A roundup of Bay Area fairs and festivals.
THE FAIR AND FESTIVAL SEASON IS HERE
The fair and festival season is upon us — as if we needed another reason to go out and have fun. Here is a rundown of some of the major events in the Bay Area through Labor Day weekend. Note that Fourth of July events will be listed in a separate story closer to the holiday, and that major music festivals like Outside Lands also will be covered separately.
Thursday-Sunday
SubZERO Festival: Friday-Saturday. Celebrating indie arts and music and South Bay subcultures. 6 p.m.-midnight both days along South First Street, San Jose’s SoFa district. First night coincides with monthly art walk. Performances, indie breweries, food trucks. Free admission. www.subzerofestival.com. Foster City cityFEST: Friday-Sunday. Carnival hours 5-11 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday. Festival hours, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Leo Ryan Park, 650 Shell Blvd. Entertainment, arts and crafts, STEM curiosity zone, food, wine and beer. Free. fostercitychamber.com/cityfest
San Jose Greek Festival: 5-10 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday. St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 1260 Davis St., San Jose. Greek food, music and dancing. Admission, $5 adults, $3 seniors, kids under 12 free. sanjosegreekfestival.org Berkeley World Music Festival: Friday-Sunday. Kickoff party Friday at Le Pena Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Ave. Mix of music from noon-9 p.m. Saturday-Sunday throughout Telegraph Avenue neighborhood. Featured concert in People’s Park with crafts fair Saturday. Sunday Streets plaza at Telegraph and Durant Avenues Sunday. Free. www.berkeleyworldmusic.org
Sunnyvale Art & Wine Festival: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Murphy Avenue, downtown Sunnyvale. Live music, 350 artisans, children’s rides, food, wine and beer. Free admission. https://bit.ly/2HZfUGp
Redwood Mountain Faire: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. SaturdaySunday. Roaring Camp, 5355 Graham Hill Road, Felton. Live music, arts and crafts, children’s activities, food and beverages. $20$45, kids under 12 free. www.redwoodmountainfaire.com
Walnut Creek Art & Wine Festival: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. Heather Farm Park, 301 N. San Carlos Drive. Live music, indie crafts marketplace, food, wine and beer, children’s activities, craft beer garden and sports lounge. Free. www.artwinefestivalwc.com
San Leandro Cherry Festival: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday. Downtown San Leandro. Parade at 10 a.m., San Leandro Boulevard. Arts and crafts, food, children’s zone, entertainment. https://bit. ly/2HrI1ky
Bonny Doon Art, Wine & Brew Festival: 1-7 p.m. Saturday. Equestrian Park, 3675 Bonny Doon Road. Wine and craft beer tastings, local food trucks, live music. Ages 21 and over only. $49-$69. bonnydoonartandwinefestival.com Santa Cruz Pride Festival and Parade: 11 a.m. parade, noon-4 p.m. festival Sunday. Parade, Pacific Avenue and Church Street, festival between Cathcart and Cedar and Lincoln, Santa Cruz. Vendors, food trucks, music and children’s activities. santacruzpride.org
Monday-June 10
Dia de Portugal Festival: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. June 9. History Park, 1650 Senter Road, San Jose. Portuguese heritage celebration with parade, food, carnival, live entertainment, cultural displays. Free. diadeportugalca.org/festival International Dance Festival@Silicon Valley: June 10-23. Mountain View Masonic Center, 890 Church St. Classes, performances, concert, ticket prices and registration: https://bit. ly/2w60aiF Temescal Street Fair: Noon- 6 p.m. June 10. Temescal District, Telegraph Avenue between 41st and 51st streets, Oakland. Music, local artists, carnival rides, food and drinks. temescalstreetfair.org
Silicon Valley Jewish Music Festival: 2-7 p.m. June 10. Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center, 14855 Oka Road, Los Gatos. Bands include Nefesh Mountain, Book of J and more. Beach theme this year. Arts, food vendors. $8-$15. https:// bit.ly/2HyRMxG
June 11-17
Alameda County Fair: 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday from June 15-July 8 (July 4 gates close at 3 p.m.), carnival hours noon-close Wednesday and Thursday and 11 a.m.-close Friday to Sunday and July 4, concerts nightly at 8 p.m. Alameda County Fairgrounds, 4501 Pleasanton Ave., Pleasanton. A cattle drive down Main Street at 10:30 a.m. marks opening day. Rodeo, horse racing, monster truck events, demolition derby, carnival, fair exhibits, food and drink. Concert performers include Clay Walker, Smash Mouth and LeAnn Rimes. Admission $8-$12 online and $10-$15 regular; parking $8 online and $10 regular; check website for discounts, family passes and premium seating for concerts: annual. alamedacountyfair.com
