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Celebrate Dia de los Muertos in Downtown Chula Vista

Chula Vista is gearing up for its annual Dia de los Muertos in downtown Chula Vista! I attended last year, which was huge—I’ve loved seeing this event grow yearly. This lively event will be held on November 2nd, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., and will be filled with music, art, delicious food, and cultural displays all along Third Avenue and Memorial Park. Gather your family and friends to enjoy this vibrant community tradition!

Be prepared—this event is going to be big! Expect large crowds, tight parking, and busy restaurants in the area. Arrive early to get a good spot, and consider carpooling to make things easier. It’s all part of the fun when the whole community comes together to celebrate!

This Years Dia de los Muertos in Downtown Chula Vista

This year marks the fourth annual Dia de los Muertos celebration hosted by the Downtown Chula Vista Association. District Manager Dominic Li Mandri is thrilled to see the community come together again for this special day.

“We love how the community engages with this event, and every year we look to improve and make it even more exciting for everyone in the South Bay,” Li Mandri shared.

Las Jefas Market Will Host A Vendor Market During The Event

Las Jefas Market was created by Reyna and Rocky, two San Diego natives passionate about bringing a unique pop-up experience to the community. You might know them as the talented folks behind Lovely Latina Shop and Mi Corazón de Mx. By joining forces, they’ve formed Las Jefas Market with the goal of highlighting different types of artisans and creatives. Reyna and Rocky want to give these artists the recognition they deserve for all the hard work they put into their businesses.

Their market isn’t just about shopping—it’s about celebrating community and culture. Las Jefas Market embraces all cultures and aims to reflect the diversity of the vendors they feature. Expect a wide variety of crafts, art, and other treasures, giving you a glimpse of what makes our community so vibrant. Reyna and Rocky look forward to seeing you there, and they thank everyone for supporting this journey of creativity and connection.

Dia de los Muertos in Downtown Chula Vista
Last year, there were so many beautiful ofrendas on display. The event was a lot of fun and I expect it to be even bigger this year.

Here Is What You Can Expect

  • Community Altars: Throughout downtown, there will be altars set up by local businesses and community members. Don’t miss the Community Altars between Davidson Street and Third Avenue.
  • Ofrenda Competition: This friendly competition invites community members to create their own offerings. Come check out the creativity on display and see who wins!
  • Catrin & Catrina Costume Contest: Dress up in your best Dia de los Muertos attire and join the competition to see who has the most intricate costume.
  • Live Music and Dance: Performances will be held at four different locations, so you’ll always be close to the action!
  • Car Show: The Impalas Car Club SD will be hosting a car show—a perfect chance to see some beautiful classic cars.
  • Activities for Kids: Throughout the evening, there will be kid-friendly crafts and photo opportunities, so bring the little ones for a fun family outing.

Art That Tells a Story

This year’s Dia de los Muertos celebration will also feature incredible art by local artists, including the talented muralist and designer Josué Baltezar. Known for his community-driven projects, Josué will decorate four traditional Catrinas that symbolize the holiday’s theme of life and death. These beautiful Catrinas will be displayed along Third Avenue.

Josué is excited to bring his artistic touch to this event.

“Although I was born in Mexico, my family moved to Chula Vista when I was 6 years old,” he said. “To see traditions like this being part of the community I grew up in is special. I hope my artwork inspires others and adds to the meaning of the celebration.”

Come Join the Fun This Saturday

The Downtown Chula Vista Association is pulling out all the stops to make this year’s Dia de los Muertos celebration bigger and better. Whether you’re there for the music, art, vendors, altars, or to soak up the atmosphere, there’s something for everyone. Mark your calendar for November 2nd, and be part of this cherished community tradition!

Stay Connected With Chula Vista

We’d love to hear from you! Follow Chula Vista Living on social media and let us know what you think about the event. Share your favorite moments, tag us in your photos, and join the conversation. We can’t wait to see your experience of this amazing community gathering!

Chula Vista Resort Going To Be Pricey

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If you’re like me, you’re already counting down the days to the opening of the brand-new Chula Vista Resort along the bayfront! This exciting addition, officially known as the Chula Vista Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center, is expected to be a top-tier destination. But here’s the scoop—rumor is that rooms could start at $550 a night, though I wouldn’t be surprised if that price climbs higher. Knowing Gaylord’s other luxury resorts, it’s safe to say they’re going all out.

