Welcome to the Tidelands Activation Programs (TAP) Sponsorship Application Portal
The Port of San Diego supports a wide variety of events through the Tidelands Activation Program (TAP) to help create a vibrant and welcoming waterfront experience along San Diego Bay.
Through TAP, the Port may provide service fee waivers and/or funding for eligible events that activate Port parks and tidelands while engaging the community and encouraging residents and visitors to enjoy the waterfront.
Only Port Member Cities and eligible nonprofit organizations may apply through this portal.
This application is used for Community Events and Civic Events occurring between July 1, 2026 and June 30, 2027, or Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27).
TAP Event Sponsorship Types
The Tidelands Activation Program supports several types of events.
This application portal is used for Civic Events and Community Events.
Civic Events
Civic Events are typically organized by Port Member Cities and represent long-standing community traditions or city-led public celebrations.
Typical characteristics include:
Organized by a Port Member City (Chula Vista, Coronado, Imperial Beach, National City, or San Diego), or a nonprofit partner working in coordination with a Member City
Free and open to the public
Often recurring community celebrations or civic gatherings
May receive cash funding and/or service fee waivers
Community Events
Community Events are typically organized by eligible nonprofit organizations and are supported through TAP to help activate Port parks and waterfront spaces with accessible programming.
Typical characteristics include:
Organized by a nonprofit organization authorized under Port policy
Free and open to the public
Designed to activate Port parks or tidelands
Typically supported through service fee waivers and in-kind assistance
Important Requirement for Events Submitted Through This Application
Events submitted through this application must be:
Free to attend
Open to all ages
Held on Port of San Diego tidelands
Events may not charge:
Admission fees
Registration fees
Participation fees
Equipment rental fees
Planning a Large-Scale or Ticketed Event?
Some large regional events are supported by the Port through TAP as Business Negotiated Events, such as major festivals, athletic events, or regional celebrations. These events may include ticketed programming or registration fees. Business Negotiated Events are not reviewed through this application portal.
Event producers interested in exploring a Business Negotiated Event partnership with the Port of San Diego may submit a prospectus or inquiry to tap@portofsandiego.org
Port staff will review inquiries and follow up regarding next steps.
Application Timeline
FY27 TAP Application Deadline: June 1, 2026
Applications received by this deadline will be reviewed for events occurring during Fiscal Year 2027.
A note about FY26 Applications-- the window for CIVIC Event applications has closed. However, applications may still be submitted through May 1, 2026 for COMMUNITY Events.
Whom can I contact if I have any questions?
For program questions, please contact Victoria Andújar or Genevieve Lopez at tap@portofsandiego.org.
For technical questions regarding the online application, please contact info@surveymonkeyapply.com.