San Jose Juneteenth in the Park Festival: Noon-7 p.m. June 16. Cesar Chavez Plaza and Park, 194 S. Market St., San Jose. Sankofathemed event with headline entertainer Brandy at 3 p.m., preceded by reggae/Caribbean at noon and 2 p.m. grand opening. Vendors, informational booths, food. Entry fees TBA; kids 12 and under get in free. www. bayareajuneteenth.org. King of the County BBQ Challenge and Music Festival: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. June 16, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. June 17. Martinez Regional Shoreline Park, 1 Ferry St. Food, live music, vendors. Free admission and parking. countybbq. com
Pirate Festival: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. June 16-17. Vallejo Waterfront Park, 298 Mare Island Way. Pirate encampment, swimming mermaids, treasure hunts, costume contests, colorful sea folk, children’s area. $12; free for ages 12 and younger. www. norcalpiratefestival.com Vallejo Juneteenth Festival: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. June 16. Martin Luther King Jr. Park, Vallejo (behind JFK Library). Entertainment, food, beverages, crafts, family health resources and more. www. vallejojuneteenth.com Richmond Juneteenth Parade & Festival: 11:30 a.m.-6 p.m. June 16, parade at 10 a.m. Nicholl Park, 32nd Street and Macdonald Avenue, Richmond. Entertainment, food, contests and children’s activities. www. ci.richmond.ca.us/427/Festivals
Dancin’ on the Avenue: 2-8 p.m. June 16. Lincoln Avenue between Minnesota Avenue and Willow Street, San Jose. Live music, dancing, food, art, children’s activities. Free. https://bit. ly/2FiFu6z BCO Bazaar & Food Festival: 3-8 p.m. June 16, noon-7 p.m. June 17. Buddhist Church of Oakland, 825 Jackson St. Japanese food, sake tasting, children’s games. Free. www.buddhistchurchofoakland.org.
Berkeley Juneteenth Festival: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. June 17. South Berkeley’s five-block Alcatraz-Adeline corridor. African drumming, jazz, blues, neo-soul, gospel, rhythm and blues, and reggae music, exhibits, health screenings, two-on-two basketball tourney, art and crafts, food. www.berkeleyjuneteenth.org
Palo Alto World Music Day: 3-7:30 p.m. June 17. University Avenue, Palo Alto. Fifty professional and amateur musical groups perform a variety of musical genres at outdoor venues on University Avenue. Free. pamusicday.org
June 18-24
Silicon Valley BBQ Championships: 4-10 p.m. June 22, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. June 23. Central Park, 909 Kiely Blvd., Santa Clara. Over 60 competing barbecue teams plus live music, food, drinks, business/art & crafts vendors. Free admission, $10 parking. www. svbbq.com
Blossom Festival: 10 a.m.4 p.m. June 23. Saratoga Heritage Orchard, 13777 Fruitvale Ave., Saratoga. Music of the 1930s and 1940s, antique cars, vintage motors, children’s crafts, craftspeople, food trucks. Free. www.saratogahistory.com/blossomfestival Danville Summerfest: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. June 23-24. Downtown Danville, Hartz Avenue. Live music, fine arts booths, food and beverage, children’s activities and train ride, plus a classic car show on Sunday on East Prospect Avenue. Free. www.danvillesummerfest.com
Woodies on the Wharf:
10 a.m.-4 p.m. June 23. Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf. More than 200 classic surf wagons (pre-1952 woodbodied cars), plus music and 3:30 p.m. parade of cars. Free admission. https://bit.ly/2HDihOs
San Francisco LGBT Pride Celebration and Parade: Noon-6 p.m. June 23, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. June 24. Civic Center Plaza. 20 stages and venues. $1 donation at gate. Parade June 24 down Market Street. www.sfpride.org
June 25-July 1
Halal Fest: Noon-11 p.m. June 30. Town Fair Plaza, 39100 State St., Fremont. Food vendors serving Pakistani, Middle Eastern, Arab, Mediterranean, African and American, plus global arts vendors, children’s activities. Details, online tickets: www.halalfest.com
Dia de San Juan Salsa Festival: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. June 30. History Park, 1650 Senter Road, San Jose. 40th anniversary celebration of Puerto Rican culture and history, music, dance, food.$15-$30. www.wrprc.org.
