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From tasty food and drinks to stunning art, film, dance and music, there’s no shortage of festivities to look forward to in the coming year. Here are all the fabulous fairs and festivals that await you in 2023.
(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.)
JANUARY
Vietnamese Lunar New Year – Tết 2023: 12 to 6 p.m Jan. 8, The Finnish Hall, 1970 Chestnut St., Berkeley. This special celebration features talent and beauty competitions, kung fu demonstrations and more than 50 performances from iconic singers and artists. Don’t forget to take pictures with the 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022 Beauty Queens and witness the crowning of 2023 winners. Free admission. eventbrite.com/e/vietnamese-lunar-new-year-tet-2023-tickets-452703647797
Napa Truffle Festival: Jan. 13-16, various venues in Napa Valley. Whether you’re a foodie with a passion for truffles or simply curious about one of the most exclusive foods in the world, the Napa Truffle Festival offers an opportunity to experience, explore and learn firsthand from experts about the gastronomy, science, history, mystery and hunting and harvesting of the highly prized Périgord black truffle. Ticket prices vary. napatrufflefestival.com/
Winter Wineland: Jan. 14-15, Sonoma wineries. Some 70 wineries are joining the festivities for the 30th annual Winter Wineland, an adults-only chance to taste wine, chat with other wine lovers and restock your cellar. Tickets $95 for the weekend, $75 Sunday only and $10 for designated drivers. wineroad.com.
San Francisco Chinese New Year Festival and Parade: Jan. 14 to Mar. 5, various locations in San Francisco. Festivities include the Flower Market Fair (Jan. 14-15, Chinatown), Chinese New Year Celebration and Choy Sun Doe (Jan. 22, Chinatown), a Chinese New Year Parade (Feb. 4, location tba) with floats, ferocious lions, firecrackers and a 288-foot long Golden Dragon, and a Community Street Fair (Feb. 4-5, Chinatown) with Chinese folk dancing, opera, drumming and more. Free admission. chineseparade.com/
MLK Music Festival: 1 to 3:30 p.m. Jan. 16, Esplanade, Yerba Buena Gardens, Mission St., San Francisco. In celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Yerba Buena Gardens will be hosting multi-Grammy award-winning artist Tony Lindsay, Ryan Nicole, San Francisco Poet Laureate Tongo Eisen-Martin and comedian Tony Scott, plus an array of TV and radio personalities. Free admission. ybgfestival.org/event/mlk2023-music-festival/
SF Sketchfest: Jan. 20 to Feb. 5, various venues in San Francisco. This sketch comedy festival features major stars like Cheech and Chong, Laraine Newman, Elliot Gould and David Cross. Come out to see some of the best up-and-coming comedians from around the world doing stand-up, alternative comedy, improv, tributes and panel discussions. Ticket prices vary. sfsketchfest.com/2023-lineup/
Napa Lighted Art Festival: Jan. 21 to Feb. 19, Downtown Napa. This annual festival is a celebration of creative arts, technology and lights, and supports innovative techniques using light and light technologies as a growing art medium. This walkable outdoor experience will showcase 10 lighted art sculptures and projection artwork on three iconic downtown Napa buildings. Free. visitnapavalley.com/events/annual-events/napa-lighted-art-festival/
ZinEX Wine Festival: Jan. 26-28, The Pavilion at One Market, 30 Steuart St., San Francisco. A tasteful three-day weekend awaits at ZAP’s 2023 ZinEX, the most anticipated wine spectacular of the year, which guides and helps you expand your epicurean spirit. $50-$350. bayareane.ws/3HGxH6l
Bay Area Brew Fest: 12 to 10 p.m. Jan. 28, Festival Pavilion, 2 Marina Blvd., San Francisco. The Bay Area Brew Festival returns from a three-year hiatus with more than 50 breweries, hundreds of beers, 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/
FEBRUARY
The Black Child Book Fair: 12 to 5 p.m. Feb. 4, African American Museum and Library, 659 14th St., Oakland. This national event promotes black literacy across the country by bringing African-American children’s authors with positive stories and characters for Black children to learn from and identify with. Free admission. eventbrite.com/e/the-black-child-book-fair-oakland-ca-tickets-487141462227
