San Francisco Best Food and Drink Festivals
Food, Wine, Spirits and Beer Festivals listed also include surrounding areas that host signature events.
Napa Truffle Festival
January
SF Chronicle Wine Competition
February
SF Beer Week
February
Santa Cruz Clam Chowder Cook-Off
February
Lodi Wine & Chocolate Festival
February
Sonoma Crab & Wine Festival
February
Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience
May
Cherry Blossum Festival
April
Bay Area Craft Beer Festival
April
Bay Area Brew Fest
April
Piedmont Food Fest
April
Pebble Beach Food & Wine Festival
April
Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival
May
Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience
May
Half Moon Bay Wine & Jazz Festival
May
Daly City FoodieLand Festival
May
Chow Fun Asian Dine Around
May
Union Street Festival
June
Half Moon Bay Wine & Jazz Festival
June
San Jose Beer City Fest
June
Monterey Wine Festival
June
Freemont Burger & Brew Fest
June
North Beach Festival
June
San Jose Fountain Blues & Brews Festival
June
Carneros Sip & Stroll Wine Festival
June
Gilroy Garlic Festival
July
Monterey Beer Festival
July
Taste of Napa Food & Wine Festival
July
Outside Lands
August
Mammoth Festival of Beers
August
Tiburon Taps Beer Festival
September
Alameda Point Beer City Festival
September
Lafayette Art & Wine Festival
September
Whiskies of the World SF
September
Haight Ashbury Street Fair
September
Mountain View Art and Wine Festival
September
Alameda Beer City Festival
September
Castro Street Fair
October
USA TODAY Wine & Food Experience
October
Sonoma County Harvest Fair Wine Festival
October
World of Dumplings Festival
October
World Vegan Fest
October
SF WhiskeyFest
October
Art and Pumpkin Festival
October
Big Sur Food & Wine Festival
November
Eat Drink SF
November
What's happening San Francisco! This city is a food and drink lover's paradise, showcasing an array of some of the best festivals in the state.
Whether you're a beer enthusiast, wine aficionado, lover of whiskey and bourbon, or you simply appreciate great food, there's a festival for you.
San Francisco Food Festivals
USA Today Food & Wine Experience: October
San Francisco's culinary scene comes alive at this annual event held at the Civil War Parade Ground in the Presidio. Attendees can sample offerings from approximately 30 local restaurants and beverage purveyors, including California Fish Grill, CocoTutti Chocolates, and um.ma Korean Seoul Food. Wine enthusiasts can sip varietals from Adobe Road Winery and New Zealand Wine Navigator, while spirits aficionados might enjoy Chinola Passion Fruit Liqueur or Codigo 1530 Tequila.
The festival features live cooking demonstrations and mixology classes, with hands-on cocktail crafting experiences sponsored by Skrewball Whiskey. With a expansive musical lineup, this event promises a lively atmosphere with food, drinks, and entertainment for thousands of San Francisco food and wine lovers.
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Chow Fun SF: May
A week-long Asian dine-around event is set to take place in San Francisco's Excelsior district, aiming to uplift small business owners and support local economic development. The festival will feature over 40 participating restaurants and eateries along the Mission Street, Ocean Avenue, and Geneva Avenue corridors. Visitors can expect a diverse array of Asian cuisines, including Vietnamese, Filipino, Chinese, and Hawaiian dishes from popular vendors like An Chi Vietnamese Cuisine, Baby's Eatery & Palabok, and Dim Sum King.
A kickoff celebration will take place at the Excelsior Branch Library on Saturday May 25th. This festival promises a fun and family-friendly atmosphere, showcasing the rich culinary diversity of the neighborhood.
San Francisco Spirits Festivals
Whiskies of the World SF: October
The premier whiskey tasting event in San Francisco offers an unparalleled experience for enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike. Hosted at the elegant Beacon Grand, formerly known as the Sir Francis Drake Hotel, the festival showcases over 150 carefully selected whiskies from around the globe. Attendees can sample drams from renowned distilleries such as Green River, Savage & Cooke, Uncle Nearest, and Westward, among many others. The event features light gourmet bites to complement the whiskey tastings, including tempura-battered chicken and wagyu beef sliders.
VIP ticket holders enjoy exclusive pours and early access to the festivities, enhancing their tasting journey. A unique aspect of the event is the opportunity to participate in masterclasses, such as the "Inside the Barrel" session by Widow Jane, offering deeper insights into the art of whiskey-making.
San Francisco Wine Festivals
SF Chronicle Wine Competition and Tasting: February
The largest wine competition in North America attracts over 5,700 entries from 1,000 wineries across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Held annually, the event culminates in a public tasting at Fort Mason in San Francisco, where wine enthusiasts can sample hundreds of award-winning wines. Attendees have the opportunity to taste gold medal and above winners, including offerings from renowned wineries like Chandon, V. Sattui, and Dry Creek Vineyard.
The tasting also features gourmet food pairings from local artisanal producers, allowing guests to explore perfect wine and food combinations. This event offers a festive atmosphere where visitors can mingle with winemakers, learn about different wine regions, and discover new favorites among the diverse selection of varietals and styles.
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Taste of Napa Food and Wine Festival: July
The Taste of Napa Food and Wine Festival is a vibrant celebration held at The Meritage Resort, showcasing the best of Napa Valley's culinary and wine offerings. The event features over 70 vendors, including renowned wineries like Ackerman Family Vineyards and Alpha Omega Winery, as well as popular eateries such as Cocina Milonga and Fumé Bistro. Attendees can savor a diverse array of wines, craft beverages, and gourmet foods while enjoying live music performances by DJ Lady Ryan and the dance band Neon Velvet.
A special highlight of the festival is the international wine showcase, featuring selections from Great Britain and Italy. With its blend of exceptional food, wine, and entertainment, this festival attracts thousands of visitors eager to experience the unique flavors and hospitality of Napa Valley.
San Francisco Beer Festivals
Bay Area Brew Fest: January
This annual craft beer celebration held at San Francisco's Presidio Main Lawn, offers attendees a picturesque backdrop for their tasting experience. Over 70 breweries will be present, serving up more than 200 different beers for unlimited sampling. Food trucks will provide a variety of culinary delights, complementing the extensive beer selection.
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The festival will feature live music and lawn games to entertain the crowd of several thousand beer enthusiasts. A unique aspect of this festival is the early admission option, which grants access to limited release offerings and an extra hour of tasting time.
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San Jose Beer City Festival: June
Beer festival fans, this annual celebration of craft beer and running returns to Almaden Lake Park in San Jose. This event combines a half marathon, 10k, and 5k race with a beer festival featuring local and regional breweries. Participants can enjoy unlimited pours from a variety of brewers, including Camino, Hapa's, Strike, and other Beer City All Stars from Sonoma and the East Bay.
The festival offers more than just beer, with kombucha, non-alcoholic options, and post-race snacks like Bellwether Farms yogurt and fresh fruit available. Enjoy live entertainment and games for attendees to enjoy throughout the day. Cheers!
These festivals not only celebrate the city's exceptional food and drink scene but also provide a platform for local and international purveyors to showcase their craft. So, if you live in, or find yourself in San Francisco, make sure to check out one of these festivals to indulge in a unique and flavorful experience that the city has to offer.