entertainment & events
FUN STUFF HAPPENING IN OLD TOWN
JANU
ARY
PARADE AND EVENT CELEBRATION
2023 Mormon Battalion Parade | ||
The annual Mormon Battalion Parade and Community Event, will take place on Saturday, January 28, 2023 in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. The parade will feature a historic reenactment of the battalion’s arrival in San Diego and other entertainment, and will culminate in a community event with a Dutch oven cook-off, games, and activities for all ages. The event is free and open to the public.
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FEBR
UARY
Entertainment at Fiesta deReyes
The Fiesta de Reyes stage provides free live musical entertainment. Every weekend Old Town’s favorite mariachi band and beautiful folklorico dancers make for an unforgettable experience. Many people visit just for the amazing entertainment. Enjoy a margarita and a taco while you’re there! See the entertainment schedule below, it is, of course, subject to change without notice.
FRIDAY:
Los Rios 5pm-8pm
SATURDAY:
Los Rios 12:30pm – 3:30pm
Luis Max 5pm – 8pm
SUNDAY:
Los Rios 12:30pm – 3:30pm
Luis Max 5pm – 8pm
MAR
CH
Free State Historic Park Walking Tours |
| Antonio Garra Day |
Get ready to celebrate the life and legacy of a remarkable Native American leader at the annual Antonio Garra Day on March 18, 2023 from 11am-4pm, hosted by the Pala Band of Mission Indians and First San Diego Courthouse, Inc. in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.
Antonio Garra was a respected leader of the Cupeño people who lived in the San Diego area in the 19th century. He fought tirelessly for the rights of his people, advocating for fair treatment and protection of their lands and resources. His bravery and dedication continue to inspire and inform the work of indigenous leaders to this day.
Garra was a Native American Patriot who fought for Southern California and Northern Baja tribal rights and sovereignty. He was illegally executed on January 10, 1852, by the citizens of California during a mass anti-Native American hysteria at the beginning of statehood. When Garra was asked to state any last words, he replied, “Gentlemen, I ask your pardon for all my offenses, and expect yours in return.”
APRIL
FRIDAY:
Los Rios 5pm-8pm
SATURDAY:
Los Rios 12:30pm – 3:30pm
Luis Max 5pm – 8pm
SUNDAY:
Los Rios 12:30pm – 3:30pm
Luis Max 5pm – 8pm
Free Walking Tours
Explore Old Town San Diego State Historic Park with an expert during this hour-long guided tour. This family-friendly ½ mile tour will explore the community that shaped the town over a two-hundred-year period. Assisted listening devices will be available upon request. Tour spaces are limited; please sign-up at the Robinson-Rose Visitor Services Center to reserve your space the day of your visit.
Duration – Tours begin promptly at 11AM and last one hour.
Address – Robinson-Rose Visitor Center, 4002 Wallace St, San Diego, CA 92110
Phone – (619) 220-5422
Website – www.parks.ca.gov/oldtownsandiego
MAY
Cinco de Mayo
Friday May 5th, Saturday May 6th and Sunday May 7th are in the plans for 2023. We will update as soon as confirmed!
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Join us for an extraordinary afternoon of live music as @samtaronmusic takes the stage at Garden Coffee in San Diego, California. On May 20, from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM, prepare to be swept away by the enchanting melodies and captivating performance of this talented musician.
The venue, Garden Coffee, located at 2611 Congress St, provides the perfect setting for an intimate musical experience. With its cozy atmosphere and inviting ambiance, you can relax and indulge in the soul-stirring melodies while sipping on your favorite coffee or tea.
Hours – Saturday, May 20, 2023, 12pm-1:30pm
Phone – (619) 500-8004
JUNE
Flag Day Celebration
Saturday, June 10, 2023 at 5:00 PM
The Mormon Battalion represents San Diego’s first United States military unit garrisoned in San Diego. The Mormon Battalion, U.S. Army of the West was enlisted by army dragoon officer, Captain James Allen, who dubbed his new command of volunteer infantry the “Mormon Battalion”.