Great Sonoma Crab and Wine Fest: 4 to 8:30 p.m. Feb. 4, Sonoma County Fairgrounds, 1350 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa. Come out to the 33rd annual festival for fabulous pairings of wine, gourmet hors d’oeuvres and fresh Sonoma Coast crab and accompaniments. $150. sonomacounty.com/sonoma-events/great-sonoma-crab-and-wine-fest
California International Antiquarian Book Fair: Feb. 10-12, Pasadena Convention Center, 300 East Green St., Pasadena. This three-day event features the collections and rare treasures of 120 booksellers from around the world, including a wide selection of manuscripts, early American and European literature, modern first editions, children’s books, maps and autographs, as well as antiquarian books on history, science, law, architecture, cooking and wine. $10-$25. abaa.org/cabookfair
SF Beer Week: Feb. 10-19, various venues in San Francisco. 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. sfbeerweek.org/
Salsa Rueda Festival: Feb. 16-19, Hotel Whitcomb, 1231 Market St., San Francisco. Enjoy four days of social dancing, world-class performances, music from acclaimed bands and DJs, workshops for all dance levels, a beginner bootcamp and late night salsa parties. Check back later in 2023 for updated ticket information. salsaruedafestival.com/#san-francisco-salsa-rueda-festival
Cloverdale Citrus Fair: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Feb. 17-20, 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. Enjoy culinary demos and wine tastings, a parade, cabaret performances, talent shows and a Citrus Fair Queen pageant. Check back later in 2023 for updated ticket information. sonomacounty.com/sonoma-events/cloverdale-citrus-fair
Noise Pop Festival: Feb. 20-26, various locations in the Bay Area. The region’s premier independent music and arts festival is celebrating its 30th anniversary by transforming the entire Bay Area into sprawling festival grounds with live concerts, art shows, film screenings, happy hours and secret after-hour parties. Ticket prices vary by event. noisepopfest.com/
Tribal & Textile Arts Show: Feb. 24-26, Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture, 2 Marina Blvd., San Francisco. This leading tribal art fair showcases the arts of tribal cultures and indigenous peoples of the Americas, Asia, Oceania, Polynesia, the Middle East and Africa. Included in the show are more than 80 national and international galleries displaying museum-quality objects and artifacts in visually striking settings. Check back later in 2023 for updated ticket information. objectsofartshows.com/
MARCH
Bay Area Kawaii Fest: 12 to 5 p.m. March 11, Solano County Fairgrounds, 900 Fairgrounds Drive, Vallejo. Enjoy the Bay Area’s second Kawaii Fest, a pink pastel party filled with fun, colorful merch — handcrafted jewelry, soaps, clothing and more — from more than 50 vendors. Tickets go on sale Jan. 7. eventbrite.com/e/bay-area-kawaii-fest-2-early-bird-tickets-available-tickets-469674558247
Sebastopol Documentary Film Festival: March 16-19, various venues in Sebastopol. SDFF brings the best documentaries and filmmakers from around the world to Northern California for an annual celebration of nonfiction films. This festival will present more than 70 films over four days on six screens for a wide audience of documentary film lovers, industry professionals, filmmakers and curious bystanders. $50-$100. sebastopolfilmfestival.org/
Healdsburg St. Patrick’s Day Festival: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 17, Healdsburg Plaza, 112 Matheson St., Healdsburg. Join the Healdsburg community for a fun march down Healdsburg Avenue starting at 7 a.m. at Sanderson Ford (453 Healdsburg Ave), all the way around Healdsburg Plaza and back again. Make sure to wear your festive green attire! After the parade, grab a chair and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Plaza Park with an afternoon of traditional Celtic music and Irish step dancing. Free admission. sonomacounty.com/sonoma-events/healdsburg-st-patricks-day-festivities
Dublin St. Patrick’s Day Celebration: March 18-19, Dublin Civic Center, 100 Civic Plaza, Dublin. In previous years, this celebration typically 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. Free admission. dublin.ca.gov/293/St-Patricks-Day-Celebration
Sonoma International Film Festival: March 22-26, 103 East Napa St., Suite 2A, Sonoma. Join the Sonoma International Film Festival for the perfect blend of independent film, food, wine and fun. $75 and up. sonomafilmfest.org/
