Every year I tell myself I’m going to make it out to the Côta Vera Rewind Fest, and every year something gets in the way. Not this time. I’ve already got September 12th blocked off on my calendar. I heard from folks who went last year that it’s one of the most fun afternoons Côta Vera puts on, and I’m finally going to see it for myself.
The Côta Vera Rewind Festival is back for its third year, landing at Central Square Park on Saturday, September 12th from 2 to 9 PM. It’s completely free and open to all ages, and this year’s lineup leans hard into 80s and 90s nostalgia with three tribute bands, a full artisan market, a retro arcade, and enough food trucks to keep everyone fed until sundown.
Here’s what to expect at this year’s Rewind Festival:
- Live tribute sets from Fooz Fighters, No Duh, and Temptation
- A 21+ Beer Garden to sip and socialize
- An Artisan Village with 25+ local makers and vintage finds
- A Retro Arcade stocked with classic 80s games
- Food Truck Alley with 12 trucks serving everything from burgers to sweets
- The Back to the Future Experience, featuring a DeLorean Time Machine
Live Music That Takes You Back
The music lineup is the heart of the Côta Vera Rewind Fest, and this year’s bands don’t just cover the hits; they recreate the era.
Fooz Fighters open the night with a stadium-sized take on the Foo Fighters catalog. The San Diego-based band earned national recognition as finalists on NBC and E!’s Clash of the Cover Bands, hand-picked by Jimmy Fallon’s production team, and they bring that same high energy to the Central Square stage.
Temptation follows with a set built around New Order, the band that rose from the ashes of Joy Division to become one of the most influential acts in music history. Their rendition leans into the group’s blend of rock and electronica, right down to the club classic “Blue Monday,” still the best-selling 12″ single of all time.
Closing out the night is No Duh, widely regarded as the top tribute to No Doubt and Gwen Stefani. Expect the ska-punk swagger of the Tragic Kingdom era alongside the sound of Stefani’s solo years, performed with the kind of energy that gets an entire park dancing.
More Than Just Music
The Côta Vera Rewind Fest fills out the afternoon with plenty to explore beyond the stage. The Artisan Village brings together more than 25 local makers and artists selling handmade goods and vintage treasures, so budget some time to browse. Nearby, the Retro Arcade lets kids and adults alike relive the 80s one quarter at a time.
When it’s time to eat, Food Truck Alley has 12 trucks lined up with everything from burgers and tacos to sweet treats. And if you’re 21 and up, the Beer Garden is the spot to grab a drink and take a breather between sets.
The standout photo op of the day might be the Back to the Future Experience, where an iconic DeLorean Time Machine touches down for pictures. Combine that with the festival’s dress code encouragement (think neon, scrunchies, and windbreakers), and Central Square is going to look like it time-traveled straight out of 1989.
Côta Vera Keeps Growing Its Event Calendar
The Côta Vera Rewind Fest is just the latest sign of how much Côta Vera has grown as a gathering spot in eastern Chula Vista. The community wrapped up its Friday Night Summer series not long ago, an annual run of Friday evenings at Central Square with live music, food trucks, and an artisan market. Between that and Rewind Fest, it’s clear Côta Vera is becoming a real hub for events in this part of the city, and there’s likely more on the way.
Plan Your Visit
Admission is free. You can RSVP on Eventbrite, though registration isn’t required to attend since the event is free either way.
Whether you’re coming for the music, the food, or just an excuse to dig out your best throwback outfit, the Côta Vera Rewind Fest 2026 is shaping up to be one of the can’t-miss community events this September. Keep up with everything happening around town by checking the Chula Vista Living event calendar, and follow along on Instagram and Facebook. See you out there!