This year the MBHS is honoring selected women who have had the courage to enlist “When Duty Calls.”
WHERE: The Mormon Battalion Historic Site, on the Back lawn
2510 Juan Street, Old Town San Diego, CA 92110
JULY
OLD TOWN 4TH OF JULY.
To be confirmed
July 4th Independence Day
celebrate in San Diego’s oldest neighborhood. No activities
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STAGECOACH DAYS.
To be confirmed
Old Town celebrates summer with special events centered around different aspects of San Diego’s culture and history.
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Summer is a great time to visit Old Town San Diego. Ok, go to the beach but when it is taco time it is time to come to Old Town.
AUG
UST
Bazaar del Mundo event
Bazaar del Mundo Latin American Festival
August – 2nd – 4th
The festival is a colorful outdoor marketplace featuring artists from the southwest Including New Mexico.
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Days of the Vaqueros Aug
August – Dates to be announced
See vaqueros—the original cowboys—ride,
rope, and talk of life on the ranchos.
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TwainFest Aug
This event was canceled in 2021. lets hope it back to full activities in 2023
Literature comes to life through games and activities.
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Entertainment at
Fiesta de Reyes
FRIDAY:
Los Rios 5pm-8pm
SATURDAY:
Los Rios 12:30pm – 3:30pm
Luis Max 5pm – 8pm
SUNDAY:
Los Rios 12:30pm – 3:30pm
Luis Max 5pm – 8pm
SEPTE
MBER
Fiestas Patrias
September 16th TBD.
Celebrate Mexican Independence Day in Old Town San Diego while commemorating and experiencing the rich and diverse culture of Mexico and California.
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SANTE FE MARKET
September – TBD
The annual Santa Fe Market brings the best of the Southwest to San Diego! The festival is a colorful outdoor marketplace featuring Navajo, Cherokee, Hopi, Pima, Isleta Pueblo and other artists.
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RING THE BELLS FOR FREEDOM
A festival held in the State Park, Come join us at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church on their front steps at the request of the San Diego Chapter, DAR as we Ring our Bells of Freedom for the Constitution!
OCTO
BER
FALL FESTIVAL
Fall crafts and children’s activities a la San Diego TBD
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TACOS AND TEQUILA
Sample traditional Mexican dishes at some of Old Town’s Best restaurants!
Bazaar Del Mundo
Special event with renowned jewelry designer Federico Jimenez on
Saturday, TBD
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Entertainment at
Fiesta de Reyes
FRIDAY:
Los Rios 5pm-8pm
SATURDAY:
Los Rios 12:30pm – 3:30pm
Luis Max 5pm – 8pm
SUNDAY:
Los Rios 12:30pm – 3:30pm
Luis Max 5pm – 8pm
NOVE
MBER
DIA de los MUERTOS
October 28th & 29
Traditional and contemporary Día de los Muertos altars will be set up throughout the Old Town community during this event for visitors to enjoy. In various museums in the park, there will also be altars commemorating the people who lived and worked in Old Town during the 1800’s. Activities on the will include face painting, public memorials. Life size Catrinas and skeleton displays, giant puppets, live music, in various areas of Old Town. For more information: https://www.dayofthedeadsd.com
DECE
MBER
Las Posadas
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Fiesta de Reyes –
Feliz Navidad
To be announced
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11 AM, ongoing daily from December 3, 2022 until January 1, 2023.
Fiesta de Reyes in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park’s Feliz Navidad is a holiday celebration like no other in San Diego. It is a free, family-friendly immersive experience designed to bring the spirit of the holidays to life for San Diegans of all ages. The experience is slated to run from December 1 through New Years Day.
The Fiesta de Reyes courtyard at the north end of the state park will be full of visually stimulating holiday décor, lights and displays – some larger than life. A giant Christmas tree sits next to the Fiesta de Reyes stage which will host an expanded live entertainment program on the weekends including folklorico dancing and local music entertainers.