More than 100 Bay Area festivals and fairs are on deck for 2024
From tasty food and drinks to awe-inspiring art, film and cultural celebrations, the festivities ahead look near-endless. Here are all the fabulous fairs and festivals that are coming to the Bay Area in 2024.
JANUARY
SF Tape Music Festival: Jan. 5-7, Victoria Theatre, 2961 16th St., San Francisco. America’s only festival devoted to the performance of audio works projected in three-dimensional space, SFTMF features four concerts of classic audio art and new fixed media compositions projected over a pristine surround system to an audience seated in complete darkness. $10-$50. sfsound.org/tape/
Napa Truffle Festival: Jan. 12-15, Napa Valley venues. Savor some of the finest truffle cuisine in the world, paired with magnificent wines from Napa wineries. Learn the trade’s traits of truffles from the best Michelin star and master chefs, explore a working truffle orchard and see where and how truffles are harvested. Prices vary according to event. napatrufflefestival.com/
Winter Wineland: Jan. 13-14, Sonoma County venues. Explore Sonoma’s Wine Road at the 30th annual Winter Wineland. Taste current vintages, restock your cellar and chat with other wine lovers while exploring more than 50 local wineries. $75-$95. wineroad.com/events/winter-wineland/
MLK Music Festival: 2:30 to 5 p.m. Jan. 15, Esplanade, Yerba Buena Gardens, Mission Street, San Francisco. The MLK Music Festival celebrates its 14th year with a spectacular celebration of artistry, culture and unity featuring Grammy-winning and acclaimed artists. Free admission. ybgfestival.org/event/mlk-2024-music-festival/
SF Sketchfest: Jan. 18-Feb. 4, San Francisco venues. This multi-day festival includes more than 200 shows featuring major comedy stars and the best up-and-coming acts for sketch, stand-up, alternative comedy, music, improv, films, tributes, all-star reunions, live podcasts and workshops. Prices vary according to event. sfsketchfest.com/
Harajuku Foodie Fest: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 20, City Park, 1149 First St., Benicia. Get excited for the Bay Area’s cutest foodie marketplace. Enjoy a kawaii food court with tasty food selections, photo opportunities with iconic characters, and an artisan marketplace offering handcrafted goods. Free admission. bit.ly/HarajukuFoodieFest
Napa Lighted Art Festival: Jan. 20-Feb. 18, Downtown Napa. This annual festival showcases innovative techniques using light technologies as a growing art medium. This walkable outdoor experience includes 10 lighted art sculptures and projection artwork on three iconic downtown Napa buildings. Free. bit.ly/NapaLightedFest
Seafood & Sips Mendocino: Jan. 26-Feb. 4, Mendocino venues. This annual salute to the sea offers an extravaganza of all things crustacean. Belly up for a round-up of epicurean adventures including a Sparkling Wine & Oyster Celebration, a Crab Cake Cook-Off & Wine Tasting Competition and a family-style Cioppino Feast. Prices vary according to event. visitmendocino.com/seafood-sips-2024/
FEBRUARY
Oakland’s Sooooooo Chocolate Festival: 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 2, Uptown Station, 1955 Broadway, Oakland. Prepare your taste buds for a journey through the world of chocolate from rich truffles to silky-smooth chocolate fondues. The festival promises an array of delicious treats that celebrate the artistry and joy of chocolate. $100. bit.ly/SoooChocFest
Homesick Music Festival: Feb. 2-3, 1300 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco. Come out to the Regency Ballroom for an alternative music festival bringing together all kinds of subversive wanderers for two nights of performances on the punk-to-indie-rock spectrum. $40-$65. bit.ly/HomesickFest2024
Lodi Wine & Chocolate Weekend: Feb. 2-4, Lodi venues. Fall in love with this premiere wine growing region while sampling Lodi wines and delicious chocolate pairings at one of Northern California’s most popular and decadent weekend experiences. Event offerings include various winery experiences, tours and the Winemaker’s Toast. $75-$125. lodiwineandchocolate.com/
Great Sonoma Crab and Wine Fest: 4 to 8:30 p.m. Feb. 3, Sonoma County Fairgrounds, 1350 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa. Come out to the 34th annual festival for fabulous pairings of wine, gourmet hors d’oeuvres, fresh Sonoma Coast crab and accompaniments and a live auction. $150. bit.ly/SonomaCrabWineFest
San Francisco Chinese New Year Festival and Parade: Feb. 3-Mar. 3, San Francisco venues. Festivities include the Flower Market Fair (Feb. 3-4), Chinese New Year Celebration and Choy Sun Doe (Feb. 10), a Chinese New Year Parade (Feb. 24) with floats, ferocious lions, firecrackers and a 288-foot long Golden Dragon, and a Community Street Fair (Feb. 24-25) with Chinese folk dancing, opera, drumming and more. Free admission. chineseparade.com/
SF Beer Week: Feb. 9-18, Bay Area venues. This 10-day event celebrates the vast community of Bay Area beer lovers and brew makers with hundreds of tours, tastings, whimsical events and more. Prices vary according to event. sfbeerweek.org/
California International Antiquarian Book Fair: Feb. 9-11, Pier 27, The Embarcadero, San Francisco. This three-day event features fine and rare materials from around the globe, including manuscripts, first editions, illustrated books, ephemera, maps and autographs, as well as antiquarian books on a vast array of topics. $0-$25. abaa.org/cabookfair
Cloverdale Citrus Fair: Feb. 16-19, 1 Citrus Fair Drive, Cloverdale. This small town fair features live music by local bands, carnival rides and games, a Friendly Farm Petting Zoo and agricultural shows. Find updated ticket information at cloverdalecitrusfair.org/
Noise Pop Festival: Feb. 22-Mar. 3, San Francisco venues. Back for its 31st year, this multi-venue festival will once again transform San Francisco into a music lover’s playground with 100+ concerts taking place at more than a dozen venues, not to mention art shows, happy hours and secret after-hour parties. $180+. noisepopfest.com
Marin Arts and Crafts Show: Feb. 23-25, Marin Center Exhibit Hall, 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. This event offers a vast showcase of artisan exhibits and workshops, as well as fine foods and live music. Inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement, the show is a grand celebration of today’s makers and artisans. Free admission. marinartsandcraftsshow.com/
MARCH
The Great San Francisco Crystal Fair: March 2-3, San Francisco County Fair Building, 1199 Ninth Ave., San Francisco. This gem and mineral show features minerals, crystals, beads, gems and jewelry, plus healers, psychics, aura readers and masseuses. $0-$14. crystalfair.com/
Oakland Running Festival: March 15-17, Oakland venues. Nationally recognized as one of the country’s best running festivals, this three-day series offers distance running for all skill levels, as well as other events featuring food, drinks and fun activities. Find updated ticket information at Oaklandmarathon.com
Dublin St. Patrick’s Day Celebration: March 16-17, Dublin Civic Center, 100 Civic Plaza, Dublin. This annual celebration features all sorts of live entertainment from Celtic rock and bagpipes to Irish folk music and dancing, authentic Irish foods and beverages, an Irish marketplace, a firefighters pancake breakfast, plus carnival rides and, of course, a parade. Free admission. bit.ly/DublinSPD
SF Salsa Festival: March 21-23, SF Airport Marriott Waterfront, 1800 Old Bayshore Hwy., Burlingame. Celebrating samba — the dance, not the condiment — the 14th annual festival offers a weekend of world-class performances, dancing, competition and workshops with top salsa instructors. $20-$170. sfsalsafestival.com/
California Artisan Cheese Festival: March 22-24, Sonoma County Event Center, 1350 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa. This celebration brings together lively experts and presenters from the artisan cheese world to promote awareness and enjoyment of those delicious products. Enjoy tours, tastings, seminars, a cheese crawl and an artisan marketplace. $25-$175. artisancheesefestival.com/
San Mateo Wine Festival: March 23-24, 1346 Saratoga Drive, San Mateo. Come out to the grand San Mateo Event Center to raise a glass and enjoy a weekend of wine, spirits, casual bites, shopping and live music. $79-$99. bit.ly/SanMateoWineFest
APRIL
Pebble Beach Food & Wine: April 4-7, Pebble Beach Resorts. Land. Sea. Food. Wine. Over the course of four days, 125 global chefs, 150 wineries, mixologists, sommeliers, and beverage personalities will gather for this premier food and wine destination event. Find updated ticket information at pebblebeachfoodandwine.com/
Poppy Jasper International Film Festival: April 10-17, Morgan Hill and Gilroy venues. This award-winning regional film festival promotes inclusion, diversity and female empowerment through independent film, music and art. Find updated ticket information at pjiff.org/
