California's Festivals: 5 Popular Options!
If there’s one thing California loves, it’s festivals! My husband, Joe, is originally from Philadelphia and has always made fun of us Californians for just how many festivals we can come up with. I decided to put together a quick list of some of the best that California has to offer! Let’s jump in!
Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival
This three-day free festival held in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, is a must-visit for anyone who loves bluegrass and folk music. The festival is held in October and attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world. Some of the biggest names in bluegrass music perform here, and there is no shortage of food trucks and vendors selling delicious food. Bring a blanket and some friends and enjoy the music and ambiance. I grew up coming to this festival and it holds a special place in my heart.
Aftershock Festival
If you're a fan of heavy metal and hard rock music, then the Aftershock festival is for you. This festival is held in Sacramento (right in my backyard!) in October and features some of the hottest metal bands from around the world. The festival has grown in popularity in recent years, and there is always a massive crowd. Get ready to headbang and enjoy delicious food and drinks from various food trucks and vendors.
Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival
This is arguably the most famous music festival in California and one of the country's most popular. The Coachella festival is held in April over two weekends in the Coachella Valley in Southern California and attracts music lovers from all over the world. The festival features a diverse lineup of artists from different genres, including rock, pop, hip-hop, and electronic music. I’m not personally a Coachella girlie but obviously there are tons of people who are obsessed.
Garlic and Asparagus Festivals
These festivals are unique to the Central Coast region of California and are a celebration of the region's agriculture. The Garlic Festival is held in Gilroy in July and features a range of garlic-themed foods, including garlic ice cream! The Asparagus Festival is held in Stockton in April and offers visitors the chance to enjoy asparagus-themed dishes such as asparagus fries and asparagus tamales.
Avocado Festival
This festival is a great way to celebrate one of California's most beloved fruits - the avocado! Held annually in Carpinteria in October, the festival features avocado-themed dishes, including guacamole and avocado toast. In addition, there are live music performances, a children's area, and a beer garden where you can enjoy a cold one.
California's festivals offer visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the state's vibrant culture and cuisine. Whether you're into bluegrass music, hard rock, or asparagus-themed dishes, there is a festival for everyone. So go ahead and add these festivals to your bucket list and get ready to have an unforgettable experience. Don't forget to bring a camera and some sunscreen!
