San Diego Padres FanFest

Padres FanFest is the San Diego Padres’ annual preseason celebration at Petco Park, giving fans a free, family-friendly way to kick off the new baseball season. The event typically takes place during the weeks leading up to Opening Day and includes player appearances, autograph opportunities, interactive activities, shopping, food, and access to parts of Petco Park that fans do not normally experience on game day.

Padres FanFest has traditionally been held before the start of the regular season. Based on the timing of recent events, fans should watch for an official 2027 announcement during the offseason. Exact dates, tickets, player appearances, activities and parking information should not be considered confirmed until released by the Padres.

Official Padres FanFest Information

What Happens at Padres FanFest?

Every FanFest is different, and the Padres change the schedule, player participation and activities from year to year. Recent FanFest events have included the following:

Player Autographs & Appearances

One of the biggest draws is the opportunity to see Padres players, alumni and team personalities. Autograph access may require advance reservations, separate sign-ups or other restrictions. Some appearances may also be available on a walk-up basis.

Important: Player appearances and autograph opportunities are never guaranteed until the official event schedule is released. Popular autograph sessions can fill quickly.

Interactive Field Activities

Recent FanFest events have given fans opportunities to get onto the field and experience parts of the ballpark normally reserved for players and staff. Depending on the year, activities may include:

• Kids Run the Bases
• Pitching or bullpen activities
• Outfield activities
• Photos in or near the dugouts
• Behind-the-scenes areas of Petco Park

Gallagher Square Activities

Gallagher Square is often a major part of FanFest, particularly for family activities, live entertainment and interactive experiences. Depending on the year’s schedule, activities may include games, inflatables, face painting, scavenger hunts and other activities for kids.

Padres Foundation & Memorabilia

FanFest has also featured Padres Foundation fundraising opportunities, including sales of memorabilia and unique Padres items. Event details vary from year to year, but these activities can be a good place to find jerseys, collectibles and other items that are not normally available in the team store.

Player & Leadership Q&A Sessions

Recent events have included conversations with Padres players, alumni, coaches and team leadership. These sessions can provide an early look at the upcoming season and are often held in Gallagher Square.

Food, Shopping & Entertainment

FanFest is also a chance to explore Petco Park before the season begins. Depending on the event schedule, fans may find:

• Padres merchandise and team store shopping
• Selected ballpark food and drink options
• Preseason previews of new concessions
• Live music and entertainment
• Family activities throughout the ballpark

Padres FanFest Tickets

FanFest has recently been free, but fans have generally needed to claim advance digital tickets. Ticket limits, entry times and reservation requirements can change from year to year.

When the 2027 event is announced, check whether tickets are required and claim them as early as possible. Autograph reservations and special experiences may have separate registration windows.

For digital tickets, the MLB Ballpark app is commonly used by the Padres for ticket access and event entry.

When Will Padres FanFest 2027 Be?

The Padres have not yet announced the date for FanFest 2027. The event is generally associated with the start of the baseball season, so an announcement is likely during the 2026-27 offseason.

The Padres open the 2027 regular season at Petco Park on Thursday, March 25, 2027 against the Arizona Diamondbacks. FanFest would normally be expected before Opening Day, but the exact date has not been announced.

Don’t book travel or make plans around a specific FanFest date until the Padres officially confirm it.

Parking for Padres FanFest

Parking arrangements for FanFest are announced with the event details. Recent events have included free parking in selected Padres-controlled lots, but parking availability, opening times and participating lots can change.

Nearby parking options may include:

• Lexus Premier Lot
• Padres Tailgate Lot
• Padres Parkade

Check the official FanFest instructions before arriving. If large crowds are expected, consider public transportation or the MTS Trolley.

For regular paid parking options near Petco Park, you can also find nearby parking on SpotHero.

What to Know Before You Go

• Check your ticket: FanFest entry times may differ by ticket type or fan category.
• Use your phone: Tickets and reservations may be digital-only.
• Arrive with a plan: Popular autograph sessions and activities can have long lines.
• Bring the kids: FanFest is designed as a family-friendly event, although individual activities may have age restrictions.
• Expect changes: Player appearances, schedules and activities can change, even on the day of the event.
• Check official information: The Padres’ event instructions should be your final authority for tickets, entry, parking and the day’s schedule.

2026 Padres FanFest Recap

The most recent FanFest was held at Petco Park on Saturday, January 31, 2026. The free event ran from 10 AM to 4 PM for general fans, with earlier access for eligible Season Ticket Members and other designated groups.

The 2026 event included player and alumni autograph opportunities, field activities, family programming in Gallagher Square, Padres Foundation activities, Q&A sessions, shopping, food and live entertainment. The Padres also used advance reservations for many autograph opportunities.

Those details are useful as an example of what future FanFests may look like, but they should not be assumed to be the format for 2027.

More Padres Information

• Padres FanFest Tickets & How to Get Them
• Official Padres FanFest Page
• Padres Opening Day Guide
• Petco Park Entry Gates Guide
• Padres Schedule
• Shop Padres Gear