International Ocean Film Festival: Apr. 12-14, Cowell Theater, 2 Marina Blvd., San Francisco. This educational series features films about marine life, coastal cultures and conservation and environmental preservation. Find updated ticket information at intloceanfilmfest.org/
Bay Area Printers Fair & Wayzgoose: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 13, History Park, 635 Phelan Ave., San Jose. Join this annual celebration of printmaking, book arts and letterpress printing. The fair features a wide range of activities, book artists, letterpress printers, live demonstrations and a marketplace with more than 40 vendors. Free admission. printersguild.wordpress.com/
Whalefest Monterey: April 13-14, Old Fisherman’s Wharf and the Custom House Plaza, Monterey State Historic Park. This festival features live, engaging and educational activities for all ages, including live music, a symposium and dozens of fascinating marine-related interactive exhibits by local and national organizations. Free admission. whalefest.org/
Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival: April 13-21, Japantown, San Francisco. Enjoy one of California’s most prominent celebrations of Asian traditions and the largest Cherry Blossom Festival on the West Coast. Each year, more than 220,000 people attend this dazzling display showcasing vibrant Japanese culture and the rich heritage and diversity of the Japanese American community. Free admission. sfcherryblossom.org/
San Joaquin Valley Portuguese Festival: April 19-21, location TBD, San Joaquin. The annual festivities traditionally include a Portuguese parade, folklore performances, wine and cheese tastings, carnival rides and plenty of Portuguese food and craft vendors. Find updated ticket information at carlosvieirafoundation.org/events/sjvportuguesefestival.html
Bay Area Brew Fest: 12 to 10 p.m. April 20, Presidio Main Lawn, San Francisco. The Bay Area Brew Festival returns with an extravaganza featuring more than 60 breweries, food trucks, DJs and more. Admission includes unlimited beer samplings, with VIP attendees getting an extra hour with limited release beers. $50-$90. bayareabrewfestival.com/
San Francisco Art Fair: April 25-28, Fort Mason Festival Pavilion, San Francisco. The Bay Area’s longest running art fair returns this year with exhibits from top galleries around the world and a carefully curated program of public projects, events, talks and performances. $35-$65. artmarketsf.com/visit/
CBCA Clayton Art & Wine Festival: April 27-28, Main Street, Downtown Clayton. Browse arts and crafts stalls, sip wine or beer and sample the fare in the food court. There’s a play zone for kids and live music and entertainment throughout the weekend. Free admission. claytoncbca.org/cbca-events/clayton-art-and-wine-festival
Sacramento Grilled Cheese Festival: 1 to 4 p.m. April 27-28, Southside Park, 2115 Sixth St., Sacramento.This annual festival pairs grilled cheese with everything from craft beer to kids activities, so there’s fun for everyone. Enjoy unlimited samples while sipping from your souvenir tasting glass, playing games and enjoying live music. $10-$95. sacgrilledcheese.com/
Pacific Coast Dream Machines Show: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 28, Half Moon Bay Airport, 9850 N. Cabrillo Highway, Half Moon Bay. This annual show features the West Coast’s biggest, baddest gathering of cars, trucks, motorcycles and aircraft, with more than 2,000 ultra cool antique, vintage, classic, custom and exotic machines of all kinds on display. The festival also traditionally features kids activities, food and drink vendors and live entertainment. $0-$30. dreammachines.miramarevents.com/
Bay Area & Sacramento Short Film Festival – Part 1: 4:30 to 10 p.m. April 28, Bay Area location TBD. This semi-annual film festival showcases locally produced shorts and mini features by award-winning directors as well as amateurs breaking into the industry. $12.50-$20. bit.ly/BASHpt1
MAY
DocLands Documentary Film Festival: May 2-5, Smith Rafael Film Center, 1118 4th St., San Rafael. This annual festival features in-theater programming, screenings, panel discussions and in-person filmmaker conversations. Find updated ticket information at doclands.com/
CabFranc-A-Palooza: May 3-5, Livermore venues. Cabernet franc lovers and wine producers are descending upon Livermore Valley for the second annual CabFranc-A-Palooza featuring more than 50 wineries, special events and tastings. Find updated ticket information at cabfrancapalooza.com/
Sol Blume Festival: May 3-5, Discovery Park, Downtown Sacramento. Enjoy music performances by some of the most sought-after R&B, soul and hip-hop acts, plus family-friendly activities, wellness experiences, immersive art activations and local vendors. $249-$449. solblume.com/
Bay Area SpringFest: 12 to 7 p.m. May 4, Todos Santos Plaza, 2175 Willow Pass Road, Concord. This spring celebration includes live music on the Todos Santos stage, eclectic food vendors, a beer and wine garden, fun activities for kids and myriad shopping opportunities. Free admission. bit.ly/BAspringfest
Bodega Bay Fisherman’s Festival: May 4-5, traditionally held at Westside Park, Bodega Bay. Commemorate 50 years of local lore at this family-friendly celebration packed with local culture, delicious seafood, live music and a boat parade. Find updated ticket information at bbfishfest.org/
Central Valley Brewfest: 12 to 5 p.m. May 11, Stanislaus County Fairgrounds, 900 N. Broadway, Turlock. Celebrating its 11th year, the Central Valley Brewfest returns to the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds with a fabulous offering of art, music and more than150 brews to sample. $45-$65. cvbrewfest.com/
SF Beer Fest: 12 to 10 p.m. May 11, 2 Marina Blvd., San Francisco. Head for Fort Mason to try the best beer in town, all under the same roof. Enjoy a vast selection of specially curated beers set to an absolutely jamming soundtrack. $45-$65. bit.ly/SFBeerFest2024
Mill Valley Music Festival: May 11-22, 180 Camino Alto, Mill Valley. This two-day outdoor arts and culture event, produced by the Mill Valley Chamber and Noise Pop Industries, features a diverse, multi-genre mix of national acts and local lights, coupled with delicious food and drinks and great art. Find updated ticket information at millvalleymusicfest.com/
Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival: May 17-19, Anderson Valley venues. This region of Mendocino County is known for its pinot noir, celebrated during this three-day festival featuring delicious samplings and food pairings, educational seminars, a sunset barbecue, a grand tasting and a VIP Bubble Lounge. $75-$500. bit.ly/AVPNF2024
Sun, Wind & Wine Festival: 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. May 18, 1290 River Road, Salinas. The 16th annual fest includes a strolling wine tasting through the barrel cellar of Mer Soleil Winery, which is not normally open to the public. Festival guests will enjoy limited-release Santa Lucia Highlands wines poured by the vintners themselves, plus live music and gourmet bites. Find updated ticket information at santaluciahighlands.com/events/wine-festival/
Livermore Downtown Street Fest: May 18-19, Stockmen’s Park and Bankhead Plaza, Downtown Livermore. Browse this annual festival’s extensive food, wine and brew booths while enjoying craft vendor stalls and live entertainment. Free admission. livermoredowntown.com/events
Pleasant Hill Art, Wine & Music Festival: May 18-19, traditionally held in Downtown Pleasant Hill. This annual festival offers a diverse array of local food, wine, beer and arts and crafts vendors, plus tons of kids events and live entertainment. Free admission. pleasanthillchamber.com/art-wine-music/
Bottle Rock: May 24-26, Napa Valley Expo, 575 Third St., Napa. This annual Wine Country music festival features a fabulous lineup of live entertainment from nationally known artists, singers and bands, as well as gourmet food, wine and beer stalls and a culinary stage. Find updated ticket information at bottlerocknapavalley.com/
California Roots Music and Arts Festival: May 24-26, Monterey County Fairgrounds, 2004 Fairgrounds Road, Monterey. This annual reggae, roots and hip hop music festival features live music, local food vendors and unique art installations. $310-$750. californiarootsfestival.com/
Carnaval San Francisco: May 25-26, San Francisco venues. The 46th edition of this annual multicultural celebration and parade will feature a rich assortment of food, music, dance, arts and crafts, games and live entertainment for all ages to enjoy. Free admission. carnavalsanfrancisco.org/
Bay Area KidFest: May 25-27, Mt. Diablo High School, 2450 Grant St., Concord. This annual festival features non-stop live family entertainment, fascinating traveling attractions, arts and sports activities for the kids, plus a wide array of food and drink vendors. $0-$8 admission, rides priced separately. kidfestconcord.com/bay-area-kidfest
JUNE
Rocklin Brewfest: 1 to 5 p.m. June 1, Johnson-Springview Park, 5480 Fifth St., Rocklin. Sample beer from more than 40 breweries with several wineries on hand to offer beer alternatives. $20-$100. rocklinbrewfest.com/
