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.)

First let me start with that Im a Hayward native and I remember this festival since I was a little…read moregirl. They have all the regular stuff, drinks, funnel cakes, garlic fries, rides and live music. It always brings back memories from years ago. The bad thing is that just to go it in for a family of 5 was $50 dollars and then the rides, food and wine/beer another $200. Guess what cash only to get in. Inside there are ATMs ($5.00 fee) and you can only get $100 dollars at a time. Luckily we had some cash. I really think if you spend this much money you should get in for free. It can be hard on some families to go and hang out with such high costs. But that aside the live bands on either side of the park, various tables to eat at and lots of zucchini bread (muffins on point $3.00 each) and fried zucchini delicious. I bought my commemorative 2017 wine glass with a serving of white zin for $10. Also available for beer with glass beer mugs. Philly cheese sandwiches, fish tacos, calamari, street tacos. Also jewelry, clothing, nick nacks of all kinds. Parking can be tough. Street parking and the parks parking lot or lots of people parking at Target. I got lucky and found street parking. But I will probably pass next year. Too expensive, not enough interesting things to do or see. Zucchini festival need to step up their game ASAP!!! I still love my Hayward though always have and always will.

Just Okay My wife…read moreand I went to the festival yesterday for the first time. The overall rating of 3 stars is appropriate. http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/hayward-zucchini-festival-hayward?select=dYSPf__c4ER98iLJE75kdg#41SxUmKUYCEKwtwWZfhESw: I was kind of a rebel. I walked in without paying because I was lazy and had a bad attitude (I didn't feel like walking to one of the official entrances, and I ignored this girl who tried to stop me- "Okay..."). My wife couldn't follow me in (she got blocked off by some guy), and so she paid $8 to enter (her purse was searched- the only thing lethal I had on me was my bad sense of humor). The tickets double as coupons for The Mexican, a restaurant that's just across the street ("20% Off your next on premise visit only"). Anyway, I'm glad that I didn't pay (the Fremont Festival of the Arts is much larger, and admission is free). http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/hayward-zucchini-festival-hayward?select=dYSPf__c4ER98iLJE75kdg#socer8wJKXaipbNyzfww_A: The cashier was quite friendly. The guy grilling the food was a bit curt, but I only had to wait a minute for my hot dog. It would have been nice if there was a wider selection of drinks. In terms of the napkins, there were probably some around, but it wasn't obvious. There are about 5 good art booths. In general, though, we weren't interested in buying anything but food (there are a decent number of promotional booths, and we didn't check any of them out). http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/hayward-zucchini-festival-hayward?select=dYSPf__c4ER98iLJE75kdg#IKhgQFTa30gT0BWoYo-PNw: The Kaye Bohler Band rocked the Main Stage (the Bohannon Stage is on the other side of the park- it's part of the kids area). Kaye has a powerful and bluesy voice. At the end of the show, she announced that customers who bought 2 CD's for $30 would be placed on the mailing list. The Rock Bottom Boys perform this afternoon. They're a fun and wonderful group (we saw them perform at the Alameda County Fair). As another reviewer mentions, zucchini isn't as prevalent as you would think. You can buy zucchini bread (for $4) and fried zucchini (for $6). That's about it. On the plus side, the zucchini bread is supposed to be great. We didn't look at them, but souvenirs are sold here. http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/hayward-zucchini-festival-hayward?select=dYSPf__c4ER98iLJE75kdg#bWle6qSKjx8-pRR-2KTknw: http://docsqnpit.com/: I was going to order from the other BBQ booth, but I noticed that their menu was more limited. http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/hayward-zucchini-festival-hayward?select=dYSPf__c4ER98iLJE75kdg#RKDtH2H7C3KudwEHpGpmxA: I'm anal when it comes to writing. On the menu, Link Sandwich should be Hot Link Sandwich, and Pull Pork should be Pulled Pork. Anyway, I would have asked for the sauce on the side if I knew that my hot link was going to be drenched with it. The main issue, though, is that it just wasn't that flavorful. It would have been fine if I got no sauce at all. The cashier struck me as being a bit crazy (he kept shouting and repeating himself). He and the others worked well together, though, and I only had to wait a minute for my hot link sandwich. Rib Meal: $11. Slab: $24. If possible (even a big eater like me can only eat so much), I would have bought a Rib Meal and also a Philly Cheesesteak (at least 3 booths sell them). At one point, we had to search for someplace to sit, but there's plenty of seating (I didn't know if these women in front of us were mother and daughter or lesbian lovers). At some spots, the ground is a bit uneven, so be careful while you're walking. We were here for over an hour. It was a good experience overall. It's worth going to the festival for the food and music. Kids should also have fun. I can't say, though, that it's worth $8 to enter. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Binebu5mwkA

