Summer is just around the corner. The Bay area will be bursting with weekend events and activities. But there is no need to wait to get out and celebrate with family fun, community focused festivals. Our weather allows for more festivals to be held throughout the year. The people who live in the Bay Area wouldn’t have it any other way. Whether you are looking to connect with others who share your passions, or are on the ready to join in a new festival experience, this is the place to be.  The end of April and beginning of May make for a weekend full of events. I have listed below just some of the festivals you can check out between April 30- May 1^st.

Earth Day is officially on April 22^nd, but the celebration of our planet and what we can do to protect it doesn’t end then. Head over to Cupertino on Saturday April 30^th for their 8^th Annual Earth Day & Arbor Day Celebration. Being held at the City Hall Plaza from 11:00 am- 3:00 pm, there will be entertainment, food and informational booths to check out. Learn the “ABCs and 123s of growing greener for the greater good”. The kids can get their faces painted too. Make it a full day affair with the whole family by joining the bike ride tour of Cupertino’s parks and schools.

You can get an early start to your Cinco de Mayo celebration with the Richmond Cinco de Mayo Parade and Festival through the weekend, April 30^th- May 1^st. The parade runs from 24^th and Barrett Avenue to Dover Avenue. This celebration of Mexican culture and heritage includes dancing horses, plenty of food, as well as three music stages to entertain. For a view into different native cultures from North and South America, check out the 32^nd Annual California Indian Market and Peace Pow Wow in San Juan Bautista. This celebration put on by the One Earth One People Peace Vision organization and the San Juan Intertribal Council wants to spread the powerful message of peace through traditional dances, arts and crafts.

May is Asian Pacific Heritage Month, and the start of the month gets the celebrations going. The 39^th Annual Nikkei Matsuri-San Jose Japantown festival embraces the community love and appreciation of Japanese-American heritage in one of only three Japantowns left in the United States. Food, art and culture await you in this San Jose neighborhood on Sunday May 1^st. Alameda will have its own celebration on the first as well. With the 57th Annual Spring Festival Bazaar at the Buena Vista United Methodist Church, Asian Pacific Heritage will be celebrated with cultural experiences for all ages, Asian culinary offerings, arts and crafts and so much more.

Touted as the largest street festival in the Tri-Valley area is the Livermore Wine Country Downtown Street Fest, taking place April 30^th- May 1^st. This historic area has been home to this festival for 25 years now. There is more than just wine on hand, you will find hand crafted brews, food and entertainment all a part of over 300 vendor booths, featuring local artisans, dining establishments, wineries, breweries and more.

Speaking of art, you can easily spend the entire weekend checking out area art festivals. Alameda has its Whimsy Fest on April 30^th. Featuring the world’s smallest parade, everyone is encouraged to dress in a whimsical costume and join the parade.  Some other arts festivals in the Bay area this weekend include A La Carte & Art in Mountain View on Castro Street all weekend, the Arts & Green Festival in Albany on May 1^st in Memorial Park, and near Saratoga, there is the Rotary Art Show at West Valley College, running both Saturday and Sunday.

Whatever you decide to do this coming festival weekend has something for everyone. When you are ready to sell or buy a home, we at Haylen Group are here to help you with all of your real estate needs! As your buyer agent we will strive to give you the best support we can. Call Helen Chong at (408) 800-LIST or email at Helen@HaylenGroup.com. You can also visit us at our website for available listings and additional information.