Santa Clara County Fair 2015, July 30th - Aug 2nd, 2015

 

 

Join your community at the Santa Clara County Fair for the best value-for-money, fun-filled, family days out in Silicon Valley. July 30th - August 2nd.
Carnival; Kids’ Zone; Karaoke: entertainment - music, magic, and more; Demo Derby on Saturday; Roller Derby on Sunday. Country star Austin Webb in concert Thursday night. Hear and see your friends and neighbors perform on the Community Stage. Sea lions. Farm animals. Cooking demonstrations. Fair food. Competitive exhibits. Junior Auction on Sunday. Fun for all the family.

For more information see www.thefair.org

Cost: Payment required - General admission $8; Youth/Seniors $5.

Print Page

San Jose Renaissance Faire, Aug 1-2, 2015

Experience The Magic & The Merriment

Renaissance Productions presents 5th Annual San Jose Renaissance Faire. Taking place at Discovery Meadow (next to the Children's Discovery Museum) there will be shopping, arts & crafts, 100's of costumed performers and activities for all ages.

Print Page

Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival - October 18-19, 2014

World Pumpkin Capital Celebrates The Great Gourd
October 18–19, 2014 * 9am to 5pm
Main Street, Half Moon Bay, California

Saturday, October 18
7 a.m.	Pancake Breakfast, Mac Dutra Park, Main St. @ Kelly Ave.
9 a.m.	Festival Opens
10 a.m.	Costume Contest, HMB Library Parking Lot, 620 Correas St.
12 noon	Great Pumpkin Parade
2 p.m.	Pie Eating Contest (age 11 and under), Bank of America lot
2:15 p.m.	Pie Eating Contest (age 12 and over), Bank of America lot
5 p.m.	Festival Closes
Sunday, October 19
7 a.m.	Pancake Breakfast, Mac Dutra Park, Main St. @ Kelly Ave.
8 a.m.	Pumpkin Run/Walk on Coastside Trail 5K Run + "Enhanced" 5K Run, 5K Walk, & Kids Fun Run Starts at Hatch School (Kelly Ave. @ Hwy. 1) Run Info-line: 650-712-7322 or www.seniorcoastsiders.org
9 a.m.	Festival Opens
10 a.m.	Pumpkin Carving for Fun (not a contest), Bank of America lot
2 p.m.	Pie Eating Contest (age 11 and under), Bank of America lot
2:15 p.m.	Pie Eating Contest (age 12 and over), Bank of America lot
5 p.m.	Festival Closes
Admission is free No Pets Please Info-Line: 650-726-9652 Facebook: www.facebook.com/HalfMoonBayPumpkinFestival Twitter: www.twitter.com/HMBPumpkinFest

Print Page

36th Annual Gilroy Garlic Festival July 25, 26 & 27, 2014

Garlic Festival print-at-home tickets are $2 off the regular price and speed you to the entrance gate, avoiding the ticket lines. You can securely purchase these tickets with VISA, MasterCard, American Express or Discover.

Full price tickets available at the door.
Active Military with ID save $2.00 at the gate.

Free Parking – Free Shuttle Service – Free Bicycle Parking

Print Page

Sonoma County’s Premiere BBQ Event, July 12, 2014

Sonoma Mountain Village
1300 Valley House Drive
Rohnert Park, California  94928

We have added some of our own Wine Country twists to the KCBS competition – the “Winery Big Beef Challenge”.   See who is King of the Grill as winery and vineyard chefs go fork to fork competing for the coveted People’s Choice award for the best tri-tip and the wines that best complement.
The “Bold Bean Challenge” has teams lighting their fires and showing off their skills on the grill preparing the perfect side dish to accompany great barbecue.
Wine Country Big Q is sure to satisfy anyone’s appetite for great barbecue, world class wine and beer, live entertainment with some fired up friendly competition.

