Lafayette Art and Wine Festival Guide to Guests, and Ticket info
The Lafayette Art and Wine Festival is one of California’s most exciting outdoor celebrations of creativity, music, and local flavor. Every year, thousands of people gather in downtown Lafayette to enjoy art, wine, and live performances. It’s a perfect mix of entertainment and culture, offering something special for everyone.
If you’re looking for details about location, timing, and how to enjoy this fun event, this guide has everything you need. For additional travel details, you can also check the Festival Fields Park Guide to Location, Guests, and Ticket Info to better plan your visit.
What Type of Festival Is It?
The Lafayette Art and Wine Festival is an annual outdoor community event that blends fine art, handcrafted goods, wine tasting, craft beer, and live music. It’s not just about art and drinks—it’s about bringing the local community together.
Visitors can explore over 250 booths featuring artists, crafters, and local vendors. Many display paintings, sculptures, jewelry, and handmade crafts. Food lovers will find a wide range of cuisines from local restaurants and food trucks.
The festival also includes wine and beer tents, live music stages, and kids’ play zones. This combination of art, food, and entertainment makes it one of the Bay Area’s most beloved events. Families, couples, and friends all come to experience this joyful celebration.
Location of the Festival
The Lafayette Art and Wine Festival takes place in downtown Lafayette, California, located in Contra Costa County. The event spreads along Mt. Diablo Boulevard, stretching between Dewing Avenue and Moraga Road.
Here’s a quick overview of the location details:
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Venue | Downtown Lafayette, California |
| Main Streets | Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette Circle, and La Fiesta Square |
| County | Contra Costa County |
| Nearest Station | Lafayette BART Station |
| Access | Walkable streets, shuttles, and bike valet available |
The streets are closed to traffic during the festival, allowing visitors to stroll freely through the colorful booths and music stages. The setting gives the event a relaxed, open-air feel that matches perfectly with the wine and art on display.
For those using public transportation, the Lafayette BART Station is just a short walk or shuttle ride away. Visitors can also find free parking near the station and take the free shuttle to the event grounds.
Who Organizes This Festival?
The Lafayette Chamber of Commerce organizes this Art and Wine Festival each year. Their goal is to promote local artists, support small businesses, and strengthen community bonds.
Proceeds from the event go toward local schools, nonprofits, and community programs, making it more than just a festival. It’s a tradition that supports the growth of Lafayette’s creative and social environment.
Over the years, the Chamber has worked with hundreds of volunteers and sponsors to keep the event vibrant and family-friendly. Many local organizations also partner to provide safety, sanitation, and guest assistance throughout the weekend.
Dates and Times of the Event
The Lafayette Art and Wine Festival is usually held in September every year. For 2025, the dates are:
| Day | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday | September 20, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Sunday | September 21, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
These two days are packed with art, live entertainment, food, and local wine tasting. Visitors can walk through the streets all day while enjoying sunshine, music, and great company.
The event takes place rain or shine, so it’s important to bring comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and a hat. The morning hours are often less crowded, making them ideal for families or art collectors who want to browse quietly.
Where to Buy Tickets
One of the best parts of this Art and Wine Festival is that admission is completely free. Visitors can explore art, enjoy music, and participate in most of the activities without any entry fee.
However, if you plan to taste wine or craft beer, you’ll need to purchase the official festival glass and drink tickets. Here’s a breakdown of how it works:
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Entry Fee | Free for everyone |
| Wine or Beer Tasting | Purchase required |
| Festival Glass | Must be purchased to drink alcohol |
| Drink Tickets | Sold separately for individual pours |
| Age Restriction | 21+ with valid ID |
Tickets and glasses are sold at multiple booths throughout the event area. It’s best to buy them early in the day to avoid long lines later.
The festival only serves alcohol within designated boundaries, so make sure to stay inside the marked areas when enjoying your drinks.
Performers at Lafayette Art and Wine Festival
Music is one of the biggest highlights of the Lafayette Art and Wine Festival. Multiple stages across downtown Lafayette feature live performances throughout both days.
