2026 Samoan Heritage Festival
Date: Saturday, June 27, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Cost: Free family event, no admission required
Location: James M. Foisia Park
23410 Catskill Avenue
Carson, CA 90745
Contact: City of Carson, Recreation Division
Phone: (310) 847-3570
Email: samoanheritagefestival@gmail.com
Instagram: @SamoanHeritageFestival
What to Expect at the 2026 Festival
The Samoan Heritage Festival brings together traditional Samoan performing arts, live music, cultural demonstrations, food, and community for a full day at James M. Foisia Park. Here’s who’s performing and what’s happening in 2026.
Live Music
- Aaradhna: Headline performer, closing the festival 5:55-6:55 PM
- Kapena: Hawaiian contemporary group, 4:35–5:35 PM
- Alo Key: 3:35-4:20 PM
- Nina Sosefina: 3:00-3:20 PM
Siva Samoa (Traditional Dance)
- Suataute: 12:20-12:40 PM
- Manuia Academy: 12:55-1:15 PM
- Tupulaga: 1:30-1:50 PM
Siva Afi (Fire Knife Dance)
Rex Tiumalu and Elias Moananu perform the siva afi at 5:40-5:50 PM.
Cultural Experiences
- Ava Ceremony: Traditional kava ceremony as part of the opening
- Live Tatau Session with Sulu’ape Si’i Liufau: Garden Grove tatau master and bearer of the Sulu’ape title performs a live traditional hand-tap tattooing demonstration
- Kap Teo-Tafiti: Senior Ambassador for the Polynesian Cultural Center, performing 1:55-2:25 PM
- JP Art Exhibit: Live art exhibition by Jason (JP) Pereira, 4:25–4:30 PM
- Kava Bar: Provided by Von Radtke Company
- National Anthems: Performed by The Anoa’i Sisters
- Kid Zone: Activities for all ages throughout the day
- Traditional Samoan Food: Vendors serving palusami, oka, sapasui, grilled meats, shave ice, and more
- Craft & Info Vendors: Handmade goods, traditional crafts, and community resources
2026 Run of Show
The official schedule for the 2026 Samoan Heritage Festival:
| 11:00 AM | Doors Open |
| 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Opening Ceremonies |
| 12:00 PM – 12:05 PM | Lauga (traditional formal address) |
| 12:20 PM – 12:40 PM | Suataute |
| 12:55 PM – 1:15 PM | Manuia Academy |
| 1:30 PM – 1:50 PM | Tupulaga |
| 1:55 PM – 2:25 PM | Kap Teo-Tafiti |
| 2:30 PM – 2:50 PM | Special Announcements |
| 3:00 PM – 3:20 PM | Nina Sosefina |
| 3:35 PM – 4:20 PM | Alo Key |
| 4:25 PM – 4:30 PM | JP Art Exhibit |
| 4:35 PM – 5:35 PM | Kapena |
| 5:40 PM – 5:50 PM | Siva Afi – Rex Tiumalu & Elias Moananu |
| 5:55 PM – 6:55 PM | Aaradhna |
| 6:55 PM – 7:00 PM | Tatau Ceremony with Sulu’ape Si’i Liufau / Closing |
Getting to Foisia Park in Carson
Foisia Park is located at 23410 Catskill Avenue, Carson, CA 90745, just off the 405 Freeway in the heart of the South Bay. Carson is easily accessible from Long Beach, Torrance, Compton, Gardena, and the greater Los Angeles area. Street parking is available around the park, and the event is free to attend with no tickets or reservations needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Samoan Heritage Festival free?Yes, completely free to attend. No tickets or registration required. Food and vendor purchases are at your own cost.
Where is the 2026 festival?James M. Foisia Park, 23410 Catskill Avenue, Carson, CA 90745.
What time does it start and end?Doors open at 11:00 AM. The festival runs until 7:00 PM, closing with a Tatau Ceremony at 6:55 PM.
Is it family-friendly?Yes, all ages are welcome. There is a kid zone on-site.
Is there parking?Street parking is available around the park. The parking lot at Catskill Elementary is also available for free. Arrive early, this event draws a large crowd. The park has designated accessible parking for guests with disabilities.
Is the park wheelchair accessible?Yes. Foisia Park is wheelchair accessible with designated accessible parking and restrooms.
What payment methods are accepted?Craft and food vendors accept credit card, debit, cash, Venmo, Cash App, PayPal, and Zelle.
Can I bring food or drinks?No outside food or drinks are allowed. Baby food is permitted. Food and beverage vendors will be on-site throughout the day.
Can I bring a chair or blanket?Blankets are welcome. Small lawn chairs are allowed; no steel chairs. No canopies or tents. Small umbrellas are OK, no large or beach umbrellas.
Are cameras allowed?Yes, cameras are allowed.
Are strollers or wagons allowed?Baby strollers are allowed if accompanied by a baby. No wagons.
Are animals allowed?ADA-approved service animals only. No comfort animals.
Who can I contact for more information?City of Carson Recreation Division: (310) 847-3570 or samoanheritagefestival@gmail.com.
What Not to Bring
The following items are not permitted at the festival:
- Outside food or drinks (baby food OK)
- Alcohol or illegal substances
- Weapons of any kind
- Canopies, tents, or large umbrellas
- Steel chairs, folding tables, or wagons
- Scooters, bikes, skateboards, or rollerblades
- Non-service animals
- Glass bottles or metal containers
- Fireworks, explosives, or road flares
- Flyers, samples, or promotional materials
- Laser pointers, air horns, or hula hoops
- Discriminatory, divisive, or appropriative items or imagery
About the Samoan Heritage Festival
Every summer, the City of Carson hosts one of Southern California’s most beloved Polynesian celebrations: the Samoan Heritage Festival. Now in its third decade, this free community event honors the deep roots of Samoan culture in the South Bay, a region that is home to one of the largest Samoan populations anywhere in the United States.
Held at Foisia Park in Carson, the festival brings together families, community members, and visitors for a full day of traditional Samoan music, dance, food, and cultural education. Whether you’re Samoan, Pacific Islander, or simply curious about one of the world’s most vibrant cultures, this is a welcoming, all-ages event worth attending.
More Pacific Islander Festivals in Southern California
Looking for more ways to celebrate Pacific Islander culture in California? Heleloa.com is your guide to Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander events, businesses, and community organizations across Southern California.
- Alondra Park Ho’olaule’a, Lawndale, CA in July
- Browse all Pacific Islander Festivals in Southern California
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