Mountain View Celebrates 46th Annual Art & Wine Festival This Weekend, Sept. 9-10

The vibrant, magnificent city of Mountain View has evolved in a big way over the last 46 years. A population boom. The arrival of Shoreline Amphitheater as a major concert venue. The amazing growth of Silicon Valley and Mountain View’s emergence as its epicenter. The transformation of a vibrant downtown district with restaurants, shops, cafes, bookstores and performing arts center. And, last but not least, the Art & Wine Festival’s rise to become one of America’s premier art festivals. And it’s that time of year: it’s Mountain View’s time to get festive and this year we celebrate #46!

Yep, it's no secret. Festival fans know the Mountain View Art & Wine Festival is the crème de la crème on the Bay Area festival scene. Voted “Best Festival in the South Bay” multiple times by readers of Metro and still hitting on all cylinders better than ever, this year’s 46th annual festival, September 9-10 promises to be a “festival like no other”.

An authentic and moveable feast for the senses. The cool, vibrant, multicultural Castro Street vibe. Exceptional handcrafted work by 500 of America's top artists and craftmakers. Stellar live music on stage and street throughout downtown including the big Saturday evening Sunset Soul Train Dance Party Concert featuring the sensational Pacific Soul Band (4:45-7 p.m.) and the return of mega-hit Salsa Sunday with Caravanserai and Ruckatan. Fabulous food and festive drink with seasonal craft beer, premium wine, refreshing sangria, mimosas, fresh-fruit margaritas and signature cocktails. The Comcast Pigskin Party Lounge with giant screen TV. Artisan specialty food purveyors. Home and garden exhibits. Health and wellness displays. An organic and green products showcase. Tons of fun and games for kids. An affordable, sun-splashed, memorable, leisure-filled weekend.

Widely considered one of America's top art festivals, an enormous throng of art lovers is expected to pour onto Castro Street in Silicon Valley's epicenter for this “Cultural Community Celebration” presented by the Chamber of Commerce Mountain View. Hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is free.

Extraordinary Art, Fine Crafts
The festival will feature an exceptional lineup of professional artists and craftmakers, many with fresh, new work and a variety of affordable price points. Buyers and browsers will find thousands of handcrafted items by America’s best artists while browsing among 500 well-stocked booths featuring original work in glass, ceramics, metals, fiber, leather, wood, jewelry, and fine art. Beautiful vases, clocks, dishes, wall and table decorations, paperweights, stained and beveled glass, etchings, sculptures, photography, oil and watercolor paintings, beadwork, gold and silver jewelry, vests, handbags, hats, wallets, footwear, and waterfalls will be among the thousands of one-of-a-kind items available.

Groova-licious Musical Mix
Get your groove on! Two full days of dynamite live music for fans of all musical styles transform downtown Mountain View into the Bay Area’s entertainment mecca for the weekend! Thirteen sensational bands will play a wide-ranging musical mix on the Linked-In Headliner Stage in Civic Center Plaza and multiple street locations throughout downtown –– pulsating Salsa, Motown, rhythm and blues, contemporary country, classic rock ‘n roll, jazz, soul, world-beat, Americana, Latin rock, disco and party music. The lineup includes the big Saturday evening Soul Train Dance Party Concert featuring Pacific Soul Band (5-7 p.m.), the return of smash-hit Salsa Sunday with Orquesta Borinquen and Ruckatan plus a stellar bill with Cisco Kid – War Tribute, the Johnny Neri Band, Blue House, The Element, Emerson & The Growiser Band, Bob Culbertson, HeartStrings Music, John Clarke, Chaz & Co., and Ancient Winds.

Fabulously Festive Food
Festival eateries will be serving up a world of flavorful fare –– Elegant Brie’s scrumptious baked brie appetizers on crackers, baguettes and apples, Mexican-inspired fresh-fruit hand-cut fruit cups, blended fruit drinks, Philly cheesesteaks, tri-tip sandwiches, Polish and chicken-Portobello sausages; homemade corn dogs, beer battered garlic, crab and truffle fries; succulent chicken and pork on-a-stick, teriyaki chicken rice bowls, chicken over noodles; spicy hot links, sweet chicken-apple sausages, all-beef organic hot dogs, deluxe garlic fries; barbecued chicken breast sandwiches flavored with Italian herbs and garlic, deep-fried chicken strips; smoked turkey legs, fried calamari; teriyaki chicken kabobs, traditional gyros with sliced tomatoes and refreshing yogurt-cucumber-garlic tzatzki sauce; fried chicken tender plate with fried mozzarella sticks, French fries and jalapeños; French crêpes made to order; sweet late-summer corn on the cob, hefty baked potatoes with toppings; Chocolate Dipped Frozen Fruit Kabobs & Ice Cream Bars, Whole Fruit Smoothies; mint chocolate chip, jamoca almond fudge, rainbow sherbet and Oreo cookies & cream ice cream; 20 flavors of authentic shaved ice, fresh-squeezed lemonade, kettle corn, roasted peanuts and more.