Half Moon Bay Wine & Jazz Festival: June 1, Main Street, Half Moon Bay. This annual festival traditionally features California wines and local eats, plus local and nationally-known jazz artists and tribute acts. Find updated ticket information at hmbwineandjazzfest.com/
Bay Area Book Festival: June 1-2, Downtown Berkeley venues. Authors descend on this festival from all over the world, bringing the best of contemporary literature to local book lovers. In addition to author readings and discussions, this festival traditionally features literary exhibitors, gourmet food booths and children’s activities. Free admission. baybookfest.org/
Festa Coloniale Italiana: June 1-2, Stockton Street between Union and Filbert, San Francisco. Enjoy a celebration of Italian culture featuring live Italian music, authentic Italian wine and cuisine, a vendor marketplace, a pizza toss and a kids corner with tons of fun activities. Free admission. sfiacfoundation.com/festa-coloniale-italiana
Festival La Onda: June 1-2, 575 Third St., Napa. La Onda by BottleRock will provide a premium experience with two full days of music featuring major Latin touring artists, DJ sets, local and regional Latin cuisine and specialty beverages, and immersive activities including a spa, dance club and silent disco. $169+. laondafest.com/
Redwood Mountain Faire: June 1-2, Roaring Camp, 5401 Graham Hill Road, Felton. Dance the day away to live music while enjoying tasty, locally made food, cold beer, cider and wine in an open field surrounded by redwoods in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Find updated ticket information at redwoodmountainfaire.com/
Monterey Artichoke Festival: June 8-9, Monterey County Fair and Event Center, 2004 Fairgrounds Road, Monterey. This annual festival features an extravaganza of delicious artichoke-centric food and wine tastings. Find updated ticket information at artichokefestival.org/
Dia de Portugal Festival: June 9, History Park, 1650 Senter Road, San Jose. In June, Americans of Portuguese heritage join together with others throughout the world in a celebration of Portuguese culture. Enjoy a day of entertainment, savor Portuguese foods and watch a traditional Portuguese parade. Free admission. diadeportugalca.org/
Alameda County Fair: June 14-July 7, 4501 Pleasanton Ave., Pleasanton. The Alameda County Fair returns for an all-out bash featuring all your favorite fair fun, plus new rides, shows and food experiences. Find updated ticket information at annual.alamedacountyfair.com/
Monterey Wine Festival: June 15-16, Monterey Conference Center, 1 Portola Plaza, Monterey. Now in its 45th year, the Monterey Wine Festival has established itself as one of the region’s premier wine and food events. Enjoy savory bites, delicious sips, live music, great views and good times. $79-$99. bit.ly/MontereyWineFest
Lakefest Oakland: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. June 22-23, Lake Merritt, Oakland. This annual festival attracted more than 20,000 attendees in 2023. It traditionally features an artisan marketplace, tasty food vendors, a beer and wine garden, a tech pavilion, a kids fun zone and live music. Free admission. lakefestoakland.com/
High Sierra Music Festival: July 4-7, Plumas County Fairgrounds, 204 Fairground Road, Quincy. Join this annual pilgrimage to experience musical magic, artisanal food and drinks, arts and craft vendors, parades and mindfulness activities. Find updated ticket information at highsierramusic.com/
Stanislaus County Fair: July 5-14, 900 N. Broadway, Turlock. Enjoy carnival rides, animals, live entertainment, local exhibits and beloved events that typically include the famous Duck Races, Marionette Show and Destruction Derby. $0-$15 admission, carnival wristbands $35-$40. stancofair.com/
JULY
Hops & Creek Brewfest: July 6, 1375 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. Walnut Creek’s annual craft beer festival is once again taking over Civic Park for July 4th weekend. Enjoy good food, live music and fun activities while sampling sips from more than 20 NorCal breweries. Find updated ticket information at hopsandcreek.com/
Festival Napa Valley – Summer Session: July 6-21, Napa Valley venues. This annual festival presents international stars and emerging talent in innovative productions featuring classical, jazz, contemporary, opera, dance and more, paired with Napa Valley’s unparalleled food, wine and hospitality. Find updated ticket information at festivalnapavalley.org/
California State Fair: July 12-28, 1600 Exposition Blvd., Sacramento. Join this showcase of California’s industries, agriculture and diversity. The state fair features blue-ribbon animal displays, culinary delights and competitions, live music, a carnival, fireworks and other family fun. Find updated ticket information at calexpostatefair.com/
ACGA Clay & Glass Festival: July 13-14, Palo Alto Art Center, 1313 Newell Road, Palo Alto. For 31 years, this festival has celebrated the beauty and whimsy of 100 California artists and their clay and glass creations. Free admission. acga.net/clay-and-glass-festival/
Brick Fest Live: July 13-14 at Pasadena Convention Center and Sept. 14-15 at Sacramento’s SAFE Credit Union Convention Center. This bonanza of a brick fest offers life-size models, hands-on attractions and shopping opportunities for hard-to-find LEGO merchandise. Find updated ticket information at brickfestlive.com
Fiesta Cultural: July 17-21, Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. This vibrant week-long celebration of Latin American arts and culture offers a slew of world-class performers and a fabulous street fair. Find updated ticket information at lesherartscenter.org/events/fiesta-cultural
Northern Nights Music Festival: July 19-21, Cooks Valley Campground, 83950 Road 442E, Piercy. This annual festival features live music performances, art displays and vendors, regional craft brews and wines, organic food offerings and mindful spaces for yoga and meditation including tree and hammock lounges. $299-$499. northernnights.org/
Pacific International Quilt Festival: July 24-27, Santa Clara Convention Center, 5001 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara. Shop the aisles for the best fabrics, learn new techniques and admire the artwork hanging in the quilt and wearable art competitions and special exhibits. Find updated ticket information at bit.ly/QuiltFest2024
Amador County Fair: July 25-28, 18621 Sherwood St., Plymouth. Returning this year with an all new theme — Go for the Gold — this annual fair celebrates California’s living history and also offers carnival rides, food and entertainment. $0-12 admission, carnival wristbands. Find updated ticket information at amadorcountyfair.com/
Santa Clara County Fair: July 25-Aug. 4, 344 Tully Road, San Jose. Enjoy the best of traditional fair entertainment, including food and drinks, music, rides on the Midway of Fun and the famous Santa Clara County Fair stampede and livestock demonstrations. Find updated ticket information at thefair.org/
Japanese Summer Festival: July 27-28, Diablo Japanese American Club, 3165 Treat Blvd., Concord. This festival offers cultural performances, exhibits and demonstrations on everything from taiko, judo and kendo, obon and classical Japanese dance to ikebana flower arranging. Plus: children’s games, craft boutiques and Japanese food and drink vendors. Free admission. diablojaclub.com/summer-festival
AUGUST
Fremont Festival of the Arts: 10 a.m.to 6 p.m. Aug. 3-4, Downtown Fremont. Enjoy hundreds of arts and crafts booths and vendors, family-friendly activities and live music, plus beer and wine stalls. Free admission. fremontfestival.net/
Italian Family Festa San Jose: Aug. 3-4, History Park, 1650 Senter Road, San Jose. This annual festival showcases authentic Italian culture, music, food and wine. In previous years, this festival has also offered grape stomping, a wine garden and kids activity area. Free admission. italianfamilyfestasj.org/
Napa Town and Country Fair: Aug. 8-10, 575 Third St., Napa. At this annual festival, visitors typically enjoy food and drinks, live entertainment, carnival rides, a livestock exhibit, a makers market, crafters demos and a DJ dance party. Find updated ticket information at napafair.org/
Outside Lands: Aug. 9-11, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco. This annual outdoor extravaganza celebrates live music as well as Bay Area food, wine, beer and comedy. The 2024 lineup included big-name artists like Kendrick Lamar, Lana Del Rey, Orville Peck, the 1975, Megan Thee Stallion, Lil Yachty, Odesza, Father John Misty, Trixie Mattel and the Foo Fighters. Find updated ticket information at sfoutsidelands.com/
Gravenstein Apple Fair: Aug. 10-11, Ragle Ranch Regional Park, Sebastopol. Experience farm life through hands-on demonstrations, savor foods made by local chefs using local ingredients, sip locally made beverages and learn about the history of Gravenstein farming, all while enjoying live music. Find updated ticket information at gravensteinapplefair.com/
Yolo County Fair: Aug.14-18, 1250 Gum Ave., Woodland. This annual fair typically includes familiar fair fun plus crowd favorite activities including the demolition derby and livestock shows. Find updated ticket information at yolocountyfair.net/
