Here are just some of the Bay Area festivals and fairs that await in 2022. The big caveat: As with all things in the pandemic era, everything here is subject to change. Double check locations, dates, times and COVID precautions before you go.
Did we miss your event? You’ll find a submission form at the end of this story where you can submit fair and festival information and updates.
Napa Lighted Art Festival: Jan. 15-March 13, downtown Napa and the Oxbow District. Enjoy eight, spectacular lighted art installations from 6 to 9 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 6 to 10 p.m. Friday-Sunday, plus artist meet and greets, a community art project by Children’s Museum Napa Valley and a one-night music performance by Festival Napa Valley. Check out the schedule at donapa.com/lighted-art-festival.
Vietnamese Lunar New Year: Noon-6 p.m. Jan. 16, The Finnish Hall, 1970 Chestnut St., Berkeley. A free, fun event featuring food, live music and lunar new year festivities. Eventbrite:
San Francisco Chinese New Year Festival and Parade: Jan. 29-March 6. Festivities include the Flower Market Fair (Jan. 29-30, Chinatown), Chinese New Year Celebration and Choy Sun Doe (Feb. 1, Chinatown), a Chinese New Year Parade (Feb. 19, location tba) with floats, ferocious lions, firecrackers and a 288-foot long Golden Dragon, and Community Street Fair (Feb. 19-20, Chinatown) with Chinese folk dancing, opera, drumming and more. Details: chineseparade.com/
Dilworth Chinese New Year Performance: 4:30 p.m. Feb. 2, Dilworth, 1101 Strayer Drive, San Jose. Waha Montessori:
Lunar New Year Celebration: Feb. 5, Children’s Discovery Museum, 180 Woz Way, San Jose. Check back for information: cdm.org/event/lunar-new-year
San Francisco Symphony Chinese New Year Concert: 5 p.m. Feb. 5, Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave. Celebrate the Year of the Tiger with the SF Symphony at this vibrant event that draws upon Asian traditions, past and present. Enjoy family-friendly activities followed by a performance ($35-$85) of Eastern and Western orchestral works. Continue the festivities at the dramatic, post-concert banquet (ticket information tbd). Sfsymphony.org
Seltzerland: Feb. 19, Monarch Bay Golf Club, 13800 Monarch Bay Drive, San Leandro. Spend the afternoon tasting 100+ unique hard seltzers. Indulge in mouthwatering munchies, tons of Seltzer swag and photo ops. $29-$49. Eventbrite:
Noise Pop: Feb. 21-27. Multiple Bay Area venues. This festival celebrates independent music, film, and art with acts including Alex G, The Drums performing “Portamento”, Dorian Electra, King Woman, The Microphones, Guapdad 4000, VTSS and Vegyn. $99-$389. noisepopfest.com/info
The Real Irish Comedy Fest: March 10-18. Various Bay Area venues. This St. Patrick’s series showcases the best blend of Irish comedic talent — Sean Finnerty, Martin Angolo, Dave Nihill and more — at various venues, from Healdsburg to Santa Cruz. Among them: March 11, Santa Cruz’s Kuumbwa Jazz Club ($25-$30. Eventbrite: ); 7 p.m. March 12, Pleasanton’s Firehouse Arts Center ($30-$40. Firehouse box office: ; 7:30 p.m. March 13, Walnut Creek’s Lesher Center for the Arts ($30, Lesher Center: ; and more.