Fillmore Jazz Festival: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. June 30-July 1. On Fillmore Street between Jackson and Eddy streets, San Francisco. Traditional jazz, culture and cuisine. Performers include Kim Nalley, Lavay Smith, Broun Fellinis, more. www.fillmorejazzfestival.com
July 2-8
Note: A separate roundup of Fourth of July municipal fireworks, parades and events will be published closer to the holiday. Hayward Russell City Blues Festival: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. July 7-8. Hayward City Hall Plaza, 777 B St. Dozens of musicians; food, vendors. Tickets $25-$50. www. westcoastbluessociety.org
July 9-15
San Jose Obon Festival: July 14-15, hours TBA. San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin, 640 N. Fifth St., Japantown. Over 1,200 dancers in colorful festive garb. Food, games and taiko performances. Free. www.jtown.org/ events/2018/7/14/sanjose-obon-festival
Palo Alto Clay & Glass
Festival: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. July 14-15. Art Center, 1313 Newell Road, Palo Alto. More than 150 juried artists, hands-on pottery-making, artist demos. Free. https:// bit.ly/2HL82Yq
Los Altos Arts & Wine Festival: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. July 14-15. Downtown Los Altos, Main and State streets. Fine art, concerts, children’s activities, food and drink. Free. https://bit.ly/2FwMDA8
Island Reggae Festival: 11 a.m.-11 p.m. July 14. Santa Clara County Fairgrounds, 344 Tully Road, San Jose. Reggae musicians including Katchafire, Sons of Zion, Chaka Demus & Pliers, plus island dance, tattoo showcase, rugby tournament, carnival. Tickets, $45-$150. www.islandreggaefest.com
Mountain View Obon Festival: July 21-22. Mountain View Buddhist Temple, 575 N. Shoreline Blvd. Last year’s events included taiko, children’s crafts, cultural performances, traditional Japanese food. Free. Check for updates. www.mvbuddhisttemple.org
July 16-22
Menlo Summer Fest: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. July 21-22. Santa Cruz Avenue, downtown Menlo Park. Live music, artisans, “savory city” gourmet booths, artisan cocktails, craft beer and premium wine, children’s zone, family fun run. Free. summerfest. miramarevents.com
July 23-29
Gilroy Garlic Festival: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. (entrance gate closes at 6 p.m.) July 27-29. Christmas Hill Park, 7050 Miller Ave. Gourmet alley, cooking demos and competitions, arts and crafts, live entertainment, children’s activities. $5-$20; under 9 free; discounts available for online purchases. www. gilroygarlicfestival.com
Berkeley Kite Festival:
10 a.m.-6 p.m. July 2829, Cesar E. Chavez Park at Berkeley Marina. Giant creature kites, free kitemaking lessons, team kite flying, food, music, candy drop, children’s zone with crafts, pony rides, more. Free. www.berkeleykitefestival.com
Alameda Art & Wine Faire: 10 a.m.-6 pm. July 28-29. Downtown Alameda, along Park Street between Encinal and Buena Vista avenues. Vendor booths, food, arts and crafts, wine, beer, live music, children’s area. downtownalameda.com/ArtWine-Faire
Benicia Waterfront Festival: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. July 28-29. On the First Street Green. Live music, craft
beers, food, vendor village, children’s activity alley. https://bit.ly/2gw7mMg Art + Soul Oakland: Noon-6 p.m. July 28-29. Downtown Oakland. Music, dance, food and family fun. Check website for updates. artandsouloakland.com
July 30-Aug. 5
Santa Clara County Fair: Aug. 2-5. Santa Clara County Fairgrounds, 344 Tully Road, San Jose. Last year’s events included STEAM theme (science, tech, engineering, agriculture/art, math) with interactive sci-tech displays, plus arts and crafts competitions, livestock, agriculture exhibits, carnival, food and more. Tickets, schedule,
entertainment details: www. thefair.org
Monterey Scottish Games & Celtic Festival: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Aug. 4-5. Monterey County Fair & Event Center, 2004 Fairground Road. Music, dance, food, whiskey tasting and athletic events of Scotland and Ireland. $12-$20. Children 8 and under free. www.montereyscotgames.com
Fremont Festival of the Arts: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Aug. 4-5. Downtown Fremont, along Paseo Padre Parkway and nearby streets. More than 500 arts and crafts booths, Kid City, live music, food, beer and wine. Free. www.fremontfestival.net San Jose Renaissance Faire & Fantasy Fest: Aug. 4-5. Discovery Meadow, 180 Woz Way, San Jose. Pageantry, artisans, food and drink, artisans, games, crafts, music and dance. $8-$16, under 6 free. www. sanjosefaire.com
Aug. 6-12
San Jose Jazz Summer Fest: Aug. 10-12, Plaza de Cesar Chavez, 170 S. Market St., San Jose. Over 120 performances on 12 stages in downtown San Jose. $5-$385. Tickets, lineup, schedule: summerfest. sanjosejazz.org
