2026 Medium Festival of Photography

Join us March 27–28, 2026 at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD), La Jolla, where photographers, curators, writers, and image-makers gather for an immersive weekend of talks, portfolio reviews, exhibitions, and community events.

The Medium Festival celebrates photography’s power to shape how we see, remember, and connect — across disciplines, borders, and lived experiences.

Community programming at MCASD including a Community Print Hang & Swap (co-hosted with Camera Exposure + Safelight Labs, a Portfolio Walk, and a Festival Afterparty (offsite)

A full day of artist talks, conversations, and public programming at MCASD, alongside the exhibition opening, hands-on activations in the Alternative Process Patio, and our Pop-Up Image Makers Market featuring artists, arts organizations, and creative businesses.

From artists and educators to curators, collectors, students, and photography enthusiasts, the Medium Festival invites you to engage deeply with today’s image culture and creative community.

Register to attend select festival events at MCASD, including:
• Friday night Community Print Hang & Swap
• Friday night Portfolio Walk
• Saturday Pop-Up Image Makers Market (all day)

($15 Early Bird pricing through March 10 use code EARLYBIRDSNAPSHOT)

Includes:

• Admission to the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego on Friday & Saturday (a $50 value)
• Access to the Community Print Hang/Swap
• Entrance to the Portfolio Walk
• Admission to the Pop-Up Image Makers Market
• Entrance to the Alternative Process Patio (yes, it’s as cool as it sounds)
• Entry to the opening reception of “Where We Stand”, Medium Photo’s juried exhibition at MCASD

Perfect for those who want to experience selected festival programming.

($130 / $65 early bird pricing ends 3/10
use code EARLYBIRDFULLFRAME or EARLYBIRDSTUDENT)

Includes all Snapshot Pass benefits, plus:

• Access to all artist talks, panels, and workshops
• Activity voucher for use at the Alternative Process Patio
• 10% discount on Medium merch
• One-year Medium Photo membership @ the General level (a $60 value)

For those who want the full festival experience.

($259 early bird pricing ends 3/10 use code EARLYBIRDPLATINUM)

Includes all Full Frame benefits, plus:

• Reserved festival parking (because parking should not be performance art)
• A 2026 Medium Festival keepsake tintype portrait of yourself (immortalized in silver)
• 15% discount on Medium merch
• One-year Medium Photo membership @ the Supporter level (a $120 value)

For those who want to go all in.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, 700 Prospect Street, San Diego, United States

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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