, and raffles; proceeds help cover the costs of providing the free festival each year and pay for free music lessons and harmonicas the festival’s charitable organization provides to young local musicians. Attendees who pay a $25 entry fee can even sign up to compete for the title of “Best Unknown Player,” which offers trophies to one young performer and one adult.
SCHEDULE
Performances begin at 11 a.m. and continue through 6:30 p.m. Brody Buster, International Blues Challenge winner, takes the stage at 5:45 p.m., supported by the Blue Healers, a local band. The lineup also includes SoCal artists Billy Watson and the International Silver String Submarine Band, Troy Sandow, Gonzalo Dremoniz, Harmonica John Frazer, Jump Start with Mike Maldano, and Dan McDowell.
FUNDRAISER
The Spring Harp Fest raises money to benefit harmonica education and awareness in San Diego County. With help from donors, its all-volunteer events have purchased more than 5,000 harmonicas for local music programs and young musicians. Although admission is free, a tax-deductible donation of $20 is suggested. Learn more at www.springharpfest.org.
Since 1999, the Spring Harp Fest has showcased harmonica talents at a free, all-day music festival at Harry Griffen Park in La Mesa, CA. Photo by Karl Dring, used with permission.