California Artisan Cheese Festival: March 24-26, Sonoma County Event Center, 1350 Bennett Valley Rd, Santa Rosa. This celebration brings together lively experts and presenters from the wonderful world of artisan cheese to promote awareness and enjoyment of those delicious products. Check back later in 2023 for updated ticket information. artisancheesefestival.com/
Check back later in 2023 for a complete list of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
APRIL
Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival: April 8-16, 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/
Poppy Jasper International Film Festival: April 12-19, Morgan Hill and Gilroy. This award-winning regional film festival promotes inclusion, diversity and women empowerment through independent film, music and art. This year’s events include film screenings, speaker panels and food. Check back later in 2023 for updated ticket information. pjiff.org/schedule/film-screenings/
International Ocean Film Festival: Apr. 13-16, Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture, 2 Marina Blvd., San Francisco. This educational film festival features films about marine life, coastal cultures and conservation and environmental preservation. Check back later in 2023 for updated ticket information. intloceanfilmfest.org/
San Joaquin Valley Portuguese Festival: April 22, location TBD, San Joaquin. Last year, festivities included a Portuguese parade, folklore performances, a wine and cheese tasting, carnival rides and plenty of Portuguese food and craft vendors and performances on the 51FIFTY Stage throughout the day. Free admission. carlosvieirafoundation.org/events/sjvportuguesefestival.html
Sacramento Grilled Cheese Festival: 1 to 4 p.m. April 29, Southside Park, 2115 Sixth St., Sacramento. This festival offers a grown-up take on a classic with a fabulous grilled cheese, beer and wine tasting event. Enjoy unlimited samples while sipping from your souvenir tasting glass, playing games and enjoying the music of a live DJ. $65-$95. eventbrite.com/e/grilled-cheese-beer-wine-tasting-2023-tickets-466516402117
Pacific Coast Dream Machines Show: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 30, Half Moon Bay Airport, 9850 North Cabrillo Hwy., Half Moon Bay. The 30th 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 for public viewing. The festival also features kids activities, food and drink vendors, and stellar live entertainment. $15-$40. bayareane.ws/3WAJ586
MAY
Bay Area Book Festival: May 6-7, various venues in Downtown Berkeley. 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, check out the literary exhibitors, gourmet food booths and a big children’s activity area at Civic Center Park. Check back later in 2023 for updated ticket information. baybookfest.org/2023info/
Half Moon Bay Wine & Jazz Festival: May 13, Main Street, Half Moon Bay. Enjoy California wine, local eats and nationally-known jazz artists, including a musical tribute to jazz vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson. Check back later in 2023 for updated ticket information. hmbwineandjazzfest.com/
Mill Valley Music Festival: May 13-14, This all-ages outdoor music festival offers festival goers a large and curated assortment of Marin County’s best artisans, a multi-genre mix of diverse national acts and local lights, food and drink vendors, immersive art installations, plus a whole array of family-friendly activities. Check back later in 2023 for updated ticket information. millvalleymusicfest.com/
Art on the Main: May 13-14, North Main Street from Civic Drive to Mt. Diablo Boulevard, Walnut Creek. Last year’s festivities included art festival booths for ceramics, glass, paintings, photography and beautiful leather, plus live music and food and wine booths. Free admission. thewalnutfestival.org/upcoming-events.html
Fremont Burger and Brew Fest: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 20, Capitol Avenue from Liberty Street to State Street, Downtown Fremont. This festival features samples from Bay Area breweries and distilleries, mouthwatering burgers and sliders, gourmet snack vendors, art and craft vendors and live entertainment, including a Burger Throwdown cooking competition. Tasting packages go on sale in the spring. burgerandbrewfest.com/
Livermore Downtown Street Fest: May 20-21, Stockmen’s Park and Bankhead Plaza, Downtown. Browse the festival’s food, wine and craft brew booths, enjoy craft vendors, live entertainment and more. Free admission. livermoredowntown.com/events