Lake County Fair: Aug. 29-Sept. 1, 401 Martin St., Lakeport. This annual county fair tyically features all your favorite carnival rides, food and live entertainment, plus a destruction derby and boat race. Find updated ticket information at lakecountyfair.com/
157th Scottish Highland Gathering and Games: Aug. 31-Sept. 1, Alameda County Fairgrounds, 4501 Pleasanton Ave., Pleasanton. Enjoy sports competitions and athletic feats, traditional music and dance, Celtic heritage events and whisky tastings. Find updated ticket information at thescottishgames.com/
Kings Mountain Art Fair: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 31-Sept. 2, 13889 Skyline Blvd., Woodside. Shop for original art by independent artists amidst the beautiful redwoods while enjoying live entertainment plus food and drink booths. Free admission. kingsmountainartfair.org/
SEPTEMBER
Gold Country Fair: Sept. 5-8, 1273 High St., Auburn. This annual fair features traditional festivities including food and drink stalls, live music, carnival rides and games, livestock barns, plus competitive exhibits and displays. $5-$10 admission, rides priced separately. goldcountryfair.com/
Barbera Festival: Sept. 7, Terra d’Oro, 20680 Shenandoah School Road, Plymouth. Taste barbera wines from more than 40 wineries across California at this grand outdoor tasting nestled in the Sierra foothills. Festivalgoers can also enjoy gourmet food from top chefs, live music, a 360 photo booth and an LED light show. Find updated ticket information at amadorwine.com/barbera-festival/
Solano Avenue Stroll: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 8, Solano Avenue in Berkeley and Albany. The East Bay’s largest street festival features more than 400 vendors including 50 entertainers, 25 food booths, 100 government and non-profit agencies and 100 artisans. Free admission. solanoavenueassn.org/events/solano-avenue-stroll/
Santa Cruz County Fair: Sept. 11-15. County Fairgrounds, 2601 E. Lake Ave., Watsonville. This annual fair hosts a wide variety of carnival rides, livestock exhibits, food booths, live music and childrens activities. Find updated ticket information at santacruzcountyfair.com
Oakland International Film Festival: Sept. 12-21, Oakland venues. The The 22nd annual film festival will promote independent filmmakers and their stories through screenings, panel discussions and networking events. Find updated ticket information at oiff.org/
Mendocino County Fair and Apple Show: Sept. 13-15, Mendocino County Fairgrounds, Boonville. This fair showcases Anderson Valley apples and other local produce, in addition to hosting fun carnival rides and games. Find updated ticket information at mendocountyfair.com
Capitola Art & Wine Festival: Sept. 14-15, Capitola Village, Capitola. Shop the stalls of more than 125 local artists while sipping exceptional wines from 23 Santa Cruz Mountain wineries. Free admission. capitolachamber.com/art-and-wine-festival/
Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival: Sept. 14-15, Old Mill Park, Mill Valley. Enjoy a fun-filled weekend engaging with award-winning artists, shopping for hidden gems and enjoying live entertainment with family and friends. Find updated ticket information at mvfaf.org/
Santa Clara Art & Wine Festival: Sept. 14-15, Central Park, 909 Kiely Blvd., Santa Clara. This annual festival typically offers art and crafts booths, live entertainment, childrens activities and food, beer and wine stalls. Free admission. Santaclaraartandwine.com
Monterey Jazz Festival: Sept. 27-29, Monterey County Fair and Event Center, 2004 Fairground Road, Monterey. This is the longest continuously-running jazz festival in the world, celebrating America’s creativity and cultural heritage by presenting legendary jazz musicians, composers and young rising stars. Find updated ticket information at montereyjazzfestival.org/
Sonoma County VegFest: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 28, Santa Rosa Veterans Memorial Building, 1351 Maple Ave., Santa Rosa. Enjoy this celebration of compassionate, healthy and environmentally responsible living featuring dozens of local vendors, animal art, vegan boutiques, sustainable and eco products, a speaker panel and vegan cooking and food prep demonstrations. Find updated ticket information at socovegfest.org/
Blues and Bones Festival: Sept. 28, Calaveras Fairgrounds, Angels Camp. There’s nothing like the sound of blues music combined with slow-cooked barbecue to leave a lasting impression on your summer. This year’s festival, the 13th annual, will feature some of the country’s best traveling blues bands along with award-winning barbecue. $40-$60. bluesandbones.com/
OCTOBER
Hardly Strictly Bluegrass: Oct. 4-6, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco. This annual festival features an eclectic lineup of country, soul and folk musicians performing on six outdoor stages. Free admission. hardlystrictlybluegrass.com/
Lambtown Festival: Oct. 5-6, Dixon May Fairgrounds, Dixon. This annual celebration of all things sheep, lamb and wool features workshops, competitions, sheep shows, hands-on demonstrations, vendor stalls and kids activities. Find updated ticket information at lambtown.org/.
Fleet Week San Francisco: Oct. 7-15, Fisherman’s Wharf and the Marina District, San Francisco. San Francisco Fleet Week hosts the largest parade of ships on the West Coast. See the fleet enter the Bay under the Golden Gate Bridge as visiting ships steam towards their ports, led by the San Francisco Fire Department fire boat shooting jets of water into the air to celebrate. Free. fleetweeksf.org/
Rebels & Renegades Music Festival: Oct. 12-14, Monterey County Fairgrounds, 2004 Fairgrounds Road, Monterey. Bringing hippies and cowboys together with some killer music, interactive art stations, a makers marketplace and delicious food peddlers, Rebels & Renegades salutes the outlaw in all of us. $105-$250. rebelsandrenegadesfest.com/
Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 19-20, Main Street, Half Moon Bay. Get into fall festivities with monster pumpkins, live music, a parade, fine art and crafts, fabulous food and drinks, expert pumpkin carvers, a Pumpkin Run, and pie-eating and costume contests. Free admission. pumpkinfest.miramarevents.com/
NOVEMBER
Bay Area Kids’ Book Fair: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 2 at Fremont High School and Nov. 3 at San Ramon Community Center. This event offers families the opportunity to meet authors and illustrators as superstars from literature come to life, meeting and greeting attendees. Storytellers will entertain the audience, reading from their books and children’s classics all day. Free admission. kidfestconcord.com/kids-book-fairs
San Mateo Harvest Festival: Nov. 8-10, San Mateo County Event Center, 1346 Saratoga Drive, San Mateo. This autumn-themed fair offers craft booths, food and drink stalls and fun kids activities. $0-$9. harvestfestival.com/san-mateo
San Francisco Coffee Festival: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Nov. 9-10, Fort Mason Center Festival Pavilion, 2 Marina Blvd., San Francisco. Enjoy sips from the best specialty roasters and coffee shops plus distinctive beans, delicious snacks, live entertainment and coffee convo panels during this one-of-a-kind coffee culture experience. $24-58. sfcoffeefestival.com/
Fan Expo SF: Nov. 29-Dec. 1, Moscone Center West, 800 Howard St., San Francisco. This expo will bring together some of the biggest personalities in acting, comics, cosplay, art and animation for a one-of-a-kind fan experience. Meet legendary comic book creators, attend autograph sessions, snap pictures with celebrities and shop the latest in gaming, art and collectibles. $26-$149. fanexpohq.com/fanexposanfrancisco/
DECEMBER
Another Hole in the Head Film Festival: Typically held in December at Bay Area venues. This festival invites cinephiles on a cinematic excursion into the realms of science fiction, fantasy, horror and more featuring diverse independent films, from major productions to micro-budget labors of love. Find updated ticket information at ahith.com/.
Let’s Glow SF: Typically held in early December at Downtown San Francisco locations. This outdoor holiday light arts festival boasts illuminations splashed across some of downtown’s most notable buildings. This signature event, organized by the Downtown SF Partnership with A3 Visual, is the largest holiday projection arts festival in the United States. Free. downtownsf.org/things-to-do/lets-glow-sf
Great Dickens Christmas Fair & Victorian Holiday Party: Typically held from late November through mid-December at The Cow Palace, 2600 Geneva Ave., Daly City. Enjoy an immersive holiday adventure with hundreds of literary and historical characters. Roam four acres filled with Victorian theaters, pubs and dance halls while enticing aromas of roasted chestnuts and hearty foods fill the air and dozens of lamplit shops overflow with handmade gifts. Find updated ticket information at dickensfair.com/.
Have a festival or fair to add? Submit it online at forms.gle/Cu9J6Ks2fQiQUcKk8.
