Mountain View Arts and Wine Festival, September 10-11, 2011

Mountain View is home to many Silicon Valley titans, AOL and Google foremost among them. A six-block stretch of main road called Castro Street houses most of Mountain View's cultural life, and in September, the bustling street hosts the Mountain View Art and Wine Festival. The festival, which started in 1971, boasts more than 650 aspiring and established artists from all across the country. Perhaps more than any other festival, the Mountain View Arts and Wine Festival has a particular emphasis on the arts. The other attractions common to most art festivals--live music, food, wine--take a backseat to the art. With all the art of a reputable San Francisco gallery but none of the pretension, Mountain View's festival is a boozy, entertaining way to get introduced to new artists. The festival is free and runs in September, a beautiful month to be in Mountain View when the healthy sun spills generously upon the tree-lined sidewalks.

It’s a festival like no other. An authentic and moveable feast for the senses. The cool, vibrant, multicultural Castro Street vibe. Exceptional handcrafted work by 600 of America's top artists and craftmakers. Stellar live music on stage and street throughout downtown. Fabulous food and drink. The new Comcast Pigskin Party Lounge with giant screen TV. Home and garden exhibits. Health and wellness displays. An organic and green products showcase. A special remembrance ceremony to honor the heroes from 9/11. Tons of fun and games for kids. An affordable, sun-splashed, memorable, leisure-filled weekend. There’s even a convenient booth to pay for drink tickets, glasses and t-shirts with credit cards! If all that sounds good to you, head to downtown Mountain View for the 40th Annual Art & Wine Festival, September 10-11. Considered one of America's top art festivals, huge throngs of art lovers are expected to pour into Silicon Valley's epicenter for this “Cultural Community Celebration” presented by the Chamber of Commerce Mountain View. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days. Admission is free. Read More...