California Roots Music and Arts Festival: May 25-28, Monterey County Fairgrounds, 2004 Fairgrounds Road, Monterey. This reggae, roots and hip hop music fest includes music, local food, art installations and more. Ticket and pass prices vary. californiarootsfestival.com/
Bottle Rock: May 26-28, Napa Valley Expo, 575 Third St., Napa. This annual Wine Country music festival features a fabulous lineup of live entertainment, singers and bands — the 2022 lineup of 75 bands, for example, included Metallica, Pink and Luke Combs — as well as gourmet food, wine and beer stalls, a culinary stage, a spa, and a silent disco. Check back later in 2023 for updated ticket information. bottlerocknapavalley.com/
Morgan Hill Mushroom Festival: May 27-28, Morgan Hill. Presented by Morgan Hill Mushroom Mardi Gras, this festival features handicraft booths and gourmet food stalls, as well as live entertainment from strolling musicians and street performers, beer and wine gardens, cooking demonstrations and a mushroom expo. Free admission. mhmmg.org/home
Bay Area KidFest: May 27-29, Downtown Concord. The 32nd annual KidFest 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. $7-$8 admission. kidfestconcord.com/bay-area-kidfest
Carnaval San Francisco: May 28-29, Mission District, San Francisco. At this festival, you can dance some salsa to Latin tunes, enjoy reggae music from Jamaica or soca from the Bahamas. Watch an incredible performance from Mexican Aztec performers, Japanese drummers or Polynesian dancers. Free admission. carnivaland.net/carnaval-san-francisco/
San Ramon Art and Wind Festival: May 28-29, San Ramon Central Park, 12501 Alcosta Blvd., San Ramon. This annual event features fine arts, crafts and specialty food vendors, three entertainment stages with live music and variety entertainers, children’s shows, gourmet food courts, family amusement zones, kite flying demonstrations and a free kite-making workshop. Free admission. sanramon.ca.gov/our_city/departments_and_divisions/parks_community_services/events/art_and_wind_festival
Sazon Latin Food Festival: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. May. 29, Faction Brewing, 2501 Monarch St., Alameda. Try the best Latin food from across the Caribbean, Central and South America, as you enjoy music and, of course, sips. Free admission. eventbrite.com/e/sazon-latin-food-festival-memorial-day-tickets-469256848867?aff=erelexpmlt
JUNE
Festa Coloniale Italiana: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 3, San Francisco. Last year, this celebration of Italian culture, music, food and heritage took place on the 1600 block of Stockton Street and featured kid-friendly arts and crafts, face painting and traditional Italian dance lessons, as well as Italian food and drink vendors. Free admission. sfiacfoundation.com/festa-coloniale-italiana
Redwood Mountain Faire: June 3-4, Felton. Last year’s festivities were held at Roaring Camp, 5355 Graham Hill Road. 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. $20-$65. redwoodmountainfaire.com/
New Playwrights’ Festival: June 4-7, Fess Parker Studio Theatre, 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara. Be the first to experience fantastic new theatrical works written and performed by Santa Clara University students, the bright theatre professionals of the future. $8-$11. scupresents.org/performances/student-spotlight-series-new-playwrights-festival-6
Queer Women of Color Film Festival: June 9-11, 103 Montgomery St., San Francisco. This annual film festival features independent and specially curated films which explore the unique experiences of women of color in the LGBTQ community. Check back later in 2023 for updated ticket information. qwocmap.org/festival/
The Legends of 7th Street Festival: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. June 10, Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, Oakland. This festival honors all the great artists who performed on the world-famous 7th Street music corridor, including blues, jazz and R&B stars such as Lady Day, Billy Holiday, Aretha Franklin, BB King, Etta James and Ike and Tina Turner. Free admission. m.facebook.com/events/frank-h-ogawa-plaza/the-legends-of-7th-street-festival/786309035754791/
Beerfest -The Good One: 1 to 4:30 p.m. June 10, Luther Burbank Center for the Arts, 50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa. More than 50 breweries and cideries will be pouring samples to enjoy. Expect mouth-puckering sour beers, hop bombs, barrel-aged brews, and a wide range of other cool libations that make Northern California one of the best beer-producing regions in the world. $50-65. eventbrite.com/e/beerfest-the-good-one-tickets-484016996867