This is the big summer festival for Fremont. First the good. This festival has everything. There's…read morea section of rides for the kids. They have a nice selection of local services. You can maat and talk with the local emergency services employees (firemen,police, EMT). I like how the food vendors were all along the same row. It's nice to say some new vendors, along with same old usuals. Now the bad. No parking,or charging $10 for parking. I saw everyone parking in the shopping center. Even though there were signs stating no event parking. Otherwise you had to park way down the street. For such a large Indian population,not much if anything representation,no Indian food vendors. I personally feel there weren't enough garbage cans near the food row. Most were full or needed to be emptied. But still a great time.

IMHO 5 years since…read moremy last review. Went on a Sunday this year. Hoped it would be cooler. Nope. Still lots of vendors, but many were different and new. I missed my favorites. Understandably, prices are higher... but dang!!! Normally my hubby and I like to buy a Lockeford sausage roll but they weren't there! Nothing piqued my foodie interest this year. Before we left, I bought a medium Dipping Dots bowl for $8. It was the perfect way to end our visit. It was very refreshing. The only item I purchased was a colorful wind spinner for $15. It brings me joy when I see it spinning in my garden! Will we return next year? Probably.

Another successful "2026" fair that didn't disappoint. The fireworks display was magnificent, and…read morehopefully they will bring it back next year. The fair was festive for the 4th and America's 250th. The fair runs till next Sunday, July 12, purchase tickets online or at the kiosk and the various entrances. The main entrance, next to fair office and across from the Ace train is the least crowded. The fair is cashless, so make sure you have your debit/credit card, and there are machines that turn cash into debit cards. The 4H cake booth accepts cash only, and this Thursday, July 9th is the last day for $3 food bites from 1-5 at participating vendors. Concerts happening this week check in at the clock tower for free bleacher tickets for certain concerts. I enjoyed the beautiful table settings, local art and photography, and the hobby and collectibles. These exhibits are my favorite as well as, the various shopping buildings. The last day of the fair is a plant sale, too.

This is the wonderful county fair . It usually starts in mid June and last one week after July…read more4,2926 We came at 5:30 pm on July 3 th , Friday because today is a holiday . Weather is around 70 F with breeze and blue sky .Normal admission is $19.50 . Senior $16.50 . It was $11 on Thursday before 5 pm and $6 on selected Wednesday. If you like to purchase unlimited rides bracelets, the best deal is buy 4 for $84.70 This year it has a lot more food vendors than last year . There is a grilled meats kabab food truck , an Asian food shop and many more drinks . We love the Texas size grilled Turkey leg , jumbo sausage hot dogs . Garlic fries ( with minced garlic ) was $14 . We got a slushie ( I've with flavors ) for $6 and a funnel cakes with powdered sugar at the end . Love to see the small animals display ( rabbits , birds , reptiles, genies pigs , etc I enjoyed visit the made with hands arts building . We walled around to look at the award winning photos , pencils painting , crochet, miniature houses . There is. Alive show of a senior lady doing a cheese show ( craving a huge block of cheese into arts pieces) We came late and was sad to see all the farms animals were gone and the farm house was under maintenance. However , we still got to see the sheep shearing. The man was skillful . He shaved it in one minute minutes and the whole piece of wool came out like a blanket. I watched the little kids to ride the camel and pony . Also enjoy the bee hives performance with a man inside and explaining to us about bees . We love this Alameda county fair and have been coming every year for past 24 years .

