6 MORE TASTY FOODIE FESTS
Summer is prime time for food festivals, from Hayward’s zuke festivities to Santa Cruz’s taco extravaganza and, of course, Gilroy’s fragrant garlic fest. Here are six possibilities for delicious fun.
1 Hayward Zucchini Festival: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Aug. 17-18. Southland Mall, Hayward. The 37th annual zuke fest features, of course, zucchini dishes, a zucchini-growing contest, live music, arts and crafts, children’s rides and food. And more zucchini. Admission is $5-$10; kids under 5free. www.zucchinifest.org
2 Italian Family Festa: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Aug. 24 and 11 a.m.6p.m. Aug. 25. History Park, 1650Senter Road, San Jose. This annual celebration includes all sorts of Italian food, wine, a grape stomp, bocce games, an Italian flag throwing demonstration, live entertainment and a cooking stage with culinary demos. Free admission. www.italianfamilyfestasj.org
3 Taco & Tequila Festival: 11:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Aug. 24-25. San Lorenzo Park, downtown Santa Cruz. Expect gourmet street tacos galore, plus beer, margaritas, arts and crafts vendors and live music, including Tone Loc. Tequila sampling runs from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30p.m. Aug. 24only. Teguila tasting tickets are $40; general admission is $10. www.tequilaandtacomusicfestival. com
4 Eat Drink SF: 12:45-3:30 p.m. and 7:45-10:30 p.m. Aug. 24, The Midway, 900Marin St., San Francisco. This grand foodie celebration features top chefs, California wineries and innovative cocktails paired with food from Bay Area restaurants. All food, drink and culinary programs are included in the ticket price; $120-$229. eatdrink-sf.com
5 Pittsburg Seafood & Music Festival: 10a.m.-7p.m. Sept. 7-8. Along the Pittsburg Marina. Check out the seafood booths, wine, beer, Jet Ski races, arts and crafts booths, amusement park rides, rock wall climbing and live entertainment. Free admission. www.pittsburgseafoodandmusicfestival.com
6 Salsa Festival: Noon-8 p.m. Sept. 21. Downtown Redwood City. Enjoy salsa music, salsa dancing and salsa tasting (noon-5p.m.), plus tequila tasting, hands-on art projects, children’s play area, music, dancing, food and more. Free admission. (And if you want to enter your salsa in the cooking competition, the deadline for entries is Aug. 23.) bayareane.ws/salsafest