Sacramento Water Lantern Festival: 5:30 to 10 p.m. June 10, 8556 Gibson Ranch Park Road, Elverta. Come out for a family-friendly day of music, food and fun, complete with the opportunity to design and launch your very own water lantern. $26.98-$55.99. waterlanternfestival.com/sacramento.php
Japanese Culture Fair: June 10, Mission Plaza, 103 Emmet St., Santa Cruz. Previous years’ festivities included booths and entertainment showcasing Japanese culture, arts and crafts. Free admission. jcfsantacruz.org/
Dia de Portugal Festival: June 10, 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/
Country Summer Music Festival: June 16-18, Sonoma County Fairgrounds, Santa Rosa. Last year, Northern California’s biggest country music festival had a lineup of headliners including country greats such as Blake Shelton, Kelsea Ballerini and Chris Young. $279-$1,500. countrysummer.com/
Alameda County Fair: June 16-July 9, 4501 Pleasanton Ave., Pleasanton. The Alameda County Fair returns for 19 days of all your favorite fair fun, plus new rides, shows and food experiences. Check back later in 2023 for updated ticket information. annual.alamedacountyfair.com/
Check back later in 2023 for a complete list of Pride Month celebrations.
JULY
Marin County Fair: Last year’s fair was held in early July at, 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. Enjoy carnival rides, exciting exhibits, spectacular firework displays, first-rate concerts and all kinds of food. $20 admission. fair.marincounty.org/2022
Stanislaus County Fair: July 7-16, 900 N. Broadway, Turlock. Last year’s fair featured carnival rides, animals, live entertainment, local exhibits — including a new Selfie Museum — and such beloved events as the famous Duck Races, Marionette Show and Destruction Derby. Check back later in 2023 for updated ticket information. stancofair.com/
Northern Lights Music Festival: July 14-16, Piercy. Last year’s festival took place at Cooks Valley Campground and featured live music performances, arts and crafts, regional craft brews and wines, a mindful space for yoga and meditation, and organic food offerings. Check back later in 2023 for updated ticket information. northernnights.org/
Festival Napa Valley: July 14-23, venues across Napa Valley. Enjoy music, wine, food and performances spanning all genres, from symphonic concerts to opera, jazz, Broadway, bluegrass and dance with world-class artists performing music from Copland and Bernstein. Check back later in 2023 for updated ticket information. festivalnapavalley.org/attend/save-the-dates/
California State Fair: July 14-30, 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 concerts, a carnival, fireworks and other family fun. Check back later in 2023 for updated ticket information. calexpostatefair.com/
San Francisco Bastille Day Festival: 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. July 15, Embarcadero Plaza, San Francisco. This annual festival celebrates French history and culture with French musicians and artists, Tahitian dance performances, a vintage Citroen car show, a pétanque tournament, a “Course de Garçons de Café” waiters’ race, tours of the San Francisco French Quarter, plus wines and Kronenbourg beer. Free admission. bastilledaysf.org/
ACGA Clay & Glass Festival: July 15-16, Palo Alto Art Center, 1313 Newell Road, Palo Alto. For 29 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/
Amador County Fair: July 27-30, 18621 Sherwood St., Plymouth. Last year’s fair theme was “Around The World In Four Days,” featuring festivities that celebrated California’s living history, plus carnival rides, entertainment and food, too. Check back later in 2023 for updated ticket information. amadorcountyfair.com/
Japanese Summer Festival: July 29-30, Diablo Japanese American Club, 3165 Treat Blvd., Concord. This festival offers cultural performances, exhibits and demonstrations, 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. diablojaclub.com/summer-festival
Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music: July 30-Aug. 13, Santa Cruz. Last year’s festival took place at 147 S. River Street, Suite 232, Santa Cruz, and featured orchestral works with renowned guest artists from across the globe. Check back later in 2023 for updated ticket information. cabrillomusic.org/.
Santa Clara County Fair: Last year’s fair was held in late July at 344 Tully Road, San Jose. The theme was “Get your Ag on,” and emphasized livestock and home art exhibits. Free admission. thefair.org/
Check back later in 2023 for a complete list of July 4 celebrations.
AUGUST
Sonoma County Fair: Aug. 3-13, 1350 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa. Enjoy all your fair favorites including carnival rides, live concerts, food, horse racing, and special contests. Check back later in 2023 for updated ticket information. sonomacountyfair.com/
Fremont Festival of the Arts: 10 a.m.to 6 p.m. Aug. 5-6, Downtown Fremont. Last year’s festival boasted more than 500 arts and crafts booths, Kid City activities, live music and food, and beer and wine stalls. Check back later in 2023 for updated ticket information. fremontfestival.net/
Watsonville Strawberry Festival: Aug. 5-6, Main Street, Downtown Watsonville. Come out for a family-friendly weekend complete with carnival attractions, live entertainment, delicious strawberry treats and local artisans and specialty vendor booths. Free admission. santacruz.org/upcoming-event/28th-annual-watsonville-strawberry-festival/
Outside Lands: Aug. 11-13, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco. This annual outdoor extravaganza celebrates live music as well as Bay Area food, wine, beer and comedy. The 2022 lineup featured artists such as SZA, Green Day, Post Malone and Jack Harlow. Check back later in 2023 for updated ticket information. sfoutsidelands.com/
Laurel Street Fair World Music Festival: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Aug. 12, Laurel District, 4222 MacArthur Blvd., Oakland. Reimagine and recreate Oakland’s beautiful Laurel District as a global celebration of music, cuisine, folkloric arts, artisans, and cuisine. Free admission. visitoakland.com/events/annual-events/laurel-streetfair/
Napa Town and Country Fair: Last year’s fair was held in mid August at 575 Third St., Napa. Enjoy carnival rides, a livestock show and competitive exhibits where artists, craftspeople, farmers and youth can show off their creative expertise. Check back later in 2023 for updated ticket information. napavalleyexpo.com/town-and-country-fair.php
Yolo County Fair: Last year’s fair was held in mid August at 1250 Gum Ave., Woodland. Festivities included crowd favorite activities, a local exhibitor and livestock show. Check back later in 2023 for updated ticket information. yolocountyfair.net/
Scotts Valley Art, Wine and Beer Festival: Aug. 19-20, Skypark, 361 Kings Village Road, Scotts Valley. This festival offers fine art booths, live music and a car show, plus food and drink stalls. Free admission. svartfestival.com/
Palo Alto Festival of the Arts: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 26-27. University Ave., Palo Alto. This festival, hosted by the Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce, attracts more than 300 fine art and contemporary craft displays, 60 Italian street painters and attractions that include a kids art studio, stage and street entertainment, gourmet food, wines and micro-brews. Free admission. paloaltochamber.com/festival-of-the-arts/
Monterey County Fair “Buckaroos and Howdy Do’s!”: Aug. 31-Sept. 4, 2004 Fairground Road, Monterey. Enjoy carnival rides, fair food, live entertainment and concerts, local exhibits and a livestock show and special contests. Check back later in 2023 for updated ticket information. montereycountyfair.com/
Butte County Fair: Last year’s fair was held in late August at 199 East Hazel St., Gridley. The Butte County Fair has been creating feel-good family memories for the last 75 years. Enjoy fair food, fun events and shows. Check back later in 2023 for updated ticket information. buttecountyfair.org/
SEPTEMBER
Lake County Fair: Last year’s fair was held in early September on Martin St., Lakeport. The Lake County Fair will feature all your favorite carnival rides, food, live entertainment and concerts, animals, and special competitions. Check back later in 2023 for updated ticket information. lakecountyfair.com/
