Chicano Block Party

The Chicano Block Party is an annual celebration of Chicano art, culture, and community presented by the California Center for the Arts Museum in honor of Chicano Heritage Month in California. Inspired by the exhibitions and artists featured at the Museum, the event brings together artists, musicians, lowrider clubs, community organizations, and visitors for a day of art, music, food, and cultural programming.

First launched in 2025 in conjunction with XICANA! San Diego, the Chicano Block Party continues a growing Museum tradition of celebrating the artists, histories, and communities that shape the cultural landscape of Southern California and the Californias.

This year's event is presented in conjunction with Amoxtlis, José Hugo Sánchez's immersive exhibition of monumental woodblock prints, sculpture, animation, and mural-making. The word "block" carries multiple meanings throughout the event: the city block as a place of gathering, the carved woodblock as the foundation of Sánchez's artistic practice, and the important role printmaking has played in the development of Chicano art and visual culture. Throughout the twentieth century, artists have used printmaking to share stories, circulate ideas, advocate for social change, and make art accessible within their communities. The Chicano Block Party honors this legacy by bringing together artists, makers, and organizations whose work continues to build upon these traditions today.

Throughout the day, visitors can explore a lowrider car show organized in collaboration with Lady Lowriders Car Club, an artist market featuring local printmakers, artisans, and makers, live music and performances, artist demonstrations, workshops, and activities presented in collaboration with community organizations from across the region. Inside the Museum, José Hugo Sánchez will create a woodblock-printed mural live in the gallery alongside his work in Amoxtlis, offering visitors a unique opportunity to observe his artistic process in real time.

Admission to the Museum and all Chicano Block Party activities are free.

Event Highlights

Lowrider Car Show

Presented in collaboration with Lady Lowriders Car Club, the car show celebrates the craftsmanship, creativity, and cultural traditions of lowrider culture.

Art Market & Printmaking Fair

Browse original artwork, prints, zines, books, apparel, and handmade goods from local artists, publishers, and independent vendors. The Museum Sculpture Courtyard will also feature live printmaking demonstrations and hands-on activities organized in collaboration with the San Diego Printmaking Society.

Live Music & DJs

Enjoy music throughout the day from local DJs and performers across the campus.

Artist Workshops & Demonstrations

Participate in hands-on activities and learn directly from artists, printmakers, and community organizations.

Live Mural by José Hugo Sánchez

Visit the Museum galleries to watch José Hugo Sánchez create a new mural throughout the day as part of his exhibition Amoxtlis.

Pop-Up Installations

Discover temporary artworks and creative interventions presented throughout the campus by invited artists and community collaborators.

Get Involved

The Chicano Block Party is built through community participation. We invite artists, musicians, vendors, organizations, and community members to join us.

Register for the Lowrider Car Show

We're currently accepting registrations for the Chicano Block Party Car Show. Registration and participation are free.

Become an Art Market Vendor

We're seeking artists, artisans, food and beverage vendors, and cultural organizations to participate in our art market. Space is limited. Participation is free.

Propose a Pop-up Art Installation

Artists are invited to submit proposals for temporary installations, interactive projects, or creative interventions. Projects may be visual, participatory, site-responsive, or community-focused.

Perform at the Block Party

We are currently accepting interest forms from DJs, musicians, performers, and cultural groups interested in participating. Preference will be given to projects that complement the event's focus on art, community, and Chicano culture.

Community Organizations

Interested in sharing resources, hosting an activity, leading a workshop, hosting a resource booth, or participating in another way? We'd love to hear from you.

Questions?

Contact the Museum at museum@artcenter.org or call (760)839-4120 during regular hours for additional information.