The Slavic Refugee & Immigrant Services Organization Hosts Ukrainian Heritage Celebration at Liberty Station

SAN DIEGO— The Slavic Refugee & Immigrant Services Organization (SRISO) invites the San Diego community to the 2026 Ukrainian Heritage Celebration, to be held on Saturday, October 3, from noon. until 6:00 p.m., at Ingram Plaza in Arts District Liberty Station.

The free family-friendly celebration will welcome attendees for an immersive experience, featuring Ukrainian music, dance, art, cuisine, cultural exhibits, local businesses, community resources, and activities for children.

The event will bring together Ukrainian families, longtime San Diego residents, community leaders, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and cultural performers to celebrate Ukraine’s rich heritage while recognizing the strength and resilience of refugees and immigrants who are rebuilding their lives in the United States.

“Ukrainian families have brought their traditions, talents, entrepreneurship, and deep commitment to community to San Diego,” said Krystsina Shchelkunova, founder and executive director of SRISO. “This celebration is an opportunity to share the beauty of Ukrainian culture, thank the San Diego community for its support, and create a meaningful space where people from all backgrounds can connect.”

Event highlights will include:

• Live Ukrainian music, dance, and cultural performances
• Traditional Ukrainian food and beverages
• Ukrainian artists, artisans, and small-business vendors
• A Heritage Village featuring cultural exhibits and storytelling
• An interactive Ukrainian Heritage Passport experience
• A dedicated children’s zone with creative and educational activities
• Community organizations and resource providers
  Opportunities to volunteer, sponsor the event, and support refugee families

Since 2022, more than 10,000 Ukrainians have relocated to the San Diego region from parts of the Ukraine. Many arrived after being forced to leave their homes, careers, schools, and communities due to the ongoing war. In San Diego, they have worked to establish new lives, enroll their children in school, find employment, start businesses, and contribute to the region’s cultural and economic vitality.

SRISO has supported more than 5,000 Ukrainian refugees and members of the broader Slavic immigrant community since 2022. The organization provides culturally and linguistically responsive services in Ukrainian, Russian, Belarusian, and English. Its programs include housing and employment navigation, food and essential-needs assistance, youth development, mental-health and wellness programs, educational support, English-language classes, immigration information, and community integration services.

The Ukrainian Heritage Celebration will also offer businesses and community partners a meaningful opportunity to demonstrate their support for refugee and immigrant families. Sponsorship, vendor, volunteer, and in-kind contribution opportunities are currently available.

Event Details

What: Ukrainian Heritage Celebration 2026
When: Saturday, October 3, 2026, from noon until 6:00 p.m.
Where: Ingram Plaza, Arts District Liberty Station, San Diego, California
Admission: Free and open to the public

About SRISO

The Slavic Refugee & Immigrant Services Organization is a San Diego-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to helping Ukrainian and other Slavic refugees and immigrants build safe, stable, and self-sufficient lives. Through culturally and linguistically responsive programs, SRISO connects families with essential resources, education, employment, housing, mental-health support, youth development opportunities, and pathways to successful integration.

Media Contact:

Krystsina Shchelkunova, Founder and Executive Director, SRISO

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