Gilroy Garlic Festival
A community-run California tradition built entirely around garlic, from garlic ice cream to whole roasted bulbs, run by volunteers since 1979.
Gilroy, California has long called itself the Garlic Capital of the World, and since 1979 its annual festival has celebrated that reputation with unapologetic enthusiasm. The event is entirely volunteer-run, with proceeds supporting local schools and charities — over its history, the festival has raised millions of dollars for the Gilroy community.
The food is the whole point: garlic-forward dishes of every kind, from the famous Gourmet Alley's calamari and scampi to more novelty items like garlic ice cream, alongside live music, arts and crafts and cooking competitions.
The festival returned in 2025 after a six-year hiatus, now held at the Hecker Pass Outdoor Events Center on a smaller, ticketed scale — a genuinely community-driven tradition finding its footing again after some difficult years.
Highlights
- ✓Running since 1979
- ✓Entirely volunteer-run
- ✓Raised millions for local schools