North Park Salsa Fest
Saturday, May 1, 2027
11:30AM - 5PM
North Park Mini Park
About Salsa Fest
San Diego restaurants and vendors compete to earn bragging rights for “Best Salsa”.
Join us May 1, 2027, 11:30am-5pm, for salsa tasting, food trucks, 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. Salsa tasting is available from 11:30 am until 3 pm.
We have two types of tickets year: a Salsa Sampler Pass (8 tastings for $22 until 4/25/26, $25 after) and an Ultimate Salsa Lover’s Pass (up to 16-17 tastings for $40 until 4/25/26, $45 after).
Local Competition
The 2026 competition had an incredible turnout. Congratulations to our 2026 Salsa Fest winners! Black Radish won Judge’s Choice “Best Salsa”, Thai Time won People’s Choice “Best Salsa”, and the “Spirit of the Fest” Award Presented by Walkabout was awarded to Mamas Kitchen.
100% of proceeds from this family-friendly event fund enrichment programs at North Park’s public school, Jefferson Elementary.
Video Credit: Keypher Strombeck | Instagram: @key_photos
Experience North Park Salsa Fest
Enjoy Live Music & Community Art
North Park Mini Park is going to be packed with live music, dancing, art and more!
Support Local Businesses, Breweries and 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
An Ultimate Salsa Lover’s Pass includes a tasting card for samples from the full slate of competitors (17 samples), a bag of tortilla chips, a tray for your salsa samples, and an opportunity to vote for your favorite 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.
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.
2027 Entertainment Lineup Coming Soon
Salsa for a Good Cause
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
2026 Salsa Fest Sponsors
2026 Salsa Fest Competitors
2026 Salsa Fest Drink Lineup