Delectably Delicious Drink
Festivalgoers can enjoy signature festival cocktails – deelish Honeycrisp Apple Mules (Skyy Honeycrisp Apple vodka, fresh squeezed lime juice and ginger beer) plus classic Bloody Mary’s and refreshing, handmade margaritas made from fresh fruit purees – mango, strawberry, cucumber jalapeno and traditional lime at the Longboard Bar tent – as well as premium wine, refreshing sangria, mimosas and tasty seasonal craft beer. Beer lovers will be in hops heaven with the assortment of world-class brews – Corona Extra, Firestone 805, Ballast Point Sculpin IPA, and Sierra Nevada Oktoberfest. Wine lovers will be tempted by luscious vintages from from several outstanding winemakers. The wine list includes outstanding varietals from Columbia Crest Grand Estates Chardonnay, 14 Hands Cabernet Sauvignon, Two Vines Red Blend, Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc, Chateau St. Michelle Riesling and Chateau St. Jean Pinot Noir. New to the fiesta this year: Bass Note Sangria, full flavored and so, so delicious! Made with California wine and blended with fresh fruit juice, cane sugar, herbs, and spices to create a whole new Sangria experience. Enjoy it in three extraordinary flavors – Blackberry Sage, Cherry Lime Almond, and Peach Tarragon. Cool off with refreshing Honey Green Tea, Half Lemonade/Half Tea and Pomegranate Blueberry Herbal Tea from Honest Tea, enjoy a bottle of Crystal Geyser Alpine Spring Water, 100% natural and bottled at the source or savor an iced illy espresso-style coffee drink – your choice of Cappuccino, Caffe Latte or unsweetened. Sip your favorite beverage in a beautiful, collector-item wine or beer glass adorned with the stylish festival logo.

Artisan Specialty Food
For foodies, it doesn’t get any better than the artisan-produced specialty food available at the festival. It’s a great opportunity to sample and purchase these incredible edibles as well as chat with the actual producers –– Custom infused balsamic vinaigrettes, balsamics, maple syrup and oils, gourmet toffees, brittles, caramels, apples, giant marshmallows, cookies, fudge, and the world’s best chocolate dipped caramel apples, family recipe dips, spices, sauces, garlic mushrooms, stuffed olives, mustards, pickled garlic, green beans and asparagus, fruit butters and marinades, the world’s finest beef jerky, tender roasted corn nuts, gourmet dips, soups, desserts, dry rubs, California grown pomegranate fruit spread, molasses, syrup, marinade, grilling sauce, grenadine, 100% Grade A pure honey harvested from their own bees, beeswax candles, bee pollen, royal jelly and honey soap, all natural British teas, curds, shortbread, scone mix, traditional royal cream, cream tea packs, vinaigrette dressings and marinades, and curds with a kik, hot sauces, French artisan gourmet gift boxes, the world’s finest estate grown 100% Kona coffee and macadamia nuts from the Big Island will be among the mouth-watering offerings to take home and savor.

Super Duper Kidz Funzone
Action-packed Kids’ Park will keep youngsters plenty enthralled with ultra thrilling bungee jumping, wild and wacky waterballerz, Climb On’s gripping 24-foot climbing wall, ultra fun obstacle course and bouncers, super cool henna art, glitter tattoos, face painting, sand art creative cards, and party animal puppets. The Mountain View’s Got Talent Community Stage is back! A dazzling array of gifted young performers will strut their showstopping stuff in front of a live audience in this “Mountain View’s Got Talent” style showcase.

Comcast Pigskin Party Lounge and Cornhole Corner
Sports fans will have a place to watch NFL and NCAA football and MLB games on a giant LED screen in the Comcast Pigskin Party Lounge with plenty of seating, festive food and drink –– the perfect spot to kick back and take a break from the teeming crowds. Also on tap is the expanded Organic & Green Products Showcase –– see the latest and greatest exhibits featuring Organic, Natural, Healthy and Eco-Friendly products.

What’s Up Photo Booth
Inventor/mad scientists and husband/wife team Paul and Debbie Supp spent countless hours of design and collaboration with world-class engineers to bring you the ultimate photo booth experience. “Dolores” is a work of art on wheels; she is a fully automated mobile photo booth that allows you the unique opportunity to take a step back in time while enjoying technological advances of today. Complete with a fully functional smoke stack and custom designed interior, Dolores takes professional quality photos that are printed instantly for you to hold as keepsake for years to come. Digital photos are also available.

Viva Plastic! Pay for drink tickets and glasses using any major credit card at the Ticket/Glass booths spread throughout the festival.

Public Transit: Ride Caltrain, VTA Light Rail or Bus service to the festival – you’re dropped off at the festival doorstep!

No Pets, Please: Pets are not encouraged at the festival with warm weather and large crowds. For the safety, comfort, and courtesy of your pets and festival-goers, please leave your pets at home.

Zero Waste
This year’s Zero Waste Initiative has been stepped up with the Chamber of Commerce, Recology Mountain View, and the City of Mountain View joining forces to maximize composting and recycling and minimize waste. Festival organizers are also encouraging the use of public transit, bicycles and car pools to cut down carbon emissions and vehicular traffic. Free secure bicycle parking will be available at Church and Castro.

The festival will be held on September 9-10 on Castro Street between El Camino Real and Evelyn Avenue in Mountain View, California. Hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is free. For festival information, call 650-968-8378 or visit www.miramarevents.com

WHEN: September 9-10, 2017. Hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday
WHERE: On Castro Street between El Camino Real and Evelyn Avenue in Mountain View CA.
INFO-LINE: 650-968-8378
WEBSITE: http://mountainview.miramarevents.com
FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/MountainViewArtWineFestival
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/miramarcrew/
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/#!/miramarevents
YOU TUBE: https://youtu.be/UOyorvBljoE