Food & Wine Celebration

Explore California’s Top Food and Wine Festivals This Fall

As the summer season fades into memory, California is gearing up for a series of exciting food and wine festivals that promise to bring together food lovers, chefs, and wine enthusiasts. These events are not just about indulging in delicious cuisine but also about celebrating local culture, community, and the vibrant culinary scene that defines the region.

Here are some of the most anticipated festivals you should mark on your calendar this fall.

Del Mar Wine + Food Festival

Dates: September 10–14
Location: Surf Sports Park, 14989 Via de la Valle, Del Mar 92014
Website: delmar.wine

The Del Mar Wine + Food Festival is a premier event that celebrates the art of cooking and the joy of good food. The festival kicks off with an opening night dinner on Wednesday, September 10, followed by a variety of special events throughout the week. The highlight of the festival is the two-day Grand Tasting on Saturday and Sunday.

Throughout the event, attendees can enjoy appearances by celebrity chefs such as Guy Fieri, Michael Voltaggio, Marc Murphy, and many others. There will also be opportunities to sample craft brews and top-tier wines from local and national producers.

A portion of the proceeds from the festival goes to support Feeding San Diego, making it a meaningful way to enjoy great food while giving back to the community.

Pasadena Greek Fest

Dates: September 19–21 (Friday 5–10 p.m., Saturday and Sunday noon–10 p.m.)
Location: 778 S Rosemead Blvd., Pasadena 91107
Website: www.pasadenagreekfest.com

The Pasadena Greek Festival is a vibrant celebration of Greek culture, featuring traditional music, dance performances, and an array of authentic Greek foods. Attendees can sample dishes like tyropites (cheese pies), spanokopites (spinach and feta pies), galaktoboureko (custard-filled pastries), and dolmathes (grape leaves stuffed with seasoned rice and beef).

Other highlights include loukoumades (honey-drenched donuts), kourambiethes (powdered sugar cookies), and melomakarona (honey-soaked Christmas cookies). The festival also offers grilled lamb, gyros, and other classic Greek favorites.

Parking is available at the Santa Anita Race Track, with free shuttles running every 10 minutes to make transportation convenient for all guests.

California Avocado Festival

Dates: October 3–5
Location: 800 Linden Ave., Carpinteria 93013
Website: www.avofest.org

Now in its 39th year, the California Avocado Festival is a must-visit for fans of guacamole and all things avocado. The festival takes place on Linden Avenue and features live music, arts and crafts vendors, and over 50 food vendors offering creative avocado-based dishes.

Highlights include classic guacamole, avocado ice cream, pizza, tacos, sushi, and even deep-fried avocados. The festival also hosts a guacamole contest where attendees can showcase their best recipe. Entries are judged on presentation, taste, and texture, with prizes awarded to the top contenders.

All proceeds from the festival go to the Carpinteria Education Foundation and the Future Farmers of America, supporting local education and agriculture.

Los Angeles Times Food Bowl Night Market

Dates: October 10–11 (VIP early entry at 6:30 p.m., general admission at 7:30–10 p.m.)
Location: City Market Social House, 1145 San Pedro St., Los Angeles 90015
Website: lafoodbowl.com

This exclusive event brings together some of L.A.’s top restaurants for an unforgettable evening of food, drinks, and entertainment. Tickets include unlimited bites and sips from renowned chefs and rising culinary stars. The event is open only to guests aged 21 and older.

Attendees can expect a mix of gourmet offerings, live music, and unique experiences that make this night market a standout in the city’s food scene.

San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival

Dates: November 7–9
Location: Embarcadero Marina Park North, 400 Kettner Blvd., San Diego 92101
Website: www.sandiegowineclassic.com

Recognized as one of the top wine festivals in the country, the San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival is a must-attend event for wine lovers. It has won multiple awards, including USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice award for Best Wine Festival.

The festival includes a variety of events, such as:

• Grean Decant Friday: A luxury tasting experience featuring fine wines and award-winning chefs.
• Grand Tasting Saturday: An iconic event with over 300 tastemakers and purveyors.
• Grand Fiesta Sunday: A celebration of Latin American culinary influences in Southern California.

Each event requires separate tickets, which are now on sale. The festival is open to guests aged 21 and older, with no children or infants allowed.