Celebrate Mexican Independence Day in San Diego: 8 Ways

Where and how to find parties, fireworks, and family-friendly events

1. Celebrate in Old Town

Old Town is usually a popular spot to spend Mexican Independence Day in San Diego County, and the largest party of the year is back after being canceled in 2020. The extravaganza kicks off with a mariachi mass at the Historic San Diego Mission Basilica. Then head to Presidio Park for the main event: live music from local bands, folklorico dancers, food, games, a beer garden, and more than 100 vendors.

2. Cheer on the duck race

The rubber duck race is making a quacking return to Crown Point Shores in Mission Bay. Thousands of yellow ducks will compete to get across the finish line. If your ducky wins, you could get a cash prize as big as $5,000. The money raised from the race benefits the Monarch School, which provides therapeutic horseback riding lessons for children with disabilities.

3. Admire the fiesta in Escondido

The annual Escondido Mexican Independence Day Fiesta returns to Grape Day Park with a lively celebration of traditional Mexican music, dance, food, and culture. At the Mercado Marketplace, browse through arts, crafts, and other merchandise from local vendors. And don’t forget to take part in the Jarabe Tapatio (Mexican Hat Dance) contest

4. Dig into tamales at Chicano Park

The Chicano Park Steering Committee and the Barrio Logan Association host an annual celebration at Chicano Park with food, a car show, a kids’ zone, live music, and vendors.

5. Take the kids to the Children’s Museum in Escondido

The New Children’s Museum will host a celebration featuring face painting, crafts, a pinata, story time, and live music by Mariachi Garibaldi de San Diego. The cost is $17 per person (members receive a discount), and the event is geared toward children ages 10 and under.

6. Kick back at a waterfront concert

The Port of San Diego will host a free concert at the Embarcadero Marina Park South in Seaport Village. This year’s lineup features Grammy-nominated Tejano group La Mafia, Mariachi Champaña Nevin, and folklorico dancers.

7. Raise your glass downtown

The Pendry Hotel and the Nolen Group invite you to raise a glass at the Fifth Avenue Block Party: Fiesta en el Barrio.

8. See the fireworks

Fireworks shows are planned at the Big Bay Boom in San Diego, Mission Bay, SeaWorld, and Legoland