St. Patrick’s Day Celebration: March 12-13. Dublin Civic Center, 100 Civic Plaza, Dublin. In previous years, the celebration included Irish entertainment, authentic Irish foods and beverages, an Irish marketplace with more than 200 booths, an Irish Tea Cottage, fun run, parade and pancake breakfast. Dublin.ca.gov
Patrick’s Pawade 2022: 1-4 p.m. March 20. Patrick’s Park, Fort Mason San Francisco. This fundraiser for Rocket Dog Rescue features dog yoga, a canine costume contest, longest human tunnel record attempt and more. Free admission. Dog yoga is $20. Eventbrite:
Pacific Coast Dream Machines Show: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. April 24. Half Moon Bay Airport, 9850 N. Cabrillo Highway, Half Moon Bay. This festival of magnificent machines features 2,000 driving, flying and working machines from the 20th and 21st centuries. The world’s coolest cars, vintage buses, custom motorcycles, tricked out trucks, sleek streamliners, one-of-a-kind antiques and historic military aircraft will be on display. $15-$40. Dreammachines.miramarevents.com
Himalayan Fair: Spring 2022. Postponed last October, the fair is typically held at Live Oak Park, 1300 Shattuck Ave. in Berkeley with more than 100 vendors, live music, tarot, children’s crafts and food booths. himalayanfair.net/
Art on the Main: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. May 14, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. May 15, North Main Street from Civic Drive to Mount Diablo Boulevard., Walnut Creek. Browse the art festival booths for ceramics, glass, paintings, photography and beautiful leather. Enjoy live music and food and wine booths. thewalnutfestival.org/art-on-the-main.html
Fremont Burger & Brew Fest: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. May 21. Capitol Avenue from Paseo Padre Parkway to Liberty Street in downtown Fremont. Sample burgers, sliders and brews from Bay area breweries and food booths and enjoy live entertainment, including a Burger Throwdown cooking competition. BurgerandBrewFest.com
Bottle Rock: 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. May 27-29. Napa Valley Expo, 575 Third St., Napa. Last year’s music festival featured 80 bands, including The Highwomen, Guns N’ Roses and Foo Fighters, on five stages, as well as gourmet food, wine and beer stalls, a culinary stage and more. Find details at bottlerocknapavalley.com.
Bay Area KidFest: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 28-29 and until 5 p.m. May 30. Mt. Diablo High School, 2450 Grant St., Concord. Enjoy kid-friendly games, rides and activities, food booths and a meet-and-greet with Chase & Skye from PAW Patrol. Admission is $8, with fees for food and rides. KidFestConcord.com
Mushroom Mardi Gras: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. May 28 and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. May 29. 17000 Monterey Road, Morgan Hill. Browse the handicraft booths and gourmet food stalls as you enjoy live entertainment from strolling musicians and street performers, beer and wine gardens, premium wine tasting ($30), cooking demonstrations, a mushroom expo and MunchkinLand for the kids. mhmmg.org/home
Carnaval San Francisco: Festival May 28-29, with parade May 29. The revelry covers 17 blocks in San Francisco’s Mission district, offering five main stages, 50 local performing artists, and 400 vendors. Enjoy international food, dancing and live entertainment for families and friends of all ethnic, social and economic backgrounds. Free admission. carnavalsanfrancisco.org
San Ramon Art and Wind Festival: May 29-30, San Ramon Central Park, 12501 Alcosta Blvd., San Ramon. Previous years’ events typically included kite-making workshops, kite-flying demos, professional kite flyers, children’s activities, arts and crafts and food booths. Free admission.
