Frequently Asked Questions

General Information

  • Yes! General admission is free and open to the public!

    Salsa Tasting Ticket (8 tastings):

    Pre-sale—$20

    Day of— $25

    • To participate in the salsa tasting, a ticket is required.

    • If you haven’t already bought one, tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance: Buy Tickets Here

  • A ticket includes a tasting card, a bag of tortilla chips, a tray for your salsa samples, and an opportunity to vote for your favorite salsa. Salsa samples will be available at the competitor booths.

  • This year 11 local restaurants will compete in a friendly salsa showdown judged by both the public and a panel of culinary experts.

    You get to vote! We’ll have “People’s Choice” QR codes posted that link to an online voting platform.

    A “People’s Choice” winner will be announced based on your votes, and a Judges’ Choice will be selected by our official judges’ tasting panel.

  • The event runs from 11:30 AM until 5:00 PM. We recommend arriving early to enjoy the full day of activities, including live music, salsa tasting, and family fun!

  • Salsa Tasting Competition featuring 11 local salsa purveyors

    Live Music (Mariachi Internacional, Finnegan Blue, Dads of Jefferson)

    Cold 21+ Beverages

    Food Trucks and Local Vendors

    Kids’ Zone Activities

    Raffle with Amazing Prizes

Food, Drinks, and Family Fun

  • In addition to the salsa samples, a variety of food trucks will be onsite with food available for purchase.

    Craft beer, NA beer, cider & kegged cocktail offerings from 11 local vendors available for ages 21+ with ID.

  • Yes! The entire event is fenced, so once your ID is checked and you receive a wristband, you’re free to enjoy your drink anywhere within the event’s fenced area.

    21+ drink tickets can be purchased at the event for $8 each (1 ticket = 1 pour/can)

  • We have amazing raffle prizes, including SeaWorld tickets with a VIP tour, concert tickets, pool passes, spa and restaurant gift cards, gym memberships, and more!

    Raffle tickets can be purchased at the event for $1 per ticket, 12 tickets for $10, or 25 tickets for $20.

    Winners will be drawn throughout the event. You must be present to win.

  • Yes! T-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, bags, mugs, and more are available online here!

    Select items can also be purchased at the event — while supplies last!

  • This year’s judging panel brings together some of the most respected voices in the food world! Our judges include:

    • Mijune Pak – International food critic and judge on Top Chef Canada and Iron Chef Canada.

    • Chef Drew Deckman – Michelin-starred chef and farm-to-table pioneer. Owner of Deckman's en el Mogor in Baja and 31ThirtyOne in North Park.

    • Michael Gardiner – Author and award-winning food writer for San Diego CityBeat, Edible San Diego, and San Diego Magazine.

    • Anna Belous (@foodventurewithanna) – Popular San Diego food influencer and content creator.

    • Darryl Gordon – Culinary expert and San Diego food community figure.

    • W. Scott Koenig – Author, food and travel journalist specializing in Baja California cuisine (A Gringo in Mexico).

    • Peyton Robertson – Founder of Bay Bird Inc., culinary PR expert and advocate for San Diego’s local food scene.

    • YOU! - You have an opportunity to vote to determine the “People’s Choice” winner.

Logistics and Accessibility

  • There are two entrances to the event, both located at the south corners of North Park Mini Park:

    • North Park Way & Granada Avenue

    • North Park Way & 29th Street

    Look for the ticket check-in stations and signage at either entrance to start enjoying the festivities!

  • Salsa Fest takes place at the North Park Mini Park, located at 3812 29th Street, just behind the Observatory Theater in North Park.

    Public Transit:

    • Take MTS Routes 2,6,7 or 10 to University and 30th Street - just a short walk from the event.

    Parking:

    • A public parking garage is located right next to the event on 29th Street. Rates are just $1 per hour, with a $5 daily max - a convenient and affordable option!

    • Street parking is also available throughout the surrounding neighborhood.

  • Sunscreen, comfortable shoes, cash/card.

  • Pets will not be turned away, but are discouraged due to crowds. Service animals are obviously welcome.

  • Yes, portable restrooms and handwashing stations available onsite.

  • Salsa Fest is a rain-or-shine event!

  • Yes! We accept Cash, Credit Card, Venmo, and Apple Pay.

  • Yes!

Giving Back and Getting Involved

  • All proceeds from Salsa Fest directly support educational enrichment programs at Jefferson Elementary School in North Park — including art, dance, gardening, and more.

    Jefferson is a Title I public school serving a diverse community of learners.

    Funds are managed by Friends of Jefferson (FOJ), a volunteer-run 501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation dedicated to expanding learning opportunities for all Jefferson students.

    Learn more at: friendsofjefferson.org

  • Absolutely! Here are a few great ways to support Salsa Fest and Jefferson Elementary:

    • Make a tax-deductible donation at friendsofjefferson.org

    • Shop Salsa Fest merchandise here!

    • Spread the word to friends and family!

    • Follow and tag us on social media: @northparksalsafest

  • Visit friendsofjefferson.org or email us at friendsofjeffersonnp@gmail.com