From tasty food and drinks to awe-inspiring art, film and cultural celebrations, the festivities ahead look near-endless. Here are all the fabulous fairs and festivals that are coming to the Bay Area in 2024.
JANUARY
SF Tape Music Festival: Jan. 5-7, Victoria Theatre, 2961 16th St., San Francisco. America’s only festival devoted to the performance of audio works projected in three-dimensional space, SFTMF features four concerts of classic audio art and new fixed media compositions projected over a pristine surround system to an audience seated in complete darkness. $10-$50. sfsound.org/tape/
Napa Truffle Festival: Jan. 12-15, Napa Valley venues. Savor some of the finest truffle cuisine in the world, paired with magnificent wines from Napa wineries. Learn the trade’s traits of truffles from the best Michelin star and master chefs, explore a working truffle orchard and see where and how truffles are harvested. Prices vary according to event. napatrufflefestival.com/
Winter Wineland: Jan. 13-14, Sonoma County venues. Explore Sonoma’s Wine Road at the 30th annual Winter Wineland. Taste current vintages, restock your cellar and chat with other wine lovers while exploring more than 50 local wineries. $75-$95. wineroad.com/events/winter-wineland/
MLK Music Festival: 2:30 to 5 p.m. Jan. 15, Esplanade, Yerba Buena Gardens, Mission Street, San Francisco. The MLK Music Festival celebrates its 14th year with a spectacular celebration of artistry, culture and unity featuring Grammy-winning and acclaimed artists. Free admission. ybgfestival.org/event/mlk-2024-music-festival/
SF Sketchfest: Jan. 18-Feb. 4, San Francisco venues. This multi-day festival includes more than 200 shows featuring major comedy stars and the best up-and-coming acts for sketch, stand-up, alternative comedy, music, improv, films, tributes, all-star reunions, live podcasts and workshops. Prices vary according to event. sfsketchfest.com/
Harajuku Foodie Fest: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 20, City Park, 1149 First St., Benicia. Get excited for the Bay Area’s cutest foodie marketplace. Enjoy a kawaii food court with tasty food selections, photo opportunities with iconic characters, and an artisan marketplace offering handcrafted goods. Free admission. bit.ly/HarajukuFoodieFest
Napa Lighted Art Festival: Jan. 20-Feb. 18, Downtown Napa. This annual festival showcases innovative techniques using light technologies as a growing art medium. This walkable outdoor experience includes 10 lighted art sculptures and projection artwork on three iconic downtown Napa buildings. Free. bit.ly/NapaLightedFest
Seafood & Sips Mendocino: Jan. 26-Feb. 4, Mendocino venues. This annual salute to the sea offers an extravaganza of all things crustacean. Belly up for a round-up of epicurean adventures including a Sparkling Wine & Oyster Celebration, a Crab Cake Cook-Off & Wine Tasting Competition and a family-style Cioppino Feast. Prices vary according to event. visitmendocino.com/seafood-sips-2024/
FEBRUARY
Oakland’s Sooooooo Chocolate Festival: 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 2, Uptown Station, 1955 Broadway, Oakland. Prepare your taste buds for a journey through the world of chocolate from rich truffles to silky-smooth chocolate fondues. The festival promises an array of delicious treats that celebrate the artistry and joy of chocolate. $100. bit.ly/SoooChocFest
Homesick Music Festival: Feb. 2-3, 1300 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco. Come out to the Regency Ballroom for an alternative music festival bringing together all kinds of subversive wanderers for two nights of performances on the punk-to-indie-rock spectrum. $40-$65. bit.ly/HomesickFest2024
Lodi Wine & Chocolate Weekend: Feb. 2-4, Lodi venues. Fall in love with this premiere wine growing region while sampling Lodi wines and delicious chocolate pairings at one of Northern California’s most popular and decadent weekend experiences. Event offerings include various winery experiences, tours and the Winemaker’s Toast. $75-$125. lodiwineandchocolate.com/
Great Sonoma Crab and Wine Fest: 4 to 8:30 p.m. Feb. 3, Sonoma County Fairgrounds, 1350 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa. Come out to the 34th annual festival for fabulous pairings of wine, gourmet hors d’oeuvres, fresh Sonoma Coast crab and accompaniments and a live auction. $150. bit.ly/SonomaCrabWineFest
San Francisco Chinese New Year Festival and Parade: Feb. 3-Mar. 3, San Francisco venues. Festivities include the Flower Market Fair (Feb. 3-4), Chinese New Year Celebration and Choy Sun Doe (Feb. 10), a Chinese New Year Parade (Feb. 24) with floats, ferocious lions, firecrackers and a 288-foot long Golden Dragon, and a Community Street Fair (Feb. 24-25) with Chinese folk dancing, opera, drumming and more. Free admission. chineseparade.com/
SF Beer Week: Feb. 9-18, Bay Area venues. This 10-day event celebrates the vast community of Bay Area beer lovers and brew makers with hundreds of tours, tastings, whimsical events and more. Prices vary according to event. sfbeerweek.org/
California International Antiquarian Book Fair: Feb. 9-11, Pier 27, The Embarcadero, San Francisco. This three-day event features fine and rare materials from around the globe, including manuscripts, first editions, illustrated books, ephemera, maps and autographs, as well as antiquarian books on a vast array of topics. $0-$25. abaa.org/cabookfair
Cloverdale Citrus Fair: Feb. 16-19, 1 Citrus Fair Drive, Cloverdale. This small town fair features live music by local bands, carnival rides and games, a Friendly Farm Petting Zoo and agricultural shows. Find updated ticket information at cloverdalecitrusfair.org/
Noise Pop Festival: Feb. 22-Mar. 3, San Francisco venues. Back for its 31st year, this multi-venue festival will once again transform San Francisco into a music lover’s playground with 100+ concerts taking place at more than a dozen venues, not to mention art shows, happy hours and secret after-hour parties. $180+. noisepopfest.com
Marin Arts and Crafts Show: Feb. 23-25, Marin Center Exhibit Hall, 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. This event offers a vast showcase of artisan exhibits and workshops, as well as fine foods and live music. Inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement, the show is a grand celebration of today’s makers and artisans. Free admission. marinartsandcraftsshow.com/
MARCH
The Great San Francisco Crystal Fair: March 2-3, San Francisco County Fair Building, 1199 Ninth Ave., San Francisco. This gem and mineral show features minerals, crystals, beads, gems and jewelry, plus healers, psychics, aura readers and masseuses. $0-$14. crystalfair.com/
Oakland Running Festival: March 15-17, Oakland venues. Nationally recognized as one of the country’s best running festivals, this three-day series offers distance running for all skill levels, as well as other events featuring food, drinks and fun activities. Find updated ticket information at Oaklandmarathon.com
Dublin St. Patrick’s Day Celebration: March 16-17, Dublin Civic Center, 100 Civic Plaza, Dublin. This annual celebration features all sorts of live entertainment from Celtic rock and bagpipes to Irish folk music and dancing, authentic Irish foods and beverages, an Irish marketplace, a firefighters pancake breakfast, plus carnival rides and, of course, a parade. Free admission. bit.ly/DublinSPD
SF Salsa Festival: March 21-23, SF Airport Marriott Waterfront, 1800 Old Bayshore Hwy., Burlingame. Celebrating samba — the dance, not the condiment — the 14th annual festival offers a weekend of world-class performances, dancing, competition and workshops with top salsa instructors. $20-$170. sfsalsafestival.com/
California Artisan Cheese Festival: March 22-24, Sonoma County Event Center, 1350 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa. This celebration brings together lively experts and presenters from the artisan cheese world to promote awareness and enjoyment of those delicious products. Enjoy tours, tastings, seminars, a cheese crawl and an artisan marketplace. $25-$175. artisancheesefestival.com/
San Mateo Wine Festival: March 23-24, 1346 Saratoga Drive, San Mateo. Come out to the grand San Mateo Event Center to raise a glass and enjoy a weekend of wine, spirits, casual bites, shopping and live music. $79-$99. bit.ly/SanMateoWineFest
APRIL
Pebble Beach Food & Wine: April 4-7, Pebble Beach Resorts. Land. Sea. Food. Wine. Over the course of four days, 125 global chefs, 150 wineries, mixologists, sommeliers, and beverage personalities will gather for this premier food and wine destination event. Find updated ticket information at pebblebeachfoodandwine.com/
Poppy Jasper International Film Festival: April 10-17, Morgan Hill and Gilroy venues. This award-winning regional film festival promotes inclusion, diversity and female empowerment through independent film, music and art. Find updated ticket information at pjiff.org/
International Ocean Film Festival: Apr. 12-14, Cowell Theater, 2 Marina Blvd., San Francisco. This educational series features films about marine life, coastal cultures and conservation and environmental preservation. Find updated ticket information at intloceanfilmfest.org/
