San Diego County is stepping into a powerful moment of cultural celebration this April as Escondido hosts the First Annual Southern California Indigenous Culture & Art Festival on Saturday, April 19, at Grape Day Park. This groundbreaking event, presented in collaboration between the City of Escondido and the San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians, is the first large-scale festival in the region focused entirely on Indigenous voices, storytelling, and artistry.
Set to run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the family-friendly festival is more than just a day of entertainment—it’s a community invitation to honor the traditions, creativity, and future of Southern California’s Native peoples, including the Kumeyaay and Luiseño tribes.
What to Expect:
- Inspiring Native Speakers: Hear from leaders like Kansas Middletent, sharing on Indigenous traditions and modern challenges, and Joe Perka, speaking on the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women movement.
- Indigenous Fashion Show: Hosted by the Native Youth Foundation, featuring modern designs by Rebekah and Royce Jarvey that blend cultural motifs with contemporary fashion.
- Youth Art Contest: A celebration of emerging Indigenous artists, with artwork submissions incorporating culturally meaningful designs and animals. Sponsored by the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and the Eyaay Ahuun Foundation.
- Vendor Village: Explore handcrafted goods, beadwork, pottery, and art by local Indigenous artists, plus a lineup of food vendors offering everything from fry bread tacos to fusion cuisine.
- Live Entertainment: From Kumeyaay bird singing to musical acts like Blue Vigil and Siyowin, the day will be filled with rhythm, movement, and community pride.
The festival’s purpose is clear: to provide an inclusive and engaging space where stories can be shared, cultures celebrated, and young people inspired.
“This is a historic opportunity to gather and celebrate together,” said Mayor Dane White of Escondido.
“Native Americans have to tell their story to the world. I’m hoping this is the first step,” added Stephen Cope, Chair of the San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians.
For more information or to get involved, visit socalindigenousart.com.
Celebrating Indigenous Voices at Balboa Park
Throughout April, Balboa Park continues its rich programming around cultural preservation. Several museums and art spaces have included Indigenous perspectives as part of their spring offerings:
- Museum of Us: Featuring exhibits on Indigenous anthropology, identity, and land acknowledgement.
- Centro Cultural de la Raza: Hosting storytelling sessions, open mic nights, and dance showcases dedicated to Native voices.
Additionally, spaces like Art Produce Gallery in North Park are spotlighting Indigenous artists through installations and film screenings that explore generational memory, colonization, and resilience.
These events aren’t just about celebration—they’re acts of remembrance, education, and empowerment. As San Diego continues to recognize and uplift Indigenous communities, April offers meaningful opportunities for reflection, learning, and solidarity.
Mark your calendar for April 19 in Escondido—and support Indigenous voices all month long.