Los Gatos Fiesta de Artes: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Aug. 11-12. Civic Center lawn in downtown Los Gatos. More than 220 artist booths, children’s activities, live music, food, wine and beer. Free. lgfiesta.org Japanese Summer Festival: 1-9 p.m. Aug. 11, noon-8:30 p.m. Aug. 12. Diablo Japanese American Club, 3165 Treat Blvd., Concord. Taiko, judo and dance performances, bonsai and ikebana displays, traditional food, games for children. Free. www.diablojaclub.com/summer-festival Kids ‘N Fun Festival: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 11. Memorial Park Amphitheater, 21163 Anton Way, Cupertino. Multicultural event for kids. Activities, games, entertainment and food. www.tcsa2015.org
Aug. 13-19
Festival of Globe’s India Day Festival: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Aug. 18-19. Fremont, 39439 Paseo Padre Parkway and nearby streets. Health fair, kids corner, rides and games, food festival, dance competition and grand parade 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Aug. 19. Free. www. fogsv.com
Hayward Zucchini Festival: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Aug. 18-19. Kennedy Park, 19501 Hesperian Blvd. Zucchini dishes, zucchini-growing contest, live music, arts and crafts, kids town with rides. $5-$10; kids under 5 free. www.zucchinifest.org Burlingame on the Avenue: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Aug. 18, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Aug. 19. Burlingame Avenue. Jazz, rock and blues bands. Updates: https://bit.ly/2HMLMNA Scotts Valley Art, Wine and Beer Festival: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Aug. 18, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 19. Skypark, 361 Kings Village Road. Fine art, food, live music, children’s activities, wine and beer. Free. www.svartfestival.com
Assyrian Food Festival: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Aug. 18, 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Aug. 19. Assyrian Church of the East, 680 Minnesota Ave., San Jose. Traditional Assyrian food, live music, dancing, entertainment, children’s activities, wine bar and more. Free. www.assyrianfest.com
Aloha Races & Polynesian
Festival: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 19. Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf. Outrigger races, island-style music, Polynesian dancing, vendors and more. Free. https://bit. ly/2I3oSFc
Aug. 20-26
Palo Alto Festival of the Arts: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Aug. 25-26. University Ave. About 300 arts booths, 60 painters for the Italian Street Painting Expo (on Tasso Street), sculpture plaza, children’s art studio, food and beverages. Free. mlaproductions.com Chocolate & Chalk Art Festival: 10 a.m.-5 p.m Aug. 25. Gourmet Ghetto, North Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley. Create chalk art and eat chocolate. Prizes awarded for best drawings. Live entertainment, vendors. Free. https://bit. ly/2KrLttm
Italian Family Festa: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Aug. 25, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Aug. 26. History Park, 1650 Senter Road, San Jose. Italian food, wine, grape stomp, bocce, live music, cultural seminars and historical/genealogical displays. Free. www. italianfamilyfestasj.org Taco & Tequila Festival: 11:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Aug. 25-26. Downtown Santa Cruz. Gourmet street tacos, beer, arts and craft vendors, live music and margaritas. Tequila sampling 11:30
a.m.-3:30 p.m. Aug. 25 only. $40. 2-day pass $60. Admission $10. https://bit. ly/2rcpXko
Silicon Valley Pride: 6-11 p.m. Aug. 25 for Night Festival, noon-6 p.m. Aug. 26 for Day Festival. Plaza de Cesar Chavez Park, 1 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose. Live entertainment, vendors and food. Parade 10 a.m.-noon Aug. 26 along Market Street. www. svpride.com
Aug. 27-Sept. 3 (Labor Day weekend)
Scottish Highland Gathering and Games: 8 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Sept. 1-2. Alameda County Fairgrounds, 4501 Pleasanton Ave., Pleasanton. Caber tossing and other athletic games, traditional music and dance, Celtic heritage events, sheep dog trials, Scotch whisky tasting, clan gatherings. Advance tickets, $11-$50. Free for children 11 and under and active military. See website for tickets to grandstand and trackside seating, tastings. www.thescottishgames.com
Millbrae Art & Wine Festival: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 1-2. Broadway Avenue between Victoria and Meadow Glen, Millbrae. 48th annual festival with music, art and crafts, food, children’s playland, car show. Free. millbrae.miramarevents.com