Contra Costa County Fair: Mid-May. Contra Costa County Fairgrounds, 1201 W. 10th St., Antioch. This county fair is typically held in late spring and includes rides, an Xtreme sports zone, games, live music, an agriculture pavilion, and food and drink booths. Details will be posted here: Contracostafair.com
Oakland Greek Festival: Mid-May. Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Ascension, 4700 Lincoln Ave., Oakland. In previous years, the fair has included music, dancing, food and wine. Check the website for updated information. Oaklandgreekfestival.com
Japanese Culture Fair: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. June 4. Previous years’ festivals were held at Mission Plaza, 103 Emmet St., Santa Cruz, with booths and entertainment showcasing Japanese culture, arts and crafts. Free admission. jcfsantacruz.org
Redwood Mountain Faire: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. June 4-5. Roaring Camp, 5355 Graham Hill Road, Felton. Enjoy live music, arts and crafts, children’s activities and food and beverage booths. Tickets are $25-$40, kids under 12 are free. Redwoodmountainfaire.com
Walnut Creek Art & Wine Festival: June 4-5. Heather Farm Park, 301 N. San Carlos Drive, Walnut Creek. Previous years’ festivals included live music, a crafts marketplace, food and wine booths, childrens activities, and a craft beer garden and sports lounge with big-screen TV. Free admission. Festivalnet:
Dia de Portugal Festival: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. June 11. History Park, 1650 Senter Road, San Jose. This Portuguese heritage celebration includes food and beverage stalls, museum exhibits, live entertainment, a parade, children’s carnival, music and more. Free admission. diadeportugalca.org
Alameda County Fair: June 17-July 10, Alameda County Fairgrounds, 4501 Pleasanton Ave., Pleasanton. Previous years’ fairs included a rodeo, horse racing, monster truck events, carnival, fair exhibits, live music and food and drink booths. Check the website for updated information. alamedacountyfair.com/2022-fair
North Beach Festival: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. June 18-19. North Beach district, San Francisco. Previous years fests included circus performances, Italian street painting, live music, arts and crafts and food carts. Northbeachfestival.org
King of the County BBQ Challenge and Music Festival: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. June 18, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. June 19. Martinez Regional Shoreline Park, 1 Ferry St., Martinez. Enjoy live music, corn hole, bouncy house, face painting and finger-licking food. Free admission and parking. countybbq.com
Vallejo Juneteenth Festival: June 18. In previous years, the festival was held in Martin Luther King, Jr. Park behind the JFK Library in Vallejo, and included live entertainment, food and beverage stalls, craft booths, family health resources and more. vallejojuneteenth.com
Berkeley Juneteenth Festival: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. June 19. South Berkeley’s five-block Alcatraz-Adeline corridor. In previous years, the festival has included African drumming, jazz, blues, neo-soul, gospel, rhythm and blues and reggae music, as well as exhibits, health screenings, two-on-two basketball tourney, art and crafts and food booths. Berkeleyjuneteenth.org
San Francisco LGBT Pride Celebration and Parade: June 25-26. In previous years, the celebration has been held at Civic Center Plaza, San Francisco, and included 20 stages and venues of entertainment. www.sf pride.or
Temescal Street Fair: Scheduled for June. Temescal District, Telegraph Avenue between 41st and 51st streets, Oakland. In previous years, the fair included music, local artists, carnival rides and food and drink booths. Details will be posted at temescalstreetfair.org.
Pirate Festival: In previous years, the festival was held in June at Vallejo Waterfront Park, 298 Mare Island Way, Vallejo. The festival included a pirate encampment, swimming mermaids, treasure hunts, costume contests, colorful sea folk and a children’s area. Check for updates at norcalpiratefestival.com.
Stern Grove Festival: In previous years the festival was mid June through mid August. 19th Avenue and Sloat Boulevard, San Francisco. Repairs are still underway after flooding ended the festival prematurely, but check for updates at sterngrove.org as summer nears.
Chocolate & Chalk Art Festival: Last year’s event was held in June in the “Gourmet Ghetto,’ North Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley. The festival typically includes chalk art and delicious chocolate. Free admission. Details will be posted at .
Halal Fest: In previous years, the festival was held at the end of June at Town Fair Plaza, 39100 State St., Fremont. The festival typically includes food booths serving Pakistani, Middle Eastern, Arab, Mediterranean, African and American fare, plus global arts vendors and children’s activities. Find updates at halalfest.com.
JULY 4 EVENTS
Here’s just a sampling of possibilities:
Fillmore Jazz Festival: Fourth of July weekend. On Fillmore Street between Jackson and Eddy streets, San Francisco. This festival typically features live music on multiple stages and 12 blocks of booths offering art, crafts and gourmet food and beverages. fillmorejazzfest.com/
Half Moon Bay Ol’ Fashioned 4th of July Parade and Festival: 11 a.m.-4 p.m., parade, noon-1:30 pm., Main Street, downtown Half Moon Bay. The celebration typically features music, craft beer, wine, cocktails and food trucks. The kids fun zone will feature a bungee jump, cornhole and more. july4th.miramarevents.com/about-the-event.html
Antioch 4th of July Parade & Celebration: In previous years, the celebration was held in the City Hall parking lot and the parade on West Second and E streets. Celebration typically includes a pancake breakfast, live entertainment, food booths, a car show and a fireworks show that starts at 9:20 p.m. Check for updates at celebrateantioch.org/event.
