Celebrity Pickleball Tournament: Play With Pros at Barnes Tennis Center, October 2
Explore highlights from the Celebrity Pickleball Tournament benefiting Feeding San Diego at Barnes Tennis Center on October 2, 2026. Find player rosters and tasting details.
Overview
Combine high-energy sports with a premier culinary tasting at the Celebrity Pickleball Tournament, a signature event of the Del Mar Wine + Food Festival benefiting Feeding San Diego. Hosted by NFL legend Drew Brees alongside a star-studded roster of athletes, chefs, and entertainers, this 21+ Friday afternoon fundraiser takes over the Barnes Tennis Center in Point Loma.
What You Need to Know
- Where: Barnes Tennis Center — 4490 W. Point Loma Blvd, San Diego, CA 92107
- When: Friday, October 2, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Cost & Tickets:
- Spectator Ticket: $125 (Includes full access to the courtside walk-around tasting, drinks, and match viewing).
- Player & VIP Packages: Ranged from $150 (Recreational) up to $600 (Play with a Pro Athlete tier).
- Official Info & Archive: Review event details via the Del Mar Wine + Food Festival Celebrity Pickleball Page.
What to Expect
- The Star-Studded Lineup: A celebrity-heavy court featuring host Drew Brees, former world No. 4 tennis player James Blake, MLB alums Brett Tomko and Eric Byrnes, NFL quarterback Jeff Garcia, X Games rider Andy Buckworth, Slightly Stoopid’s Miles Doughty, and chef Brian Malarkey.
- Courtside Tasting Experience: All tickets included all-inclusive food and beverage pours from premium regional partners like JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery, Stone Brewing, Hendrick’s Gin, The Cottage, and Crudo.
- Tournament Format: Focused entirely on competitive and casual doubles play, featuring recreational divisions, cash-purse intermediate/advanced brackets ($2,000–$3,000 purses), and exclusive celebrity round-robins.
Getting There & Insider Tips
- Venue Reminder: This event took place at Barnes Tennis Center in Point Loma, separate from the main festival weekend Grand Tasting events held later in Del Mar.
- Transit: Due to the popularity of the event and the afternoon wine tastings, rideshare (Uber/Lyft) was strongly recommended to navigate Friday traffic around Point Loma and Ocean Beach.
For more seasonal events around the county, browse the Hello San Diego Events Calendar.
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