The preview video is already jaw-dropping: think lazy rivers, expansive resort pools, and more. I’m already setting aside some funds because I want a room with a front-row view overlooking the bay when it opens.

While I know opinions vary on the Chula Vista Resort, it’s time to get ready—the project is nearly complete! They recently took down the last crane from the site, marking another milestone. Although the official opening is set for May 2025, there are whispers it might actually be July. I’ll keep you posted with any updates!

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Otay Ranch Town Center Tree Lighting: A Holiday Tradition Returns!

Get ready, Chula Vista! The holidays are almost here, and all our favorite events are back. One event we look forward to every year is the Otay Ranch Town Center Tree Lighting. I have to say, I still miss the old parade, but the tree lighting is always a great time—especially since it happens during the Farmers Market!

18th Annual Otay Ranch Town Center Tree Lighting

Mark your calendars! Otay Ranch Town Center will host its 18th annual Tree Lighting and Holiday Farmers Market on Tuesday, November 19, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Santa will make his grand entrance to light the huge Christmas tree with over 17,000 twinkling lights. This will be the highlight of a festive evening filled with family activities, entertainment, and a magical snowfall at Santa’s house right after the tree lighting at 7 p.m.

What to Expect Before the Tree Lighting

Before the tree lighting, the fun starts early! From 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., there will be entertainment and community performances from local schools, dance groups, and musical acts.

“We encourage all of our neighbors to join us for this great kick-off to the holiday season—full of options for all family members,” said Otay Ranch Town Center General Manager Tim Kilcourse.

Alongside the holiday fun, you can explore the weekly Otay Ranch Town Center Farmers Market, featuring certified farm stands, unique street foods, and handmade items. The market has a special charm at night, especially during the holidays when it’s all lit up with decorations. Plus, there are some great holiday vendors—and you won’t want to miss all the amazing food, so come hungry!

Otay Ranch Town Center Tree Lighting
During the Otay Ranch Town Center Tree Lighting, you can also visit the Farmers Market and enjoy holiday vendors and food. They will also have activities for the kids and much more so be sure to come out.

Fun Activities and Special Guests

The evening will include:

  • Free holiday crafts for kids
  • Free face painting
  • Free cookies and hot chocolate (while supplies last)
  • Magical snowfall at Santa’s house (after the tree lighting)
  • Roaming carolers
  • Holiday-themed merchants and unique gift stands
  • Local entertainment throughout the evening

Santa will arrive in grand style to light the Christmas tree on Main Street at 7 p.m. sharp! We aren’t sure yet if a special guest will join Santa this year, but last year, the center had Xavier the X-Man from 92.5 radio—so stay tuned!

The Christmas Tree: A Bright Holiday Display

Otay Ranch Town Center’s Christmas tree is something to see. Towering nearly 50 feet over Main Street, it’s decorated with over 17,000 lights, more than 1,000 ornaments, and an illuminating color-changing base with snowflakes. Topping it all off is an LED Grand Star—it’s a sight you won’t want to miss.

So bring your family, enjoy the performances, grab some treats, and get ready to kick off the holiday season in style. Don’t forget, there are so many more holiday events happening this month and next. Stay tuned to our social media accounts, or better yet, sign up for our newsletter. We will be sharing so many of them, and you just might see Mr. Chula Vista out there taking photos.

About Otay Ranch Town Center

With nearly 100 of the country’s top specialty stores, fitness and health options, and a full-service Barons Market, Otay Ranch Town Center is one of San Diego’s most exciting outdoor lifestyle destinations. Eclectic tastes are served by Macy’s, Barnes & Noble, Apple, Lululemon, Road Runner Sports, Madison Reed, DSW, H&M, and Sephora, to name just a few. On the center’s east side is a specialty fashion and service village featuring Best Buy, Gila Rut Salon, San Diego Gymnastics, and other unique fashions and services.

This bustling, open-air center features a wide variety of amenities including grand fountains, a pet-friendly setting with an adjacent dog park, a branch of the Chula Vista Library, a food pavilion, party space, a fireplace, and a popper fountain for children. Otay Ranch Town Center truly has something for everyone.

