Humankind has used garlic for thousands of years as a medicine, an aphrodisiac, an antiseptic – and even as a way to keep those fictional vampires at bay. It’s arguably one of the most common additions to any recipe, and the Gilroy Garlic Festival, held the last full weekend in July, is the best place on earth to indulge in everything garlic.
Every year since 1979, tens of thousands of visitors head to Gilroy — known as the Garlic Capital of the World and located about 30 miles south of San Jose — for the Garlic Festival and its three stages of entertainment, cooking competitions and garlicky good food, from bread to ice cream.
The fest’s Gourmet Alley features Pyro Chefs with their giant skillets billowing flames and the irresistible scent of cooking garlic as they whip up calamari and scampi. Pro tip: Worried about garlic breath? Drinking milk or eating parsley can help.
Event Themes
Arguably one of the most unique food festivals in California, this multi-day event is a festive celebration of both garlic and its undeniable role in the Golden State’s culinary scene.
- Arts
- Culture
- Entertainment
- Family
- Food
- Music
- Outdoors