By Carter Fulhorst

Santa Clara is hosting the 41st Annual Art & Wine Festival September 16th and 17th. The two-day event will take place in Central Park, 909 Kiely Blvd., starting at 10 a.m. September 16th, continuing until 6 p.m. Saturday evening, and resuming Sunday September 17th at 10 a.m., concluding at 5 p.m. Sunday evening.

Festival-goers can enjoy wine, beer and delicious food from a number of caterers, and have some family-friendly fun listening to classics performed by a number of live bands, including several local favorites like East Side Funk who are returning to perform for a second year in a row. For a full list of performances and stage lineups check out the SVP Pavilion Stage Lineup.

For children, Kids Kingdom will feature live presentations, kid-friendly music, carnival games and more. Junior Artists, ages 8-17 will have their own area selling original, handmade arts and crafts in Kids Kingdom. 

Food Alley is hosted by Northeastern University. There will be a variety of festival food available for purchase, including the popular Pancake Breakfast in the Pavilion. 

Available fare will include Polish Sausages from the Kiwanis, St. Clare’s Tacos, Buchser Middle School Music Association’s kettle corn to support the music program, and Linguica Sandwiches from the Santa Clara Host Lions, among others. (for a full list of food and drinks, see the Art and Wine Festival’s Vendor List)

And for libations, Santa Clara Rotary Foundation is providing fine wine and ice-cold craft beer all weekend in the Meadow Garden and Pavilion Wine & Beer Tent. Proceeds from beer and wine sales will benefit local charities: Santa Clara Schools Foundation, Santa Clara Police Activities League (PAL), Santa Clara Rotary Foundation-Steps for Success, Wilcox High School PTSA-Grad Night and Santa Clara High School PTSA-Grad Night.

Prices are $10 per token, which are redeemable for beer (16 oz) or wine (6 oz) pours.

Disposable glassware will be provided and limited commemorative glasses will be available for sale at the merchandise booth near the Pavilion for $5. Token sales and wrist band disbursement will occur at booths where ID will be needed to provide proof of age (21-years and older).

Wristbands will be required to purchase beer or wine. There will be a maximum of two pours per purchase. Last call will be 6 p.m. Saturday and 5 p.m. Sunday.

The festival is one of the Mission City’s most attended and popular events – guests can enjoy live entertainment, a wide assortment of good food and wines, while supporting local artists and the community.

For more information, visit the Santa Clara Art and Wine Festival here: Website