Solento Surf Festival Returns To San Diego County For Third Year

ENCINITAS, CA — Art, film, music and surfing will come together during the third annual Solento Surf Festival in northern San Diego County.

The weeklong celebration features a beach takeover, film festival and other community events from Sept. 16-23 in Encinitas.

"The Solento Surf Festival is so special to me because it incorporates all of my favorite things — surfing, tequila, food, film, art, culture and more," said Taylor Steele, founder of Solento Organic Tequila and the Solento Surf Festival.

The Solento Surf Festival kicks off Saturday, Sept. 16, with the Seaside Reef Takeover. The family-friendly event will include surf contests, music, food, drinks and more at Seaside Reef beach.

The fun continues with a film festival Sept. 21-23 at La Paloma Theatre on South Coast Highway. The festival will feature new surf films and panel discussions with athletes and creatives.

Film screenings include the world premiere of "Trilogy: New Wave" and panel with director Andrew Mackenzie, as well as the U.S. premiere of "Corners of the Earth" and panel with director Spencer Frost. The festival will also showcase untold stories and unseen footage with filmmaker Michael Oblowitz.

Other events include an art exhibit Sept. 20 at Four Moons Spa on North Vulcan Avenue, as well as a complimentary pre-screen happy hour at ALOHA Collection Sept. 23 on South Coast Highway 101.

The Solento Surf Festival is curated by Steele, an Encinitas native and filmmaker.

"It's a personal passion project that has become a wonderful event for the community," Steele told Patch. "Each year as Solento Organic Tequila grows, so does the festival. Each year we have been able to expand with new partners and exciting activities. The growth fuels off each other.

"Solento's 'take it slow' mindset that encourages us to live in the present, reminds me each year to enjoy the festival and remember to be proud of how far we've come," he added.

Founded in December 2019, tequila company Solento was originally located in Encinitas, but has since moved to Carlsbad.

The company held the first Solento Surf Festival in September 2021 in Encinitas. Solento has also hosted satellite festival events in Montauk, New York.

"We hope to continue to carry the essence of San Diego surf culture to more locations across the world," Steele told Patch.

"It is an honor to put on this event for the community and appreciate the unique experiences we have right in front of us." he added. "We hope everyone comes to experience this really special community event — it's all for a good cause."

Tickets are available here. All drink sales and surf contest entry fees will be donated to Changing Tides Foundation, Steele said.