California’s Great America: Enjoy the regular rides and amusements, then stay for the fireworks show that’s usually visible from the Flight Deck roller coaster plaza. 4701 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara. Details will be posted at cagreatamerica.com.
Fairfield 4th of July Parade and Family Activities: In previous years, the 4th of July parade was held downtown with other activities — food booths, live music, contests and more — at Annex Lawn, 600 Texas St. Look for updates at visitfairfieldca.com/events.
Foster City Fourth of July Celebration: In previous years, the celebration included a pancake breakfast, dog show contest, barbecue and pub style trivia. Details will be posted at fostercity.org.
4th of July Community Celebration: In previous years, the celebration was held at Community Park 2, 20 Benton Way, American Canyon, and included a parade, live music and fireworks beginning at dusk (typically 9:30 p.m.). Check for updates at www.cityofamericancanyon.org.
Mountain View Family Celebration: Previous years’ events included riffs on the “adventure under the stars” theme. Last year, that included a Fourth of July camping adventure kit with s’mores, a constellation guide, craft kits and camping activity ideas. When the date nears, check for specifics at mountainview.gov/depts/cs/events/july4thfireworks.asp
Orinda Fourth of July: In previous years, the celebration was held in front of the Community Center, 28 Orinda Way, and included a flag-raising ceremony, fun run, parade and concert. Find details at orindaparade.com/events.html.
Six Flags Discovery Kingdom: 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m. July 3-4. 1001 Fairgrounds Drive SW, Vallejo. In previous years, a fireworks show was offered after a day of rides and live entertainment. $34. Check for updates here at sixflags.com/discoverykingdom.
Spirit of Watsonville Fourth of July Events: Previous years’ celebrations included a neighborhood parade, mayor’s bike ride and a Red, White and Blue concert at City Plaza. Details will be posted at www.watsonvillerec.com.
Stanislaus County Fair: July 8-17. 900 N. Broadway, Turlock. Previous fairs included nearly life-sized dinosaurs stomping and roaring, a children’s area, live music and exhibits. stancofair.com
Festival Napa Valley: July 15-24. Venues across Napa Valley. This summer arts festival includes world-class musicians, dancers, artists and gourmet food. Find information updates at festivalnapavalley.org.
Bastille Day Festival and Bal Populaire: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. July 16, Embarcadero Plaza, San Francisco. Previous years’ celebrations included food, wine and beer booths, a vintage Citroen car show, a children’s garden, French Quarter tours, French music, a waiters race and a 5 p.m. performance with local French bands. Free. bastilledaysf.org
Menlo Summer Fest: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. July 16-17. Santa Cruz Avenue, downtown Menlo Park. The fest features live music, art, food and drink booths, home and garden exhibits, health and wellness displays, kids’ fun zone and more, summerfest.miramarevents.com
Monterey Scottish Games & Celtic Festival: July 16-17. Monterey County Fair & Event Center, 2004 Fairground Road. The 51st annual festival will include live music, dance, food stalls, whiskey tastings and Scotland and Ireland-inspired athletic spectacles. montereyscotgames.com
Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music: July 24-Aug. 2, Santa Cruz. The program typically includes composers, an orchestra of dedicated professional musicians and renowned guest artists from across the globe. Check for updates at cabrillomusic.org/
Santa Clara County Fair: July 27-31 and Aug. 3-7. Santa Clara County Fairgrounds, 344 Tully Road, San Jose. Last year’s events included: interactive STEAM theme (science, tech, engineering, agriculture/art, math) tech displays, plus arts and crafts competitions, livestock and agriculture exhibits, carnival games and food booths. Find ticket, schedule and entertainment details at thefair.org.
Los Altos Arts & Wine Festival: Typically held in July in downtown Los Altos, Main and State streets. In previous years, the festival included fine art exhibits, live music, children’s activities and food and drink booths. Free.