You’ll find a mix of genres, from rock and jazz to blues and pop. The event usually hosts four major stages along with smaller community spots.
In 2024, over 40 bands and performers took part in the lineup. Many were local favorites from the Bay Area music scene. Visitors can dance, relax, or enjoy the tunes while sampling wine and food.
Here’s a sample of the kind of performers you might see:
| Stage | Music Style | Featured Artists (Examples) |
|---|---|---|
| Main Stage | Rock & Pop | The Spazmatics, Pride & Joy |
| Community Stage | Local & Family | Lafayette Kids Choir, School Bands |
| Jazz Stage | Jazz & Blues | Delta Wires, The Big Jangle |
| Plaza Stage | Folk & Acoustic | Matt Jaffe, Heather Combs Band |
Every year, the lineup changes slightly, giving both returning fans and new visitors something fresh to enjoy.
Midway through your visit, don’t miss the Hatch Chile Festival Guide to Location, Guests, and Ticket Info if you love learning about similar cultural events across the country.
Food and Drinks
The Lafayette Art and Wine Festival isn’t just for art lovers. Food enthusiasts can taste the best of Lafayette’s local cuisine. Dozens of restaurants and food trucks serve everything from gourmet meals to comfort food.
Wine lovers can sample selections from California wineries, while beer fans can explore craft brews from local breweries. Non-alcoholic beverages, smoothies, and sodas are also available for families and kids.
Some popular options include:
- California Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from regional vineyards
- Craft beers from Bay Area breweries
- Freshly grilled BBQ, tacos, and gourmet sandwiches
- Vegan and vegetarian-friendly dishes
There are plenty of shaded seating areas where you can relax and enjoy your meal while watching performances nearby.
How to Get There and Parking Information
Getting to the Lafayette Art and Wine Festival is simple thanks to the city’s excellent public transport and parking facilities.
Here’s a helpful travel guide:
| Option | Details |
|---|---|
| BART | Lafayette Station is a short walk from the festival |
| Shuttle | Free shuttles run between the BART lot and festival grounds |
| Bike | Free valet parking for bicycles at 81 Lafayette Circle |
| Car Parking | Free parking at BART and nearby lots |
| Accessibility | The festival is wheelchair accessible |
It’s recommended to arrive early on Saturday morning or Sunday before noon to find better parking and avoid crowds.
The streets around Mt. Diablo Boulevard are closed during the event, so it’s best to use designated parking lots or take BART for convenience.
Festival Rules and Tips
This Art and Wine Festival has a few simple rules to ensure everyone has a great time. Alcoholic drinks are only allowed inside the festival’s boundaries, and you must be 21+ with a wristband to drink.
Visitors are welcome to bring leashed dogs, though mornings are cooler and more comfortable for pets. Refillable water bottles are encouraged, and free water stations are located around the event.
The festival continues rain or shine, so always check the weather forecast and dress appropriately. Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are helpful for sunny afternoons.
Why You Should Attend the Lafayette Art and Wine Festival
The Lafayette Art and Wine Festival stands out as one of Northern California’s largest and most beloved community events. It brings together art, culture, food, and friendship in one festive space.
You’ll experience the vibrant spirit of Lafayette while supporting local artists and small businesses. It’s more than just a weekend celebration—it’s a showcase of the creativity and generosity that define the community.
For many families and visitors, attending the festival has become a yearly tradition filled with laughter, music, and memories. Whether you’re there for the art, the wine, or simply the atmosphere, it’s an event you’ll want to return to every year.
Final Thoughts
The Lafayette Art and Wine Festival continues to grow as one of California’s signature outdoor events. With its mix of art, live music, food, and community spirit, it captures the heart of what makes Lafayette a special place.
Plan your trip early, check the festival’s official website for performer updates, and come ready to explore everything this event has to offer. Whether you’re a local or a traveler, you’ll find joy, flavor, and creativity around every corner.
Experience the magic of this Art and Wine Festival — where art meets music, and the community comes alive.
