I have found the most comprehensive site for finding fairs and festivals in the San Francisco Bay Area at:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_San_Francisco_Bay_Area_festivals_and_fairs.
It lists an enormous assortment of festivals. These festivals represent the great diversity that we know and love in the San Francisco Bay Area. You can attend an African Dance and Drum Festival, the San Francisco International Dragon Boat Festival or the North Beach Jazz Festival.
The next site, Bay Area Kid Fun, is primarily aimed at families with children. Fairs, festivals and generally fun things to-do are listed by months of the year. I have found that this is a great site to go to for activities that are family and child based. After all, who would want to take your child to the Gay Pride Parade where men can be found walking around in their undies? You won’t find that parade on this site.
http://www.bayareakidfun.com/pages/events.html
But, before rushing off into a deluge of Fairs and Festivals, let me tell you about a few family friendly events that I have attended.
Gilroy Garlic Festival
One of my favorites, the Gilroy Garlic Festival, is a little bit of a drive for those coming from San Francisco. But, it is worth the drive. You can taste garlic ice cream (it really is yummy!) or shop the variety of homemade gifts and delectable food that are made of garlic. This particular festival seems to ALWAYS be held on the hottest weekend of the year, so be prepared. Dress in a cool outfit; bring water and possibly a cooling system (a spray bottle would work).
The Gilroy Garlic Festival is always held on the last full weekend of July (I said the hottest weekend didn’t I?). For 2008, that is Friday July 25- Sunday, July 27. The festival is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day. The general admission – $12, seniors 60 and over – $6, children 6 to 12 – $6, children under 6 are free. Tickets are sold at the gate or online at http://www.gilroygarlicfestival.com/. Parking is free.
Chinese New Year Parade
This free activity is always a visual delight. Every year this parade, held during Chinese New Year, turns out exploding firecrackers, elaborate outfits, fierce lions and Miss Chinese New Years. In 2009 it will be held on Saturday, February 7. There are two types of admission. If you would like reserved, primo seats in the bleachers, they are $30 each. If you would like free admission, all that is required of you is getting there early to find a street corner or sidewalk to where you can comfortably view the excitement.
During Chinese New Year, there is also a Flower Market Fair, Community Fair, Chinatown Run, Mini-Parade, and Miss Chinatown Contest to attend. More information for the parade, parade route and other activities can be found at http://www.chineseparade.com/.
Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Festival
This is a much-loved festival for my family. As soon as we get over Highway 92 and into Half Moon Bay, everyone wants to hurry to get to the monstrous pumpkins and guess their weight. We are usually off by a couple hundred pounds, but we are getting better every year! It is amazing to see what a seed, a little water and great light can do. My hand size pumpkins can never compare.
After guessing the weight of the mammoth pumpkins you can sample the feast of foods, shop the harvest-inspired art, drink the microbrew beers (try the pumpkin flavored beer, it is great!). The admission is free. http://www.miramarevents.com/pumpkinfest/index.html
Asian Art Museum Free Days
This museum is great for families with young ones. We have been to the Asian Art Museum a few times and have really enjoyed the variety of art and displays. During the Family Festival there will be storytelling, writing, art and in May the celebration of Asian Pacific Heritage Month, special exhibits.
Every first Sunday of the month, Target sponsors the day by paying for everyone’s admission. Otherwise admission is $12 for adults and $5 for children. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. everyday, except Thursdays in which they close at 9 p.m., closed on Mondays. More information can be found at: http://www.asianart.org/.
Annual San Francisco Aloha Festival I am going to go out on a limb. I have not actually attended this festival but have heard rave reviews about it. Since I always long to go to Hawaii, I figure this is a great substitute. The festival will feature arts and dance as well as arts & crafts vendors, island cuisine, educational exhibits and workshops, and an `Ohana Korner with simple games for the kids! The Aloha Festival is held on August 2-3, 2008 at the Presidio in San Francisco and the admission is free. I will be there this year, basking in the Hawaiian sun. See you there! http://www.pica-org.org/AlohaFest/index.html.
