Berkeley Festivals & Annual Events
Berkeley’s always known how to throw a bash. From fun arts activities for the kids, to cooking demonstrations to top notch performing artists, there’s always something lively and festive right around the corner.
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Berkeley Artisans Holiday Open Studios
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Berkeley International Kite Festival
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Berkeley Old Time Music Convention
When Sept. 18-22, 2013
Neighborhood Downtown
The Berkeley Old Time Music Convention is a five day music festival featuring performances by local and national acts, a rollicking square dance, open cabaret, jamming, concerts, and illustrious stringband contest in venues throughout Berkeley. Visit our website for concert locations.
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Berkeley World Music Festival
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Cal Day
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Caltopia
When Aug. 18 & 19, 2013
Neighborhood UC Berkeley campus
A festival of fun, music and Cal spirit. Open to students of U.C. Berkeley, faculty, staff and the community.Recognized as the largest experimental college lifestyle festival in the nation! 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
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Chinese New Year Celebration
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Chocolate & Chalk Art Festival
When Jun. 8, 2013
Neighborhood Gourmet Ghetto
The sidewalks along North Shattuck Ave. in the Gourmet Ghetto are the canvas of artists young and old, professional and greenhorn during the 15th annual CHOCOLATE & CHALK ART FESTIVAL on Saturday, June 4. With no fees to artists, areas of sidewalk will be assigned to participants to create their own fanciful chalk drawings. And, artisan gourmet chocolates, too. From 10:00 am-5:00 pm.
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Crab Feed
When Feb. 15, 2013
Neighborhood Fourth Street
Annual fundraiser for the Berkeley Chamber of Commerce. The evening begins with a no Host Cocktail Reception 6:00-:700 pm. Dinner at 7:00 pm (salad, pasta, tons of delicious crab, and a scrumptious dessert table). Always a raffle with great prizes. Being held at Spenger's Fresh Fish Grotto in the Fourth Street Area of Berkeley.
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Dia de los Muertos Celebration & Contest
When Nov. 2, 2013
Neighborhood Gourmet Ghetto
Day of the Dead is a Mexican/Aztec celebration, of reuniting the living with their deceased relatives. A parade through the streets, a community altar, candle light procession, costume contest and face painting.
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Family Fun Festival
Civic Center Park (btwn Center St. & Allston Way at Milivia
Berkeley, CA 94704
(510) 548-3333
When Jun. 1, 2013
Neighborhood Downtown
A day of free fun for the whole family. Hands-on activities, games, contests, performances,. A bouncy house, petting zoo, face painting hula hoop and skating competitions and more.
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Ghoulish Gastronomique
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Halloween & Day of the Dead
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Halloween on Solano
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Himalayan Fair
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Holiday Crafts Fair
When Dec. 8, 15 & 22, 2013
Neighborhood Downtown
The Holiday Craft Fair takes place adjacent to the Berkeley Farmers' Market three Saturdays in December. For more detailed information visit the Ecology Center website. Open 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
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Indigenous Peoples Day Festival
Civic Center Park (btwn Center St. & Allston Way at Milivia St.
Berkeley, CA 94704
(510) 595-5520
When Oct. 12, 2013
Neighborhood Downtown
Held along side the Downtown Farmers Market. Native American PowWow & Indian Market, Inter-tribal dancing, Native American foods, culture, arts & crafts. Festival hours: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
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International Holiday Bazaar
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Jazz on Fourth
When May 19, 2013
Neighborhood Fourth Street
An annual, free outdoor music festival in support of the Berkeley High School Jazz Program! Merchants of Fourth Street donate to a gigantic raffle and line the street with their own activities and merchandise. Food booths offer specialty menus just for this day. And, face painting for the kids! From 12:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
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Jewish Music Festival
When March 2-12, 2013
Neighborhood Gourmet Ghetto
The Jewish Music Festival presents music that celebrates the Jewish experience and explores what it means to be Jewish in a multicultural world. The Festival produces creative and entertaining programs, challenges stereotypes, and fosters engagement with the broader community. Leading artists from Poland, the Netherlands, Bosnia, Israel, Canada, the Bay Area and more.
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July 4th - Fireworks at the Berkeley Marina
When Jul. 4, 2013
Neighborhood West Berkeley
Fireworks off the Pier at 9:30pm. Alcohol-Free Event. Free Admission. Free Valet Bike Parking by East Bay Bicycle Coalition. No Personal Fireworks allowed. Crafts, food, kids' stuff, music. Cars in by 7:00 p.m., out after 10:30 p.m. Free handicapped parking available in Marina lots.
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Live Oak Park Fair
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Lunar New Year Festival & Parade
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People's Park Annual Street Fair & Concert
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Persian New Year
When Mar. 12, 2013
Neighborhood South Berkeley
The Persian New Year Festival is called Chahar-Shanbeh Souri, which literally means 'Eve of Wednesday' because the festival is always held on the last Tuesday of winter, just before the Vernal Equinox, or first moment of spring. .Shake off the darkness of winter and welcome the lightness of spring, a Persian ritual passed down since ancient Zorastrian times. To be held at the Persian Center from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
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ProArts East Bay Open Studios
When Jun. 1, 2, 8 & 9, 2013
Neighborhood West Berkeley
During the first two weekends in June, East Bay Open Studios connect the public with 400+ artists in 14 cities in the East bay. Art exhibitions & self guided tours of artists and artisan studios. Open 11:00 a.m .to 6:00 p.m. Preview Exhibition April 30- June 9.
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Santa on Solano
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Snow Day
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Solano Avenue Stroll
When Sept. 8, 2013
Neighborhood Solano Ave
26 blocks of free fun! Over 500 vendors, non-profit organizations, food booths and entertainers. Pancake breakfast, Parade and the Stroll. This is a family event. Festival hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
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String Band Contest
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Sunday Streets Berkeley
When Oct. 13, 2013
Neighborhood Downtown
Sunday Streets Berkeley makes its debut on Sunday, Oct. 14 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Walk, bike, skate, dance, play on more than a mile of car-free streets. Sunday Streets Berkeley will take place on Shattuck Ave. for 17 blocks from Rose Street to Haste Street to celebrate local businesses and organizations. Storefronts will be unobstructed, and business owners will be encouraged to promote commerce and visibility by setting out seating on the street, hosting activities, and otherwise inviting interest and community.
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Taste of North Berkeley
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Telegraph Avenue Holiday Street Fair
When Dec. 15, 16, 22 & 23, 2013
Neighborhood Telegraph Ave
Over 200+ street artists, handmade items, music, food and arts & crafts and much more!
