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.
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.
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, CA 92110
JULY
OLD TOWN 4TH OF JULY.
California State Parks invite you to celebrate an old fashioned Fourth of July at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park! Visitors can join park staff and volunteers celebrating as early San Diego residents did in the 1800s with games, crafts, and live music from Big Mountain Blue Grass Band.
Event is free; some activities may require an additional purchase.
Additional parking is available at the Caltrans headquarters, just two blocks from the park at 2994 Sunset Street.
Event begins at 11 a.m. and ends at 3 p.m.
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
Day of the Dead Harney Street Market
In 2023 the weekend that is usually a festival for the Day of the Dead in Old Town will be an expanded version of the Harney Street Market. The Old Town Chamber will be closing San Diego Avenue on Saturday and Sunday to produce the Chamber’s Market that is held weekly in Old. Town.
Atars will be set up at various businesses in the Old Town. Fiesta de Reyes will have it’s usual array of life size Catrinas and skeletons with decorations on display throughout the Fiesta de Reyes with, giant puppets, and live music.
OTHER COMMUNITIES CELEBRATING
DAY OF THE DEAD:
Adams Avenue
Chula Vista
Encinitas
Oceanside
DECE
MBER
Las Posadsas
Join us in rekindling a cherished tradition as we proudly present the 65th Annual Las Posadas in Old Town San Diego on Friday, December 8, 2023 at the picturesque Heritage County Park. The festivities begin at 7:00 pm, offering neighbors and friends a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in a time-honored celebration that echoes with centuries-old Mexican traditions and the warmth of the holiday season.
This event reverberates with community spirit and historical reverence, offering an immersive glimpse into the journey of Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem.