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FeedHead For The Fairs
The Family-Friendly Guide to Bay Area Summer Festivals and Fun
Festivals, fairs, parades and fireworks abound in California during the month of July, but the other summer months see their fair share of celebrations, too. If you’re looking for family fun close to home, or maybe even considering an overnight trip, here are some suggestions for summer fun.
JUNE
Contra Costa Fair — Antioch
Through June 3
Attend a junior livestock auction, participate in a cookout contest; taste pie, visit quilt and craft exhibits; and attend free concerts by groups like Nathan Owen Motown After Dark and Rockin’ Down the Highway.
12–11 p.m. Fri., 11 a.m.–11 p.m. Sat.–Sun.; $7 adults (13 and over), $5 children 6 through 12, $15 ride wristbands. 1201 W. 10 St., Antioch, (925) 757-4400, www.contracostafair.com/fair
Chocolate & Chalk Art Festival — Berkeley
June 2
Create your own chalk art on assigned sidewalk area, eat chocolate, watch entertainers and visit vendor’s booths. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., free. Gourmet Ghetto area, North Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, (510) 540-6444, www.anotherbullwinkelshow.com
Silicon Valley Duck Race & Festival — San Jose
June 2
Besides entertainment, food and games, the El Camino Hospital Foundation and other partnering organizations will sell 15,000 yellow rubber docks prior to the event to raise money for local nonprofits. These ducks all race in Vasona Creek, and the first five finishers win prizes. Time TBD, ducks start at $5. Vasona Lake Park, 333 Blossom Hill Road, San Jose, (408) 717-0022,
www.siliconvalleyduckrace.org
San Francisco’s Union Street Eco-Urban Festival — San Francisco
June 2–3
Arts and crafts made with recycled and sustainable materials in addition to other crafts, and gourmet food booths. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., free. Union Street from Gough to Steiner, (800) 310-6563, www.unionstreetfestival.com
Sunnyvale Art & Wine Festival — Sunnyvale
June 2–3
More than 400 artists display their creations, Groove Kings perform on Saturday, OTR performs on Sunday, and, of course, there’ll be wine. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., free. Downtown Sunnyvale at Murphy Avenue and surrounding streets, (408) 736-4971, www.svcoc.org.
Portugal Day Festival — San Jose
June 9
Celebrate the culture of Portugal with singing, music, food and a parade. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., free. History Park, 635 Phelan Ave., San Jose, www.diadeportugalca.org
Livermore Rodeo — Livermore
June 9–10
Roping and riding rodeo events. Special family night on June 7 (6 p.m., $1 per person to watch team roping and wild cow milking). Opens at 11 a.m., $12–$20. 3000 Robertson Park Road, Livermore, (925) 447-3008, www.livermorerodeo.org
Live Oak Park Fair
June 9–10
Features the original artwork of 110 artists, food and entertainment. Check website closer to event for more details. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., free. 1301 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, (510) 227-7110, www.liveoakparkfair.com
North Beach Festival — San Francisco
June 16–17
In its 58th year, this year’s festival features more than 125 arts and crafts booths, 20 gourmet food vendors and three stages with live entertainment. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., free. Grant Ave. between Columbus and Filbert and Washington Square Park, San Francisco, (415) 989-2220, www.sresproductions.com/north_beach_festival.html
Northern California Pirate Festival — Vallejo
June 16–17
Fun for all ages. Nautical music, sword fighting, sailing, cannon battles, pirate booty to buy plus food and drink. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., free. Vallejo Waterfront Park, 289 Mare Island Way, Vallejo, (866) 921-9277,
www.norcalpiratefestival.com
Marin Art Festival 2012 — San Rafael
June 16–June 17
An outdoor art festival featuring more than 250 artists from across the country, including Marin’s Kathleen Lipinski as the 2012 Marin Art Festival’s Marin Master Artist. Entertainment includes whimsical stilt walkers, Taiko drumming, live music from popular Bay Area musicians and dance performances. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., $10 adults, free for children 14 and under, free parking. By the Lagoon at the Marin Civic Center Fairgrounds on Civic Center Drive in San Rafael, (415) 388-0151, www.marinartfestival.com
Alameda County Fair — Pleasanton
June 20–July 8
This fair celebrates its 100th year. The downtown Pleasanton Parade returns, a new concert format will be unveiled there will be memorabilia galore on the fair’s 100-year history. Expect pig races, small farm animals, livestock, contests and more, including a free 7 p.m. nightly concert. Hours vary by day, closed on Mondays (see website). Opening day admission $1, rides also $1 opening day; $10 adults, $8 seniors 62+ , $6 children 6–12, free under 6 (pre-fair discount if purchased by June 19). Alameda County Fairgrounds, 4501 Pleasanton Ave., Pleasanton, (925) 426-7600, www.alamedacountyfair.com
Marin County Fair — San Rafael
June 30–July 4
Fair will focus on area’s agricultural legacy, showcase local products and give the essential county fair experience with livestock displays, competitions and fair food. 11 a.m.–11 p.m. daily, admission TBD, 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael, www.marinfair.org
JULY
Fourth of July Jumpin’ & Jivin’ Jubilee — Alameda
July 4
Games, jump houses, tattoos, food available for purchase along with Alameda Municipal Power celebrating its 125th anniversary with the Miniature World of AMP’s Energy Resources and commemorative ice cream by Tucker’s.
