SUMMER GUIDE
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Beer Walk — July 26, 6pm–9pm; Cider Walk — Aug 30, 6pm-9pm; eventbrite.com
Gilroy Garlic Festival It’s almost that time of year when the air around the South Valley begins to hang heavy with the perfume of everyone’s favorite stinking rose: garlic. The world famous Gilroy Garlic Festival returns for its 38th year and it’s gotten so big that the Garlic Train will run nonstop between San Jose and Gilroy—reserve a seat with the app! This venerable festival features the usual booths, children’s area and libations, but Gourmet Alley is where it’s at. So much garlicky goodness will have attendees sweating it out for days. This year features an official Guinness World Record attempt for World’s Largest Garlic Festival. July 28-30; Christmas Hill Park, Gilroy; gilroygarlicfestival.com
California Beer Festival This is the ultimate beer lovers event and it’s really like three festivals rolled into one. The Friday event is a VIP Food and Beer pairing where local chefs and local brewmasters present an exclusive one-of-a-kind experience. The Saturday event is every beer lover’s dream come true as they’ll provide access to unlimited tastings from over 85 craft breweries for one admission fee. The Sunday event is a more low-key, family friendly food and beer fest where live entertainment is provided, as guests are encouraged to picnic and bring the kiddies along. Aug 11-13; 100 Aptos Creek Rd, Aptos; eventbrite.com
Assyrian Food Festival Despite the recent arson at their east Willow Glen church, the Assyrian Food Festival will go on to celebrate its 25th year. This celebration of all things Assyria centers mostly on the food and will satisfy carnivores and vegetarians alike. Sample everything from kabobs, dolmas, soups—and don’t miss their Samovar Alley and Assyrian Coffee Café, where guests can sample amazing teas and desserts. They will also have plenty of Gilroy Garlic Festival traditional folk music, where people can learn to dance the sheykhani. Admission, parking and shuttles are all free and the food is reasonably priced. Aug 19-20, 11am–9pm; 680 Minnesota Ave, San Jose; assyrianfestival.com
Taylor Street Night + Market Beginning Thursday, a weekly beer garden event will be held in San Jose’s Japantown neighborhood at the Gordon Biersch Brewery complex. These events are hosted by Moveable Feast and Gordon Biersch, so there will definitely be plenty of food and brews to go around. Gordon Biersch Brewery tours, live music, games for the kids and SJMADE vendors will also be on hand. These night markets will be up and running all summer long every Thursday night through August. Admission is free; just bring good vibes and cash. Thru Aug 31, 5pm-9pm; 357 E Taylor St, San Jose; sanjosemade.com —John Dyke
MAY 17-23 2017 | metrosiliconvalley.com | sanjose.com | metroactive.com
Sip on craft beers and ciders while milling about in a relaxed, upscale atmosphere with other beer and cider aficionados. The price of the ticket includes beer (or cider) samples, custom glass and passport. Early bird tickets $30.