Military Heroes Festival To Honor San Diego Military Families

SAN DIEGO, CA — A special superhero-themed celebration will honor the San Diego military community.

Set in historic Ingram Plaza, the seventh annual Military Heroes Festival will serve as a heartfelt tribute to the service and sacrifice of the country's military heroes. Liberty Station and Rock Church will host the Aug. 16 event for service members and Gold-Star families, active-duty, reservists and veterans in need.

"The Military Heroes Festival is a space to recognize the service and sacrifices military families make every day," said Bethany Moore, outreach pastor for Rock Church.

"Over 100,000 active-duty service members and 200,000 veterans call San Diego home, making it one of the largest military communities in the country," Moore told Patch. "Military families face frequent relocations, deployments, and long separations — challenges that often go unseen. The festival offers an intentional moment to say thank you in a way that's felt through action, not just words."

The festival will offer complimentary services and giveaways, including groceries, diapers, backpacks, haircuts and more. Entertainment will include live music, a kid's zone, a sports zone, face painting, crafts, prize giveaways, and special appearances by Star Wars Stormtroopers.

"The Military Heroes Festival is more than an event — it's a reflection of how deeply San Diego cares for its military families," said Liberty Station Director Laurie Albrecht.

"Liberty Station served as the Naval Training Center from 1923 to 1997, where 1.75 million Navy recruits and 1 million A and C school sailors were trained during its 70 years of operation," Albrecht told Patch. "Today, it now serves as a symbol of enduring connection between civilians and service members. We are honored to host the event at Ingram Plaza."

The festival is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 16 at Ingram Plaza at Liberty Station at 2751 Dewey Road in San Diego.