Escondido, CA (April 9, 2025) – Southern California’s rich Indigenous heritage will take center stage next week at the First Annual Southern California Indigenous Culture & Art Festival, held Saturday, April 19, 2025 from 10 AM to 4 PM at Grape Day Park, located at 321 N. Broadway in Escondido.
This vibrant public celebration and family-friendly festival is free and open to the public. Presented by the City of Escondido and San Pasqual Band, the event invites the community to experience the traditions, creativity, and stories of Native American cultures. It’s an opportunity for the whole family to enjoy a day of art, culture, and community, to be inspired, learn something new, and to share in the rich traditions that have shaped our region.
“I am thrilled the City of Escondido will be hosting the first annual Indigenous Day Celebration!” said City of EscondidoMayor Dane White. “This will be a terrific opportunity for local and regional residents to experience arts, culture and entertainment provided by our Tribal neighbors. This is a historic opportunity to gather and celebrate together,”
“We are honored to co-present the First Annual Southern California Indigenous Culture & Art Festival, with the City of Escondido, where local and surrounding communities and families can come together to celebrate native heritage through art, culture, and storytelling,” said Chairman Stephen W. Cope of the San Pasqual Band.
“It has been a wonderful experience collaborating with the leaders of the San Pasqual Band,” said Councilmember Judy Fitzgerald, City of Escondido. “It is important to us as a city to highlight and honor the rich history of the Kumeyaay heritage and culture of this land. We are grateful to have been given the honor to bring it to Escondido”
“This festival is an inspiration for our community and youth,” says Johnny Bear Contreras of Johnny Bear Art, Kumeyaay Sculptor and Cultural Bearer of the San Pasqual Band.
“For decades, the majestic wildlife at San Diego Zoo Safari Park has been a source of inspiration for our neighbors as well as our guests from around the world,” said Lisa Peterson, Senior Vice President and Executive Director of San Diego Zoo Safari Park, which is co-sponsoring a Native youth art contest at the festival. “It is our utmost pleasure to support local Native artists who will produce meaningful artwork that reflects a deep-rooted connection to the natural world. We thank the San Pasqual Band for your continued partnership and collaboration.”
Event Highlights
- Inspiring Special Guest Speakers /Hosts: Native American community leaders, and special guests Gene Braverock and Kansas Middletent will share their insights and uplifting stories to inspire the next generation.
- Indigenous Fashion Show: A fashion showcase by Special Guests Rebekah and Royce Jarvey will present modern interpretations of Indigenous designs, blending traditional motifs with contemporary style in a stunning runway event with adult and youth fashion. Curated in collaboration with the Native Youth Foundation.
- Native Youth Art Contest: Local Southern California Native youth are invited to design the artwork for next year’s festival, incorporating an animal of their choice and a meaningful cultural design. Sponsored by The San Diego Zoo Safari Park and the Eyaay Ahuun Foundation. Please visit: socalindigenousart.com for application / submission details. Contest winner will be announced day of the festival April 19, 2025. This contest supports the next generation of emerging Native artists.
- Art Exhibits & Food & Beverage Vendors: Explore the booths of Kumeyaay band members and additional Indigenous artists and local vendors from Escondido, Valley Center, and across Southern California. Unique arts, crafts, and other goods will be available for purchase Proceeds support Indigenous artisans and local vendors. Local food and beverage vendors from the region will provide a variety of faire for all to enjoy.
- Live Entertainment & Activities: Enjoy hands-on cultural activities for all ages, including traditional bird singing, and live music and performances by Blue Eagle Vigil, and additional artist demos including Siyowin and Thunder Voice Co.
A limited number of vendor spaces and opportunities are still available.
The overall goal of the festival is to create an inclusive space to honor tradition and inspire future generations. Join us in honoring the past, present, and future of Indigenous culture in Southern California at this exciting event!
For those who wish to participate, support, or volunteer at this inaugural event, please visit: socalindignousarts.com or email info@socalindigenousart.com.
Sponsors help uplift Indigenous artists and youth and receive special recognition at the festival. It’s a meaningful way for organizations to give back to the community and be part of an unforgettable cultural celebration.