Downtown Alameda Art & Wine Faire is Back!

Welcome Back! We’ve missed you! You’re invited to join the celebration and enjoy the return of Alameda’s largest outdoor summer street festival! The long awaited 36th Anniversary of the Downtown Alameda Art & Wine Faire has something for everyone — over 250 art & craft vendors, festival foods, craft beer and wine, music performances on three stages, and interactive kids’ areas with games and carnival rides. The fun happens on July 29 & 30 from 10:00am to 6:00pm each day and is FREE to attend. 

“We are delighted to announce the return of a local tradition – the 36th Anniversary of the wildly popular Art & Wine Faire! After a three year pause, we are eager to reintroduce an event that has been bringing visitors and residents together to enjoy our vibrant downtown district since 1983. The streets and sidewalks are filled with gotta-have art, one-of-a-kind treasures, and tasty treats.” says Kathy Weber, Executive Director of the Downtown Alameda Business Association. “Let’s celebrate together on July 29 & 30 as we welcome guests from all over the Bay Area to our island community and show them our favorite places in downtown.”

Expanded for 2023:

Authentically Alameda: With the iconic Alameda Theatre sign as the beautiful backdrop, this expanded area on Central Avenue between Park and Oak Streets features a third music stage sponsored by Berkshire Hathaway. Programmed by Alameda musician Jim Parodi the stage highlights Alameda’s professional and amateur talent. This area promises to showcase local talents in a number of ways! In addition to spotlighting Downtown businesses, Alameda artisans, purveyors and community groups will abound. The enlarged outdoor dining area is the place to relax and enjoy all the food and drink that the festival has to offer. 

Art & Wine Faire Highlights:

Art & Crafts Vendors… Bring your wallet because you won’t want to leave empty handed after shopping over 250 eye-popping arts and craft booths with offerings like ceramics, metal art, paintings, photography, wood crafts, toys, handbags, clothing, and jewelry.

Live Entertainment… Each day provides continuous live entertainment featuring classic rock, bluegrass, funk, jazz, and soul. Notable entertainers include some of the most popular tribute bands in the Bay Area: Petty Theft (Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers), Swampers (Creedence Clearwater Revival), Long Train Running (Doobie Brothers), and Aja Vu (Steely Dan and Chicago). Performing a variety of music are Spazmatics (Ultimate 80’s New Wave Show), Bobby Young Project (Blues, Classic Roc, Funk), Savannah Bluegrass (Bluegrass) and the talents of singer/songwriters, Zack Fennie and Drew Harrison.

Festival Foods… Chow down on a fan favorite Lockeford Sausages and wash ‘em back with an ice cold lemonade or craft beer. Follow your nose to find other favorites including hand dipped corn dogs, fresh kettle corn, gyros, roasted corn, BBQ oysters, mango sticks, curly fries, teriyaki chicken skewers, dole whips, and more.

Craft Beer & Local Premium Wine… For the 21+ crowd, there will be four beverage booths serving local craft beers by Alameda Island Brewing Company and premium handcrafted wines by Alameda’s Wachira Wines, Urban Legend, Dashe Cellars and nearby Drawbridge Cellars.  Refreshing mimosas will also be available for purchase. Prices are $6 for commemorative glasses and $7 for beer and $10 for wines.

Enjoy all of Downtown Alameda… More than 400 businesses are located in the island’s walkable downtown district. Festival-goers can enjoy a stroll through the historic downtown where unique shops, amazing restaurants, and other services are abundant and will be offering event specials throughout the weekend.

It’s easy to get to the Downtown Alameda Art & Wine Faire. AC Transit provides routes across the island that stop right at the festivities, with bus transfers available from Fruitvale BART. Free secure bike parking is also available at the event. 

For more information, visit the official event page www.DowntownAlameda.com/artandwine/ or email  office@DowntownAlameda.com.

The annual Downtown Alameda Art & Wine Faire is presented by the Downtown Alameda Business Association and produced by Eckerstrom Productions as a fundraiser for the district. Proceeds help keep Downtown Alameda clean, green, and safe.