Bowl Bash in Gaslamp Kicks Off Festivities Leading to Holiday Bowl

Holiday Bowl festivities kick off Thursday with the Snapdragon Bowl Bash in the Gaslamp Quarter at 5 p.m.

The bash features the 6 p.m. Battle of the Bands between the Syracuse and Washington State marching bands, at the corner of 5th Avenue and Market Street.

In addition to the bands, the free event includes live music, games, contests, photo opportunities and more.

The street fest is a prelude to Friday’s main events.

The Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade begins at 10 a.m. on the bayfront near the San Diego County Administration Building, with marching bands, floats, drill teams and a procession of enormous balloons.

The Holiday Bowl, 5 p.m. Friday at Snapdragon Stadium, features a clash between Syracuse, from the ACC, and Washington State, of the Pac-12. Tickets remain available.