Saturday, May 2, 2026
North Park Mini Park • San Diego, CA
11:30 AM – 5:00 PM
The 5th Annual North Park Salsa Fest is May 2nd!
North Park Salsa Fest is back on Saturday, May 2nd, 2026. Local restaurants and vendors will compete to earn bragging rights for “Best Salsa.”
Join us 11:30am-5pm 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. 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 (16-17 tastings for $40 until 4/25/26, $45 after).
The competition is shaping up to be fierce, with the following entrants vying to win your vote:
Returning Competitors
Fairplay (People's Choice Winner 2024)
Thai Time (Judges’ Choice Winner 2024)
Tribute Pizza (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
An Ultimate Salsa Lover’s Pass includes a tasting card for samples from the full slate of competitors (14-16 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.
Saturday, May 2, 2026
North Park Mini Park
San Diego, CA
11:30 AM - 5 PM
The full entertainment schedule is coming soon.
Merch Pre-Order Deadline April 9. Order Now!
Bring the heat of the festival wherever you go with the official North Park Salsa Fest tee. Perfect for the hot San Diego days and cool North Park evenings. This classic tee reps the official North Park Salsa Fest logo with a bold and bright graphic on the front.
Whether you danced your way through the fest or just love the spirit of North Park, this tee is the perfect way to show it off.
Features:
Side-seamed.
Classic fit.
Unisex sizing.
Shoulder taping.
Sizes: XS-XXL
Stay cozy while elebrating one of North Park’s favorite traditions. This stylish zip-up hoodie features a unique design inspired by the North Park Water Tower, with a small front chest logo and a bold graphic on the back that showcases the spirit, flavor, and energy of North Park. Pefect for those cool San Diego evenings, festival nights, or showing off your love for North Park all year long. The full-zip front, adjustable drawstring hood, and the front pockets make it as practical as it is stylish.
Details:
Full zip hoodie
Forest green color
Front pocket pouch
Adjustable drawstring hood
Small chest logo + large back graphic
Unisex fit for comfortable everyday wear
Sizes: XS - XXL
Celebrate the color, flavor, and energy of the North Park Salsa Fest with this vibrant crewneck sweatshirt. Featuring a bold, retro-inspired graphic across the front, the design blends bright tropical colors with playful festival icons that capture the lively spirit of North Park.
Whether you’re dancing at the festival, tasting amazing salsa, repping your favorite neighborhood, or just relaxing, this sweatshirt brings the festival vibe wherever you go. Soft, cozy, and easy to style, it’s a great way to show your love for one of San Diego’s most exciting community events.
Details:
Classic black crewnexk sweatshirt
Bright multicolor “North Park Salsa Fest” front graphic
Soft and comfortable everyday wear
Ribbed cuffs and waistband for a secure fit
Unisex sizing
Sizes: XS - XXL
Bring the heat of the festival wherever you go with the official North Park Salsa Fest tee. Perfect for the hot San Diego days and cool North Park evenings. This classic tee reps the official North Park Salsa Fest logo with a bold and bright graphic on the front.
Whether you danced your way through the fest or just love the spirit of North Park, this tee is the perfect way to show it off.
Details:
4.3 oz./yd², 60/40 combed ring-spun cotton/polyester, 32 singles.
Set-in CVC 1x1 baby rib collar.
Side seams.
Tear away label
Sizes: XS - XL
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
