California’s Gilroy Garlic Festival
Road Trips Foodies who’ll be in California at the end of this month might want to put the 40th annual Gilroy Garlic Festival on their driving schedule.
It’s set for the last weekend in July: July 27, 28 and 29, 2018, in Christmas Hill Park, Gilroy, California — about 30 miles south of San Jose off Highway 101. (Take 101 to Gilroy and then follow the directional signs.) The parking fee is $10 per vehicle per day, with regular shuttle buses running from the parking lot to festival grounds.
Of course there’s garlic (and the fest features only California-grown garlic), but you’ll also find more food, beverages, arts & crafts, live entertainment, chef demonstrations, and cooking competitions.
The Great Garlic Cookoff starts at 10 a.m. July 28, 2018.
Admission is $20 for adults (ages 17-59), $10 for youth (ages 10-16), and $15 for those 60+. Children 9 and younger are admitted free. Ticket prices include festival admission, shuttle transportation, three stages of musical entertainment, cooking demonstrations, and children’s area performances. Festival guests purchase food and beverages (including beer and wine) from a wide variety of vendors. Food prices range from $2 to $15 for full-size servings, depending on the item.
Founded in 1979, this event is hosted by thousands of community volunteers who have raised $11.5 million for local schools, charities, and non-profit organizations.
Not on your route? There are more garlic fests if this one doesn’t fit into your travel plans. The Minnesota Garlic Festival takes place at the McCleod County Fairground, 840 Century Avenue SW, Hutchinson, Minnesota, August 11, 2018.
There’s a garlic fest on the Isle of Wight in the United Kingdom August 18 and 19, 2018. Another one is set for the same weekend in Pennsylvania. The Laurel Highlands Garlic Festival takes place at Faranda’s Farm, 1171 Penn Avenue, Hollsopple, Pennsylvania.
The 21st annual Elephant Garlic Festival is August 10, 11 and 12, 2018, in Jessie Mays Community Park, 30975 Northwest Hillcrest Street, North Plains, Oregon. A Garlic and Harvest Festival is scheduled for October 6 and 7, 2018, at Bethlehem Fairgrounds, 304 Main Street North,Bethlehem, Connecticut.
(Photo courtesy of Gilroy Garlic Festival)
