Summer calls for fun events of all kinds, but the best ones of the summer are the food-related ones. What can possibly be better than having endless options of foods to decide from? If you're in California this summer you are in for a treat. You'll have a lot of food events to choose from.
Northern California
NorCal Night Market
Dates: May 24-26, July 26-28, Sep. 20-21
The Norcal Night Market is coming back for the second time to the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton, CA. The Asian inspired Night Market will feature a variety of food vendors, live performances, shopping, and an art walk. Some of the food vendors include Matcha N' More, Lobsterdamus, Rice Rice Baby, Waffleland, Momolicious, Seoul Street, etc.
Presidio Picnic
Date: Every Sunday from now - October (11 a.m.- 4 p.m.)
Make your way over to San Francisco for a nice picnic at the Presidio. Enjoy the view of the park, the city, and the bay while eating a meal or a snack from one of the 30+ vendors. Some of the vendors include: El Sur, Gio Gelati, Hotbird, Jackrabbit, Milk & Waffles, The Grilledcheezeguy, etc. Presidio Picnic also offers free yoga classes every Sunday from 11 a.m. to noon. They also offer biking lessons for children every 1st Sunday and free cultural dance performances every 3rd Sunday.
Off the Grid: Fort Mason Center
Date: Every Friday 5 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Come enjoy a Friday night out in the city of San Francisco with food, beer and wine, communal fire pits, and guest DJ sets. Rain or shine and always free of admission. Vendors include A 16, DoughP, Happy Dumplings, Mi Morena, Moonraker, The Chairman, and many more.
FoodieLand Night Market
Dates: July 5-7, Aug. 2-4, Oct. 4-6
The FoodieLand Night Market is an Asian inspired Night Market that is hosted at the Golden Gate Fields in Berkeley, CA. There will be over 150 vendors for food, arts, crafts, games, and other entertainment. Some food vendors include Acai R, Better and Batter, BunBao, Umai Hot Dogs, Fresh Catch Poke, Kiss My Boba, Yummi BBQ, and lots more.
Gilroy Garlic Festival
Dates: July 26-28
The Gilroy Garlic Festival started in 1979 and remained a summer food fair till now. This food festival features food vendors, cooking events, art, shopping, entertainment, and the Miss Gilroy Garlic Festival Queen Pageant. At the Gilroy Garlic Festival, you will be able to try things like garlic ice cream, garlic kettle corn, garlic fries, garlic bread, and more.
Southern California
Smorgasburg LA
Dates: Every Sunday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Smorgasburg LA is a weekly food market that is year round. Hang out at Smorgasburg and grab a bite and a quick drink! They usually attract around 50,000 people every weekend. Here are a few of their vendors: Amazebowls, Baohaus, Cheezus, Chichidango, Mama Musubi, Shrimp Daddy, Workaholic.
DTLA Donut Fest
Dates: June 8, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
This June, Los Angeles will have its 2nd annual DTLA Donut Fest at Union Station South Patio. There will be a donut eating contest, baking demonstrations, and many donut vendors to choose from. Some include California Donuts, Voodoo Doughnut, Dazzling Donuts, Glazed Donut Bar. You donut want to miss this!
LA Food Fest
Dates: June 29
The LA Food Fest actually began as the LA Street Food Fest in 2009. This will be their 10th anniversary, so go and celebrate with them by eating some of the delicious food they have lined up. Some of your options will include Ceviche Stop, Churro Stix Truck, Fishin For Brews, and Plant Love Food.
Hollywood Night Market
Dates: Thursdays 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.
The Hollywood Night Market at Yamashiro Restaurant offers 30+ vendors, live music, and an outdoor bar. Their vendors include Afters Ice Cream, Kai Kai Dumplings, Stop By Cafe, Broad Street Oysters, etc. This year they are proud to become a plastic-free event. This is a great event for families and young adults.
KTOWN Night Market
Dates: June 14-15
Don't miss out on the Asian night market in Koreatown, Los Angeles this June. This is a two night festival with lots of food and live performances from international and local talent. The atmosphere is known to be party-like. Here are a few of the many vendors that will be attending: Mydo Pie, Agua Labs, Sunright Tea Studio, Drizzle, and Vchos Trucks.
Eat Drink Vegan
Dates: June 22, 12 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Originally, Eat Drink Vegan was called the Vegan Beer and Food Festival back in 2009 when they still hosted events at The Roxy Theatre parking lot. It is now held at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, CA. There is a numerous amount of Food, Beer and Cider, and Kombucha vendors. Some food vendors for Eat Drink Vegan include Seabirds, Vegatinos, Magpies, and Cena Vegan.
The OC Night Market
Dates: June 14-16, Aug. 23-25
Come ready to eat, with the many vendors the OC Night Market has to offer. The Night Market will be at the OC Fair and Event Center in Costa Mesa, CA. There will be live performances from local artists, dance competitions, eating contests, and other entertainment. However, the food should be your main focus, so eat up! Here are some of the many vendors: Boba Bear, Dos Roti, Infamous Fries, Main Squeeze, Ridges Churro Bar, and Wanderlust Creamery.
626 Night Market
Dates: July 5-7, July 12-14, Aug. 9-11, Aug. 30- Sep. 1
The 626 Night Market is held at the Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, CA. This Night Market was established in 2012 and now produces the OC Night Market and the Norcal Night Market. (Vendors for this event will be up on their website shortly)
From Northern California to Southern California...
I'm sure there are plenty of other food events this summer, but hopefully, these will give you foodies something fun to do this summer whether it's with your friends, family, or even yourself. Enjoy the variety of food, entertainment, and more when attending one of these events and watch out for the food comas!