By Robert Haugh

The Santa Clara Art & Wine Festival returns to Central Park this weekend for its 44th year, bringing two days of art, food, wine, beer and live entertainment.

The festival runs Saturday, Sept. 19, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 20, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Central Park, 909 Kiely Blvd.

Admission is free.

More than 170 artists and craft vendors are scheduled to participate, selling everything from jewelry and ceramics to candles, photography, paintings, specialty foods and other handmade items. Young artists will also have a chance to show and sell their work in the Junior Artists area near the Arbor Amphitheater.

There will also be plenty of food.

Local community groups will serve festival favorites including Italian sausage, pulled pork sandwiches, tacos, funnel cakes and deep-fried Oreos. Food trucks include Fire & Slice Pizza, Street Bite Vietnamese, Akita Sushi, LillieMae’s House of Soul Food, Kona Ice and others.

Wine and craft beer will be provided by the Santa Clara Rotary Foundation. This year’s wine selections include Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, sparkling wine and mimosas.

Music will be featured throughout both days.

Saturday’s Pavilion Stage lineup includes The Turnarounds, Livewire, First Call and Neon Velvet. Sunday’s performers include the TBT Jazz Trio, Bululú, Electric Rodeo and Mercy & The Heartbeats.

The Gold Mine Community Stage will feature local dance and cheer teams, musicians and other community performers. The Niner Noise 49ers Drum Line is scheduled to perform Saturday afternoon. The Arbor Amphitheater will also feature DJs, robotics demonstrations, mariachi music and Parks & Recreation activities.

The festival raises money for Santa Clara community groups and nonprofit organizations. City information provided to participating artists says the event has drawn more than 50,000 people in past years.

Visitors should plan ahead for parking.

The City says parking will be limited and is encouraging people to walk, bike, carpool or use public transportation. Free parking will be available at the Central Park Library garage and Santa Clara First Baptist Church. Paid parking will also be available at several nearby locations.

The City will also provide a free Bike Watch area, and a rideshare drop-off location will be available at the Central Park Library.

More information is available on the City of Santa Clara’s Art & Wine Festival webpage.