North Park Salsa Fest

The 5th Annual North Park Salsa Fest offers a flavor-packed afternoon at North Park Mini Park on Saturday, May 2, from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. This year, 17 local restaurants including reigning champions Tribute Pizza and Thai Time will face off for bragging rights, and only the crowd can crown the coveted “People's Choice” winner.

A vibrant, family-friendly community celebration, North Park Salsa Fest invites San Diegans of all ages to spend the afternoon enjoying live music including Mariachi, kids' activities, a community art mural, food trucks, and craft beer and beverages from local breweries, all while tasting and rating salsas from some of San Diego's favorite local restaurants and businesses.

This year's fierce lineup features 17 competitors vying for the title of Best Salsa. Returning fan favorites include Bivouac Ciderworks, Fairplay (2024 People's Choice winner), Original 40 Brewing Company, Ruth's No. 5, Subterranean, Thai Time (2024 Judges' Choice winner), and Tribute Pizza — the reigning 2025 People's Choice and Judges' Choice champion and a three-time People's Choice winner. Joining the competition for the first time are Bacari, Black Radish, Mama’s Kitchen, Mom’s Chicken and Waffles, North Park Beer Co., San Diego Salsa, Stoked On Salsa, Sun Coast Pizza, Una Mas, and Working Class.

With 17 salsas to taste, you'll want something cold and local to keep the heat in check. This year's beverage lineup is a celebration of San Diego's thriving craft drink scene, featuring Barley & Sword, Bivouac Cider, Cervecería Transpeninsular, Flying Embers, JuneShine, Little Bird Brewing, Mike Hess Brewing, North Park Beer Co., Original 40 Brewing, Pasmosa Sangria, Seek Beer Co., and Suntide Mimosa. All beverages are available for ages 21+ with valid ID.

Each of these local businesses is donating their participation to benefit students at Jefferson Elementary, and that generosity is something worth raising a glass to. Cheers to the local makers and neighbors who bring this community together year after year.

The 5th Anniversary brings a brand-new tradition: the Salsa Fest Community Mural. North Park artist Philip Boelter (@boelterdesignco) designed the layout so that every painted square becomes part of a single vibrant mosaic. No artistic experience required. Paint solo, with friends, or as a family and leave your mark on a piece of North Park history. The completed mural will be permanently installed within the North Park Business Improvement District. Reserve your square on the North Park Salsa Fest website.

General admission is FREE and open to the public. Salsa tasting tickets are available in two options: the Salsa Sampler (8 tastings for $22 through April 25; $25 after) and the Ultimate Salsa Lover's Pass (up to 17 tastings, for $40 through April 25; $45 after). Each tasting ticket includes salsas and tortilla chips (while supplies last), as well as the opportunity to cast a vote for People's Choice.

North Park Salsa Fest benefits extracurricular programs for more than 400 students at Jefferson Elementary School in North Park.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit northparksalsafest.com and follow along on Instagram at @northparksalsafest.

Event Details:

North Park Salsa Fest

Date: Saturday, May 2, 2026

Time: 11:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Location: North Park Mini Park, 3812 29th St, San Diego, CA 92104

Admission: Free

Salsa Tasting Tickets:

Salsa Sampler (8 tastings): $22 through April 25; $25 after

Ultimate Salsa Lover's Pass (17 tastings): $40 through April 25; $45 after

Purchase salsa tasting tickets: northparksalsafest.com

About Friends of Jefferson

Friends of Thomas Jefferson Elementary School is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to raising money to support arts, dance, and garden education for all students at Thomas Jefferson Elementary School. To learn more about Friends of Jefferson, please visit www.friendsofjefferson.org.