53rd Annual San Diego Serbian Festival 2026

St. George Serbian Orthodox Church is hosting the 53rd Annual San Diego Serbian Festival on Saturday, October 10, from 12 PM to 11 PM. The church is at 3025 Denver St. in Bay Park, and the festival is a full-day celebration of Serbian culture—food, music, dancing, and a few things you won't find anywhere else in the city.

The food is a big part of it. You'll find authentic Serbian fare like burek, cevapcici, sarma, palacinke, and rakija. If you get there early—between 12 PM and 4 PM—they're giving away a homemade Vanilice, the Serbian vanilla cookie, while supplies last. The music and dancing run throughout the day, with performances by St. George's Morava folk-dance group and visiting ensembles, plus two live Serbian bands. There's also a Kids Zone, a Serbian Open Market, and a Heritage Exhibition. A Vespers service is held at 6 PM.

The church itself is worth a look. Built in 1952, it's the oldest Serbian Orthodox church in San Diego County and the only one in North America covered from floor to ceiling in mosaic tile. The festival is presented by the church and its parishioners, and the day is built around their culture, faith, and food. Parish priest V. Rev. Bratso Krsic describes it as an invitation to experience that community firsthand.

Admission is $5, and it's free for children under 12, active military, and first responders. The festival runs from 12 PM to 11 PM on Saturday, October 10, at St. George Serbian Orthodox Church, 3025 Denver St., San Diego, CA 92117.