2026 Heiva San Diego
Dates: Friday, July 31 – Sunday, August 2, 2026
Cost: Ticketed event – see website for pricing
Location: Harrah’s Resort Southern California
777 S Resort Dr
Valley Center, CA 92082
Organizer: Reva Tahiti Productions
Website: heivasandiego.com
Email: heiva.revalin@gmail.com
Phone: (619) 602-4683
Instagram: @heivasandiego2026
Schedule
Friday, July 31 – Doors open 5:30 PM
Miss & Mister Heiva SD Pageant & Crowning
Mehura Competition & Awards
Saturday, August 1 – Doors open 8:00 AM
Solo Ori & Group Competition
Sunday, August 2 – Doors open 9:00 AM
Finals, Group Competition & Awards
About Heiva San Diego
Now celebrating its 16th year, Heiva San Diego is Southern California’s premier Tahitian cultural dance festival. Organized by Reva Tahiti Productions, the three-day event brings together world-class dancers, musicians, artisans, and vendors from across the region and beyond for a celebration of ori Tahiti and the living culture of French Polynesia.
Heiva San Diego is dedicated to promoting friendship, understanding, and cultural awareness between the people of French Polynesia and the United States through dance, music, travel, education, and the cultural arts.
What to Expect
Tahitian Dance Competition: The heart of the festival is its multi-day competition featuring traditional ori Tahiti (solo and group), Mehura, and Aparima categories. Competitors come from across Southern California and beyond, performing in elaborate costumes to the driving pulse of live Polynesian drumming.
Miss & Mister Heiva San Diego Pageant: A signature event celebrating elegance and cultural pride, with crowning on the main stage on opening night.
Island Food & Vendors: Food vendors and a marketplace featuring handcrafted goods, jewelry, and island treasures throughout all three days.
Judges from French Polynesia: Each year Heiva San Diego brings judges directly from the fenua (homeland) to evaluate competitors – a mark of the festival’s authenticity and prestige within the Tahitian dance community.
Getting There
Harrah’s Resort Southern California is located at 777 S Resort Dr, Valley Center, CA 92082 in San Diego County’s North County inland area. Accessible from Interstate 15 via Highway 76. Parking available on site.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Heiva San Diego free?
No, Heiva San Diego is a ticketed event. Visit heivasandiego.com for current pricing and to purchase tickets.
When is Heiva San Diego 2026?
Friday, July 31 through Sunday, August 2, 2026.
Where is Heiva San Diego 2026?
Harrah’s Resort Southern California, 777 S Resort Dr, Valley Center, CA 92082.
What is ori Tahiti?
Ori Tahiti is traditional Tahitian dance, characterized by rapid hip movements, elaborate feathered and shell costumes, and rhythmic drumming. It is the cultural centerpiece of the Heiva festival tradition originating in French Polynesia.
What is a Heiva festival?
Heiva is a traditional Tahitian celebration rooted in dance, music, and cultural competition. Heiva San Diego brings this tradition to Southern California, now in its 16th year.
Can I compete at Heiva San Diego?
Yes, competitor applications for Solo Ori, Mehura, Group, and the Miss & Mister Pageant open annually. Visit heivasandiego.com for application details.
More Pacific Islander Festivals in Southern California
- Alondra Park Hoʻolauleʻa, Lawndale, CA – July 18 & 19, 2026
- San Diego Hoʻolauleʻa, San Diego, CA – August 22–23, 2026
- Browse all Pacific Islander Festivals in Southern California