Filipino Island Fest Returns to Alameda Point Oct. 3
The fest is charging admission for the first time this year, with general tickets at $10.
By The Alameda Pulse
Filipino Island Fest is coming back to Alameda Point on Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and for the first time in its history the festival is charging admission, with general tickets at $10.
- Where: Taxiway H at Alameda Point, 2151 Ferry Point, Alameda, CA
- When: Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Cost: $10 general admission, $20 Festival Supporter Pass, $125 VIP Experience
- Who's behind it: Filipino Island Fest, which started as a grassroots gathering in 2023
- Parking: $10 on site, or park free at the Seaplane Lagoon ferry terminal lot at 1730 Ferry Point and walk over
If you've never made it out, here's why it's worth planning around this year. The fest says almost 20,000 people showed up last year, making it one of the biggest single-day gatherings Alameda Point sees all year, a real showcase of Filipino food, music and culture on a former Navy runway with the bay as a backdrop.
Where is Filipino Island Fest 2026 happening?
It's on Taxiway H at Alameda Point, at 2151 Ferry Point. That's out past the old Navy base, near the Seaplane Lagoon. If you're driving, on site parking runs $10, but you can skip that fee by parking free at the ferry terminal lot at 1730 Ferry Point and walking a short way to the entrance.
Why is Filipino Island Fest charging admission this year?
Because the organizers say ticket sales will make the event less dependent on outside funding. In their own words, "admission fees help us create a more sustainable model that is less dependent on outside funding." They point out that a lot of Filipino festivals lean on government agencies, tourism boards or big sponsors to cover costs. This one hasn't worked that way, and organizers say they're trying to keep prices reasonable so small businesses, artists and food vendors can keep taking part without getting priced out.
That's a real tradeoff for a free event going paid, but $10 for a full day of food and music is still cheap for what's become one of the island's biggest gatherings. There's also a $20 Festival Supporter Pass and a $125 VIP Experience if you want reserved seating, a lounge and catered food.
What can you expect at the festival?
Organizers haven't released the full entertainment lineup yet, saying it'll be announced closer to the date. What is confirmed: a full bar serving beer, wine and spirits, multiple food vendors, craft vendors, portable restrooms and ADA parking. Alameda police will handle security on site.
What happens next
Tickets are on sale now on the festival's own website, and organizers expect prices to stay steady between now and the event since the discounted early bird window already closed on September 14. If you're planning to go, block off the afternoon of October 3, since the fest runs a full nine hours, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., on Taxiway H at Alameda Point. You can check the Pulse events calendar for other things happening around Alameda that week, and browse more community news from around the island.