Over $8,300 in cash and prizes!Wine Country Big Q

Saturday July 12, 2014

1 pm to 5 pm

Join us at the fourth annual Wine Country Big Q Kansas City Barbecue Society (KCBS) nationally sanctioned competition at our NEW location, Sonoma Mountain Village in Rohnert Park, California.  Everyone loves barbecue and some of the best Pit Masters will be here to serve you up a slice.   Sample great “authentic” barbecued meats, world class wines, award-winning brews while enjoying great rock and blues music.   Bring all of your senses to life as you wander amongst the teams see, smell and taste mouthwatering barbecue. What is your favorite flavor? Sweet, savory, spicy…. YOU be the judge!
Print Page

Castroville Artichoke Food & Wine Festival, May 31 - June 1, 2014

Artichoke Festival

Monterey County Fair and Event Center
Saturday 10-9, Sunday 10-7
May 31 & June 1, 2014 Castroville, CA 
Hours
Saturday 10:00am – 9:00pm
Sunday 11:00am – 7:00pm
Tickets – on sale at the Door
$10 – Adults
$5 – Active Military, Seniors and Children (4-12)
Free – Children 3 and under

• AGRO ART Competition: AGRO art is 3-dimensional fruit and vegetable artwork. This quirky competition fosters imagination, creativity and fun for both participants and the viewing public.
• PARADE: Our sanctioned parade is one of the largest and most colorful of its kind.
• MUSICAL ENTERTAINMENT: Two days of live music! Everything from Swing to Mariachi, Country to 50′s Rock & Roll.
• CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES: Games, face paints, clowns, stilt walkers, puppets and more!
• FOOD: Artichokes fried, sauteed, grilled, marinated, pickled, fresh, and creamed in soup. Plus foods from the many ethnic groups that give this area its character.
• COOKING DEMOS: The area’s finest showcase the versatility and unique techniques for preparing and using artichokes.
• WINE TASTING: Sample the best from the area’s award winning producers.
• ARTS & CRAFTS: Unique gifts and apparel crafted by artisans from throughout the country. Plus artichoke souvenirs galore!
• FARMERS MARKET: Artichokes and more, fresh from the heart of the salad bowl.
• FIELD TOURS: Hop a bus to the artichoke patch for grower talks and photo ops.
Please No Pets
The Castroville Artichoke Festival is presented by the North Monterey County Chamber of Commerce.

Print Page

Sunnyvale Farmers' Market, Sunnyvale Ca, Saturdays

Location:
DOWNTOWN SUNNYVALE, Murphy Avenue @ Washington
(Map)
Open:
Saturdays
9am to 1pm
Year 'Round

• Use the market as a place to plan your meal. Go to the market, and get inspired. Learn to shop and eat "seasonally." Produce harvested and picked vine or tree ripened always taste better and will enhance any meal.
• Talk to the producer. Get invaluable information on even the most common fruits and vegetables.
• Buy a new item every once in a while. Ask the person next to you or the producer to give you some ideas on how to use it. Or trust your intuition and take it home, taste it raw, steam, roast, grill or stir-fry whatever is in season. This is one of the keys to creative cooking.
• Get the kids involved. Give them a few dollars and let them buy whatever produce they want and will eat. It's a great way to make them responsible rather than you for eating fruits and vegetables.
• Take your favorite basket or cloth bag. It's sustainable and environmentally friendly.
• Recycle your plastic bags. After each market, tuck them back into your market basket. Again, it's an environmentally friendly thing to do.
• Use your senses to find the best items. Smell, touch (gently) and taste.
• Bring a friend to the market. Turn someone else on to the rich satisfaction that can be found through the food and community at the Farmers' Market.

If you are not one of the many "Farmers' Market Faithful" that come out weekly to socialize with good neighbors, enjoy great music, experience the bounty of California's finest food or plain old people-watching... you're missing out on some good old fashioned fun!

Santa Clara Farmers' Market, Santa Clara Ca

Location:
Jackson Street
at Homestead Rd
Santa Clara, Santa Clara County (Map)
Open:
Saturdays
9:00am to 1:00pm
Year round

Los Altos Rancho Farmers' Market, Los Altos Ca

 

Los Altos Rancho Farmers' Market

Location:
Foothill Expressway @ Springer Road
Los Altos, CA 94022
Santa Clara County (Map)
Open:
Saturdays
9:00am to 1:00pm
(year 'round)

Cambrian Park Farmers' Market, San Jose Ca

Location:
Camden Ave & Union Ave.
San Jose, CA 95124
Santa Clara County (Map)
Open:
Wednesdays
4:00pm to 8:00pm.
May through September
Sponsored By:
Cambrian Park Plaza Merchants Association

California Avenue Farmers' Market, Palo Alto Ca

Location:
California Avenue (at El Camino)
Palo Alto, Santa Clara County
Santa Clara County ( Map )
Open:
Sundays
9:00am – 1:00pm
Year 'round

A Few Reasons To Shop Farmers' Markets

Many find that farmers' markets can become a very pleasurable ritual. It connects one to the community, the seasons, and farmers. For health, environmental, spiritual and culinary reasons, I believe we need farmers' markets. In most parts of the world, the local market is the heartbeat of the community.

