Berkeley's festivals and special events fill the calendar with a variety of unique, fun and memorable experiences.
Festivals & Annual Events
February
Celebration of Craft Beer Festival
Trumer Brewery and the California Craft Brewers Association are proud to present the 2024 Celebration of Craft, a beer festival celebrating the finale of San Francisco Beer Week. California Craft Brewers Association is celebrating its 35th anniversary, with 35 brewers invited to the February 7, 4pm event! With a laid-back atmosphere and plenty of brews to try, it's the perfect opportunity to discover your new favorite beer from breweries in the Northern California region and beyond. A free shuttle bus from the North Berkeley BART Station to the Trumer Brewery in Berkeley will be available to all attendees the day of the event.
March
Berkeley Restaurant Week returns March 21 to March 31, 2024! Bon appétit Berkeley and get ready for March Munch Madness!
35th Annual Bioneers Conference
The renowned Bioneers Conference returns to Berkeley March 28-30, 2024 for its 35th annual conference, themed "Revolution from the Heart of Nature." Engaging sessions focus on progressive policies, climate and environmental protection, and social justice.
April
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre
Continuing a 55-year relationship with Cal Performances, the magnificent dancers of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater return to campus April 2-7, 2024 for the company’s annual residency with an exuberant selection of recent works and Ailey masterpieces. Steeped in the sounds of jazz, blues, and hip-hop, the Ailey repertory celebrates the Black American experience, offering music and movement as expressions of pure joy and as opportunities for reflection and resistance.
An annual celebration of Asian diversity and culture held in Civic Center Park right in the heart of Downtown Berkeley. Communities from all over the Bay Area and the world participate to showcase food, crafts, and performances. 2024 dates to be announced.
The annual Berkeley Bay Festival and Earth Day Celebration happens at the Berkeley Marina. Connect with the Bay and our local community through live music, performers, food, hands-on educational activities and free boat rides. This free family-focused event celebrates the Bay, its local wildlife, and the people and agencies dedicated to its protection. Over 30 environmental and wildlife conservation organizations from around the Bay will share their exhibits with the public. 2024 date to be announced.
The Wild and Scenic Film Festival
The 2024 Wild and Scenic Film Festival combines stellar filmmaking, beautiful cinematography, and first-rate storytelling. These films explore nature, community activism, adventure, conservation, water, energy and climate change, wildlife, environmental justice, agriculture, and more.
This year’s program features the audience favorites from the nation’s premier environmental and adventure film festival, the 2024 Wild and Scenic Film Festival. Come early for the silent auction and free swag.
The 2024 Bay Area Dance Week festival happens April 26-May 5 at multiple venues across Berkeley to offer something for everyone, regardless of experience, age, and ability. Over the years participants have been able to choose from workshops, performances, classes, open rehearsals, and more. Whether Bolivian folkloric dance, Tahitian dance, Ballet, Congolese Dance, Hula, Jazz, Modern, Hip Hop for adults and kids – this festival has hundreds of ways to get your groove on!
May
The Bay Area Book Festival is a world-class literary extravaganza taking place each year over two days in Downtown Berkeley. The 2024 edition of the festival takes place June 1-2. Since 2015, Bay Area Book Festival has featured the boldest and most brilliant literary voices in conversations about issues that matter, with a focus on justice and diversity.
An annual event since 1983, the Himalayan Fair fills Live Oak Park with vendors and crafts from all over, food from Himalayan regions and a stunning array of musicians and dancers. Classical and folk dances, ancient and modern music, traditional and fusion presentations, and food (did we mention that already)! Check back for 2024 date.
June
Juneteenth in Berkeley is held annually in south Berkeley’s five-block Alcatraz-Adeline corridor. Communities nationwide have adopted JUNETEENTH as an occasion to celebrate African American culture and traditions, and as an opportunity to acknowledge contributions African Americans have made to the fabric of America. Check back for 2024 dates.
July
The annual Front Row Festival brings music, food and drink to the Downtown Berkeley BART Plaza and surrounding streets. Hosted by The Freight & Salvage, The Marsh, Berkeley Repertory Theatre, The Back Room, California Jazz Conservatory, and The UC Theatre. Check back for 2024 date.
August
Chocolate and Chalk Art Festival
The sidewalks of North Berkeley are the "canvas" of artists young and old, professional and greenhorn during the annual Chocolate and Chalk Art Festival. Artist registration is free, with contests and prizes. And chocolate tasting tickets keep the antioxidant buzz strong. Check back for 2024 date.