Bay Area Printers Fair & Wayzgoose: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 13, History Park, 635 Phelan Ave., San Jose. Join this annual celebration of printmaking, book arts and letterpress printing. The fair features a wide range of activities, book artists, letterpress printers, live demonstrations and a marketplace with more than 40 vendors. Free admission. printersguild.wordpress.com/
Whalefest Monterey: April 13-14, Old Fisherman’s Wharf and the Custom House Plaza, Monterey State Historic Park. This festival features live, engaging and educational activities for all ages, including live music, a symposium and dozens of fascinating marine-related interactive exhibits by local and national organizations. Free admission. whalefest.org/
Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival: April 13-21, Japantown, San Francisco. Enjoy one of California’s most prominent celebrations of Asian traditions and the largest Cherry Blossom Festival on the West Coast. Each year, more than 220,000 people attend this dazzling display showcasing vibrant Japanese culture and the rich heritage and diversity of the Japanese American community. Free admission. sfcherryblossom.org/
San Joaquin Valley Portuguese Festival: April 19-21, location TBD, San Joaquin. The annual festivities traditionally include a Portuguese parade, folklore performances, wine and cheese tastings, carnival rides and plenty of Portuguese food and craft vendors. Find updated ticket information at carlosvieirafoundation.org/events/sjvportuguesefestival.html
Bay Area Brew Fest: 12 to 10 p.m. April 20, Presidio Main Lawn, San Francisco. The Bay Area Brew Festival returns with an extravaganza featuring more than 60 breweries, food trucks, DJs and more. Admission includes unlimited beer samplings, with VIP attendees getting an extra hour with limited release beers. $50-$90. bayareabrewfestival.com/
San Francisco Art Fair: April 25-28, Fort Mason Festival Pavilion, San Francisco. The Bay Area’s longest running art fair returns this year with exhibits from top galleries around the world and a carefully curated program of public projects, events, talks and performances. $35-$65. artmarketsf.com/visit/
CBCA Clayton Art & Wine Festival: April 27-28, Main Street, Downtown Clayton. Browse arts and crafts stalls, sip wine or beer and sample the fare in the food court. There’s a play zone for kids and live music and entertainment throughout the weekend. Free admission. claytoncbca.org/cbca-events/clayton-art-and-wine-festival
Sacramento Grilled Cheese Festival: 1 to 4 p.m. April 27-28, Southside Park, 2115 Sixth St., Sacramento.This annual festival pairs grilled cheese with everything from craft beer to kids activities, so there’s fun for everyone. Enjoy unlimited samples while sipping from your souvenir tasting glass, playing games and enjoying live music. $10-$95. sacgrilledcheese.com/
Pacific Coast Dream Machines Show: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 28, Half Moon Bay Airport, 9850 N. Cabrillo Highway, Half Moon Bay. This annual show features the West Coast’s biggest, baddest gathering of cars, trucks, motorcycles and aircraft, with more than 2,000 ultra cool antique, vintage, classic, custom and exotic machines of all kinds on display. The festival also traditionally features kids activities, food and drink vendors and live entertainment. $0-$30. dreammachines.miramarevents.com/
Bay Area & Sacramento Short Film Festival – Part 1: 4:30 to 10 p.m. April 28, Bay Area location TBD. This semi-annual film festival showcases locally produced shorts and mini features by award-winning directors as well as amateurs breaking into the industry. $12.50-$20. bit.ly/BASHpt1
MAY
DocLands Documentary Film Festival: May 2-5, Smith Rafael Film Center, 1118 4th St., San Rafael. This annual festival features in-theater programming, screenings, panel discussions and in-person filmmaker conversations. Find updated ticket information at doclands.com/
CabFranc-A-Palooza: May 3-5, Livermore venues. Cabernet franc lovers and wine producers are descending upon Livermore Valley for the second annual CabFranc-A-Palooza featuring more than 50 wineries, special events and tastings. Find updated ticket information at cabfrancapalooza.com/
Sol Blume Festival: May 3-5, Discovery Park, Downtown Sacramento. Enjoy music performances by some of the most sought-after R&B, soul and hip-hop acts, plus family-friendly activities, wellness experiences, immersive art activations and local vendors. $249-$449. solblume.com/
Bay Area SpringFest: 12 to 7 p.m. May 4, Todos Santos Plaza, 2175 Willow Pass Road, Concord. This spring celebration includes live music on the Todos Santos stage, eclectic food vendors, a beer and wine garden, fun activities for kids and myriad shopping opportunities. Free admission. bit.ly/BAspringfest
Bodega Bay Fisherman’s Festival: May 4-5, traditionally held at Westside Park, Bodega Bay. Commemorate 50 years of local lore at this family-friendly celebration packed with local culture, delicious seafood, live music and a boat parade. Find updated ticket information at bbfishfest.org/
Central Valley Brewfest: 12 to 5 p.m. May 11, Stanislaus County Fairgrounds, 900 N. Broadway, Turlock. Celebrating its 11th year, the Central Valley Brewfest returns to the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds with a fabulous offering of art, music and more than150 brews to sample. $45-$65. cvbrewfest.com/
SF Beer Fest: 12 to 10 p.m. May 11, 2 Marina Blvd., San Francisco. Head for Fort Mason to try the best beer in town, all under the same roof. Enjoy a vast selection of specially curated beers set to an absolutely jamming soundtrack. $45-$65. bit.ly/SFBeerFest2024
Mill Valley Music Festival: May 11-22, 180 Camino Alto, Mill Valley. This two-day outdoor arts and culture event, produced by the Mill Valley Chamber and Noise Pop Industries, features a diverse, multi-genre mix of national acts and local lights, coupled with delicious food and drinks and great art. Find updated ticket information at millvalleymusicfest.com/
Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival: May 17-19, Anderson Valley venues. This region of Mendocino County is known for its pinot noir, celebrated during this three-day festival featuring delicious samplings and food pairings, educational seminars, a sunset barbecue, a grand tasting and a VIP Bubble Lounge. $75-$500. bit.ly/AVPNF2024
Sun, Wind & Wine Festival: 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. May 18, 1290 River Road, Salinas. The 16th annual fest includes a strolling wine tasting through the barrel cellar of Mer Soleil Winery, which is not normally open to the public. Festival guests will enjoy limited-release Santa Lucia Highlands wines poured by the vintners themselves, plus live music and gourmet bites. Find updated ticket information at santaluciahighlands.com/events/wine-festival/
Livermore Downtown Street Fest: May 18-19, Stockmen’s Park and Bankhead Plaza, Downtown Livermore. Browse this annual festival’s extensive food, wine and brew booths while enjoying craft vendor stalls and live entertainment. Free admission. livermoredowntown.com/events
Pleasant Hill Art, Wine & Music Festival: May 18-19, traditionally held in Downtown Pleasant Hill. This annual festival offers a diverse array of local food, wine, beer and arts and crafts vendors, plus tons of kids events and live entertainment. Free admission. pleasanthillchamber.com/art-wine-music/
Bottle Rock: May 24-26, Napa Valley Expo, 575 Third St., Napa. This annual Wine Country music festival features a fabulous lineup of live entertainment from nationally known artists, singers and bands, as well as gourmet food, wine and beer stalls and a culinary stage. Find updated ticket information at bottlerocknapavalley.com/
California Roots Music and Arts Festival: May 24-26, Monterey County Fairgrounds, 2004 Fairgrounds Road, Monterey. This annual reggae, roots and hip hop music festival features live music, local food vendors and unique art installations. $310-$750. californiarootsfestival.com/
Carnaval San Francisco: May 25-26, San Francisco venues. The 46th edition of this annual multicultural celebration and parade will feature a rich assortment of food, music, dance, arts and crafts, games and live entertainment for all ages to enjoy. Free admission. carnavalsanfrancisco.org/
Bay Area KidFest: May 25-27, Mt. Diablo High School, 2450 Grant St., Concord. This annual festival features non-stop live family entertainment, fascinating traveling attractions, arts and sports activities for the kids, plus a wide array of food and drink vendors. $0-$8 admission, rides priced separately. kidfestconcord.com/bay-area-kidfest
JUNE
Rocklin Brewfest: 1 to 5 p.m. June 1, Johnson-Springview Park, 5480 Fifth St., Rocklin. Sample beer from more than 40 breweries with several wineries on hand to offer beer alternatives. $20-$100. rocklinbrewfest.com/
Half Moon Bay Wine & Jazz Festival: June 1, Main Street, Half Moon Bay. This annual festival traditionally features California wines and local eats, plus local and nationally-known jazz artists and tribute acts. Find updated ticket information at hmbwineandjazzfest.com/
