Carson to host Philippine Independence Day celebration at Veterans Park

CARSON, Calif. — The City of Carson, in partnership with the Philippine Independence Day Foundation, will hold its 128th Philippine Independence Day celebration on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at Veterans Park, 22400 Moneta Avenue.

The free, all-ages event begins at 7:30 a.m. and will feature music, dance, comedy, food vendors, cultural exhibits and community programming honoring Filipino heritage and civic life in the South Bay.

The celebration marks the anniversary of the June 12, 1898 declaration of Philippine independence from Spain. In Carson, where Filipino Americans are an important part of the city’s civic and cultural life, the annual observance has become a major community gathering for residents, families, local officials and visitors from across Southern California.

Mayor Lula Davis-Holmes said the event reflects both the city’s diversity and the contributions of its Filipino American community.

“This annual celebration is more than a reflection on history; it is a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of freedom, resilience and unity,” Davis-Holmes said in the city’s announcement. “The rich cultural heritage, traditions and contributions of our Filipino residents are woven into the very fabric of Carson, making our city a better, more dynamic place to live.”

This year’s program will include a performance by Sofronio Vasquez, the Filipino singer who won Season 26 of NBC’s The Voice. Junior New System, the Filipino dance group known for its international competition appearances and acrobatic choreography, is also scheduled to perform. Filipino American comedian Rex Navarrete will bring stand-up comedy to the event.

The daylong celebration will also feature vendor booths, local merchandise, Filipino food offerings and cultural activities throughout the park. A new Eskwela Kultura Corner, presented with support from FilAm Arts, will offer ancestral arts, workshops and interactive displays designed for attendees of different generations.

Carson, a 20-square-mile charter city in Los Angeles County, has long described itself as one of Southern California’s most diverse communities. The event also comes as the city prepares for a larger regional role in 2028, when Carson is expected to host several Olympic and Paralympic events as part of the LA28 Games venue plan, including track cycling, rugby sevens, tennis, field hockey and archery.