Certified Farmers' Markets are instrumental in preserving the diversity of California agriculture by providing marketing outlets for the small acreage growers of heirloom, culinary, ethnic, organic, no pesticide, and other specialty crops not widely grown on a large scale or found at traditional food sources.
It's also refreshing to know that one is buying food directly from the producer of that product, something required at a "Certified" farmers' market. Notice the "Growers Certificate" visibly hanging at the farmer's stand. This certificate is issued by the County Agriculture Commissioner authorizing them to sell only the certain crops listed and grown by them. The interaction between you and the farmer is also a nice value in visiting the farmers' market.
Another good reason to come out and enjoy the weekly Farmers' Markets is to eat and cook "seasonally". One begins to appreciate the magic of cooking with the season while shopping "fresh". Shopping for fresh, seasonal produce brings out inspiration, imagination, and creativity in a cook.

Campbell Farmers' Market, Campbell Ca

• Where: E Campbell Ave & N Central Ave, Campbell, CA 95008
• Date: Weekly on Sundays
• Time: 9:00am–1:00pm
• The Campbell Farmers' Market is held every Sunday from 9am to 1pm, year round, rain or shine! This is a great opportunity to get outside, mingle with you neighbors and pick up some delicious and nutritious food- all while supporting the Bay Area's local agricultural economy. For more information visit the Urban Village Farmers' Market Association website or just show up at the corner of Campbell Avenue and Central Avenue any Sunday. 

Hot Harvest Nights Farmer's Market, San Carlos Ca, May 5-Sept 15, 2011

When: Every Thursday night, May 5th through September 15th
From: 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Where: 700 Block of Laurel Street. Downtown San Carlos
Sponsored by the City of San Carlos and the San Carlos Chamber of Commerce. Hot Harvest Nights features certified produce and specialty foods, musical entertainment and walk-away food.  Stores throughout San Carlos' acclaimed downtown will be open for your exploration and enjoyment.  Bring the entire family to enjoy this popular annual event.
On the first Thursday of each month, the City of San Carlos will host a booth.  For May 5th, the City booth will feature Mayor Omar Ahmad and the Sheriff's Office, San Carlos Police Department.
The market features 50 to 60 booths set up in the middle of the street which will be closed to traffic.
Hot Harvest Nights features produce, flowers, music, food, artists - something for everyone.
This will be a chance to stroll, meet your friends and have a leisurely night enjoying the finest San Carlos has to offer. Shops and restaurants on Laurel Street will stay open late for this all-community activity. Don't miss out!

Aptos Farmers Market at Cabrillo College

• Where: 6500 Soquel Dr, Aptos, CA 95003
• Date: Weekly on Saturdays
• Time: 8:00am–12:00pm
• Next on: Today, April 30, 2011

• Considered one of the premier farmers markets and ranked in the top 10 best farmers markets in California, locals, chefs and tourists love to shop at the Aptos Farmers Market at Cabrillo College. With it's upbeat and relaxed atmosphere, it's a great way to start the weekend.
  

  

  

  With over 80 vendors, this market offers a bountiful array of locally grown produce and specialty items including farm fresh organic eggs, organic honey, fresh seafood, grass fed meat, locally produced olive oil, artisan cheeses, sauerkraut, cut flowers, potted plants, seedlings, fair trade coffee, tea, chai and fresh baked goods.

Kaiser Permanente Santa Clara Farmers' Market, Santa Clara Ca

 

Market Schedule

Day	Time	Season
Thursday	10:00 AM to 2:00 PM	Year-round

Market Location

Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, 710 Lawrence Expressway, Santa Clara, Ca

About the Kaiser Permanente Santa Clara Farmers' Market

You can find the Kaiser Santa Clara Farmers' Market in the courtyard between the Medical Office Building and the hospital every Thursday - rain or shine!

Local farmers bring the best of California agriculture to Kaiser Santa Clara every week. Stop by to taste the best locally-grown fruits and vegetables around! Live Music.