Noon–4 p.m., $10 for all-inclusive wristband for youth 5 years and up. Rittler Park (Otis Drive and Grand Street), Alameda, (510) 747-4700, www.cityofalamedaca.gov
City of Alameda Mayor’s Fourth of July Parade — Alameda
July 4
Nation’s second largest and longest Independence Day parade features equestrians, dance troops, floats, antique cars and a wide variety of musical bands all traveling along a 3-mile route. Begins at 10 a.m., free. Starts at Lincoln Avenue and Park Street, follows Park to Otis Drive, goes along Otis to Grand Avenue and then follows Central Avenue. www.myalamedaparade.com
El Cerrito Fourth of July Celebration
July 4
Enjoy entertainment by Calafia, PC Muñnoz, Gamelan Sekar Jaya, Elijah Rock and others; children’s area with carnival games, inflatables and rides; arts and crafts; El Cerrito Art Association Art Show & Sale; tasty food.
10 a.m.–7 p.m., free. Cerrito Vista Park, 950 Pomona Ave., El Cerrito, (510) 559-7000, www.el-cerrito.org
Redwood City Fourth of July Celebration — Redwood City
July 4
Parade, arts and crafts booths, food, kids area with jump house and Skates the Clown, Redwood City firefighters’ pancake breakfast and more. 9 a.m.–5 p.m., free. Courthouse Square, 2200 Broadway St., Redwood City, (650) 365-1825, www.parade.org
Fourth of July Celebration at Pier 39 — San Francisco
July 4
Live bands play all day until the fireworks display over San Francisco Bay at 9:30 p.m. 12 p.m.–9:30 p.m., free. Pier 39’s Entrance Plaza, San Francisco, (415) 705-5500, www.pier39.com
Fillmore Street Jazz Festival — San Francisco
July 7–8
Live music on multiple stages plus more than eight blocks of fine arts, crafts, gourmet food and beverages. Usually draws 90,000 visitors. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., free. Jackson and Eddy Streets, San Francisco, (510) 970-3217, www.fillmorejazzfestival.com
California State Fair — Sacramento
July 12–19
Concerts, games, rides, demonstrations, sporting events, competitions, wine, beer and food on a stick. The 2012 theme is “Fun that moves you.” 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Mon.–Thu., 10 a.m.–10 p.m. Fri.–Sun.; $29.99 season pass, ) $12 adults (12 and older), $8 youth (5 to12), free under 4, $28 unlimited ride wristband, $10 parking. 1600 Exposition Blvd., Sacramento, (916) 263-FAIR, www.bigfun.org
Cornfest in Brentwood — Brentwood
July 13–15
Friday night fireworks, music on two stages, petting zoo, jump houses, games, carnival attractions, beer and wine gardens plus more than 300 arts and crafts vendors. 3 p.m.–10 p.m. Fri., 10:30 a.m.–10 p.m. Sat., 10:30 a.m.–6 p.m. Sun.; $10 adults, $5 youth and seniors, free age 5 and under. Sand Creek and Brentwood Blvd., (925) 634-3344, www.brentwoodcornfest.org
Los Altos Art & Wine Festival — Los Altos
July 14–15
Thai, Chinese and American food, arts and crafts, free concerts from Sage, The Cocktail Monkeys, The House Rockers and more. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., free admission. Main and State streets, Los Altos, (650) 949-5282, www.downtownlosaltos.org
Connoisseurs’ Marketplace — Menlo Park
July 21–22
Live jazz, rhythm & blues, rock ’n’ roll, health and wellness displays, chef demonstrations, kid’s fun and a collector car showcase. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., free. Santa Cruz Ave. between El Camino Real and Johnson St. (downtown), Menlo Park, (650) 325-2818, www.miramarevents.com
Gilroy Garlic Festival — Gilory
July 27–29
Admission includes parking, cooking demonstrations, musical entertainment and a children’s play area. Guests purchase full-size servings of good from the vendors at a cost of $2–$12. 10 a.m.–7 p.m., $17 adults, $8 children (6-12), free under 6. Christmas Hill Park, 7050 Miller Ave., Gilroy, (408) 842-1625, www.gilroygarlicfestival.com
Berkeley Kite Festival — Berkeley
July 28–29
Kite making, kite flying lessons, kites bigger than a house and longer than a train, food, music, arts, crafts, team kite ballet and special guests including Sode Cho Kite Team of Hamamatsu Japan and Brian Champie’s King of the Hill Gang make this a must-see for all kite aficionados or those who’d like to be. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., free. Cesar E. Chavez Park at the Berkeley Marina, (510) 235-5483, www.highlinekites.com
Park Street Art & Wine Faire — Alameda
July 28–29
Enjoy live music on two stages, more than 250 arts and crafts booths, food and a kids’ area with a bounce house and petting zoo at the 28th annual fair. Park Street merchants will be open for business with specials. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., free. On Park between Encinal and Buena Vista avenues, Alameda, (510) 523-1392, www.shopparkstreet.com