Artichoke Festival: Typically held in July at the Monterey County Fairgrounds, 2004 Fairground Road, Monterey. The festival usually includes daily cooking demonstrations, as well as artichokes served every which way — fried, steamed, grilled, alongside sausage or mixed into cupcakes and ice cream. Details can be found at artichokefestival.org/.
Pal Music Festival: Last year’s festival was held in July at the Courthouse Square, 2200 Broadway, Redwood City. It included live music, including blues, country, reggae and salsa, as well as art booths, barbecue vendors and a kids zone. Free admission. Check for updates at PALMusicFestival.com.
Gilroy Garlic Festival: Last year’s festival was held on two weekends at the end of July at Gilroy Presbyterian Church at 6000 Miller Ave. in Gilroy. The festival typically includes games, live music, a cooking contest, cooking demos and a Gourmet Alley lineup of garlicky fare, from succulent scampi to garlic bread. Specifics can be found at gilroygarlicfestivalassociation.com/events.
Berkeley Kite Festival: In previous years, the festival was held at the end of July at Cesar E. Chavez Park at the Berkeley Marina. The festival typically includes giant creature kites, free kite-making lessons, team kite flying, food booths, live music, a candy drop and a children’s zone with crafts. Free. berkeleykitefestival.com
Music@Menlo Chamber Music Festival: The festival is typically held in late July and early August at the Center for Performing Arts at Menlo-Atherton and Menlo School. In years past, the festival has attracted top-notch artists, such as the Schumann Quartet and Russian baritone Nikolay Borchev, to the mainstage. musicatmenlo.org/
Art + Soul Oakland: In 2019, the festival was held at the end of July in downtown Oakland and included live music, dance, food booths and family fun. Check for updates at Artandsouloakland.com.
Santa Clara County Fair: Aug. 3-7. Santa Clara County Fairgrounds, 344 Tully Road, San Jose. Last year’s events included: interactive STEAM theme (science, tech, engineering, agriculture/art, math) tech displays, plus arts and crafts competitions, livestock and agriculture exhibits, carnival games and food booths. Find ticket, schedule and entertainment details at thefair.org.
Outside Lands: Aug. 5-7. Golden Gate Park, San Francisco. Celebrate live music and Bay Area food, wine, beer and comedy. Line-ups for 2021 included Lizzo, Tame Impala, The Strokes, Vampire Weekend, Earthgang, the Midnight and more. 2021 prices were $165-$855. Find details on the 2022 festival at sfoutsidelands.com.
Fremont Festival of the Arts: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. August 6-7. Downtown Fremont, along Paseo Padre Parkway and nearby streets. In previous years, this festival boasted more than 500 arts and crafts booths, Kid City, live music and food, beer and wine stalls. fremontfestival.net
Palo Alto Festival of the Arts: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Aug. 26-27. University Ave., Palo Alto. Browse 300 fine art and contemporary craft displays and the work of more than 60 Italian street painters. Check out the children’s art studio, as well as the sculpture plaza and food and drink stalls. Free. Festivalnet:
Silicon Valley Pride Parade and Festival: Aug. 27-28. In previous years, the festival was held at Plaza De Cesar Chavez Park, 1 Paseo De San Antonio, San Jose. Events typically include live entertainment and food and drink booths, as well as a parade on Market Street. svpride.com/
Rosie Rally Home Front Festival: Last year’s festival, sponsored by the Rosie the Riveter World War II Home Front National Historical Park in Richmond, went virtual for two weeks in August. The festival will repeat its virtual campaign in 2022. Plans for an in-person festival have not yet been set. Check for updates at rosietheriveter.org.
San Jose’s Jazz Summer Fest: In previous years, the festival was held in August at Plaza de Cesar Chavez, 170 S. Market St., San Jose. The celebration typically includes more than 120 jazz performances on 12 stages in downtown San Jose. Find details at Summerfest.sanjosejazz.org.
Strawberry Festival: Last year’s festival was held in August in downtown Watsonville and included sweet treats, family activities and live entertainment. Check the Watsonville Parks and Recreation website for details:.