Harbor Park: Exciting Developments Coming to Chula Vista

Chula Vista’s Bayfront is about to get a massive upgrade with the development of Harbor Park, a new addition that nearly doubles the size of the existing Bayside Park. This exciting project will be completed in phases, bringing a mix of natural beauty and family-friendly activities to our community. Alongside Harbor Park, the Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center is also nearing completion and will be ready to welcome visitors by May 2025. The resort and these new parks will bring incredible change and beauty to the area, transforming the Bayfront into a vibrant destination for both residents and visitors.

What’s Coming to Harbor Park?

Once fully developed, Harbor Park will have something for everyone. Here are some of the key features to look forward to:

  • Improved Beach and Waterfront Promenade: The park will feature a bigger, better beach surrounded by terraced headlands, along with a half-mile waterfront promenade for walking, biking, and enjoying the views.
  • Boat Launch and Water Activities: At the north end of the park, there will be a boat launch for kayaks, paddleboards, and other small watercraft, giving people more ways to enjoy the bay.
  • Meadows and Picnic Areas: Families will love the north and south meadows, which will have paths, picnic tables, and open spaces for relaxing and playing.
  • Interactive Fountain and Play Area: The new interactive water feature and play area will delight kids of all ages, making the park a fun spot for all ages.
  • New Pier at H Street: Besides the existing fishing pier, a new one will be built at H Street, offering even more ways to enjoy the bay.
  • Café and Rentals: A beachfront café and watersport rental shop will be built at the park’s north end, giving visitors a place to grab a bite or rent equipment for their water adventures.

Connecting Chula Vista to the Bay

Harbor Park is part of a larger effort to revitalize the 535-acre Chula Vista Bayfront District. The park itself will cover 25 acres and will be a central piece of the area’s transformation. Alongside a new resort and conference center, Harbor Park will reconnect Chula Vista with its waterfront, creating vibrant spaces for residents and visitors alike.

You can learn more about this new development and see the plans on the developer’s website found here. We suggest you follow them on Facebook for updates on their public notices and more.

Harbor Park in Chula Vista
Take a look at the developer’s renderings for the new Harbor Park in Chula Vista. I’m not sure when it will be complete, but it looks beautiful. (Photo Credit Petersen Studio)

Sweetwater Park: Another Bayfront Gem

Alongside Harbor Park, Sweetwater Park is also being developed to enhance Chula Vista’s Bayfront. Construction on Sweetwater Park began in fall 2023 and is expected to be completed by November 2024. This 21-acre park will focus on showcasing the natural wildlife of San Diego Bay and providing peaceful, nature-based recreation.

Sweetwater Park was designed with community input to serve as a natural habitat-oriented recreational space. It will feature meadows, specialty gardens, mounded grasslands, and nature playgrounds. Visitors can enjoy a variety of seating and picnic areas, pedestrian and bicycle paths, sand dunes, and scenic overlooks for bayfront viewing. The park will also include public art, Kumeyaay signage, restroom facilities, and 216 parking spaces.

Sweetwater Park will be perfect for connecting with the Bayfront’s ecology, learning more about the environment, and enjoying recreational activities with the whole family. Together, Sweetwater Park and Harbor Park will make up over half of the new park space planned for the Chula Vista Bayfront, bringing more outdoor opportunities to our community.

Sweetwater Park in Chula Vista
Sweetwater Park in Chula Vista is almost complete. I haven’t been able to get out there to take a new photo.

A Park for the Future

Harbor Park will offer beautiful views and recreational activities and address important environmental concerns. The park’s design includes features like a saltwater marsh and improvements to handle rising sea levels. These elements will help protect the shoreline while also creating a more diverse natural habitat. However, many residents, including myself, are concerned about access to this park. Currently, there is plenty of parking for residents to come and enjoy the public parks and amenities, but looking at these plans, very little parking is included. With the new hotel, the area is expected to be very busy, which could make it difficult for residents to easily access the park.

What’s Next?

While it will take time to complete, Harbor Park’s future looks bright. With its large lawns, gathering spaces, and scenic views, the park is set to become a hub for community events, performances, and festivals. Whether you’re looking to relax by the bay, explore the waters, or enjoy family time, Harbor Park will have something for everyone.

Be sure to look out for updates as these exciting new parks take shape. Chula Vista is about to become an even better place to live and play!