Celebrate loved ones with your comunidad in Downtown Chula Vista

The leaves are finally changing colors, the climate is getting slightly cooler, and orange is back which only means one thing: the fall season is upon us! Though summer in Downtown Chula Vista had its vibrant perks, the fall season brings great events that are sure to warm your heart.

Dominic Li Mandri

Día De Los Muertos
As one of the most anticipated events of the season, the south bay neighborhood is going above and beyond to celebrate the 2nd Annual Día De Los Muertos from 3 p.m.-8 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 29.
A day not only to remember those who have passed, this beloved holiday holds many Mexican traditions that are going to be honored with live music, performances, and tasty treats!

This year’s free celebration includes an altar building contest with three different categories (Best Altar Created by School/Students, Best Altar Created by General Public & Best Overall Altar) with a $500 cash prize for the first two categories and a $1,000 cash prize for Best Overall Altar. More information on the contest can be found here. The community is also encouraged to dress up in Catrín attire or put their own twist on the traditional look, the best and most creative look will also take home a fun prize! The competition will be broken up into four categories: Kids 12 & Under ($150 cash prize), Best Catrín ($250 cash prize), Best Catrína ($250 cash prize), Best Couple ($500 cash prize),
The celebration will indulge the entire family with themed kids crafts like sugar skull decorating, live music along Third Avenue from eight different musical performers, delicious food, vendors offering everything you need to build your own altar at home, themed photo opps throughout Memorial Park and a special screening of Pixar’s COCO starting at 7:30 p.m.!

Keeping the traditions alive, the event will also include its own community altar for attendees to bring photos of loved ones who have passed and place them on the community altar located at the corner Third and Davidson. A holiday meant to bring the community together through love, this event is not only reminiscing those who aren’t with us anymore but celebrating the life that they lived.

Updates to the Neighborhooda

Although the fall season is near, San Diego’s weather has not quite got the memo yet. With the sun still shining, why not enjoy it while it last with a juicy burger and a refreshing glass of beer? Recently, one of Third Avenue’s beloved restaurants, Balboa South opened a parklet for outdoor dining allowing guests to sit outside and catch some sun rays! Whether you want to catch up with your friends over an ale, people watch, or sit down for a hearty meal, Balboa South’s parklet is the perfect place to do all of the above.

Things To Do

Raise your pinkies and enjoy a nice cup of tea at the boutique tea and gift shop, My Cup of Tea Unique Gifts. Whether you’re an avid tea drinker or would like to expand your tea drinking palate, there is something for everyone at My Cup of Tea. With a wide range of teas, from the light fruity to the dark earthy teas, you’re sure to find something that warms up your soul. Along with your cup, snack on some of the many delicious delicacies or finger sandwiches they offer.

Although this experience could be fun alone, you can also invite all your friends to have the ultimate tea party! Make reservations beforehand and enjoy a charming experience full of tea and magic with your friends. And after indulging in your tea desires, make sure to check out the assortment of quaint knick-knacks and tea accessories as a souvenir of the great memories you’ll make!

Looking Ahead
Look, it’s never too early to start thinking about the winter season. Third Avenue is getting ramped up for the best holiday celebrations Downtown Chula Vista has ever seen, so stay tuned for everything Downtown Chula Vista has to offer!

For the latest updates on Downtown Chula Vista, please visit us at DowntownChulaVista.com or follow us on Instagram @DowntownChulaVista, TikTok @DowntownChulaVista, Facebook @DowntownChulaVista, and Twitter @DowntownChula.