Escondido, CA (February 28, 2025) — Southern California’s rich Indigenous heritage will take center stage at the First Annual Southern California Indigenous Culture & Art Festival, a vibrant public celebration held April 19, 2025 at Grape Day Park from 10 AM to 4 PM. This exciting family-friendly festival presented by the City of Escondido and San Pasqual Band invites the community to experience the traditions, creativity, and stories of Native American cultures.
“I am thrilled the City of Escondido will be hosting the first annual Indigenous Day Celebration! 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,” Mayor Dane White, City of Escondido.
“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,” Chairman Stephen W. Cope of the San Pasqual Band.
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 Rebekay and Royce Jarvey will present modern interpretations of Indigenous designs, blending traditional motifs with contemporary style in a stunning runway event. Curated by 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 Wild Life Alliance 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, sponsored by San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and Eyaay Ahuun Foundation.
– 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 & 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 Vigil, Siyowin and additional artists.
“This festival is an inspiration for our community and youth,” says Johnny Bear Contreras, Johnny Bear Art, Kumeyaay Sculptor and Cultural Bearer of the San Pasqual Band.
“It has been a wonderful experience collaborating with the leaders of the San Pasqual Band. 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,” says Councilmember Judy Fitzgerald, City of Escondido.
For those who wish to support 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.
The overall goal of the festival is to create an inclusive space to honor tradition and inspire future generations. A limited number of vendor spaces and opportunities are still available. For those who wish to participate, support or volunteer this inaugural event. Please visit: socalindignousarts.com. Join us in honoring the past, present, and future of Indigenous culture in Southern California at this exciting event!
The Southern California Indigenous Culture & Art Festival takes place 10am to 4pm April 19, 2025. – at Escondido’s Grape Day Park, located at 321 N. Broadway.. The event is free and open to the public. 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.