Japanese Summer Festival: This festival is typically held in August at the Diablo Japanese American Club, 3165 Treat Blvd., Concord. It usually includes taiko, judo and kendo, obon and classical Japanese dance, Ikebana flower arranging, children’s games, a crafts boutique and sushi stalls. Check for 2022 updates at diablojaclub.com/summer-festival.
Kids ‘N Fun Festival: Previously, the festival was held in August at the Memorial Park Amphitheater, 21163 Anton Way, Cupertino. The festival typically includes childrens activities, games, performances and international food booths. The event’s 2022 dates and details will be available this spring on the city of Cupertino’s website: .
Burlingame on the Avenue: In previous years, the festival was held in August on Burlingame Avenue in Burlingame and featured jazz, rock and blues bands. For updates check the city’s website: .
Hayward Zucchini Festival: The last zuke festival — in 2019 — was held in August at Southland Mall in Hayward. The event typically includes a vast array of zucchini dishes, a zucchini-growing contest, live music, arts and crafts booths, children’s rides and food stalls. Find details at hayward-ca.gov/discover/calendar?page=19.
Scotts Valley Art, Wine and Beer Festival: Last year’s festival was held in August at Skypark, 361 Kings Village Road, Scotts Valley. The festival typically includes fine art booths, live music, a car show and food, wine and beer stalls. Free. Find specifics at svartfestival.com/.
Italian Family Festa: In previous years, the festival was held in August at History Park, 1650 Senter Road, San Jose. The celebration typically includes Italian food and wine booths, a grape stomp, bocce, live music, cultural seminars and historical/genealogical displays. Free. Find updates at italianfamilyfestasj.org.
Hot San Jose Nights: Last year’s event was held at the end of August at Reid-Hillview Airport, 2500 Cunningham Ave., San Jose. The event typically includes a classic car show, airplanes on display, military tank rides, a STEAM festival for children, live music and small aircraft flights for kids ages 8-17. Free. Updates can be found at hotsanjosenights.com.
Pleasanton Harvest Festival: Last year’s festival was held in August at at Alameda Fairgrounds, 4501 Pleasanton Ave., Pleasanton. Browse the craft booths and food and drink stalls at this autumn-themed fair. Tickets are $4-$9. Find updates at https://harvestfestival.com/pleasanton.
Kings Mountain Art Fair: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 3-5. Last year’s festival was virtual, but this fair typically features original art by independent artists, live entertainment and food and drink booths. Details about the 2022 fair will be posted at kingsmountainartfair.org.
Scottish Highland Gathering and Games: Typically held Labor Day weekend at the Alameda County Fairgrounds, 4501 Pleasanton Ave., Pleasanton. Events usually include caber tossing and other athletic feats, traditional music and dance, Celtic heritage events, sheep dog trials, whisky tastings and clan gatherings. Thescottishgames.com
Millbrae Art & Wine Festival: Typically held on Labor Day weekend. Broadway Avenue between Victoria and Meadow Glen, Millbrae. The festival usually includes live music, art and crafts booths, food stalls, a children’s playland and a car show. Free. Check Everfest for updates: bit.ly/31JCSjh
San Francisco Fringe Festival: September 8-17. Exit Theatre, 156 Eddy St., San Francisco. The 30th annual festival features live in-person theater and unpredictable stage shows by more than 20 ensembles. Find the complete line-up and ticket information when the event draws closer at fringefestivals.com/festival/san-francisco-fringe-festival.
Pittsburg Seafood & Music Festival: Sept. 10-11. Pittsburg Marina. In previous years, the festival has included seafood booths, jet ski races, arts and crafts, amusement rides, rock wall climbing, live entertainment and wine and beer stalls. Free admission. pittsburgseafoodandmusicfestival.com
Solano Avenue Stroll: Sept. 11. Solano Avenue in Berkeley and Albany. This street fair features live entertainment, food booths, handicrafts, a parade and rides. Free. bit.ly/1AvLAHb
Santa Cruz County Fair: Sept. 14-18. County Fairgrounds, 2601 E. Lake Ave., Watsonville. In previous years, the fair has included carnival rides, livestock exhibits, food booths, live music and children’s activities. Find details and ticket prices at www.santacruzcountyfair.com.
