Udako Besta 2026
End of Summer Festival
Dates: Saturday, August 29 - Sunday, August 30
Location
599 Railroad Ave, South San Francisco, CA
Join Us
Basque Films, Pilota Matches, Aperitifa, Dantzaldia, Performances - Free Entry
Meals:
Adult Members $55 I Adult Non-Members $60
Teen Ages 13-20 $50 I Kids 12 & Under $25
RSVP and Payments accepted through August 22
Online Payment Link
or
Mail Checks to: Basque Cultural Center, Attn: Udako Besta
P.O. Box 1281, San Bruno, CA 94066
(Checks must be received by Aug.22)
Note: If available, meal tickets ($65) will be sold at the events on a first-come first-serve basis only.
For reservation changes, or cancellations email rsvp@sfbasqueculturalcenter.org.
Schedule of Events
SATURDAY I 7 AM - 2 AM
8 AM
MUS "SEIAK” 6-WAY TOURNAMENT
7:15 AM REGISTRATION
2 PM
BASQUE FILM FEATURE
SPONSORED BY THE BEO
3 PM
LIVE BASQUE PILOTA MATCHES
6 PM
APERITIFA
7 PM
BBQ STEAK DINNER
9 PM
DANTZALDIA
FEATURING JEAN LOUIS BERGARA & JP ETCHECHURY
SUNDAY I 9 AM - 8 PM
9-10 AM
GÂTEAU BASQUE CONTEST DROP-OFF
WINNER ANNOUNCED AT NOON
10 AM
MEZA & PERFORMANCES
12 PM
APERITIFA
1 PM
BBQ RACK OF LAMB LUNCH
4 PM
MENDITARRAK CONCERT SHOW
BASQUE SINGING GROUP FROM ALDUDES VALLEY
7 PM
MOXKOR SALDA
AFTER PARTY GARLIC SOUP
Our Weekend Features
Pilota Games
Featuring: Jai-Alai, Paleta Goma, and Esku Pilota with local players
This year, we’ll feature matches with local players in three classic Basque pilota sports: Paleta Goma, where competitors rally a rubber ball with wooden paddles, Esku Pilota, a traditional form where players strike the ball with their bare hands, and Jai-Alai, one of the world's fastest ball sports. Come experience the energy, tradition, and community spirit of Basque pilota!
Live Music
Featuring: Jean Louis Bergara and JP Etchechury
We’re thrilled to welcome Jean Louis Bergara (accordion) and JP Etchechury (drums) - two celebrated Basque musicians whose performances infuse traditional sounds with unmistakable energy. They’ll launch the celebration at Dantzaldia on Saturday night, then keep the authentic Basque rhythm going throughout the weekend.
Sunday Concert
Featuring the Menditarrak Singers
On Sunday afternoon, we’re honored to host a special concert by Menditarrak, the long‑admired musical troupe from the Aldudes Valley. Known across the Basque Country for their captivating harmonies, Menditarrak's voices carry the spirit of the valley - warm, powerful, and unmistakably Basque.
Basque Meals
Featuring our legendary Basque BBQ
Our Basque BBQ meals are legendary and keep our festival goers coming back for more! On Saturday, our BBQ heroes will prepare a mouth-watering Steak Dinner, while Sunday's Lunch highlights our outstanding Rack of Lamb. All our meals are served with delicious savory sides, as well as cheese, dessert, coffee, and of course, PLENTY of wine. Can't choose? Don't worry, you can come for both! RSVPs are strongly recommended and tickets can be purchased by Aug. 22nd at this link.
Basque Films
Sponsored by the Basque Educational Organization
Saturday's film is proudly sponsored by the Basque Educational Organization. The Basque Film Series is a tradition of carefully curated films that resonate deeply with our community. Always popular, these screenings reflect the stories, history, and creativity of Basque cinema.
Our 2026 festival feature is in the final stages of selection. Check back soon for the official reveal!
Gateau Basque Contest
All entries welcome!
All entries are welcome (traditional, non traditional, cream filled, jam filled, gluten free, etc) for this annual Gateau Basque Contest. Entries should be checked in at the Banquet Room stage between 9AM and 10AM on Sunday, August 30. The contest will be decided by a panel of judges, who will evaluate each cake on the following criteria: baking quality, taste and texture of both cake and filling, cohesiveness of flavors, and whether the cake feels, looks and tastes like Gateau Basque. The winner will be announced at noon and invited to join next year's panel. For any questions, contact Valerie Arrechea at etcharren@msn.com or 415-859-1154.
Folkloric Performances
Zazpiak Bat Dancers & Klika, and Elgarrekin Choir
On Sunday experience one of our festival’s most cherished traditions as the Zazpiak Bat Dancers, Klika (marching band), and the Elgarrekin Choir come together to fill the morning with music, dance, and community spirit. A centerpiece of our festival, these performances showcase the richness of Basque culture and the deep pride that carries from generation to generation.
Join us for our Mus tournament, featuring the beloved Basque card game that’s equal parts strategy, tradition, and camaraderie. This year’s competition will follow the “Seiak” six-way format, adding an exciting twist to the gameplay. Registration opens at 7:15 AM, with the tournament kicking off promptly at 8AM. Other details:
Teams of 3
$100 participation fee (excludes lunch)
Prizes for 1st and 2nd place
RSVP: 415-859-1154
Mus Tournament
Mus “Seiak” 6 Way
Hotel Information
Sonesta ES Suites - San Francisco Airport San Bruno
1350 Huntington Avenue, San Bruno, CA 94066
Phone: (650) 588-0770
Click for Sonesta ES hotel website
2025 Rates
1-Bedroom Suite - $169 + taxes (includes breakfast)
2-Bedroom Suite - $199 + taxes (includes breakfast)
2-Bedroom Trio Suite - $229 + taxes (includes breakfast)
Rates subject to 15% hotel tax . Daily parking fee per vehicle of $10 a day.
For reservations call (650) 588-0770 and ask for the Basque Cultural Center special rate. Rooms are limited.
Services and Amenities
Daily Self-Serve Breakfast Buffet
Shuttle Service to and from SFO Airport (with advance notice to the front desk)
WiFi and local calls
Guest Facilities
24-Hour on-site convenience store
Outdoor heated pool and Whirlpool
Fitness Room and Outdoor Sports Court
Guest laundry room (Extra Charge)
Business Center
BBQ Pavilion (2 gas grills and outdoor seating area)
Want to attend virtually?
The Sunday Mass will be live-streamed for those who can’t make it in person.
Click the link below to watch live on Sunday, August 24 at 10AM.
