Ah Livermore wine country, how I love you. So underrated with your adorable family vineyards and…read morelovely, sunny weather. $40 to taste wine from so many Livermore vineyards is so worth it. Just wish I lived closer so I could have come back for day 2! We took BART in from Oakland then a Lyft. No DD, no problems. Although, now that I know they used to offer a shuttle between wineries, I must say my biggest complaint is that they got rid of it. At very least they should offer a shuttle to BART or major bus stops to encourage people to not drive. Cause it's kinda a safety issue. Apart from this, we had a blast. It's literally impossible to visit all of the wineries with so many participating (I think they have close to every winery in Livermore), so we planned strategically and started at Eckert Estate. From here, there are several wineries within one minute walks of each other. After this, we had to walk quite a bit to get to the next one, so you definitely get to try more if you start at a cluster. The walk between wineries was lovely though. A little sketchy with no sidewalks. But lovely. Vineyards and rolling hills everywhere. And good wine at every winery. Don't know that anything I tried blew me away, but most everything I tried was good and the families running the wineries were wonderful. Given a better, safer transportation situation, I would definitely come back to this event next year!

Thanks to Yelp, I was able to get tickets to this cool event. Wine and me are like this (fingers…read morecrossed), and I was excited to explore wine in Livermore where I haven't had the opportunity to venture out to yet. The festival is organized even with packs of people coming and going. We picked up our glasses from Concannon vineyards, which has a great Chardonnay! After walking around a bit, we strolled over to Wente and met up with our friends John and Chel. Thank goodness they had Italian shaved ice for sale there because the weather was nearing 100 degrees and we were melting outside. The heat definitely took a toll on the experience and I wish there were shuttles or something because walking from one winery to the other almost gave me a heat stroke. Every place had reserved wine tasting for $5 more. We didn't try those as there were plenty to go around already. However, for a wine festival, if you did pay $45 for the tickets, it would have definitely been nice to have the reserved wines included too! Both Concannon and Wente are beautiful wineries with lots of grounds to explore and food trucks and stands to supplement those itching for munchies to go along with their drinks. Ehrenberg cellars was awesome as it has a cool vibe and chill atmosphere. I enjoyed the wine, music and general ambiance of this wine celebration. Many thanks to Yelp for giving me the chance to have a great afternoon with wine and friends in beautiful Livermore.

I've been going to the Alameda County Fair since I was a kid, and I truly don't think I've missed a…read moreyear. Even during COVID, when they couldn't hold the regular fair, they put on a special fall version instead. Getting to go to the fair in a Halloween costume was honestly such an awesome experience. I hope they do something like that again someday. I definitely have my traditions. Funnel cake is a must (always with strawberries ). Non-negotiables include the Sky Ride, the petting zoo, and the Model Railroad exhibit (ask about their scavenger hunt!). Before I leave, I have to stop at one of the old-fashioned photo booths too. I write the year on the back of every photo strip, so I've ended up with this little collection that's basically a timeline of my life at the fair. One of my favorite things is that it really feels like the community coming together, and the whole place has such a festive vibe. My dad has won a couple of blue ribbons over the years, I have friends who enter competitions, and I genuinely love walking through the exhibits to see what people have grown, baked, photographed, painted, and created. I always end up spending way more time (and money! ) than I planned, so now I just budget for it every year. The concerts have been incredible too. I've seen Bowling for Soup, Smash Mouth, the Village People, Flo Rida, and plenty of others over the years. Between the concerts, the demolition derby, the drone shows, the animals, the rides, and all the new entertainment they bring in every year, I usually end up going more than once before the fair is over. Speaking of food, the best (and most ridiculous) fair food appears every year. This year it was Spam fries. Did I try them? No. Did I absolutely stop to take a picture? Of course I did. Also, one year I somehow came home from the fair with a mattress. We weren't planning on buying one, but I guess that's just another Alameda County Fair memory. After almost 30 years, I still get excited every time I walk through those gates. I have to leave with my traditional photo strip, my feet tired and dusty, and already looking forward to next year.

