Worthing Days 2026 set for Aug. 14-16: Weekend celebration to feature parade, family activities, food and community fun

Worthing’s biggest community celebration of the year is just around the corner as Worthing Days 2026 returns Aug. 14-16, bringing three days of family-friendly entertainment, community traditions, food, music and activities to Main Street.

With the theme “Small Town Spirit, Big Time Celebration,” this year’s event offers something for every age, from a hometown parade and 5K run to water fights, food trucks, live music, tournaments and a Sunday worship service in the park.

Most activities will take place on Main Street unless otherwise noted.

Friday kicks off the festivities

The celebration begins Friday evening, Aug. 14 with plenty of opportunities to enjoy local food while supporting community organizations.

Food trucks and treats will be available from 5 to 9 p.m., featuring The Corndog Company and SDSU Ice Cream, giving visitors a chance to grab supper or enjoy a sweet treat.

Community members can also participate in the “Eat Well. Give Freely.” free-will donation meal from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., sponsored by the Worthing Baseball and Softball teams.

Those looking for a little friendly competition can sign up for the Bean Bag Tournament, sponsored by Kim’s Korner Bar & Grill. Registration will take place from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., with tournament play beginning at 6:30 p.m. Entry is $10 per person.

Friday concludes with Hometown Movie Night, hosted at Worthing Elementary School. Doors open at 6 p.m., with the movie, “Monsters University” beginning at 6:45 p.m. Concessions will be sponsored by Russ’s Place.

Saturday packed with activities

Saturday’s schedule begins early and keeps the action going well into the evening.

The day opens with the Run for a Reason, Feed with Compassion, 5K Fun Run, sponsored by Kind Kitchens. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. at the Park & Rec picnic shelter, with runners and walkers starting at 8 a.m.

One of the weekend’s signature events, the Stars, Stripes & Small-Town Parade, steps off at 10 a.m.

Organizers are encouraging businesses, families, clubs and groups of friends to participate in this year’s patriotic parade. Lineup begins at 9 a.m. on Sund Street before the parade travels through town and concludes at Russ’s Place. Participants may exit at the elevator or continue around to return to the lineup area.

In recognition of the United States’ 250th anniversary, parade organizers are encouraging patriotic, birthday America and Fourth of July-themed floats. Awards will be presented to the top three entries.

Following the parade, families can spend the afternoon enjoying a wide variety of activities.

The Worthing Fire Department will once again host its popular “Coolest Fight in Town” from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring dunk tanks, water hockey and community water fights. Residents are encouraged to bring their own water guns and prepare to cool off.

The annual Duck Race follows at 3:30 p.m. at the school ball field. Ducks cost $5 each, with four winners advancing to the championship race. A 50/50 payout will be split between the winning participant and the Worthing Fire Department.

Additional attractions throughout the day include:

• Worthing Splashin’ activities, sponsored by The Taco Vault.

• Mr. Twister from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• Face painting by Simply Ever After Entertainment from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• Bounce houses from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (parent or guardian waiver required).

• Farmers Market from 5 to 8 p.m.

Food options will be available throughout the day beginning with Sorella Blends and Minis from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m., followed by Dakota Fizz from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Taverns + Tots from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Sweet Addictions Ice Cream Truck from noon to 8 p.m., and Backyard BBQ from 4 to 8 p.m.

Adults will have several opportunities to compete and support the community. A Silent Auction benefiting future Worthing Days celebrations will be held at Boondocks Bar from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Organizers note that all proceeds from the auction will help fund next year’s event. Participants must be present to claim winnings, and payment will be cash only.

An Outside Dart Tournament, sponsored by Perrion Remodeling and Boondocks Bar, begins at 4 p.m. Registration closes Aug. 7, with two-person teams competing for payouts. Entry fees will also help support Worthing Days festivities.

The celebration wraps up Saturday evening with live street dance music by Shelby from 8 to 11 p.m. Organizers are planning a Glow Party, encouraging attendees to wear glow gear and help light up Main Street. Glow items will also be available for purchase, with some proceeds benefiting Worthing Days.

Sunday concludes the weekend

Worthing Days concludes Sunday morning with Faith, Family & Fellowship in the Park, hosted by Southtown Church, beginning at 10 a.m.

The community worship service offers residents and visitors an opportunity to gather together before bringing another Worthing Days celebration to a close.