entertainment & events
FUN STUFF HAPPENS IN OLD TOWN
If you’re looking for a fun and lively atmosphere, Old Town San Diego is the perfect destination. With a wide variety of events and activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. From cultural festivals and live music performances to historic tours and art exhibits, you’ll never be bored in Old Town. Explore the unique shops and restaurants, or simply take in the beautiful scenery. Come discover the excitement of Old Town San Diego today!
JANU
ARY
PARADE AND EVENT CELEBRATION
2024 Mormon Battalion Parade | ||
The Old Town San Diego community is excited to announce the annual Mormon Battalion Parade and Community Event, taking place on Saturday, January 27, 2024 in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. This meaningful event commemorates the Mormon Battalion, a group of approximately 500 men who served in the United States Army during the Mexican-American War in the mid-1800s. The Battalion’s participation in the war played a significant role in the expansion of the western United States.
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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
HARNEY STREET MARKET
Every Saturday and Sunday
9:00am – 4:00pm on Harney Street
Artisan Market: jewelry, photography, clothing
Hand blown glass, pottery.
MAR
CH
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 16, 2024 from 12pm-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
Saturday May 4th and Sunday May 5th are in the plans for 2024. 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.
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.
HARNEY STREET MARKET
Every Saturday and Sunday
9:00am – 4:00pm on Harney Street
Artisan Market: jewelry, photography, clothing
Hand blown glass, pottery.
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
Celebrate Mexican Independence Day in Old Town San Diego while commemorating and experiencing the rich and diverse culture of Mexico and California.
- Traditional Crafts: Discover and enjoy a variety of traditional crafts.
- Living History Demonstrations: Experience history come to life through engaging demonstrations.
- Historic Adobe Walking Tours: Explore the rich history of Old Town San Diego.
- Folklorico Dance Performances: Enjoy beautiful performances by Gift of Dance, showcasing traditional Mexican Folklorico throughout the day.
- Old Town Guac’ Off: Who has the best guacamole in Old Town? Find out at the first annual Old Town Guac’ Off, hosted by the Boosters of Old Town San Diego and the Old Town San Diego Chamber of Commerce. For just $1 per tasting, you can sample and vote for your favorite guacamole!
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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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OCTO
BER
FALL FESTIVAL
Fall crafts and children’s activities a la San Diego TBD
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Taste of Old Town
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
Fiesta de Reyes in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park is planning a Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, celebration like no other in San Diego – a free, family-friendly immersive experience designed to bring the spirit of this traditional Mexican celebration to life. |
At the Gaslamp District in Downtown
November 2nd and 3rd there will be San Diego’s best Dia de los Muertos festival! The largest celebration of Life, complete with live music, Lowrider Altars! The famous band Grupo Marco Registrada will perform on Sunday -Don”t Miss this!!
DECE
MBER
Las Posadsas
Join us in rekindling a cherished tradition as we proudly present the 66th Annual Las Posadas in Old Town San Diego on TBD 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.