We went to this fair on July 11th, and it happened to be one of the hottest day ever!! If I…read moreremember well, it was 96 degrees that day! Before my granddaughter went back to Bellevue, we bought tickets online and went to this fair. It was quite a fun experience! We arrived early, and parking was a breeze, well organized . We headed to one most wanted attraction, the Alaska pig racing!! The benches were full, but some very kind people squeezed in to make room for us. It was quite a show, and the host made the crowd participate too!! Then the petting zoo, the games, the food, the snacks.... Expensive, but it was fun. Then the heat got to us and we went home. It would be so awesome if the weather was cooler so we can enjoy everything!!! Guess we need to come back next year.

This is an annual festival taking place the Friday after Thanksgiving, with a tree lighting at…read more6:00pm, followed by a delightful parade at 6:30pm. For the 2024 event, most people brought their own chairs, others just stood behind those seated. I arrived an hour early, and set up my chair to ensure a good view, situating myself near Niles Town Plaza, midpoint of the parade route. Then I walked around to explore the antique shops on Niles that were still open after 5pm, as well as a couple merchandise vendor tents outside. Entertainment before the parade included live music by Anthony Arya Band, street performers like jugglers, as well as costumed characters including the Grinch and SpongeBob SquarePants walking down Niles Blvd and posing for photos with kids. I also saw 4 food trucks on site, serving sushi, sliders, chicken sandwiches, and mexican food. And there was a drink stand selling hot chocolate, coffee, and tea for a dollar donation. The tree lighting was not your traditional christmas tree, it was just a regular tree along the street (the one with the stage set up next to it, across from Nature's ice cream shop). But they did make it look pointy at the top, with the lights, lol. Decorated vehicles and performers in the parade represented numerous organizations in the community, including little league teams, East Bay Regional Parks, and Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum. Golden Gate Basset Rescue had several dogs being walked with colorful string lights on the leashes. It was adorable. American High School color guard did a wonderful job with their performance, and marching bands from various schools and institutions created impressive sounds on percussion and wind instruments galore, including the bag pipes. There were plenty of cars in the parade too, adorned with beautiful designs, lighting, and props to put you in the holiday spirit. The crowds grew as it got later into the evening. But it never became chaotic or unmanageable. The event seemed to be organized well, yet still casual and flexible (like people could cross the street during the parade), even with a heavy police presence. It was such a laid back and joyful atmosphere, free to attend, and parking and traffic isn't too difficult if you arrive early and leave early before the parade ends. Otherwise, good luck.

I feel like the experience gets bigger and better every year! Been coming here for 3 consecutive…read moreyears now and have enjoyed it every time. I'm a big fan of local functions and activities and community involvement so this Christmas tradition is always a delight. My son loves seeing Santa and Mrs. Clause! He enjoys the entire parade full of cars and many lights with local performers. our friends and family always gather here every year now as part of our new tradition. We have a friend who lives on the street where they have the parade so her place is usually our usual spot. We've started bbq'ing and drinking before the parade as part of our festivities and then head over to Papillon's down the street for our dinner to celebrate Christmas season amongst friends. I appreciate Fremont a bit extra for having this tradition that I feel we are a little late in experiencing but now that we have, we refuse to ever miss it if we're in town. (We live in Southern California now.)