AUGUST
Santa Clara County Fair — San Jose
Aug. 2–5
Student art show, talent and performing competition, photo contests, mutt contest and livestock displays. Hours TBD, admission TBD. Santa Clara County Fairgrounds, 344 Tully Road, San Jose, (408) 494-3247, www.thefair.org
Art & Soul Oakland
Aug. 4–5
Two art- and music-packed days offer jazz, rock, gospel, punk, honky-tonk and much more performed by national recording artists plus top local talent. Hundreds of artisan booths, gourmet global cuisine, mobile food trucks, kids’ rides, costumed characters, art installations and much more fun awaits at the 12th Annual Art & Soul Oakland. 2 p.m.–midnight Sat., noon–4 p.m. Sun.; advance online $10 adults, $5 youth (13–17); at the gate $15 adults,
$8 youth, 12 and under free. 1 Frank Ogawa Plaza (14th and Broadway), Oakland, (510) 444-2489, www.artandsouloakland.com
Fremont Festival of the Arts — Fremont
Aug. 4–5
With 700+ artisan booths; a Kid City that includes amusements, rides and entertainment; music on two stages; and a Gourmet Marketplace where each vendor produces their own specialties, the entire family should be able to find an enjoyable activity. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., free. Between Mowry Ave and Walnut Ave., Fremont, (510) 795-2244, www.fremontfestival.net
Nihonmachi Street Fair — San Francisco
Aug. 4–5
Musical performances, dancing, kids test their skills with fun games, artisans and comfort food for all. 11 a.m.–6 p.m., free. On Post Street between Laguna and Fillmore Streets, San Francisco, (415) 771-9861, www.nihonmachistreetfair.org
Watsonville Strawberry Festival at Monterey Bay — Watsonville
Aug. 4–5
Food, strawberry pie-eating contest, entertainment, carnival rides, arts and crafts. 10 a.m.–7 p.m., free. Around City Plaza on Main, Peck and Union Streets, Watsonville, www.mbsf.com
Burlingame ArtzFest — Burlingame
Aug. 11–12
Musicians, artists, a home and garden display, gourmet foods and a children’s area make this an appealing weekend experience for the entire family. Times TBD, free admission. Burlingame Avenue Area, (650) 344-1735, www.burlingamechamber.org/artzfest
Los Gatos Fiesta de Artes — Los Gatos
Aug. 13–14
Art, wine, kid’s activities like a jump house, snow cones and more and fifties music by The Sparkletones, rock by Rock Solid and The Houserockers and much more entertainment. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., free. Civic Center grounds, Main Street, Los Gatos, www.lgfiesta.com
Zucchini Fest — Hayward
Aug. 18–19
Kids town with rides, crafts booths, live music and zucchini every which way including in quiche, relish and ice cream. 10 a.m.–8 p.m., free. Kennedy Park, 19501 Hesperian Blvd., Hayward, (510) 278-2079, www.haywardzucchini.org
Italian Family Festa — San Jose
Aug. 25–26
Share a day with family experiencing authentic Italian food, live entertainment, arts and crafts merchants and Bocce ball. 11 a.m.–8:30 p.m. Sat., 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Sun., free. Guadalupe River Park, 438 Coleman Ave., San Jose,
www.iahfsj.org
SEPTEMBER
Ghirardelli Square Chocolate Festival — San Francisco
Sept. 8–9
Live music, chef demonstrations, ice cream eating contest and samplings for dessert companies and Ghirardelli Chocolate. 12–5 p.m., $20 buys 15 samples. Ghirardelli Square, 900 North Point St., San Francisco, (415) 775-5500, www.ghirardellisqu.com
EcoFair Marin — San Rafael
Sept. 9
Speakers, exhibitors, music and activities all celebrating Marin’s leadership in sustainability. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., $5 adults, free children under 17. Marin County Fairgrounds, Lagoon Park, Civic Center Drive, San Rafael, (415) 519-5565, www.ecofairmarin.org
Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival — Mill Valley
Sept. 15–16
Fine art work, musical entertainment, hands-on crafts for kids and puppet shows all take place in the beautiful Redwoods. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., $10 adults, $5 students, free children under 12. Old Mill Park, 300 Throckmorton Ave.,
Mill Valley, (415) 381-8090, www.mvfaf.org
“Art in Nature” Festival in the Woods — Oakland
Sept. 23
Discover 200 artists and performers tucked in the trees and meadows along the mile-long Stream Trail. Festival is bicycle, dog and family friendly. 11 a.m.–5 p.m., free. Redwood Regional Park, 7867 Redwood Road, Oakland, www.artinnaturefestival.org
