Old Town San Diego’s Founders’ Day Festival will be a fun, family-oriented celebration, as well as an opportunity to recognize and reflect on the great diversity of the people that make up Old Town’s history.  

Our region was and is home to the Kumeyaay Tipai-Ipai, but, in time, Old Town San Diego became a destination for many others, people who came by land and sea, immigrants from across the globe all arrived at our port or traveled overland. Those who stayed contributed to making San Diego the diverse city it is today and we honor the many accomplishments as we recognize all of the people who, over the years, have contributed to San Diego’s unique identity, qualities, cultures and traditions.

The diversity of early San Diego included Native American tribes, Mexican, Spaniards, Portuguese, African Americans, English, French, German, Irish, Filipinos, Chinese, Hawaiian, and more! Old Town is, and was a tapestry of many people and stories.

1769 marks the year the first settlement of Alta California was established, which included a mission and presidio. The City of San Diego and Old Town Chamber of Commerce, along with other community organizations, will host the Founders’ Day Festival to commemorate the 250th Anniversary of San Diego to take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, September 14 and Sunday, September 15, 2019 in Old Town San Diego.

The festival is free and open to the public. Families are encouraged to participate in the many scheduled activities during the two-day festival and to learn more about the history of Old Town San Diego. The festival will include historic games, entertainment, displays and activities for people of all ages.