Extra Five

The Kaiser Permanente Santa Clara Farmers' Market is offering an incentive program that offers a $5 bonus when you purchase at least $10 in EBT/CalFresh tokens at the Farmers' Market. If you receive CalFresh benefits (food stamps), bring your EBT card to the farmers' market every time you shop. See the market manager in the bright yellow shirt to purchase tokens to spend in the market and claim your bonus. The Extra Five program continues at the Kaiser Permanente Santa Clara Farmers' Market until December 31, 2011.

San Mateo Event Center Farmers' Market, San Mateo Ca

 

San Mateo Event Center Farmers' Market

Market Schedule

Day	Time	Season
Wednesday	10:00 AM to 2:00 PM	March 30, 2011 to November 16, 2011

Market Location

San Mateo Event Center, 2495 S. Delaware Street, San Mateo Ca

About the San Mateo Event Center Farmers' Market

It's here, the San Mateo Event Center Farmers' Market!  Every Wednesday California's farmers bring you the very best fruits and vegetables. Enjoy the spirit of your community and the taste of California's best at your San Mateo Event Center Farmers' Market!

The market will be closed on the following dates: May 18, June 8 through June 22, and November 9.

Parking is FREE for farmers' market visitors!

VA Palo Alto Farmers' Market, Palo Alto Ca

 

VA Palo Alto Farmers' Market

Market Schedule

Day	Time	Season
Wednesday	10:00 AM to 2:00 PM	April 13, 2011 to November 16, 2011

Market Location

3801 Miranda Ave, Palo Alto, Ca

About the VA Palo Alto Farmers' Market

Make a healthy diet a part of your personal wellness plan with fresh, locally-grown fruits and vegetables. You can find them at your farmers' market at the VA in Palo Alto every Wednesday. Live Music.

Extra Five

The VA Palo Alto Farmers' Market is offering an incentive program that offers a $5 bonus when you purchase at least $10 in EBT/CalFresh tokens at the Farmers' Market. If you receive CalFresh benefits (food stamps), bring your EBT card to the farmers' market every time you shop. See the market manager in the bright yellow shirt to purchase tokens to spend in the market and claim your bonus. The Extra Five program continues at the VA Palo Alto Farmers' Market until December 31, 2011.

Evergreen Farmers’ Market, San Jose Ca

Evergreen Farmers’ Market

Market Schedule

Day	Time	Season
Sunday	9:00 AM to 1:00 PM	Year-round
Wednesday	9:00 AM to 1:00 PM	Year-round

Market Location

Evergreen Village Square, Ruby Ave. at Classico Ave., San Jose, Ca

About the Evergreen Farmers’ Market

The Evergreen Farmers’ Market makes its home in Evergreen Village at the intersection of Ruby Avenue and Classico Avenue. Spend the morning in the Village and enjoy park while shopping for the best California-grown produce available. Live Music.

The Evergreen Farmers’ Market is open every Wednesday and Sunday, from 9:00am to 1:00pm, year-round.

Extra Five

 The Evergreen Farmers’ Market is offering an incentive program that offers a $5 bonus when you purchase at least $10 in EBT/CalFresh tokens at the Farmers’ Market. If you receive CalFresh benefits (food stamps), bring your EBT card to the farmers’ market every time you shop. See the market manager in the bright yellow shirt to purchase tokens to spend in the market and claim your bonus. The Extra Five program continues at the Evergreen Farmers’ Market until December 31, 2011.

Japantown Farmers Market, San Jose, Ca

 

Japantown Farmers Market

565 N 6th St, San Jose, CA 95112-3238
 Contact: +1 408 298 4303
Open Hours: 8:30a-noon Su
Even if it is pouring rain, growers will be hawking their wares at this longtime San Jose institution, and customers will be there to greet them. Greens, breads, potatoes, eggs, onions, unusual Asian vegetables and pumpkins attract locals and out-of-towners to this market every Sunday. The selection is always excellent, there are many hard-to-find items such as bitter melon and long beans that are rarely seen outside of specialty markets. Do not miss the Mochi, a candy-like treat made from pounded rice and filled with sweetened beans. Credit card acceptance varies by vendor.

San Jose’s Downtown Farmers’ Market returns Fridays May 6-Nov 18

San Jose’s Downtown Farmers’ Market returns Fridays May 6-Nov 18 (except Jul 1)
The cozy outdoor market takes place each Friday, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. along a charming block of San Pedro Street between Santa Clara and St. John streets