Grape Day Festival 2025: A Celebration at the Heart of Escondido

Mark your calendars! The 68th Annual Grape Day Festival is returning to Grape Day Park on Saturday, September 13, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM—and this year’s celebration promises to be better than ever!

Hosted by the Escondido History Center and Brothers of 6 , this free, family-friendly festival is a North County tradition that brings the community together for a full day of fun. Expect live music, local artisan vendors, delicious food, a wine and beer garden, a kid’s zone, historic exhibits, animal encounters, and plenty of surprises!

A Rich History Rooted in Community

Grape Day Festival isn’t just another fun event—it’s a tradition steeped in local history that dates back over a century. The story begins in 1905, when Escondido faced a critical water shortage. Back then, it was nearly impossible to attract new residents to the area due to the lack of reliable water sources. To solve this, the Escondido Irrigation District was formed, issuing $350,000 in bonds to build the Bear Valley Dam, now known as Lake Wohlford.

Once the community rallied together to repay the debt (at just 43% of the original amount due!), residents gathered on what we now call Grape Day Park to burn the bonds in a massive celebration. The first official Grape Day Festival followed a few years later, honoring not only that victory but the agricultural lifeblood of the valley: grapes—especially the muscat variety, which thrived in the region’s dry climate.

More Than a Festival—It’s a Legacy

Fast forward to today, and Grape Day Festival is still a heartfelt celebration of Escondido’s resilience, heritage, and agricultural roots. The spirit of community that first sparked the festival in the early 1900s continues to shine each year.

Whether you're a long-time resident or a first-time visitor, Grape Day Festival offers something for everyone. Kids will love the activities and animal encounters, adults can relax in the wine and beer garden, and everyone can enjoy live performances, shop local, and learn something new about Escondido’s past.

Want to Be a Vendor?

Are you a local artisan looking to showcase your work to thousands of visitors? Join us! Spaces are limited, so act fast. All proceeds of booth fees go to charity! Visit grapedayfest.org and click on the Vendors page for more information.

Questions?

Reach out to the Escondido History Center at📞 (760) 743-8207📧 ehc@escondidohistory.org

📍 Event Details at a Glance:

📅 Date: Saturday, September 13, 2025🕛 Time: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM📍 Location: Grape Day Park, 321 N Broadway, Escondido, CA 92025🎟️ Admission: FREE | Family-Friendly | All Ages Welcome

Come be part of a tradition over 100 years in the making. We can’t wait to see you there!

Blog post written by: Efrain R. Pedroza