California's Calling: Your Ultimate Guide to Salsa & Bachata Dance Events in 2025-2026

From the sun-drenched beaches of San Diego to the vibrant streets of San Francisco, California is a global hub for the passionate, energetic worlds of Salsa and Bachata. Whether you're a seasoned Salsa dancer or just starting your journey with adult Bachata dance classes, the Golden State offers a thrilling calendar of events. This is more than just learning Salsa dance moves; it’s about connecting with a vibrant community, expressing yourself through music, and creating unforgettable memories on the dance floor.

Salsa, with its roots deep in Cuban and Puerto Rican communities of New York, is a dance of infectious energy and intricate turn patterns. Bachata, born in the Dominican Republic, tells stories of love and heartbreak through its soulful rhythm, evolving into the popular sensual and modern styles danced worldwide. Attending a festival or congress is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the culture, improve your skills, and experience the pure joy of Salsa dancing and Bachata dancing.

Here’s our curated guide to the can’t-miss Salsa and Bachata events happening across California.

Southern California: Sun, Fun, and Sabor!

Los Angeles Traditional Bachata Festival 2025

When: September 19-21, 2025
Where: Los Angeles Marriott Burbank Airport, Burbank

Immerse yourself in the roots of Bachata at this one-of-a-kind festival dedicated to the traditional style of the dance. The Los Angeles Traditional Bachata Festival is perfect for those who want to deepen their understanding of Bachata's origins. Attendees can expect a weekend packed with workshops, incredible performances, and vibrant social dancing in dedicated Bachata and Salsa rooms until 6 AM. With themed parties, including a Dominican theme night, this event offers a rich cultural and dance experience.

For more details, visit the official website.

BIG Salsa Festival San Diego 2026

When: January 16-20, 2026
Where: Marriott Mission Valley, San Diego

Get ready for a massive celebration of Latin dance on the West Coast! The BIG Salsa Festival San Diego is a premier event known for bringing together some of the biggest names in the international dance scene. This three-day festival is packed with a diverse range of Salsa dance classes and Bachata workshops suitable for all levels, from absolute beginners to advanced dancers. The days are for learning, and the nights come alive with spectacular shows and social dancing that goes into the early morning hours.

For passes and information, visit the official website.

Yala Papa San Diego: Latin x Middle Eastern Party

When: August 16, 2025
Where: The Rail San Diego, San Diego

Looking for something unique? Yala Papa is a bold, pop-up party celebrating the fusion of Latin and Middle Eastern cultures within the vibrant queer community. This isn't your typical congress; it's a high-energy nightclub event where you can dance the night away to a mix of Reggaeton, Salsa, and Arabic pop. Expect sexy go-go dancers, surprise performances, and an unforgettable night of nonstop dancing.

For tickets, visit the official website.

Northern California: Where Innovation Meets Tradition

San Francisco SBK Congress 2025

When: November 21-23, 2025
Where: Hyatt Regency San Francisco Airport, Burlingame

The San Francisco SBK Congress is a dream event for the dancer who loves variety. "SBK" stands for Salsa, Bachata, and Kizomba, and this event delivers on all fronts, with Zouk also featured. Held at a convenient airport hotel, the congress features a packed schedule of workshops, afternoon social dancing, and stunning evening performances. It's an amazing opportunity to learn from top-tier instructors and dance with people from all over the world in a lively, welcoming environment.

For the full experience, visit the official website.

Hello! Zouk Fest 2025

When: July 25-27, 2025
Where: Hyatt Regency SF Airport, Burlingame

While the name highlights Zouk, Hello! Zouk Fest is a massive, multi-genre dance festival celebrating Bachata, Salsa, Kizomba, and Zouk all under one roof. This event boasts an incredible lineup of international and local instructors, offering over 100 workshops across the weekend. The party doesn't stop, with themed social dancing running until 7 AM. If you're looking to challenge yourself with a Bachata dance class and then try something new like Zouk, this is the perfect event for you.

To see the full lineup, visit the official website.

Dance Fridays (San Francisco)

When: Every Friday
Where: 550 Barneveld Ave, San Francisco

If you're searching for Salsa dance near me on a regular basis, Dance Fridays is the answer. As the largest weekly Latin dance club in the Bay Area, it's a social hub for dancers of all levels. The night kicks off with Salsa dance lessons and Bachata dance lessons, making it incredibly beginner-friendly. Later, the venue opens up into two rooms: a main room for Salsa lovers and a second dedicated to Bachata. With frequent live bands, it’s the most consistent place to get your dance fix.

Get your tickets at the official website.

California Dance Festival 2025

When: June 19-22, 2025
Where: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Sacramento

The California Dance Festival in Sacramento is a true celebration of dance, featuring not only Salsa and Bachata but also Hip-Hop. The event draws an impressive list of international artists, offering workshops for every level from beginner to advanced. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn new Bachata dance moves from world-renowned instructors like Jhoana Palhua from Peru or take your Salsa to the next level with champions like Angel & Stephany from New York.

Find the full schedule on the official website.

Salsambo Summer Bash 2025

When: June 28, 2025
Where: Amped Studios, Sacramento

Get ready for Sacramento's biggest summer party! The Salsambo Summer Bash is a can't-miss event for local and visiting dancers. While details are forthcoming, Salsambo events are known for their high-energy atmosphere and fantastic music, making it the perfect place to show off your Salsa dance shoes and dance the night away.

RSVP and find more information at the official website.

Why Attend? The Benefits of the Festival Experience

Attending these events offers more than just a fun weekend. It's an investment in your passion. You get the chance to:

• Accelerate Your Learning: Workshops taught by world-class instructors can transform your dancing in a few short days.

• Discover New Styles: Experience different styles of Salsa and Bachata, and maybe even try a new dance like Kizomba or Zouk.

• Join the Community: Meet and connect with hundreds of dancers who share your passion.

• Get Inspired: Watching professional showcases is an incredible source of inspiration that will fuel your motivation to keep learning.

Whether you're looking to compete, improve your social dancing, or just have an amazing time, California's Salsa and Bachata scene has an event waiting for you. Pick one that excites you, book your ticket, and get ready to dance your heart out.