Old Town San Diego Announces Spectacular Fiestas Patrias Celebrations

Get ready to immerse yourself in a fiesta of epic proportions as Old Town San Diego presents the upcoming Fiestas Patrias celebrations! This vibrant and culturally rich event is set to take place on September 15th and September 16th, 2023, in the heart of historic Old Town San Diego. We invite locals and visitors alike to join us for a weekend filled with festivities that honor Mexican heritage, tradition, and history.

Cry of Dolores at Café Coyote

  • Date: Friday, September 15, 2023
  • Time: 7:45 pm
  • Location: Café Coyote, 2461 San Diego Ave

Kicking off the celebrations on Friday, September 15th, Café Coyote invites you to a captivating reenactment of the Cry of Dolores. This historical event marks the beginning of Mexico’s fight for independence and is a must-see for history enthusiasts.

Fiestas Patrias in State Historic Park

  • Date: Saturday, September 16, 2023
  • Time: 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
  • Location: Casa de Estudillo, 4000 Mason St

On Saturday, September 16th, the heart of the Fiestas Patrias celebrations will be at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. This family-friendly event is free to attend and promises a day filled with live music, dancing, and cultural experiences that will transport you to Mexico’s vibrant traditions.

Highlights at the State Historic Park include:

  • Live Music at La Casa de Estudillo: Experience the enchanting La Casa de Estudillo come alive with soulful melodies. This historic venue will be a stage for unforgettable moments of cultural connection.
  • Craft Your Creativity: Unleash your artistic spirit at hands-on crafting stations. Create intricate paper flowers that mirror the vibrant hues of Mexican culture and delight in the process of making cascarónes—eggshells filled with confetti—for a playful addition to the festivities.
  • Historical Talks in the Courtyard: Delve into the past with engaging history talks held in the picturesque courtyard. Learn about the origins, evolution, and significance of Fiestas Patrias from knowledgeable historians sharing captivating stories and insights.

Old Town Urban Market

  • Date: September 16, 2023
  • Time: DJ from 12:00 pm – 7:00 pm
  • Location: 2548 Congress St

The Old Town Urban Market presents a lively celebration of Fiestas Patrias sponsored by Topo Chico. Enjoy delicious tacos, micheladas, elote, donas, crepes, wine, and more while grooving to the beats of  DJ Impacto. Pick up free Topo Chico giveaways while supplies last.

Additional Entertainment and Activities:

  • Fiesta de Reyes – 2754 Calhoun St: Live music on stage.
  • Old Town Market – 4010 Twiggs St: Live music on stage.
  • Harney Street Market – Harney St between San Diego Ave and Congress St: Assorted vendors from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm on Saturday and 10:00 am to 4:30 pm on Sunday.

Free Parking for the Weekend:

Lot C at the corner of Juan St and Twiggs St offers free parking all day, seven days a week. Caltrans lot at 4050 Taylor Street between Calhoun St. & Juan St provides free evening and weekend parking.

Join us for this incredible celebration of Mexican culture and history during the Fiestas Patrias weekend in Old Town San Diego. We look forward to sharing this unforgettable experience with you!