Bay Area Book Festival: June 1-2, Downtown Berkeley venues. Authors descend on this festival from all over the world, bringing the best of contemporary literature to local book lovers. In addition to author readings and discussions, this festival traditionally features literary exhibitors, gourmet food booths and children’s activities. Free admission. baybookfest.org/
Festa Coloniale Italiana: June 1-2, Stockton Street between Union and Filbert, San Francisco. Enjoy a celebration of Italian culture featuring live Italian music, authentic Italian wine and cuisine, a vendor marketplace, a pizza toss and a kids corner with tons of fun activities. Free admission. sfiacfoundation.com/festa-coloniale-italiana
Festival La Onda: June 1-2, 575 Third St., Napa. La Onda by BottleRock will provide a premium experience with two full days of music featuring major Latin touring artists, DJ sets, local and regional Latin cuisine and specialty beverages, and immersive activities including a spa, dance club and silent disco. $169+. laondafest.com/
Redwood Mountain Faire: June 1-2, Roaring Camp, 5401 Graham Hill Road, Felton. Dance the day away to live music while enjoying tasty, locally made food, cold beer, cider and wine in an open field surrounded by redwoods in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Find updated ticket information at redwoodmountainfaire.com/
Monterey Artichoke Festival: June 8-9, Monterey County Fair and Event Center, 2004 Fairgrounds Road, Monterey. This annual festival features an extravaganza of delicious artichoke-centric food and wine tastings. Find updated ticket information at artichokefestival.org/
Dia de Portugal Festival: June 9, History Park, 1650 Senter Road, San Jose. In June, Americans of Portuguese heritage join together with others throughout the world in a celebration of Portuguese culture. Enjoy a day of entertainment, savor Portuguese foods and watch a traditional Portuguese parade. Free admission. diadeportugalca.org/
Alameda County Fair: June 14-July 7, 4501 Pleasanton Ave., Pleasanton. The Alameda County Fair returns for an all-out bash featuring all your favorite fair fun, plus new rides, shows and food experiences. Find updated ticket information at annual.alamedacountyfair.com/
Monterey Wine Festival: June 15-16, Monterey Conference Center, 1 Portola Plaza, Monterey. Now in its 45th year, the Monterey Wine Festival has established itself as one of the region’s premier wine and food events. Enjoy savory bites, delicious sips, live music, great views and good times. $79-$99. bit.ly/MontereyWineFest
Lakefest Oakland: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. June 22-23, Lake Merritt, Oakland. This annual festival attracted more than 20,000 attendees in 2023. It traditionally features an artisan marketplace, tasty food vendors, a beer and wine garden, a tech pavilion, a kids fun zone and live music. Free admission. lakefestoakland.com/
High Sierra Music Festival: July 4-7, Plumas County Fairgrounds, 204 Fairground Road, Quincy. Join this annual pilgrimage to experience musical magic, artisanal food and drinks, arts and craft vendors, parades and mindfulness activities. Find updated ticket information at highsierramusic.com/
Stanislaus County Fair: July 5-14, 900 N. Broadway, Turlock. Enjoy carnival rides, animals, live entertainment, local exhibits and beloved events that typically include the famous Duck Races, Marionette Show and Destruction Derby. $0-$15 admission, carnival wristbands $35-$40. stancofair.com/
JULY
Hops & Creek Brewfest: July 6, 1375 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. Walnut Creek’s annual craft beer festival is once again taking over Civic Park for July 4th weekend. Enjoy good food, live music and fun activities while sampling sips from more than 20 NorCal breweries. Find updated ticket information at hopsandcreek.com/
Festival Napa Valley – Summer Session: July 6-21, Napa Valley venues. This annual festival presents international stars and emerging talent in innovative productions featuring classical, jazz, contemporary, opera, dance and more, paired with Napa Valley’s unparalleled food, wine and hospitality. Find updated ticket information at festivalnapavalley.org/
California State Fair: July 12-28, 1600 Exposition Blvd., Sacramento. Join this showcase of California’s industries, agriculture and diversity. The state fair features blue-ribbon animal displays, culinary delights and competitions, live music, a carnival, fireworks and other family fun. Find updated ticket information at calexpostatefair.com/
ACGA Clay & Glass Festival: July 13-14, Palo Alto Art Center, 1313 Newell Road, Palo Alto. For 31 years, this festival has celebrated the beauty and whimsy of 100 California artists and their clay and glass creations. Free admission. acga.net/clay-and-glass-festival/
Brick Fest Live: July 13-14 at Pasadena Convention Center and Sept. 14-15 at Sacramento’s SAFE Credit Union Convention Center. This bonanza of a brick fest offers life-size models, hands-on attractions and shopping opportunities for hard-to-find LEGO merchandise. Find updated ticket information at brickfestlive.com
Fiesta Cultural: July 17-21, Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. This vibrant week-long celebration of Latin American arts and culture offers a slew of world-class performers and a fabulous street fair. Find updated ticket information at lesherartscenter.org/events/fiesta-cultural
Northern Nights Music Festival: July 19-21, Cooks Valley Campground, 83950 Road 442E, Piercy. This annual festival features live music performances, art displays and vendors, regional craft brews and wines, organic food offerings and mindful spaces for yoga and meditation including tree and hammock lounges. $299-$499. northernnights.org/
Pacific International Quilt Festival: July 24-27, Santa Clara Convention Center, 5001 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara. Shop the aisles for the best fabrics, learn new techniques and admire the artwork hanging in the quilt and wearable art competitions and special exhibits. Find updated ticket information at bit.ly/QuiltFest2024
Amador County Fair: July 25-28, 18621 Sherwood St., Plymouth. Returning this year with an all new theme — Go for the Gold — this annual fair celebrates California’s living history and also offers carnival rides, food and entertainment. $0-12 admission, carnival wristbands. Find updated ticket information at amadorcountyfair.com/
Santa Clara County Fair: July 25-Aug. 4, 344 Tully Road, San Jose. Enjoy the best of traditional fair entertainment, including food and drinks, music, rides on the Midway of Fun and the famous Santa Clara County Fair stampede and livestock demonstrations. Find updated ticket information at thefair.org/
Japanese Summer Festival: July 27-28, Diablo Japanese American Club, 3165 Treat Blvd., Concord. This festival offers cultural performances, exhibits and demonstrations on everything from taiko, judo and kendo, obon and classical Japanese dance to ikebana flower arranging. Plus: children’s games, craft boutiques and Japanese food and drink vendors. Free admission. diablojaclub.com/summer-festival
AUGUST
Fremont Festival of the Arts: 10 a.m.to 6 p.m. Aug. 3-4, Downtown Fremont. Enjoy hundreds of arts and crafts booths and vendors, family-friendly activities and live music, plus beer and wine stalls. Free admission. fremontfestival.net/
Italian Family Festa San Jose: Aug. 3-4, History Park, 1650 Senter Road, San Jose. This annual festival showcases authentic Italian culture, music, food and wine. In previous years, this festival has also offered grape stomping, a wine garden and kids activity area. Free admission. italianfamilyfestasj.org/
Napa Town and Country Fair: Aug. 8-10, 575 Third St., Napa. At this annual festival, visitors typically enjoy food and drinks, live entertainment, carnival rides, a livestock exhibit, a makers market, crafters demos and a DJ dance party. Find updated ticket information at napafair.org/
Outside Lands: Aug. 9-11, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco. This annual outdoor extravaganza celebrates live music as well as Bay Area food, wine, beer and comedy. The 2024 lineup included big-name artists like Kendrick Lamar, Lana Del Rey, Orville Peck, the 1975, Megan Thee Stallion, Lil Yachty, Odesza, Father John Misty, Trixie Mattel and the Foo Fighters. Find updated ticket information at sfoutsidelands.com/
Gravenstein Apple Fair: Aug. 10-11, Ragle Ranch Regional Park, Sebastopol. Experience farm life through hands-on demonstrations, savor foods made by local chefs using local ingredients, sip locally made beverages and learn about the history of Gravenstein farming, all while enjoying live music. Find updated ticket information at gravensteinapplefair.com/
Yolo County Fair: Aug.14-18, 1250 Gum Ave., Woodland. This annual fair typically includes familiar fair fun plus crowd favorite activities including the demolition derby and livestock shows. Find updated ticket information at yolocountyfair.net/
