April 2025 BANF Newsletter
Summertime in North Park!
Welcome to the 5th edition of the BANF Newsletter! We continue to have a lot of great updates on events and activities happening in and around the North Park Mini Park.
This one is long enough to warrant a table of contents:
Spice It Up at North Park Salsa Fest!
North Park Music Fest: An Unforgettable Day of Music and Community!
Did You Know? A Bright History Behind the North Park Sign
Meet Chad Matkowski: North Park Main Street’s New Executive Director
Shade Structure Update: Delayed, But Still Coming
Get the Scoop: Your Sneak Peek at What's Next
Spice It Up at North Park Salsa Fest!
Get ready to turn up the heat this Saturday, May 3rd, 2025 11:30AM-5PM at the North Park Salsa Fest! This family-friendly event brings together local restaurants as they compete for the ultimate title of Best Salsa. Thai Time is the defending champion. Who will take the title this year?
What to Expect:
● Salsa tasting (and judging!)
● Food trucks serving up delicious eats
● Craft beer and local beverages
● Live music (Dads of Jefferson and Finegan Blue) and Ballet Folklorico performances
● Fun activities for kids — and the kids at heart!
Entrance is FREE, but you’ll need a $20 ticket to taste and judge the salsas:
Every bite supports a great cause — 100% of the proceeds help fund programs at Jefferson Elementary, a beloved North Park public school!
Tickets are on sale now at northparksalsafest.com! Grab yours now or at the event and join the flavor fiesta!
North Park Music Fest: An Unforgettable Day of Music and Community!
Get ready for an electrifying day of music, culture, and celebration! The North Park Music Festival returns on Saturday, June 7th, 2025, from 11 AM to 10 PM, taking over the heart of North Park with live performances across multiple venues.
This year’s festival promises a dynamic lineup spanning rock, indie, jazz, hip-hop, folk, blues, electronic, and more — perfect for every kind of music lover. Legendary spots like 7 Grand, U31, Botanica, The Office Bar, Queen Bees, and St. Luke’s Church will transform into buzzing stages featuring both local favorites and nationally recognized artists.
But it's more than just music:
Savor delicious food from local restaurants
Sip craft beer from North Park’s finest breweries
Explore the Creative Fair on Ray Street, with books, artisan markets, and interactive art installations
Tickets are just $25 — grab yours now and get ready for an immersive, all-day experience celebrating the spirit of North Park! Get your tickets and festival updates at Explore North Park.
Did You Know? A Bright History Behind the North Park Sign
The iconic North Park Sign has been a neighborhood landmark since 1935! Originally funded by the local business group and its women’s auxiliary, the first sign was suspended above the intersection of 30th Street and University Avenue. Though its original color remains a mystery, the original sign had a rectangular shape and neon lettering — just like today’s version. The sign was lowered after the removal of the streetcar wires.
In 1948, the sign was redesigned with the familiar scalloped edges, but that version was removed in 1967 for repairs and, sadly, never returned.
Finally, in 1993, the current sign was installed on a column in the median of University Avenue — just west of 30th Street — where it still proudly stands, glowing with neighborhood pride.
Meet Chad Matkowski: North Park Main Street’s New Executive Director
Please join us in welcoming Chad Matkowski to the North Park family! Chad comes to North Park Main Street with a strong background in community development and urban revitalization, with a focus on supporting local businesses and preserving cultural heritage. He's passionate about collaboration and can't wait to work alongside residents, artists, and businesses to make North Park shine even brighter.
What does North Park Main Street (NPMS) do?
North Park Main Street manages North Park’s Business Improvement District, working to promote, support, and enhance the neighborhood’s small businesses. Through beautification projects, public events, business resources, and advocacy, NPMS strengthens the local economy and helps create a vibrant, welcoming community for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.
Did you know you can attend the North Park Main Street Board meetings? They are every 2nd Thursday at 9am. Get involved in your local community! Details here.
Shade Structure Update: Delayed, But Still Coming
In our last newsletter, we shared exciting news about new pergolas (shade structures) coming to North Park Mini Park. While installation was originally slated to begin this fall, construction has unfortunately been delayed.
We’ve reached out to the project leads for an updated timeline but haven’t received a response yet. We’ll continue monitoring the situation and will share updates as soon as we hear more.
Get the Scoop: Your Sneak Peek at What's Next
Mini Park Events
Salsa Fest: May 3, 11:30AM-5PM
Scoop San Diego: June 22
Recurring Events
Farmers Market (Every Thursday 3pm-7:30pm)
Vegan Market /Vegan Food Popup (Every second Saturday of the month 12-4pm)
Day to Day Vintage Market (Every third Saturday of the month 11am)