I had seen an Event Posting on Yelps Event Section for the Front Porch Music Festival at Wente…read moreVineyards . I was Excited when I saw this . And Yelp had a Giveaway for Pairs of Tickets for this Event . I'm not a Lucky Guy , But I was amazed when I was by Cali G of Yelp that I won a Pair of Tickets to this Wonderful Event . So on the Day Of The Music Festival ,I strapped on my Ankle Bracelet and was picked up by my Bodyguard Little John and we Rolled to Wente Vineyards Estates Winery and Tasting Rooms on Tesla Road . This Wente Facility doesn't usually do Music Concerts Except for The Front Porch Music Festival . It was Created by 5th Generatioin Winemaker Karl Wente . These Shows actually started on the Front Porch of his home in Livermore. We Stashed Little Johns Whip in the Large Dirt Lot . and Street Hiked to Will Call and Claim my 2 Wrist Bands . Thanks Yelp !!! It was a Beautiful Day at The Wente Estate . There were Several Food Options and Several Wine Bars Open . There were 2 Stages for Music . The Barrel Room Stage - Acoustical Performances Jules Danny Click Matt EL Peter Case Kingsborough And The Outdoor Stage- Garage Band Academy Elliot Randall & The Deadmen Wolf Hamlin & The Front Porch Drifters - Karl Wentes Band Hot Buttered Rum The Wine was Flowing , Lots of Really Lovely Ladies and Great Live Music = a Great Time . I personally consumed 3 Bottles of Wentes Riesling so I was feeling pretty good. LOL The Music Festival was from 11am- 9pm . My Favorite Music Acts were Jules and Wolf Hamlin & The Front Porch Drifters . Theyb really Brought it and Jammed out . I also bought a Pepperoni Pizza which was Pretty Tasty,. This Music Festival Happens on Labor Day Weekend . This Year It Was Co - Sponsored By Yelp and Livermore Porsche. I really Enjoyed it and Highly Recommend It !!! This Event Is A Baller On A Budget Approved Event !!!

Well, one of my partners in crime decided we just had to attend "The Front Porch Music Festival."…read more She told me that this was an event that was added to her "list of things to do" in the Bay area since 2004... So, I decided to be a team player and assist my lovely friend in checking that box off the list. Needless to say, we had a delightful time. We showed up and it was a bit windy as Livermore can be. But we decided to enjoy the sun and grab a glass of Wente's vino. Now one of my girl friends is apart of the Nth degree wine club so we were given VIP service. This was supreme, let me tell you! As we walked around and enjoyed the different bands, I was experiencing a total blast from the past while running into lovely friends I had known since grade school. Bands were located inside and outside. We grabbed a seat at the fire pit and made friends with a cute couple from Livermore, To end the event, we decided to grab some pizza from the food trucks. This pizza was not just any pizza. It was pepperoni goodness with perfectly backed thin crust. As we left the festival we sadly made our goodbyes to our new friends and decided that it might be a great idea to come back next year.

This was our first time at San Ramon Art and Wind festival, which is held annually at Central Park…read moreSun-Mon of Memorial Day weekend. Overall, a fun event and they literally used the entire park for all the venues. Tons of people. but with all that space you don't really feel too crowded unless you're lining up for restrooms or looking for parking. Highlights: * Parking is $10 at one of the lots. We parked at Iron Horse Middle School. Bring cash. Free Parking is available on the Market Place across from Central Park, but its likely going to be a zoo there. * They split the park in half - one side for folks to have picnics, chill, eat, and listen to the live bands that rotate throughout the day. They also have dance troupes too. No kites here. * The other side of the park closer to the baseball/soccer fields are a free for all for kite flying. Here you'll get neck strain trying to see all those kites in the sky. Our rambunctious 5yo loved running around here. * They also have a DJ and some sort of professional/expert kite flyers near the Skateboard park, with some impressively designed kites. * City Hall is open for kid's crafts and a puppet show. You also get access to clean bathrooms inside. * They have tons of vendor booths and food stalls lined up along the parking lots and fields. * And if music, food, chillaxing and just admiring the kites is too boring, they also have carnival games and rides in the area between Iron Horse Middle School and the entrance to Central Park. Definitely recommend this Festival since its normally sunny and windy in San Ramon during Memorial Day.

This event happens annually on the Sunday and Monday of Memorial Day weekend…read more We have been in the past and I returned this year, it's such a fun event for the kids/family. There's a lot of local vendors and businesses that table. There's arts and crafts for the kids. It's enjoyable walking around and see what there is offer. The park/splash pad is nearby if children want to play. Food can be a little expensive, so we pack our lunches or eat beforehand when coming here. I am actually very impressed with their garage system. I constantly see people sorting through to ensure the correct items are disposed in garbage, recycle and compost. We enjoy making the kites and trying to fly the kites in the field. It is fun to be out on the field flying and watching all these kites. Parking can be difficult at times, but they do have some paid parking lots nearby. I have also seen people walk through the iron horse trail to this event.