Northern California Renaissance Faire: Previously held in mid-September. 2022 at Casa de Fruta, 10031 Pacheco Pass Highway, Hollister. The fair typically includes Renaissance-era pageantry, live music, artisans, Celtic concerts and food and drink vendors. Specifics can be found at norcalrenfaire.com/
Bark in the Park: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 17. William Street Park, S. 16th and E. William streets, San Jose. In previous years, this event has included dog costume and tail-wagging contests, dog agility demonstrations and vendor stalls for humans and dogs. barksanjose.org
Lafayette Art & Wine Festival: Sept. 17-18. Downtown Lafayette. Browse the arts and crafts booths, enjoy live entertainment and children’s activities, and shop the food, wine and beer stalls. Free admission. lafayettefestival.com
Annual Polk Street Blues Festival: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sept. 21-22, Polk Street, between California and Post streets, San Francisco. The festival will feature two main stages, a merchant marketplace, arts and crafts stalls and gourmet food booths. bayareapopupevents.com
Monterey Jazz Festival: Sept. 23-25, Monterey County Fair and Event Center, 2004 Fairground Road, Monterey. The festival typically features 500 artists performing on eight stages. Tickets and information: montereyjazzfestival.org
Hardly Strictly Bluegrass: Sept. 30-Oct. 2. Golden Gate Park, San Francisco. This enormous, free festival features an eclectic lineup of country, soul and folk musicians performing on six outdoor stages. Check back for the lineup at hardlystrictlybluegrass.com.
Almaden Art & Wine Festival: Typically held in September at Almaden Lake Park, corner of Almaden Expressway and Coleman Avenue, San Jose. The festival usually includes food and wine booths, live entertainment and a children’s zone. Specifics can be found at almadenwine.org.
Los Gatos Fiesta de Artes: In previous years, the fiesta was held in September on the Civic Center lawn in downtown Los Gatos. The fiesta generally offers more than 220 artist booths, children’s activities, live music and food, wine and beer stalls. Free. Find more details at lgfiesta.org.
Mountain View Art & Wine Festival: Last year’s festival was held in September on Castro Street in downtown Mountain View. The festival typically includes arts and crafts, live music, food and wine booths and a children’s park. Free. Find updates at mountainview.miramarevents.com.
Santa Clara Art & Wine Festival: In previous years, the festival was held in September at Central Park, Santa Clara. The festival usually includes art and crafts booths, live entertainment, children’s activities and food, beer and wine stalls. Find more specifics at santaclaraartandwine.com.
Folsom Renaissance Faire & International Jousting Tournament: Last year’s faire was held in September at Folsom City Lions Park, 403 Stafford St., Folsom. The fair typically features more than 800 costumed entertainers, plus shopkeepers and artisans, an international jousting tournament and food and drink booths. Look for updates this summer at folsomfaire.com/.
Pacific Coast Fog Fest: This festival is usually held in September in Pacifica along Palmetto Avenue. Past years have included a parade and marching band competition, live music, sand sculpture demo, 200 arts and crafts booths, food and drink stalls, plus a Family Fun Fest. Find more details at pacificcoastfogfest.com.
Salsa Festival: In previous years, the festival was held in late September in downtown Redwood City. The festival typically includes live salsa music, salsa dancing and salsa tasting, plus a tequila tasting, hands-on art projects, children’s play area, dancing and food stalls. Check Redwood City’s website for details: .
Northern California International Dragon Boat Festival: In previous years, the festival was held in September at Lake Merritt, Oakland. The country’s largest dragon boat festival typically features teams from around the world competing in 40-foot dragon boats, plus food carts, cultural arts performances, a kids zone and arts and crafts booths. Updates can be found at sfdragonboat.com.
