What’s New
Find out more about our events and exhibits. Check back often - our history is always unfolding!
First Exhibit Coming Soon!
Museum volunteers are in late stages of organizing our very first exhibit. This exhibit will trace the story of how about 500 or so Chula Vista farmers of Japanese descent were incarcerated following the U.S. response to the attack on December 1941 bombing of the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii by Japan. The exhibit will also document the Chula Vista Japanese American community’s continued success despite this injustice. Please leave us your email address and we will be sure to inform of the opening date for this important event.
And check us out in the latest edition of The Towne Local!
Lemon Festival
Each spring, Chula Vista bursts with sunshine and zest as the community comes together for the beloved Lemon Festival, a celebration of our agricultural roots, cultural vibrancy, and citrus heritage. What began as a humble tribute to our region’s thriving lemon industry has grown into a joyful, family-friendly tradition that honors the people, places, and produce that helped shape our city.
At the heart of the festival, and what you will find in our historic photographs, is the story of Chula Vista’s lemon growers: innovators who turned orchards into a flourishing economic and cultural legacy. The Museum is proud to spotlight these pioneers through interactive exhibits, historical artifacts, and fun educational experiences that connect visitors of all ages to the citrus that once defined our landscape.
Whether you’re a longtime resident or a first-time visitor, the Lemon Festival is a sweet reminder of how this humble fruit helped shape the character and spirit of Chula Vista and why it continues to bring neighbors together in celebration. Stop by our booth to see historical Chula Vista photographs and artifacts, play trivia games, and say hello!
Starlight Parade
Every year, the streets of Chula Vista come alive under a canopy of lights and community spirit at the Starlight Parade, a luminous celebration that brings together neighbors, families, and visitors into a joyful march of creativity and civic pride!
Rooted in a tradition, the Starlight Parade has become one of Chula Vista’s most cherished events, lighting up the night with dazzling floats, marching bands, community groups, and special appearances that reflect the heart and soul of our city!
At the Museum, we honor this tradition as a living expression of Chula Vista’s culture. Through archival photos, historical displays, trivia, and highlights of local participation, our exhibit captures the joy, ingenuity, and these longstanding traditions in Chula Vista.
Whether you’re part of a marching band, a family watching from the curb with a cup of hot chocolate, or a visitor soaking in the magic for the first time, the Starlight Parade shines as a reminder of Chula Vista’s vibrant community spirit and the joy of coming together under the stars!
Stop by our booth next year and join us in celebrating the light, creativity, and shared memories of our city’s most luminous night!
Upcoming Events
There’s always something happening at the Chula Vista Museum and History Center. From new exhibits and programs to special events and community collaborations, this page highlights what’s current and what’s coming next.
Note: the Museum is open every Friday from 1 - 4:30pm, and every Sunday from 12 - 3pm.