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California Food Festival Events - Event Festivals California
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California Food Festival Events are some of the most
popular event attractions for tourists and travelers in California.
Since California is one of the top producers of many fruits, vegetables
and foods such as beef and milk, it's no surprise that there are
hundreds of festival events celebrating one of our favorite activities,
dining. Wine, strawberries, avocados, lemons, artichokes, garlic,
mandarin, dates and other foods are the focus of events that normally
run several days. Usually tied to the crop harvest, they are celebrated
with food sales, samples, game booths, products, cooking contests and
carnival rides, sometimes. The most popular festivals in
California are wine celebrations, tastings and events. Strawberries are
celebrated in several cities, and chocolate is gaining in popularity as
a favored food. The tastes of the hungry public don't change
drastically. Some of the food events have been held for decades. It was
said that famed actress Marilyn Monroe launched her career at the
Castroville Artichoke Festival. These hometown events can attract
visitors from around the globe who share a passion for foods and wine.
While most seem very localized and cling to the small-town atmosphere,
some have become huge events requiring year-long planning.
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California Food Festivals & Events
Also see:
CALIFORNIA EVENTS
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November |
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AUBURN - Auburn Mountain Mandarin Festival
- The sweet and tangy citrus scent of Mandarin oranges permeates the crisp
November air during the two-day Mountain Mandarin Festival held at the Gold
Country Fairgrounds in Auburn, California. Food vendors serve up mandarin
infused drinks, salads, grilled meats, ice-creams, marinades and syrups.
Hand-crafted items are also for sale just in time for holiday giving and home
trimming at more than 150 booths. Cooking demonstrations, amateur cooks who
bring their prepared dish to be judged, free crafts and contests for children,
live music and dance on the Mandarin Main Stage, and a Thanksgiving centerpiece
contest on Sunday. contests center around mandarins, including Peel and Eat
races, a Mandarin Toss, Mandarin Limbo and Mandarin Bowling. Admission to the
Mountain Mandarin Festival is free, parking is $4. Hours for both days are 9 –
4. For more information visit www.mandarinfestival.com or call 916 663-1918. |
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FERNDALE
- Community Thanksgiving Service.
Members of
Ferndale's six churches join together to give thanks in an ecumenical service at
Assumption Church, 10 a.m. 707-786-9551. |
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YERMO - Heritage Fest (Thanksgiving
Weekend) Old West Cowboy Encampment and Old Fashion Chuck Wagon. . Living
History Displays and Demonstrations. Daily admission: Adults $8, Youth $5;
Children Free. Call: (800) TO-CALICO. www.calicotown.com |
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November |
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REDDING - Saloon Night at Turtle Bay
Museum - A charming night of old fashioned western fun celebrating the opening
of a new history exhibition Pleasurable Pastimes. Enjoy delicious food, a
no-host bar, music, casino tables, and many surprises. Come in western attire
and be eligible to win door prizes. Advance Tickets are $35 available at the
Museum Store or $40 at the door. For more information call 530-242-3159. |
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November |
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OAK GLEN - Butter Festival at Los Rios
Rancho. Riley’s at Los Rios Rancho, in the beautiful hills of Oak Glen above
Yucaipa, presents the second annual Apple Butter Festival Thanksgiving weekend.
The festival is free to the public and includes a hands-on demonstration of
apple butter making the old-time way, outdoor pioneer games, music, carriage
rides, and more. Saturday’s events include the “Lighting of the Ranch” at dusk,
when the giant pines at the entrance will be illuminated to welcome in the
Christmas season. Guests are invited to make apple garlands and popcorn strings
to help deck out the ranch for the holidays. An old-fashioned hoedown (tickets
required) Saturday night will feature music by the Riley's Mountaineer Band.
Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Los Rios Rancho is located at 39611 S. Oak Glen
Road, Oak Glen. Take the Yucaipa Blvd. exit from I.S. 10; turn left on Oak Glen
Road and follow the signs near the crest of the hill to Riley's at Los Rios
Rancho. For information, or to purchase hoedown tickets, call (909) 797-1005.
www.losriosrancho.com |
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December |
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OAK GLEN (Yucaipa) - Hometown
Jamborees at Los Rios Rancho. Riley’s at Los Rios Rancho, in the beautiful apple
orchards of Oak Glen above Yucaipa, will be hosting several Hometown Jamborees
on Saturday evenings throughout the 2005-2006 seasons. These events showcase the
traditional music of the Riley’s Mountaineer Band in a relaxed country
atmosphere full of food and fun. The Jamboree includes a supper of BBQ chicken
or beef (menus will vary) and all the trimmings, served up family style.
Families can eat a hearty meal and enjoy a hand-clapping, knee-slapping,
toe-tapping good time as the Riley’s Mountaineers pick and fiddle some of their
favorite old-time tunes. Time: 6 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for
children 12 and under. For information, or to purchase tickets, call (909)
797-1005. Los Rios Rancho is located at 39611 S. Oak Glen Road, Oak Glen. Take
the Yucaipa Blvd. exit from I.S. 10; turn left on Oak Glen Road and follow the
signs near the crest of the hill to Riley’s at Los Rios Rancho.
www.losriosrancho.com |
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December |
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SANTA MARIA - Christmas in the Wine Caves
- Cottonwood Canyon will fete guests with delicious fare by Sheila Holenda of
Cat Canyon Catering, classical entertainment by the Righetti Madrigals and, of
course, plenty of great wine. Guests are encouraged to dress for a party, but
don’t forget wraps and jackets as temperatures are cool and crisp in this
dramatic setting located at 3940 Dominion Road in Santa Maria. From 5 p.m. to 9
p.m., Space is limited and reservations are required by Wednesday, November 23.
Please call (805) 937-8463 or email cottonwoodevents@earthlink.net |
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December |
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ARROYO
GRANDE - A Very Merry-Achi Christmas The Clark Center. Jose
Hernandez with Mariachi Sol de Mexico is back and ready to be festive with
classic Mexican tradition; Feliz Navidad! The Clark Center for the Performing
Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande, CA Phone: 805-489-9444 website:
www.clarkcenter.org
HEALDSBURG - Downtown Santa Parade, Noon,
Downtown Healdsburg. 707-433-6935/1-800-648-9922
VENTURA - Holiday Street Festival -
This event which raises products and money for US Marines Toys for Tots
includes over 300 artisans and fine artists, food vendors and free entertainment
throughout the fair plus Santa Claus at the Midtown Community Council booth.
Admission is free. Time: 10-4pm. Location: Main Street, Downtown. venturastreetfair.com |
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Dec. |
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AVALON Annual New Year's Eve Celebration at the
Casino Ballroom. Dance in the New Year in the world famous Casino Ballroom.
Catalina Island Chamber of
Commerce (310) 510-1520, or visit www.CatalinaChamber.com |
CARLSBAD -
Kids' New Year's Eve at Legoland,
New Year's Eve fun for children at Legoland begins with a 3pm party with fun
entertainment in Miniland. Features a concert with special guests at 4pm and a
5pm year-in-revue. Then, at kids' midnight (6pm to the rest of us) there will be
a 22-foot-tall "brick drop" and a spectacular fireworks show with special
fireworks viewing glasses. 760-918-LEGO; www.legoland.com
ESCONDIDO -
Annual Welk Resort Theatre Musical Christmas
Welk Resort Theatre presents popular and exciting musical comedies and revues at
their theater in Escondido. Matinee and dinners shows available as well as
evening performances. The 2004 schedule includes many favorites including the
10th Annual Welk Musical Christmas from Nov 11 to Dec 31, 2004. Tickets and
information: 760-749-3000 or 800-932-9355
LOG BEACH -
New Year's Eve
Reggae Boat Party with Fireworks. Location: 140 Marina Drive, Long Beach,
California. Call for information: (562) 799-7000.
LONG BEACH - Queen Mary Ship - New Year's
Eve Celebration with Live Bands and Fireworks. Includes hot hors' d' oeuvres,
parking, party favors and a spectacular midnight fireworks show. Tickets for the
celebration will be on sale at
ticketmaster. Guests must be at least 21 years of age. Included in the
ticket price are 8 separate live musical and entertainment venues. Guests can
dance from party to party while enjoying a variety of music. Party favors
including hats and noisemakers will be available, as well as midnight balloon
drops and a spectacular fireworks display at 12:20 a.m. Cost: TBD Call: (562) 435-3511. Location: 1126 Queens Highway, Long Beach,
California.
