Best Spring Festivals Near Bay Area
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Spring festivals are about warming weather, longer days, blossoming trees, and enjoying the great outdoors. Even in a region spared the inconvenience of snow, March 20 is a cause for celebration throughout the Bay Area as the first day of spring arrives . While the traditional rainy season may not be finished, months of drier and sunnier days are just around the corner. There are many different spring festivals held from late March into early May. They offer fun, food, drink, music, crafts and activities for people of all cultures and even four-footed friends as well.
Japantown
Post St. (between Laguna and Fillmore)
San Francisco, CA 94115
(415) 563-2313
www.sfcherryblossom.org
Date: Apr. 9 & 10, Apr. 16 & 17, 2016 at 12 p.m.
Starting in 1967, the Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival in San Francisco has grown to become one of the largest cherry blossom celebrations in the country. The festival now covers two weekends in April and is one of the signature events of the year for the Bay Area's large Japanese community. Traditional music, dance and tea ceremonies are among the featured activities, along with a variety of popular foods including fresh sushi, tempura, and teriyaki dishes. There will also be the Grand Parade on Sunday, April 17 which starts at San Francisco City Hall.
Park Street
Park Street (between Encinal Ave. and Lincoln Ave.)
Alameda, CA 94501
(510) 523-1392
www.downtownalameda.com/Spring-Festival
Date: May 7 & 8, 2016 at 10 a.m.
Situated across the bay from San Francisco, Alameda hosts a lively annual event on Park Street, the town's commercial, civic and cultural center. The festival is timed each year to coincide with Mother's Day weekend. This is a family-friendly event with plenty of activities for kids including bounce houses and a specially-designated children's activity area. There are plenty of food and craft booths and beer, wine and mimosas are available for purchase. Note that Alameda is a smoke-free city and smoking is banned in all public spaces within the city's commercial district.
Snow Park
Between 19th St. & Harrison St. and Lake Merritt
Oakland, CA 94607
(510) 371-5273
www.oaklandmarathon.com
Date: Mar. 20, 2016 at 7:30 a.m.
Whether you are a weekend warrior or a serious contender for this year's Olympic Games, the Oakland Running Festival (now in its seventh year) has emerged as a very popular Bay Area event for runners at all levels. The festival offers distances of marathon, half-marathon, team relay, 5K, and a fun run for kids, all starting in downtown Oakland near Lake Merritt. Numerous bands and dancing groups perform along the course. Afterwards, the festival features live music, food, drinks, and other attractions.
Duboce Park
Noe Street at Duboce Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94117
(415) 241-6300
www.mckinleyschool.org/dogfest
Date: Apr. 16, 2016 at 11 a.m.
This year will mark the 9th annual DogFest in San Francisco, one of the more unusual spring festivals of the year. The event is a benefit for the McKinley Elementary School. It's held in dog-friendly Duboce Park and there is a competition for Best Trick, Best Costume, Best Ears, and even Best Bark. Children can enjoy an inflatable obstacle course, face painting, carnival games and food. Dogs will enjoy the drooling admiration of their peers.
San Pedro Square Market
87 North San Pedro St.
San Jose, CA 95110
(404) 474-0168
whiskiesoftheworld.com
Date: Mar. 24, 2016 at 6 p.m.
If you are a true whiskey fan, this is the spring festival for you. Held in downtown San Jose's San Pedro Square Market, participants can sample over 200 of the finest whiskies from around the world and connect with top distillers, celebrities and professionals in the trade. There are whiskey tasting seminars, pairings with cigars, and pairings with food. This evening event is a benefit for the Breast Cancer Emergency Fund.
