Name: Western Swing Under The Stars at Gator By The Bay
Start: 2026-05-08T17:00:00-07:00
End: 2026-05-08T22:00:00-07:00
Location: Spanish Landing Park

Western Swing Under The Stars at Gator By The Bay

The Good Times don't just ROLL - they SWING - Western style!
Opening night of San Diego’s annual GATOR BY THE BAY on FRIDAY MAY 8 features "Western Swing Under The Stars" with four top dance bands and a huge dance floor on the renowned Mardi Gras stage.
This year's Friday mainstage is headlined by Deke Dickerson & The Bostonia Boys, who take their name from the legendary Bostonia Ballroom in El Cajon. With legendary steel guitarist Dave Berzansky and an all-star lineup, this band is a two-stepper's delight.
Returning to the Gator is Mitch Polzak & the Royal Deuces, the tightest high-energy band to ever get you dancing on that honky tonk hardwood floor! Whether Mitch is playing guitar or engaging in some banjo shenanigans, you are guaranteed a swingin' good time.
The Prairie Moons are an eclectic ensemble with twin fiddles, steel guitar and acoustic instrumentation performed in a vintage swing style. Vocalist Eva Mikhailovna is well-known for her touring with Postmodern Jukebox. It's a heavenly dance band you won't be able to sit still for.
Special guest Kimmi Bitter is fast becoming the face of country music in San Diego, and has the awards to show for it. Her talents allow her to do multiple styles of music - and Western Swing is one of her favorites.
TK & The Deadlist have earned a large following due to their keen appreciation of Western music and cosmic country. Be there early when they kick off the weekend around 5 pm (Gates open at 4 - and come hungry for much more than great music!)
Join us at the largest, most-authentic Louisiana-themed roots music and food festival this side of the bayou.
Gator By The Bay 2026 will take place May 7 – 10, 2026 at Spanish Landing Park on the beautiful San Diego Bay, across from the airport. This weekend-long cultural celebration features four days of live music with more than 100 musical acts and special performances on seven stages. Delicious Cajun and creole foods will be featured including 10,000 pounds of crawfish trucked straight from Louisiana!
Headliners for 2026 include: Jon Cleary & The Absolute Monster Gentlemen (First ever appearance!), GRAMMY Award Winner Chubby Carrier, Geno Delafose & French Rockin’ Boogie, Rick Estrin & The Nightcats, The Pine Leaf Boys led by GRAMMY Award Winner Wilson Savoy, John Németh with the Johnny Vernazza Band, Kirk Fletcher - and The Western Swing Kickoff with Deke Dickerson, Mitch Polzak and The Prairie Moons.
GatorByTheBay.com for advance tix and hotels.