Lake County Fair: Aug. 29-Sept. 1, 401 Martin St., Lakeport. This annual county fair tyically features all your favorite carnival rides, food and live entertainment, plus a destruction derby and boat race. Find updated ticket information at lakecountyfair.com/
157th Scottish Highland Gathering and Games: Aug. 31-Sept. 1, Alameda County Fairgrounds, 4501 Pleasanton Ave., Pleasanton. Enjoy sports competitions and athletic feats, traditional music and dance, Celtic heritage events and whisky tastings. Find updated ticket information at thescottishgames.com/
Kings Mountain Art Fair: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 31-Sept. 2, 13889 Skyline Blvd., Woodside. Shop for original art by independent artists amidst the beautiful redwoods while enjoying live entertainment plus food and drink booths. Free admission. kingsmountainartfair.org/
SEPTEMBER
Gold Country Fair: Sept. 5-8, 1273 High St., Auburn. This annual fair features traditional festivities including food and drink stalls, live music, carnival rides and games, livestock barns, plus competitive exhibits and displays. $5-$10 admission, rides priced separately. goldcountryfair.com/
Barbera Festival: Sept. 7, Terra d’Oro, 20680 Shenandoah School Road, Plymouth. Taste barbera wines from more than 40 wineries across California at this grand outdoor tasting nestled in the Sierra foothills. Festivalgoers can also enjoy gourmet food from top chefs, live music, a 360 photo booth and an LED light show. Find updated ticket information at amadorwine.com/barbera-festival/
Solano Avenue Stroll: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 8, Solano Avenue in Berkeley and Albany. The East Bay’s largest street festival features more than 400 vendors including 50 entertainers, 25 food booths, 100 government and non-profit agencies and 100 artisans. Free admission. solanoavenueassn.org/events/solano-avenue-stroll/
Santa Cruz County Fair: Sept. 11-15. County Fairgrounds, 2601 E. Lake Ave., Watsonville. This annual fair hosts a wide variety of carnival rides, livestock exhibits, food booths, live music and childrens activities. Find updated ticket information at santacruzcountyfair.com
Oakland International Film Festival: Sept. 12-21, Oakland venues. The The 22nd annual film festival will promote independent filmmakers and their stories through screenings, panel discussions and networking events. Find updated ticket information at oiff.org/
Mendocino County Fair and Apple Show: Sept. 13-15, Mendocino County Fairgrounds, Boonville. This fair showcases Anderson Valley apples and other local produce, in addition to hosting fun carnival rides and games. Find updated ticket information at mendocountyfair.com
Capitola Art & Wine Festival: Sept. 14-15, Capitola Village, Capitola. Shop the stalls of more than 125 local artists while sipping exceptional wines from 23 Santa Cruz Mountain wineries. Free admission. capitolachamber.com/art-and-wine-festival/
Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival: Sept. 14-15, Old Mill Park, Mill Valley. Enjoy a fun-filled weekend engaging with award-winning artists, shopping for hidden gems and enjoying live entertainment with family and friends. Find updated ticket information at mvfaf.org/
Santa Clara Art & Wine Festival: Sept. 14-15, Central Park, 909 Kiely Blvd., Santa Clara. This annual festival typically offers art and crafts booths, live entertainment, childrens activities and food, beer and wine stalls. Free admission. Santaclaraartandwine.com
Monterey Jazz Festival: Sept. 27-29, Monterey County Fair and Event Center, 2004 Fairground Road, Monterey. This is the longest continuously-running jazz festival in the world, celebrating America’s creativity and cultural heritage by presenting legendary jazz musicians, composers and young rising stars. Find updated ticket information at montereyjazzfestival.org/
Sonoma County VegFest: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 28, Santa Rosa Veterans Memorial Building, 1351 Maple Ave., Santa Rosa. Enjoy this celebration of compassionate, healthy and environmentally responsible living featuring dozens of local vendors, animal art, vegan boutiques, sustainable and eco products, a speaker panel and vegan cooking and food prep demonstrations. Find updated ticket information at socovegfest.org/
Blues and Bones Festival: Sept. 28, Calaveras Fairgrounds, Angels Camp. There’s nothing like the sound of blues music combined with slow-cooked barbecue to leave a lasting impression on your summer. This year’s festival, the 13th annual, will feature some of the country’s best traveling blues bands along with award-winning barbecue. $40-$60. bluesandbones.com/
OCTOBER
Hardly Strictly Bluegrass: Oct. 4-6, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco. This annual festival features an eclectic lineup of country, soul and folk musicians performing on six outdoor stages. Free admission. hardlystrictlybluegrass.com/
Lambtown Festival: Oct. 5-6, Dixon May Fairgrounds, Dixon. This annual celebration of all things sheep, lamb and wool features workshops, competitions, sheep shows, hands-on demonstrations, vendor stalls and kids activities. Find updated ticket information at lambtown.org/.
Fleet Week San Francisco: Oct. 7-15, Fisherman’s Wharf and the Marina District, San Francisco. San Francisco Fleet Week hosts the largest parade of ships on the West Coast. See the fleet enter the Bay under the Golden Gate Bridge as visiting ships steam towards their ports, led by the San Francisco Fire Department fire boat shooting jets of water into the air to celebrate. Free. fleetweeksf.org/
Rebels & Renegades Music Festival: Oct. 12-14, Monterey County Fairgrounds, 2004 Fairgrounds Road, Monterey. Bringing hippies and cowboys together with some killer music, interactive art stations, a makers marketplace and delicious food peddlers, Rebels & Renegades salutes the outlaw in all of us. $105-$250. rebelsandrenegadesfest.com/
Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 19-20, Main Street, Half Moon Bay. Get into fall festivities with monster pumpkins, live music, a parade, fine art and crafts, fabulous food and drinks, expert pumpkin carvers, a Pumpkin Run, and pie-eating and costume contests. Free admission. pumpkinfest.miramarevents.com/
NOVEMBER
Bay Area Kids’ Book Fair: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 2 at Fremont High School and Nov. 3 at San Ramon Community Center. This event offers families the opportunity to meet authors and illustrators as superstars from literature come to life, meeting and greeting attendees. Storytellers will entertain the audience, reading from their books and children’s classics all day. Free admission. kidfestconcord.com/kids-book-fairs
San Mateo Harvest Festival: Nov. 8-10, San Mateo County Event Center, 1346 Saratoga Drive, San Mateo. This autumn-themed fair offers craft booths, food and drink stalls and fun kids activities. $0-$9. harvestfestival.com/san-mateo
San Francisco Coffee Festival: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Nov. 9-10, Fort Mason Center Festival Pavilion, 2 Marina Blvd., San Francisco. Enjoy sips from the best specialty roasters and coffee shops plus distinctive beans, delicious snacks, live entertainment and coffee convo panels during this one-of-a-kind coffee culture experience. $24-58. sfcoffeefestival.com/
Fan Expo SF: Nov. 29-Dec. 1, Moscone Center West, 800 Howard St., San Francisco. This expo will bring together some of the biggest personalities in acting, comics, cosplay, art and animation for a one-of-a-kind fan experience. Meet legendary comic book creators, attend autograph sessions, snap pictures with celebrities and shop the latest in gaming, art and collectibles. $26-$149. fanexpohq.com/fanexposanfrancisco/
DECEMBER
Another Hole in the Head Film Festival: Typically held in December at Bay Area venues. This festival invites cinephiles on a cinematic excursion into the realms of science fiction, fantasy, horror and more featuring diverse independent films, from major productions to micro-budget labors of love. Find updated ticket information at ahith.com/.
Let’s Glow SF: Typically held in early December at Downtown San Francisco locations. This outdoor holiday light arts festival boasts illuminations splashed across some of downtown’s most notable buildings. This signature event, organized by the Downtown SF Partnership with A3 Visual, is the largest holiday projection arts festival in the United States. Free. downtownsf.org/things-to-do/lets-glow-sf
Great Dickens Christmas Fair & Victorian Holiday Party: Typically held from late November through mid-December at The Cow Palace, 2600 Geneva Ave., Daly City. Enjoy an immersive holiday adventure with hundreds of literary and historical characters. Roam four acres filled with Victorian theaters, pubs and dance halls while enticing aromas of roasted chestnuts and hearty foods fill the air and dozens of lamplit shops overflow with handmade gifts. Find updated ticket information at dickensfair.com/.
Have a festival or fair to add? Submit it online at forms.gle/Cu9J6Ks2fQiQUcKk8.
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