Downtown San José will come alive with Puerto Rican and Caribbean music, dance, food, and community celebration as MACLA and San Jose Jazz present ¡WEPA! FEST 2026.
Now in its third year, this free, family-friendly outdoor festival highlights Puerto Rican and Caribbean culture through live music, salsa, bomba, DJs, food vendors, and interactive community experiences in the heart of the SoFA District.
The event takes place on Friday, June 12, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM at Parque de los Pobladores, located in front of MACLA in Downtown San José.
Originally inspired by the success of the 2024 Día de San Juan Salsa Fest, the event returned in 2025 with a new name—¡WEPA! FEST—as part of a rebrand that continues to center Puerto Rican and Caribbean culture while expanding to celebrate the broader Caribbean musical experience.
Live Musical Performances
Enjoy a high-energy lineup featuring Puerto Rican and Caribbean sounds:
- Jeri y El Kombo Klasiko
- Los Calderones
- Aguacero Bomba
- Headlining salsa band Orquesta Bembé
The night will close with Orquesta Bembé delivering an energetic salsa performance designed to bring a full Caribbean dance floor experience to Downtown San José.
Additional Festival Experiences
Beyond live music, attendees can enjoy:
- DJ Leydis
- Salsa dance instruction with Alyssa Aguilar
- Traditional bomba performance by Aguacero Bomba
- Caribbean food and drink vendors
- Local artists and small business vendors
- Interactive community experiences
Free Entry – Registration Required
¡WEPA! FEST 2026 is a free event, but attendees are encouraged to register in advance to secure entry.
Registration helps organizers manage capacity and ensures a smooth and organized experience for guests throughout the evening.
RESERVE YOUR FREE SPOT HERE: ¡WEPA! FEST 2026
Official ¡WEPA! FEST 2026 Flyer
Organizers have also released the official ¡WEPA! FEST 2026 flyer with additional event information and festival guidelines.
About ¡WEPA! FEST
¡WEPA! FEST is more than a festival—it’s a full-on Caribbean vibe takeover in Downtown San José. Inspired by the Puerto Rican spirit of “¡WEPA!”, this annual celebration brings together salsa bands, bomba energy, Caribbean food, creative vendors, and interactive art that turns the city into one big block party.
It’s where rhythm meets culture, where community meets celebration, and where the Bay Area gets a taste of the islands for one unforgettable night.
About MACLA
MACLA/Movimiento de Arte y Cultura Latino Americana is a bold and creative cultural hub rooted in Latino art, identity, and expression. From powerful visual exhibits to live performances and community programming, MACLA is where art meets activism and culture meets community in the heart of San José.
Website: maclaarte.org
About San Jose Jazz
San Jose Jazz is all about keeping the music alive and the community moving. Known for curating world-class jazz and global music experiences, they bring people together through live performances, education, and festivals that turn San José into a rhythm-filled destination year-round.
Website: sanjosejazz.org
Event Details
What: ¡WEPA! FEST 2026
Where: Parque de los Pobladores, Downtown San José, California
When: Friday, June 12, 2026 | 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Cost: Free (Registration Required)
Family Friendly: Yes
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