Mariposa County Fair: Last year’s fair was held in early September at 5007 Fairgrounds Road, Mariposa. Family fun, agricultural events, displays and demonstrations, live entertainment, a carnival and more provide old-fashioned fun for the young and young-at-heart. Check back later in 2023 for updated ticket information. mariposafair.com/fair
Millbrae Art & Wine Festival: Sept. 2-3, Broadway Avenue between Victoria and Meadow Glen, Millbrae. This vibrant end-of-summer celebration features two days of crowd pleasing live music, hand-crafted work by nearly 300 talented artists and crafters, gourmet food, refreshing ice treats, wine, beer and specialty drinks, a car show, a decked out Kids Zone and more. Free admission. millbrae.com/art-wine-festival/
Gold Country Fair: Sept. 7-10, 1273 High St., Auburn. Last year’s festivities included a Comic Con, Knight Fights, and Darth Vader himself to plays out the fair’s theme, “Where No Fair Has Gone Before.” Check back later in 2023 for updated ticket information. goldcountryfair.com/
Festa Italia: Sept. 8-10, Custom House Plaza, Monterey. Save the date for the 90th Festa Italia, celebrating Monterey’s Italian heritage and cultural traditions. This special festival honors the local fishermen of Monterey with three days of authentic Italian cuisine, great music, dancing, fun and friendship. Free admission. festaitaliamonterey.org/
Mountain View Art & Wine Festival: Sept. 9-10. Last year’s festival was held on Castro Street in Downtown Mountain View and featured arts and crafts, live music, food and wine booths and a children’s park. Free admission. mountainview.miramarevents.com/
Solano Avenue Stroll: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 10, 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 artisans, jewelers, makers and much more. Free admission. solanoavenueassn.org/events/solano-avenue-stroll/
Pittsburg Seafood & Music Festival: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sept. 10-11. Pittsburg Marina, 200 Marina Blvd., Pittsburg. Offerings of this wonderful, family-friendly event include arts and crafts displays, amusement rides, four live entertainment stages, jet ski demos, a beer pavilion featuring NFL football games, a wine pavilion and more. Free admission. pittsburgseafoodandmusicfestival.com/
Santa Cruz County Fair: Sept. 13-17. 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. Check back later in 2023 for updated ticket information. santacruzcountyfair.com
Monterey Jazz Festival: Sept. 22-24, 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. Check back later in 2023 for updated ticket information. montereyjazzfestival.org/
Lafayette Art & Wine Festival: Sept. 23-24, Downtown Lafayette. Last year’s festivities included arts and crafts booths, live entertainment and children’s activities, and food, wine and beer stalls. Free admission. lafayettefestival.com/lafayette-art-wine-festival/
Sonoma County VegFest: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 24, 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 with delicious food, animal art, vegan boutiques, sustainable and eco products and, of course, tons of free samples. Check back later in 2023 for updated ticket information. socovegfest.org/
Hardly Strictly Bluegrass: Sept. 29-Oct. 1, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco. This enormous, free festival features an eclectic lineup of country, soul and folk musicians performing on six outdoor stages at beautiful Golden Gate Park, plus scores of great food and drink vendors. Free admission. hardlystrictlybluegrass.com/
Mendocino County Fair and Apple Show: Last year’s fair was held in late September at Mendocino County Fairgrounds, Boonville. It offered a three-day wonder to showcase Anderson Valley apples and other local produce, in addition to fun carnival rides and games. Check back later in 2023 for updated ticket information. mendocountyfair.com