Paying for parking and hard to access was not disclosed prior to purchasing tickets. Entertainment…read morewas less than entertaining.

You have probably seen ads for this event on Facebook or TV. Bright lights, festive, cultural -…read morelooks cool, right? I didn't see many reviews for the Pleasanton event online so hopefully this review can be helpful for someone on the fence about going. - It's expensive(!): one adult ticket is $27 after online fees, plus $10 in parking. The event is located on the east side of the Fairgrounds along Fairgrounds Road, so if you're looking to save money you can find neighborhood parking along Rose Ave and walk 5 to 10 minutes. - It's VERY, VERY small: the commercials on TV make this event look vast and spacious, but in reality, it really just occupies a small grass field. You can walk through the whole thing in less than an hour - and that's after taking your time, stopping to take pics, reading the light descriptions, etc. - The light installations are pretty cool: the quality and attention to detail of the light installations were well done. The lights definitely weren't cheesy and you could get some nice pictures here. - Stay for the acrobat show: they have a 20-minute Chinese acrobat show a few times a night. It was really good and entertaining! Wish it was longer. Start times vary depending on the night, so check the schedule at the ticket window when you arrive. - Not crowded: I went with my family on a Saturday night and it wasn't crowded at all. You can easily walk around and take pics. Very quiet and peaceful. Overall: at almost $30 a person (plus more if you pay for parking) I would recommend skipping this event. The light installations are nice, but you won't walk away saying "wow" or anything. The space is also REALLY small and underwhelming. But if you are looking for something new to do this holiday season, you can make this a good time out. Just level your expectations. Personally I wouldn't pay no more than $10 for this event and tickets are nearly 3x that amount.

We went this morning to see if anything new looked good. It seems like it's much smaller this year…read more The good was there's much more food trucks and vendors. Also a very large police presence. Not sure why,but better than no presence at all. Plenty of available parking today. The bad news, no new vendors.

IMHO This year a new…read moreorganizer decided to change up the street configuration of the festival, which threw a lot of people off when we all parked in our usual spots and headed to Walnut Ave. to begin our day, only to discover that they had a lot more walking to do before hitting the festival! Oy! This senior citizen got her exercise in today! I had two things on my list to purchase; a new garden wind spinner and some Kibler Elf coffee cakes. We passed by some food vendors first to check out the prices. I don't know if this is a new thing, but I found many food vendors didn't have their food prices in full view. That doesn't work for me. If you don't advertise your pricing, I am going to walk past your booth. As expected, food prices continue to go up at these festivals. My hubby got two BBQ hot link sandwiches for $18. I chose an orange chicken combo plate w/rice and Chow mein for $20. Hubby liked his hot links. We both enjoyed the orange chicken. This plate was so hot and hefty, and I felt it was almost worth the price I paid. I found my wind spinner vendor and paid $18, which was $3 more than a few years ago, I think. My coffee cake vendor decided not to bring the large coffee cakes to sell but offered small muffin-sized versions instead. I was also hoping to find a Dipping Dots vendor this year, but I couldn't find 'em. One dude wanted $10 for one cookie. Nope. Will we return next year? Hmmmm, maybe.

We walked to the gate from downtown Pleasanton. We attended many other events walking up to this…read moregate. Security told us we had to enter from the other side which meant that we would walk 1.5 miles around plus almost a mile through their parking lots. We were not adding 2.5 miles to our trip. Also there were big no pedestrian signs along the road that the guard told us to take. Seriously? In times when they are trying to encourage walking and public transit why are you making it so difficult to atttend your event?

$9 admission + $15 parking=$24 to enter. It's ridicules. They get money from the vendors and the…read moreitems are way over-priced, so the admission should be free. In addition, they closed all entrances and just open for the $15 parking entrance where you cannot find any street parking nearby. You must walk 30min if you avoid paying for $15 parking. Someone else also wrote it, but you see the similar vendors as Art and Wind Festival and that's a free event. Why do we need to spend $24 to shop at Harvest Festival?