October 2025 BANF Newsletter
Pergola's, Pekin Cafe, Putt-Oberfest
As we fall into autumn, we can see the progress being made on the shade structures while embracing the many amazing events happening around North Park.
🌿 Pergola Installation: Progress Update
🏮 Did You Know? The Story Behind Pekin Café
🗓Upcoming Events
🌿 Pergola Installation: Progress Update
Work on the pergolas in North Park Mini Park is officially moving along!
✅ Pergola #2 (Granada side): Posts are now complete!
🔨 Pergola #3 (by the North Park Monument): Construction is underway right now.
⏳ Pergola #1 (central area by the Observatory): Still on track for installation later this year.
If you’ve passed through the park recently, you may have noticed that there’s not much shade yet - don’t worry, that’s part of the plan. The posts are being installed first, but the shade structures themselves won’t go up until December 2025.
The city’s Engineering and Capital Projects team is coordinating with the manufacturer to confirm material availability this summer. If everything stays on schedule, fabrication will begin immediately and shades should be ready by December 2025, with installation expected to take about three months.
Hang tight, North Park - cooler days under new pergolas are on the horizon! 😎
🏮 Did You Know? The Story Behind Pekin Café
Did you know that the now-empty Pekin Café location at 2877 University Avenue was owned and operated by a close-knit circle of friends and family from 1931 until its closure in 2019? For nearly nine decades, this North Park staple welcomed generations of diners.
What made Pekin Café especially memorable was its distinctive facade, neon sign, and interior design, which blended traditional Chinese architectural elements — and remarkably, remained unchanged through the years. Even today, the iconic neon sign still stands as a reminder of the restaurant’s long history and cultural impact in the neighborhood.
=👉 Curious to learn more? Click here to read the full story from the North Park Historical Society.
🗓Upcoming Events
🍴 Taste of North Park: A Culinary Stroll Through Flavor
Taste of North Park sold out this year, but if you were lucky enough to score tickets then this is your reminder:
Taste of North Park 2025
📍 North Park, San Diego
🗓 Saturday, October 4, 2025
🕚 11:00 AM – 3:30 PM - New! Sips tasting extended to 4PM
https://www.tasteofnorthpark.com/
North Park Putt-Oberfest 2025
🗓 Date: Thursday, October 23, 2025
🕚Time: 4–8 PM
Grab your friends and tee off at North Park Putt-Oberfest! This self-guided, 18-hole mini-golf adventure takes you through some of North Park’s favorite bars and restaurants. At each stop, enjoy exclusive food and drink specials (all under $5!) while you play your way through the neighborhood.
🎟 Tickets:
Early Bird (through Oct 5): $25
Regular (Oct 6 until sold out): $35
Your ticket includes access to all 18 mini-golf holes, scorecard, and wristband for event specials.
Tickets are limited… secure your tickets now for an evening of putts, pints, and plenty of fun in North Park!
Tickets: Here
Recurring Events
North Park Farmers Market: Every Thursday
North Park Vegan Market: October 11th
Day to Day Vintage Market: October 18th