Make Cascarones, Watch the Parade, and Judge the Guac’ Off at Old Town’s Free Fiestas Patrias

Fiestas Patrias is back at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, and this year’s lineup makes a strong case for rearranging your Saturday. The annual celebration honoring the beginning of Mexico’s fight for independence is free, family-friendly, and packed with the kind of programming you can’t just watch from the sidelines.

The Second Annual Guac’ Off Needs a Verdict

The Old Town Guac’ Off is back for its second year, and your mission is simple: sample guacamole from Old Town’s contenders and vote for the best. No experience necessary. No wrong answers. Just show up hungry and ready to weigh in.

A Parade Through the Historic Plaza – and You’re Invited

Park staff and volunteers will dress in 1800s period clothing and march a Fiestas Patrias parade through the historic plaza. The good part: this isn’t a stand-and-watch situation. You’re invited to join the back of the procession, making it one of the more participatory parades you’ll find in the city.

Cascarones, Vaquero Roping, and a Game of Lotería

The hands-on activities are where this festival earns its family-friendly reputation. Make colorful cascarones, craft corn husk dolls, try traditional vaquero roping, and get a Lotería game going. For the uninitiated: Lotería is the Mexican bingo equivalent, and it’s as competitive as you make it.

Folklórico Dancers and Live Music Through the Afternoon

Traditional folklórico dancers and live music run throughout the day, keeping the energy going across the full five hours. Old Town San Diego State Historic Park is already one of the city’s most atmospheric settings – this is one of the best days to be there.

See you there!

Fiestas Patrias is free, open to everyone, and runs all afternoon. Bring the family and make a day of it.

📆 Saturday, September 12, 2026 | 11 AM – 4 PM
📍 San Diego Avenue & Twiggs Street, Old Town
🎟️ Free admission
ℹ️ Check out more Old Town events here

See you there, San Diego!