Capitola Art & Wine Festival: In previous years, the festival was held in September at Capitola Village, Capitola, and included art exhibits, live music, food and wine booths and a kids area with free admission. Find more details at capitolachamber.com/art-and-wine-festival.
Oktoberfest Downtown Redwood City: Last year’s Oktoberfest was held in September at Courthouse Square, 2200 Broadway, Redwood City. The festival included live music, dancing, craft brews, German pretzels and brats, games and competitions. Check Redwood City’s website at.
Aloha Outrigger Races: Last year’s event was held in September at the Santa Cruz Wharf, 21 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz. Events typically include outrigger races, island-style music and Polynesian dancing. Check the city of Santa Cruz’s website for updates at bit.ly/3Gsz04J.
Monterey Beer Festival: 12:30-5 p.m. Oct. 15. Monterey County Fair & Event Center, 2004 Fairground Road, Monterey. The festival will showcase a wide array of new craft brews, plus live music and food booths. Find details at www.montereybeerfestival.com.
Bonny Doon Art, Wine & Brew Festival: Scheduled for Fall 2022. In previous years, the festival was held at Equestrian Park, 3675 Bonny Doon Road, Bonny Doon. Enjoy an afternoon of tastings with local wineries and breweries, artist and craft vendors, food trucks and live bands. bonnydoonartandwinefestival.com
Campbell’s Oktoberfest: Last year’s Oktoberfest was held in October in downtown Campbell. The festival typically includes live music, beer, local wines, Bavarian pretzels, German food, the chicken dance and stein holding and costume contests. Campbelloktoberfest.com
Festival of Globe’s India Day Festival: Last year’s festival was held in October at 39439 Paseo Padre Parkway Fremont and nearby streets. Events typically included a kids corner, rides and games, food festival, dance competition and grand parade. Free admission. Check for specifics at www.fogsv.com.
San Mateo Harvest Festival: Last year’s festival was held in November at the San Mateo County Event Center, 1346 Saratoga Drive, San Mateo. Browse the craft booths and food and drink stalls at this autumn-themed fair. Tickets are $4-$9. Find updates at harvestfestival.com/san-mateo
Napa Valley Film Festival: Last year’s festival was held in November in Napa, Yountville, St. Helena and Calistoga. The festival typically includes more than 100 new independent films screened alongside awards-season contenders at venues throughout Napa Valley. Attendees enjoy interactions with visiting filmmakers and celebrities, film Q&As, culinary demonstrations and wine tastings and an array of parties and winemaker dinners. NapaValleyFilmFest.org
Christmas in the Park: The 2021 holiday festival ran from Thanksgiving through the beginning of January. It typically includes more than 500 decorated Christmas trees, animated displays and an inflatable beer and wine garden along with nightly entertainment. In addition, Blinky’s Illuminated Holiday is a mile-long drive-through at San Jose’s Lake Cunningham Park with 12 themed areas, 100,000 synchronized lights and a custom holiday soundtrack. When the date nears, find specifics for 2022 at Christmasinthepark.com.
Christmas in the Park: The 2021 holiday festival ran through December and the beginning of January. It typically includes more than 500 decorated Christmas trees, animated displays and an inflatable beer and wine garden along with nightly entertainment. In addition, Blinky’s Illuminated Holiday is a mile-long drive-through at San Jose’s Lake Cunningham Park with 12 themed areas, 100,000 synchronized lights and a custom holiday soundtrack. When the date nears, find specifics for 2022 at Christmasinthepark.com.
Great America Winterfest: The 2021 festival ran from December through New Year’s Day at 4701 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara. In addition to the usual rides, the festival typically includes holiday attractions, such as a chance to send letters to the North Pole, visit Santa’s workshop, bake cookies in Mrs. Claus’ kitchen and go ice skating. cagreatamerica.com/events/winterfest
Fairy Winterland: Last year’s festival ran the last two weeks of December at Children’s Fairyland, 699 Bellevue Ave., Oakland. It included twinkly lights and culturally-diverse holiday displays, a black Santa and a Festival of Lights Parade with treats for the kids. childrensfairyland.brushfire.com/fairyland/518645
