Gilroy Garlic Festival

Garlic Capital of the World’s Legacy Continues.

The Gilroy Garlic Festival Association is pleased to announce the return of the Gilroy Garlic Festival, July 24–26, 2026, to be held at Hecker Pass Outdoor Events Center, adjacent to Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park. The three-day event will offer a limited number of tickets, offering an intimate and immersive festival experience filled with flavorful foods, community spirit, and live entertainment.

"Gilroy Garlic Festival has been at the heart of our community for generations, and we were so proud to see its sold-out, successful return last summer," said Alex Misa, President of the Gilroy Garlic Festival Association. "It is with great excitement that we once again announce the return of Gilroy’s annual homecoming, and we hope to see you all here in the Garlic Capital of the World this July!”

In the spirit of continuing the time-honored legacy of garlic festivals past, 2026 marks the return of the Gilroy Garlic Queen Pageant. The 2026 Gilroy Garlic Queen Pageant will award scholarships to individuals selected to be the Queen, 1st runner-up, and 2nd runner-up. Apply now at www.gilroygarlicfestival.com/miss-gilroy-garlic

Founded in 1979, the Gilroy Garlic Festival Association has a legacy of celebrating Gilroy's heritage while giving back to the community. Since its inception, the organization has raised and distributed millions of dollars to local non-profits, schools, and charitable organizations, all through the dedication of volunteers and community members.

The 2026 festival will feature garlicky favorites, culinary competitions, live music, artisanal vendors, and activities for all ages. Full programming details and ticketing options will be released in the coming weeks. For more information, visit www.gilroygarlicfestival.com

GILROY GARLIC FESTIVAL ASSOCIATION

Connecting with the heart of Gilroy

For four decades, the Gilroy Garlic Festival welcomed garlic-lovers from around the world to enjoy delicious garlic food and family fun—and in the process, put Gilroy, California on the map as the “Garlic Capital of the World.”

Powered by Volunteers

Today, the volunteer-led non-profit Gilroy Garlic Festival Association continues the legacy of the Festival through various community events throughout the year. All proceeds from these events help support the Gilroy Garlic Festival Association, which has raised more than $12 million since 1979 for local schools, community groups, and charities.

Supporting the Local Community

The Gilroy Garlic Festival Association is established to provide benefits to local worthy charities and non-profit groups by promoting the community of Gilroy through a quality celebration of garlic. Your support and contributions will enable us to meet our goals and provide benefits to local worthy charities and non-profit groups by promoting the community of Gilroy through a quality celebration of garlic.

We invite you to “follow your nose” and join in the great garlicky fun! And remember, you can also enjoy great garlic experiences in Gilroy all year long along the Road to Garlic.

gilroygarlicfestival.com
408.842.1625