OCTOBER
Fleet Week San Francisco: Oct. 2-10, 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/
Tiburon Wine Festival: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 6, Point Tiburon Plaza, 1701 Tiburon Blvd., Tiburon. Join the festivities for extraordinary wine, food and live music. With wines from both established and small production wineries, the festival offers a chance to experience new wines and savor old favorites from Napa, Sonoma and as far afield as Italy and Hungary. Check back later in 2023 for updated ticket information. macrostiewinery.com/event/tiburon-wine-festival-2023/
Rebels & Renegades Music Festival: Oct. 6-8, 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. Intimate acoustic pop ups will be scattered throughout the gorgeous grounds, as well as craft beer, wine, cider and spirit bars. Check back later in 2023 for updated ticket information. rebelsandrenegadesfest.com/
Bay Area Kids’ Book Fair: Oct. 8 at Fremont High School and Oct. 9 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
Pacific International Quilt Festival: Oct. 12-15, 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. Check back later in 2023 for updated ticket information. quiltfest.com/upcoming-shows-and-events/pacific-international-quilt-festival/
Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival: Oct. 14-15, Main Street, Half Moon Bay. Enjoy monster pumpkins, live music, a parade, fine art and crafts, fabulous food and drinks, expert pumpkin carvers, a Pumpkin Run, pie-eating and costume contests. Free admission. pumpkinfest.miramarevents.com/
Check back later in 2023 for complete lists of Oktoberfest and Halloween celebrations.
NOVEMBER
New Works Festival: Last year’s festival was held in early November at Montalvo Arts Center in Saratoga. The annual festival typically offers a preview of tomorrow’s theatrical hits with a lineup of new plays and musicals in the early stages of development. Check back later in 2023 for updated ticket information. https://theatreworks.org
San Francisco Coffee Festival: Nov. 11-12, Fort Mason Center Festival Pavilion, 2 Marina Blvd., San Francisco. Enjoy sips from the best specialty roasters and coffee shops featuring distinctive beans, delicious snacks, live entertainment and coffee convo panels during this one-of-a-kind coffee culture experience. Check back later in 2023 for updated ticket information. sfcoffeefestival.com/
Fan Expo SF: Nov. 24-26, 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. Check back later in 2023 for updated ticket information. fanexpohq.com/fanexposanfrancisco/
Napa Valley Film Festival: 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. Check back later in 2023 for updated ticket information. napavalleyfilmfest.org/
DECEMBER
Another Hole in the Head Film Festival: December at various Bay Area venues. The 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. Check back later in 2023 for updated ticket information. ahith.com/
Let’s Glow SF: December in downtown San Francisco. This outdoor holiday light arts festival typically includes 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/events/letsglowsf
The Great Dickens Christmas Fair & Victorian Holiday Party: Weekends through late December at Cow Palace Exhibition Halls in Daly City. Last year’s festival featured a beautifully decorated Victorian park-like setting with a skating rink, holiday beverages, Christmas tree sales, holiday-themed shops, pubs, stages and dance halls. Check back later in 2023 for updated ticket information. dickensfair.com/
Beach Break Film Festival: Last year’s inaugural festival was held in late December at Coastal Repertory Theatre in Half Moon Bay, and showcased filmmaking talent from across California who shared their films with attendees on the beautiful San Mateo coast. Check back later in 2023 for updated ticket information. bbffhmb.org/
Check back later in 2023 for a complete list of holiday celebrations.
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