By 
The Lipinsky Family San Diego Jewish Arts Festival (JFest) has announced its 2026 season, marking a major milestone as the festival presents its 33rd year of programming and its first year as an independent arts organization.
Audiences can expect an eclectic mix of comedy, theater, music, storytelling, and immersive cultural experiences across multiple venues throughout San Diego, from La Jolla to Carlsbad and Encinitas.
“JFest has always felt like an artistic home for me,” said Becca Myers, JFest Producing Director. “A place where the joy of being Jewish is celebrated unapologetically through Jewish creativity, stories, and music. JFest creates programming that people can attend with their friends, siblings, parents, grandparents, children, and with people who have never been exposed to Jewish culture before. As we celebrate our first year of independence, I feel a deep sense of hope and possibility. I imagine a JFest that grows to be even more woven into the fabric of San Diego’s Jewish community—a place where everyone feels just as at home as I do.”
This year’s festival features an exceptional roster of internationally recognized performers alongside acclaimed local and emerging artists. Headlining the season is the return of Emmy and Tony Award–winning comedian Alex Edelman, whose critically acclaimed storytelling comedy has captivated audiences worldwide. The festival also welcomes back Grammy-nominated singer Perla Batalla, appearing with Broadway star Patrick Page in a powerful evening celebrating the music and legacy of Leonard Cohen. Other featured artists include internationally renowned vocalist Ohad Moskowitz; acclaimed chazzan and baritone Colin Schachat; regional theater creator Ali Viterbi; celebrated vocalists Mara Kaye, Elizabeth Schwartz, and Whitney Shay; and composer/musician Yale Strom.
The festival will also present the 17th annual Women of Valor, JFest’s signature theatrical celebration honoring extraordinary Jewish women in the San Diego community through music, storytelling, and performance.
“JFest entertains and inspires,” said Todd Salovey, founding artistic director of JFest. “We ask big questions. We invite audiences across communities. And we celebrate art, artists, and the power of art to uplift. It’s such a thrill after 33 years to be our own independent nonprofit. We look forward to offering more programs and creating an even larger “sukkah” for audiences to join us in.”
Building on years of celebrated programming, JFest enters this new chapter with an ambitious lineup of performances, concerts, theatrical premieres, and community gatherings that showcase the vibrancy and diversity of Jewish culture.
The 33rd Annual Lipinsky Family San Diego Jewish Arts Festival will run May 12-July 14. Tickets range from $15 to $100 and can be purchased online at www.sdjfest.org.
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