Gilroy Garlic Fest Invites You To Follow Your Nose, Ears

GILROY, CA — It's that time again. The time to treat your tastebuds and nose with the plant that could easily pass as a food group comes before the southern Santa Clara County summer festival goer. And this year, there's another gift to the senses — your ears.

Beyond the myriad dishes garlic is served in, the Gilroy Garlic Festival will also bring to the stage Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Colbie Caillat, who will be performing live with her new band "Gone West" on the Amphitheater Stage on July 27.

The concert is included with admission, and the park will stay open until 8 p.m. for the show.

As always, there's plenty of garlicky food, celebrity chefs and family fun going over the three days starting on July 26 at Christmas Hill Park in Gilroy, the nation's garlic capital and ground zero for foodies. Thousands of visitors show up every year to partake in more than 2 tons of garlic for the festival in its 41st year.

Culinary superstars like Top Chef head judge Tom Colicchio and MasterChef winner Gerron Hurt will be on hand.

The heart of the festival is Gourmet Alley, where the famous “Pyro Chefs” cook up sizzling scampi and calamari, while hundreds of volunteers prepare longtime favorites like pepper steak sandwiches, pasta con pesto, garlic bread and of course the renowned garlic fries. Adventurous foodies may even try their hand or palate at garlic ice cream.

As a type of onion broken up into cloves, garlic pairs with many things. And now according to Healthline.com, it is good for your health. The report indicates garlic is:

• Filled with medicinal properties
• Comes with few calories
• Boosts the immune system
• Reduces blood pressure
• Improves cholesterol levels
• Contains antioxidants
• Helps you live longer

(Some would say it wards off vampires, but you'd have to believe in the supernatural.)

Festival visitors may see live entertainment on three stages in a variety of genres from rock ‘n roll and country to reggae and swing. Celebrity chef demonstrations and cooking competitions like the Great Garlic Cook-Off will tempt all with hunger pangs to hit the food booths. Festival goers may wash down the garlic with beer and wine tasting and the popular Garlic Festival Mule. Last year's was such a big hit, another refreshing signature cocktail has been introduced for 2019 called the Whiskey Daisy. Cocktail booths are located on both sides of the park.

Discount tickets are available online and at Raley’s, Nob Hill and Bel Air Foods stores.

More information and tickets may be obtained here.