Berkeley Festivals & Annual Events

2024

June

Bay Area Book Festival

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.

Berkeley Festival & Exhibition

Founded in 1990 and produced by the San Francisco Early Music Society (SFEMS), the Berkeley Festival & Exhibition (BFX) has become one of the world’s largest and most important early music conclaves, deemed “a remarkable institution on the American musical scene” by The New York Times. This summer, eight days of scintillating music with 19 main stage concerts, as well as special events, a three-day exhibition, community workshops, and dozens of Fringe presentations!

Berkeley Juneteenth Festival

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. The 37th Annual Berkeley Juneteenth Festival happens on Sunday, June 16.

August

Front Row Festival

The annual Front Row Festival brings music, food and drink to the Downtown Berkeley BART Plaza and surrounding streets. Presented by Meyer Sound and hosted by The Freight & Salvage, The Marsh, Berkeley Repertory Theatre, The Back Room, California Jazz Conservatory, and The UC Theatre. Set for August 24, 2024!

October

Berkeley Bird Festival

Celebrate the birds of Berkeley, including the Cal Falcons, at the annual Berkeley Bird Festival. 2024 dates coming soon.

2025

February

Celebration of Craft Beer Festival

March

Berkeley Restaurant Week

Berkeley Restaurant Week returns in March 2025! Bon appétit Berkeley and get ready for March Munch Madness!

Bioneers Conference

The renowned Bioneers Conference returns to Berkeley in March 2025. 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 each April 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.

Asian Cultural Festival

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. 2025 dates to be announced.

Berkeley Bay Festival

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. 2025 date to be announced.

The Wild and Scenic Film Festival

Stellar filmmaking, beautiful cinematography, and first-rate storytelling are playing at The Wild & Scenic Film Festival. Films explore nature, community activism, adventure, conservation, water, energy and climate change, wildlife, environmental justice, agriculture, and more.

May

Himalayan Fair

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 more.