The Padres host Athletics on Sunday, May 24 at 1:10 PM for the Star Wars Weekend finale. KidsFest, bounce houses, and kids run the bases after the 8th inning.
The Padres wrap up Star Wars Weekend on Sunday, May 24, 2026, with a 1:10 PM first pitch against the Athletics at Petco Park. Sunday isn't about the late-night crowd or the postgame fireworks — it's about families. KidsFest, presented by Nuna, transforms Gallagher Square into a kid-friendly festival, and after the game, kids 14 and under can run the bases on the actual Petco Park field.
If you're bringing kids to a Padres game this year, this is one of the best Sundays on the schedule.
Friday is the official kickoff. Saturday is the fireworks night. Sunday is when families take over Petco Park. The Padres run KidsFest, presented by Nuna, at every Sunday home game, but pairing it with Star Wars Weekend gives Sunday extra punch — kids get the playground, the bounce houses, AND the chance to take photos with Stormtroopers on the way to their seats.
The 1:10 PM start time matters too. You're home by dinner. Kids aren't melting down in the seventh inning. And the daylight makes everything from the concourse activities to the photo opportunities easier on parents.
KidsFest takes over the newly renovated Gallagher Square (the area formerly known as the Park at the Park). Here's what's there:
Important timing note: some activities end before first pitch, but the inflatables and Play Ball field stay open through the 7th inning, and the Nuna playground is open the entire game. Translation — get there when gates open if you want the full pregame experience, but you don't have to rush back to the playground every half-inning.
After most Sunday home games, kids and their families can run the bases on the Petco Park field. It's presented by Chick-fil-A, and the line forms in Gallagher Square after the 8th inning. The Padres usually start the experience shortly after the final out.
A few things parents should know:
Quick caveat: not every Sunday game includes Kids Run the Bases. This particular Sunday (May 24) is confirmed for KidsFest, but check the official schedule at padres.com/KRTB closer to game day for the latest.
Even though Sunday is the family-focused day, the Star Wars elements stick around. Members of the 501st Legion and other Star Wars cosplay groups continue to roam the concourses in screen-accurate costumes from gates opening through the sixth inning. Expect Stormtroopers, Jedi, and bounty hunters available for photos.
The Star Wars-themed concessions are also available all weekend — blue milk boba, cosmic chaos dogs, and other limited-run items. Sunday is actually the easiest day to try them because the crowds are smaller than Friday or Saturday night.
If you bought a theme game ticket for Sunday, you'll get the exclusive Jackson Merrill and Grogu (Mandalorian) bobblehead. Theme game packages for the weekend sold out in advance, so if you didn't snag one ahead of time, the bobblehead isn't available at the gate.
The 1:10 PM start makes parking slightly easier than Saturday night — you're competing with fewer downtown happy-hour crowds — but it's still a popular game. More than 27,000 parking spaces exist within walking distance of the ballpark, with 9,000 designated specifically for Petco Park fans. Parking costs range from $15 to $55 depending on how close you want to get.
The three official Padres Preferred lots open four hours before first pitch:
You can't buy parking passes within four hours of the event, so plan ahead.
For families, the MTS Trolley is often the easier choice. Service costs $5 round-trip with free parking at transit lots — meaningfully cheaper than the cheapest stadium lot. The 12th & Imperial Station and Gaslamp Quarter Station sit within one block of Petco Park.
Drop-off zones operate on both sides of the ballpark — west side uses 6th Avenue and K Street, east side is 10th Avenue and Park Boulevard. For tickets and stadium questions, call the Padres at 619-795-5000.
Sunday, May 24 at Petco Park is the family-day finale to Star Wars Weekend — KidsFest in Gallagher Square, Star Wars characters in the concourses, and the chance for kids to run the bases after the game. Get there when gates open, plan your parking ahead, and stay through the 8th inning so the kids can experience the run. It's the kind of Sunday families remember years later.
Want to know what's happening Friday and Saturday too? Check out our Star Wars Night Friday preview and our Star Wars Fireworks Saturday guide.
Q1. What time does the Sunday Padres game start?
The Padres vs. Athletics Sunday game begins at 1:10 PM on Sunday, May 24, 2026. Gates typically open two hours before first pitch, so families can arrive around 11:10 AM to enjoy KidsFest in Gallagher Square.
Q2. What is KidsFest and when does it happen?
KidsFest, presented by Nuna, runs at every Sunday home game at Petco Park. It takes over Gallagher Square with bounce houses, inflatables, the Nuna playground, face painters, balloon artists, and other kid-friendly activities. Some activities end before first pitch, but the inflatables and Play Ball field stay open through the 7th inning, and the Nuna playground is open all game.
Q3. Can kids run the bases after the Sunday game?
Yes — Kids Run the Bases, presented by Chick-fil-A, takes place after most Sunday home games (including this one). Kids ages 14 and under and their families can line up in Gallagher Square after the 8th inning. Padres Season Ticket Members receive front-of-the-line privileges.
Q4. Are Star Wars characters still at Sunday's game?
Yes — members of the 501st Legion and other Star Wars cosplay groups continue to appear at Sunday's game in screen-accurate costumes from gates opening through the sixth inning. The Star Wars-themed food items are also still available throughout the ballpark.
Q5. What's the best way to get to Petco Park with kids?
The MTS Trolley is often the easiest option for families — $5 round-trip with free parking at transit lots. The 12th & Imperial Station and Gaslamp Quarter Station are within one block of Petco Park, so the walk is short. If you drive, parking ranges from $15 to $55 and the three Padres Preferred lots open four hours before first pitch.
The Padres host Athletics on Saturday, May 23 at 6:40 PM with a postgame Star Wars Fireworks Spectacular — one of only three fireworks nights at Petco Park all season.
The Padres host the Athletics for Star Wars Weekend at Petco Park, May 22–24, 2026. Friday Star Wars Night with bobblehead giveaways, Saturday fireworks, Sunday KidsFest — plus parking tips.