After a five-year hiatus, Oxnard Salsa Festival returns

The Oxnard Salsa Festival is back at Plaza Park in the Oxnard Historic District after a five-year hiatus due to the global pandemic.

The beloved festival is returning with salsa dancing, margaritas and of course, salsa. It kicks off Satuday, July 27, at 11 a.m. For those who can't make the festivities on Saturday, don't worry the festival goes until Sunday and doors open at 11 a.m. on Sunday.

“We’re back. We’re bigger and we’re better. So it gave us an opportunity to do so many improvements on the festival that we think the public’s going to really enjoy," said Gary Blum, Chairman of Oxnard Downtowners.

The signature event ran by Oxnard Downtowners is perfect for the spicy food enthusiasts, music lovers and salsa dancers.

“The music just moves me, its the music plus the salsa…all the salsas," said festival attendee, Lupe Dean.

Plenty of salsa is served with chips, with over 20 food vendors for attendees to savor and local restaurants from Ventura County have the chance to share their crafted salsas with festival goers.

“Well, we put a lot of love obviously, I know it’s cliche, but it’s the truth. We put a lot of love into everything that we do at BG’s because we have big community spirit," said salsa vendor and BG's restaurant owner, Veronica Munoz.

Attendees can expect non-stop salsa dancing, live music and a variety of tasty food options. The event is kid friendly, and a dedicated fun zone for kids will be available.

The Oxnard Salsa Festival first began in 1993 and is ran by the Oxnard Downtowners.