Berkeley Festivals & Annual Events

Celebrate Berkeley’s Year-Round Festivals: Use our interactive map to explore the city’s vibrant annual events, from the Bay Festival and literary gatherings to music celebrations and cultural festivals, ensuring you never miss the excitement.

2026 Events

May

Bluegrass Music Festival | May 1-3

The Freight presents the 10th annual Bluegrass Music Festival in May. The event will feature Grammy winners Laurie Lewis and Leah Wollenberg, among other incredibly talented musical artists in their 2026 lineup. Additionally, workshops, vendors, and more will be offered for attendees.

Berkeley Bay Festival | May 2

This family-friendly festival brings live music, vendors, arts and crafts, and adventure parks to Shorebird Park. Picnic on the field with food from local eateries, grab a boat ride, and relax in the community fun.

Berkeley Asian Cultural Festival | May 3

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.

Taste of the North | May 13

Using a Taste Passport, trek through the Northern district of Berkeley and discover local flavors and bold new tastes. The event offers plenty of options through its dozens of participating restaurants. In addition to the delicious plates, try handcrafted beers, cocktails, and wines.

Himalayan Fair | May 16 & 17

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.

Bay Area Book Festival | May 29-31

The Bay Area Book Festival is a world-class literary extravaganza taking place each year over two days in Downtown Berkeley. 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.

People browse through books during the Bay Area Book Festival.

June

Berkeley Festival & Exhibition | June 6-14

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 | June 21

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.

A painting in vvibrant color depicts a series of people in traditional African garb for the Berkeley Juneteenth Festival. — Credit: Berkeley California Juneteenth Festival

August

National Night Out Block Party | August 4

Join the community in celebrating togetherness and getting to know more about local resources through the National Night Out Block Party. Munch down on free hot dogs while taking part in family-fun activities. The evening promises inflatables, lawn games, and conversations with first responders.

September

Bizerkeley Food Festival | September 6

Considered Northern California's largest vegan food festival, this huge food fest takes over Martin Luther King Jr., Civic Community Center Park with delicious bites, local vendors, and more! The event supports the California Pitbull Rescue, so with every plate, attendees are supporting a good cause.

A group of people stand in the sun, grabbing food from a food truck that's been parked on bright green grass in Berkeley, CA

Mark Your Calendars for 2027 Events

The Wild and Scenic Film Festival | February 18-22, 2027

Berkeley is home to a thriving arts community, strengthened by their many film festivals. The Wild and Scenic Film Festival takes audiences through the natural side of the world, delving into the flora and fauna from every corner. Whether through the lens of curiosity or education, the event offers a powerful curated lineup of films every year.

Restaurant Week | 2027 Dates TBA

To support local cuisine and community hotspots, Berkeley's Restaurant Week encourages natives and tourists to take a bite of the city's independent foodie spots. Try new flavors, dabble in new tastes, and enjoy the tasty side of Berkeley in the spring.