SAN DIEGO - First Night San Diego Celebration: Alcohol free event, from
6pm-1am, for the entire family. Features food, entertainment, dancing &
fireworks at midnight. Embarcadero Marina Park North, downtown San Diego. (619)
296-8731 |
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January |
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OAK GLEN (Yucaipa) -
Hometown Jamborees at Los Rios Rancho. Riley’s at Los Rios Rancho, in the
beautiful apple orchards of Oak Glen above Yucaipa, will be hosting several
Hometown Jamborees on Saturday evenings throughout the 2005-2006 seasons. These
events showcase the traditional music of the Riley’s Mountaineer Band in a
relaxed country atmosphere full of food and fun. losriosrancho.com |
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February |
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BELMONT SHORE
- Chocolate Festival: Incorporating the love for chocolate and Valentine’s
Day in a celebration of chocolate. Over 25 restaurants and 30 retail stores
offer up their favorite concoctions. Chocolate lovers purchase tickets and
stroll down 2nd street tasting chocolate from all over the world. This event
even has a “Homemade Chocolate Dessert Contest” with about 40 entries plus a
chocolate pie-eating contest for kids! Sponsored by the Belmont Shore
Association.
OAK GLEN (Yucaipa) - Hometown Jamborees at Los Rios Rancho. Riley’s
at Los Rios Rancho. losriosrancho.com |
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February |
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MONTEREY -
Wine Passport Weekend sponsored by Monterey County Vintners & Growers
Association. Explore the wineries of Monterey County! You’ll be ready to
navigate the region with a ‘passport’ that entitles you to wine tastings,
entertainment, special offers and great prizes. The Monterey Wine Auction & Gala benefits charitable organizations and scholarship programs.
Call: (831) 375-9400. www.montereywines.org |
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Feb. |
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SAN DIEGO -
Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp Quarter.
The celebration of "Fat Tuesday", from 5pm -1am, features a Mardi Gras
type parade on Fifth Avenue in the Gaslamp Quarter and a fabulous block party
featuring several stages with live music acts. The event goes on rain or shine
in the Gaslamp Quarter. Ticketed event: ages 21+. Call: 619-233-5008 or
www.gaslamp.org |
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March |
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OAK GLEN (Yucaipa) - Hometown
Jamborees at Los Rios Rancho. Riley’s at Los Rios Rancho, in the beautiful apple
orchards of Oak Glen above Yucaipa, will be hosting several Hometown Jamborees
on Saturday evenings throughout the seasons. These events showcase the
traditional music of the Riley’s Mountaineer Band in a relaxed country
atmosphere full of food and fun. The Jamboree includes a supper of BBQ chicken
or beef (menus will vary) and all the trimmings, served up family style.
Families can eat a hearty meal and enjoy a hand-clapping, knee-slapping,
toe-tapping good time as the Riley’s Mountaineers pick and fiddle some of their
favorite old-time tunes. Time: 6 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for
children 12 and under. For information, or to purchase tickets, call (909)
797-1005. Los Rios Rancho is located at 39611 S. Oak Glen Road, Oak Glen. Take
the Yucaipa Blvd. exit from I.S. 10; turn left on Oak Glen Road and follow the
signs near the crest of the hill to Riley’s at Los Rios Rancho.
www.losriosrancho.com
RUSSIAN RIVER - Crab and Fennel Festival -
The Russian River Valley Winegrowers Crab & Fennel Fest gives guests a chance to
roll up their shirt sleeves, crack fresh, local Dungeness crab, quaff Russian
River Valley wine and experience culinary creations of fennel made by local
chefs in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. The event will
be held in tandem with the Russian River Wine Road's Barrel Tasting Weekend, in
2006. www.rrvw.org |
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April |
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OAK GLEN (Yucaipa) - Hometown
Jamborees at Los Rios Rancho. Riley’s at Los Rios Rancho, in the beautiful apple
orchards of Oak Glen above Yucaipa, will be hosting several Hometown Jamborees
on Saturday evenings throughout the 2005-2006 seasons. These events showcase the
traditional music of the Riley’s Mountaineer Band in a relaxed country
atmosphere full of food and fun. The Jamboree includes a supper of BBQ chicken
or beef (menus will vary) and all the trimmings, served up family style.