The line up at the Hayward/Russell City Blues Festival totally blew me away! This year's line up…read morehas 9 bands each day (their website has a schedule). I attended Saturday and all the acts were solid. I felt it was well worth the cost of admission: $20 in advance $25 at the door (cash only) $35 for both days This event is typically the 2nd week in July, and features amazing blues musicians and vocalists. It's close to the Hayward BART Station at the Hayward City Hall. Russell City is an unincorporated area of Hayward where folks from the deep South settled back in the day. It was a proving ground for blues musicians. http://www.bayareabluessociety.net/russell_city_page.html It's a mellow festival with one stage, a large lawn to spread out blankets, lawn chairs, and a dance area on the side. Note that you can't bring in food or drinks, but you can purchase them through the vendors (bring cash). I was impressed by all the line dancers - great people watching event. Highly recommended.

The music was great! So much fun! Food vendors were sparse and expensive. If the event gets bigger…read moreperhaps there will be more choices in the future. There were several vendors selling their wares. None of them interested me in the slightest. Still, I think it's fantastic that Hayward puts on this event. It's walking distance from our home and really, that's pretty fantastic. Let's keep the cool things happening in Hayward!

REVIWER # 1 Castro…read moreValley is coming out with all these festivals and fairs that I had no idea about and I truly love and enjoy them! This event was Castro Valleys 10th Annual Car Show and they had some sexy muscle cars out for display. Taking it back just a little bit...I am a sucker for sexy colorful cars...It seems to catch my attention better than seeing a sexy man on the street....but any who...When I had drove by Castro Valley Blvd and noticed all the cars I couldn't help but to stop, park and explore! This event took place on Saturday June 11th from 2PM-7PM and I had arrived a little before they closed. Most of the cars and the owners were still there while individuals like me snapped pictures from the inside of the car to the outside. FOOD: They had one side designated for food trucks. I was happy to see: ~WoKitchen-Never heard of them before but they sold food items from Veggie Eggrolls to Tacos! ~Smokes Poutinerie-I have tried them at their Berkeley location and I'm a big fan and supporter of this business! I was really excited to see they had a food truck! Looks like many of attendees were happy about them as well! ~Chick-N-Chill food truck was there. By the time I arrived they were cleaning up and headed out! :( ~Taco food truck ~Jenns Cupcakes- https://www.yelp.com/biz/jenns-cupcakes-and-parties-castro-valley?osq=jeens+cupcakes They event took over 5-6 blocks of Castro Valley Blvd and they even had a section for the children such as painting, arts, jumpers! It was really nice! I am so happy I was able to explore the festival and now that I know about it I will be on the lookout for next year! REVIEW 47/196

The highlight of the event was definitely the food. Some vendors only accepted cash, others only…read more"event cash" (which guests purchased/exchanged at the registration booth near the entrance), so this added a bit of inconvenience to our experience. But there were tons of food vendors throughout, and a comprehensive menu on the festival website, showcasing the wide range of diverse offerings, as well as clear menu signs at each tent on site. Falafel wraps, beef kofta and grilled lamb plates, and Egypt street food galore, along with an Egyptian coffee stand and a dessert corner selling crepes, baklava with ice cream, and other pastries. Just so much to choose from. We got a strawberry smoothie and hibiscus juice from the Tut & Sons beverage tent, and these treats were fresh tasting and delicious, topped off with a cute little umbrella on the colorful skinny straws it came with. We also tried the macaroni bashamel, alexandrian liver sandwich, and feteer with feta cheese and egg. Food and service were strangely just okay, but most volunteers/workers were friendly, and we didn't encounter any problems. And there were plenty of shaded tables and seating to enjoy our snacks and drinks. There were also church tours, extremely limited merchandise for sale (idk, maybe they ran out of offerings the first two days!?!), live music by community members and other forms of entertainment on a small stage, and a kids area with inflatable slides, rock climbing, and more. Free parking and unnecessary shuttle service was available at East Avenue Elementary School, but that lot was full when we arrived a little after lunchtime. Luckily we found parking on the road directly in front of the Coptic Youth Center where the festival was taking place. Fun little family-friendly event, free to attend, and great for spending an hour or two on a beautiful Sunday afternoon.

It's always great to see a community get together and share their lives with strangers. I've never…read moreknown about Coptics, but judging from this festival they're pretty great. The church is cool with great art inside and a nifty store for all Egyptian needs is by the patio in the back. Only thing I'd change is the placement of the stage. It was pretty slanted and someone could get hurt. We got some hibiscus drink and strawberry smoothies. As well a lover sandwich and other good foods.