Gilroy Garlic Festival

Garlic Capital of the World’s Legacy Continues

For over four decades, the Gilroy Garlic Festival has brought garlic-lovers from around the world to Gilroy, California for three days of flavorful food, live music, arts and crafts, cooking competitions, and family fun. Held annually in late July now at the Hecker Pass Outdoor Events Center, the festival celebrates the city's title as the "Garlic Capital of the World" — and its attendees consume roughly two tons of garlic each year to prove it. Founded in 1979, the volunteer-led Gilroy Garlic Festival Association has raised more than $12 million for local schools, nonprofits, and charitable organizations, keeping the event's community spirit at its heart.

GilroyGarlicFestival.com

Thank you for a fantastic Gilroy Garlic Festival - See you in 2027!

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From the volunteers who make it all possible to what's on the menu to where to stay for the weekend, here's our guide to making the most of the 2026 Gilroy Garlic Festival.

Read the latest blog "Iconic Gilroy Garlic Festival Returns"

The Gilroy Garlic Festival made a flavorful return July 25,26 & 27, 2025

BRINGING BACK THE COMMUNITY SPIRIT, MOUTHWATERING GARLIC DISHES, AND UNFORGETTABLE FUN!

The unmistakable aroma of garlic once again filled the air as thousands of attendees gathered to celebrate the return of the legendary food festival. From the sizzling sounds of Gourmet Alley to the laughter of families enjoying live entertainment on the traditional last weekend in July, every moment reminded us why this festival has captured hearts since its beginnings in 1979. Thank you to everyone who made the 2025 festival a tremendous success! Whether you're a longtime festival family member or discovered us for the first time this year, we're grateful you chose to celebrate with us and experience part of what makes Gilroy special.

Ready to experience more of what makes Gilroy the Garlic Capital of the World?

Book your stay in Gilroy and discover our lively downtown, scenic wineries, family attractions, premium outlets shopping, and incredible dining beyond the Gilroy Garlic Festival season.

Gilroy Garlic Festival Torch. Past Present, and Forever

Gilroy Garlic Festival Torch is lit. Banner reads "Past Present, and Forever"

Garlic Ice Cream at the Gilroy Garlic Festival

Garlic Pepper Steak Sandwich, Garlic Pasta con Pesto, Sautéed Calamari, and Garlic Bread Combo Plate

Pepper Steak Sandwich, Garlic Pasta con Pesto, Sauteed Calamari, and Garlic Bread

Cooking Demonstration with Saka-Bozzo

Sam Bozzo, left, and Gene Sakahara on stage

Cooking Demos on the main stage

Gilroy Garlic Fries

Volunteers at the Gilroy Garlic Festival

Pose with the Garlic Festival Torch

A couple poses for a photo in front of the Garlic Festival Torch

Garlic Pasta Con Pesto with Garlic Bread

Artist Vendors and Event Officials

Two people smile and hold garlic ice cream at the Gilroy Garlic festival

Christopher Ranch and Saka-Bozzo cooking demo

The Cooking Demonstration Stage with "Sakka-Bozzo" Sam Bozzo and Gene Sakahara

Gilroy Garlic Steak Fries

Garlic steak fries lined up in paper trays

Pepper Steaks on the BBQ

Pyro Chefs bring the heat at the Gilroy Garlic Festival

Sautéed Calamari

In the Garlic Festival Beer Garden

Shrimp Scampi with Garlic Sauce, Garlic Bread, and Italian Sausage Sandwich

Local Wineries in the Wine Tent

Two people serve wine at the Gilroy Garlic Festival

Chef Carlos with the Signature Pepper Steak Sandwiches

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.

This annual event is hosted by the Gilroy Garlic Festival Association

All interested volunteers, sponsors, and other inquiries - please contact the organizers directly.