Families can eat a hearty meal and enjoy a hand-clapping, knee-slapping,
toe-tapping good time as the Riley’s Mountaineers pick and fiddle some of their
favorite old-time tunes. Time: 6 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for
children 12 and under. For information, or to purchase tickets, call (909)
797-1005. Los Rios Rancho is located at 39611 S. Oak Glen Road, Oak Glen. Take
the Yucaipa Blvd. exit from I.S. 10; turn left on Oak Glen Road and follow the
signs near the crest of the hill to Riley’s at Los Rios Rancho.
www.losriosrancho.com |
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May |
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CONCORD - Chocolate Extravaganza - Stroll
through the atrium of a swanky hotel sampling chocolate from local and national
chocolate vendors, such as Main Street Chocolate. Crowne Plaza Hotel, 45 John
Glenn Dr. at Concord Avenue, Concord, Ca . Schedule: 1–5 p.m.
Cost: $25. Primary Phone: (925) 685-1181 Information and tickets.
www.concordchamber.com |
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April |
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SANTA MARIA - Strawberry Festival.
Food, fun, rides. http://santamariafairpark.com
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Santa
Maria Hotels
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May |
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ARROYO GRANDE -
Annual Strawberry Festival is an extremely popular festival. Arts & Crafts. Food
& Games. Ten entertainment areas with continuous entertainment. Strawberry
Treats of every variety. (Hotel reservations recommended during this busy
weekend. Time: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Location: Downtown Arroyo Grande. Admission:
Free. Phone: 805-473-2250.
MORGAN HILL - Annual Mushroom Mardi
Gras. The Morgan Hill Mushroom Mardi Gras is a great family fun-filled festival
including arts & crafts, gourmet food, entertainment, strolling musicians and
street performers, Mardi Gras Parade and Stage Show daily, Munchkinland for the
Kids including rides, games and kids entertainment, Antique Auto Row, Wine Tent
and Beer Garden and much, much more!
10am - 6pm each day, Free Admission at Downtown Morgan Hill on Monterey between
Main & Dunne Avenues. www.mhmushroommardigras.com Contact: Sunday Minnich, Event
Director at 408-778-1786 or mmgf@mhmushroommardigras.com |
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July |
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OAK GLEN (Yucaipa) - Hometown
Jamborees at Los Rios Rancho. Riley’s at Los Rios Rancho, in the beautiful apple
orchards of Oak Glen above Yucaipa, will be hosting several Hometown Jamborees
on Saturday evenings throughout the seasons. These events showcase the
traditional music of the Riley’s Mountaineer Band in a relaxed country
atmosphere full of food and fun. The Jamboree includes a supper of BBQ chicken
or beef (menus will vary) and all the trimmings, served up family style.
Families can eat a hearty meal and enjoy a hand-clapping, knee-slapping,
toe-tapping good time as the Riley’s Mountaineers pick and fiddle some of their
favorite old-time tunes. Time: 6 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for
children 12 and under. For information, or to purchase tickets, call (909)
797-1005. Los Rios Rancho is located at 39611 S. Oak Glen Road, Oak Glen. Take
the Yucaipa Blvd. exit from I.S. 10; turn left on Oak Glen Road and follow the
signs near the crest of the hill to Riley’s at Los Rios Rancho.
www.losriosrancho.com |
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August |
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MONTEREY -
Annual Winemakers' Celebration sponsored by Monterey County Vintners &
Growers Association. Over 40 Monterey County wineries will pour new releases and
special wines in Monterey's historic Custom House Plaza. This outdoor festival
showcases the best of Monterey and also features educational seminars, barrel
building, live music and silent auction. Call: (831) 375-9400.
montereywines.org
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