Saturday, May 2, 2026
North Park Mini Park • San Diego, CA
The 5th Annual North Park Salsa Fest is May 2nd!
North Park Salsa Fest is back on Saturday, May 2nd, 2026. Local restaurants will compete to earn bragging rights for “Best Salsa.”
Join us for salsa tasting, food trucks, and craft beer and other beverages from local breweries and vendors. Enjoy live music, including Mariachi, kids activities, community art & more!
Entrance is Free!
However, you’ll need a ticket in order to taste & judge the salsas. We have two types of tickets year: a Salsa Sampler (8 tastings for $25) and an Ultimate Sampler (tastings from all competitors for $45). The competition is shaping up to be fierce! So far the following 14 competitors are lined up to try to win your vote, with two more entries pending:
Returning Competitors
Fairplay (Returning People's Choice Winner (2024))
Thai Time (Returning Judges’ Choice Winner (2024))
Tribute Pizza (Returning People’s Choice & Judges’ Choice Winner (2025), People’s Choice Winner (2023 & 2022))
New Entrants for 2026
The 2025 Judges’ Choice & 2025 People’s Choice Champion :
100% of proceeds from this family-friendly event fund programs at Jefferson Elementary, a North Park public school.
Experience North Park Salsa Fest
Enjoy Live Music & Community Art
Check back for the 2026 lineup and community art information.
Support Local Businesses, Breweries & Restaurants
General admission is free and open to the public! To participate in the salsa tasting, a ticket is required. In addition to the salsa samples, a variety of food trucks will be onsite with food available for purchase.
Taste San Diego’s Finest Salsa
A Salsa Sampler Ticket includes a tasting card for 8 samples, a bag of tortilla chips, a tray for your salsa samples, and an opportunity to vote for your favorite salsa. Salsa samples will be available at the competitor booths.
This year at least 14 local restaurants will compete in a friendly salsa showdown judged by both the public and a our expert panel of judges.
Drink Local Craft Beer
Craft beer, NA beer, cider & kegged cocktail offerings from a variety local vendors available for ages 21+ with ID.* The entire event is fenced, so once your ID is checked and you receive a wristband, you’re free to enjoy your drink anywhere within the event’s fenced area. 21+ drink tickets can be purchased at the event.
*ID must be presented AT THE EVENT. No exceptions can be made, unfortunately.
Event Schedule
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Coming Soon
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Event Schedule 〰️ Coming Soon 〰️
Saturday, May 2, 2026
Time: 11:30 AM - 5 PM
Location: North Park Mini Park, San Diego, California
The full entertainment schedule is coming soon.
Get some merch!
San Diego's best local breweries and restaurants are providing the beer and the salsa. They're donating all the proceeds to support local school programming at Jefferson Elementary.
Want to build the community and boost your business?
Become A Sponsor
Salsa Fest began in 2021 and has quickly grown into one of the city’s most loved, family friendly gatherings. It truly reflects the spirit of the community. Our sponsors play a critical role in making the event possible and add to its vibrance.
Here is how you can benefit from being a part of the event:
Support your community in bringing an iconic event to life.
Put your brand in a spotlight and be recognized as a community champion.
Guarantee exposure, goodwill, and engagement by becoming a leading sponsor
Thank you to our 2025 Sponsors
