THIS WEEKEND: Mountain View Celebrates 48th Art & Wine Festival

The vibrant, magnificent city of Mountain View has evolved in a big way over the last 48 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 #48!

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 48th annual festival, September 7-8 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, can’t-miss Saturday evening Into The Groove Dance Party Concert featuring powerhouse party band What The Funk! (4:45-7 p.m.). Fabulous food and festive drink with seasonal craft beer, low-carb hard seltzer, premium wine, refreshing sangria, Bellinis, fresh-fruit margaritas, Bloody Mary’s and signature cocktails. The Xfinity Pigskin Party Lounge with giant screen TV, Cornhole Corner and Stay Cool Misting Tent. The Facebook Community Stage with a dazzling array of gifted young performers. 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 Mountain View Chamber of Commerce. Hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is free.

Statement From the Mountain View Police Department
At the Mountain View Police Department, public safety is our utmost priority. We want to assure the public that we have worked closely with the Mountain View Chamber of Commerce and their organizing team to coordinate resources needed to ensure we are prepared to keep this year’s Art & Wine Festival a safe and secure place for all event attendees. The Mountain View Police Department has a thorough and balanced approach in place to ensure both public safety and a fun, family-friendly experience at this popular annual event. We hope to see you there.

The Beginning
Mountain View’s longtime signature event, the Art & Wine Festival was launched in 1971 as the first major fund-raiser for the Chamber of Commerce. Today, it is considered one of the nation’s top art festivals. Realizing the goal of its founders, the festival provides a consistent stream of revenue that helps fund Chamber programs throughout the year. Proceeds are invested in carefully crafted programs that help strengthen and bring together Mountain View’s diverse community. The Chamber in concert with its Foundation works to partner with businesses, local schools and nonprofits through various programs. The Chamber’s Foundation (MVCoCF.org) diverse programing aimed to help different areas of the community. These programs include Leadership Mountain View (lmv.education) which develops well-rounded and thoughtful leaders to move the community forward, Scholarship Mountain View, which supports scholarships for local high school students pursuing a degree, and I Love Mountain View (ilovemv.org) which acts as the virtual visitor center for the city.

Groova-licious Musical Mix…Catch Stellar Live Music and Entertainment Everywhere
Get your groove on! Get ready – the greatest two days of live music Mountain View has ever experienced is coming with thirteen sensational bands performing the Recology Concert Stage in Civic Center Plaza and multiple locations throughout downtown. The dynamite, non-stop music lineup includes the big Saturday Into The Groove Dance Party (4:45-7 p.m.) featuring powerhouse party band What The Funk! plus a stellar bill with The Jesse Charles Band, Santana Tribute band Sacred Fire, Drive, Fog City Swampers, The Element, Blue House, Emerson & The Growiser Band, Bob Culbertson, John Clarke, Stephen Dreyfuss, EllaHarp, and Ancient Winds.

Extraordinary Art, Fine Crafts – Bring A Reuseable Shopping Bag!
California Artists brings its world-class stable of professional artists and fine craftmakers to showcase their extraordinary work. Shoppers will find thousands of handcrafted items by America’s best artists and craftmakers 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.

Fabulously Festive Food
Festival eateries will be serving up a world of flavorful fare –– organic fresh fruit pops, non-alcoholic Pina Coladas served in real pineapples and coconuts; crispy corn dogs, beer battered garlic, crab and truffle fries; succulent chicken and pork on-a-stick, teriyaki chicken rice bowls, chicken over noodles; Indonesian satay chicken and meats, fried noodles, egg rolls and pot stickers; Polish and chicken-Portobello sausages; spicy hot links, sweet chicken-apple sausages, all-beef organic hot dogs, deluxe garlic fries; 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; savory Belgium sugar waffles with a variety of 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 Hawaiian shave ice, fresh-squeezed lemonade, kettle corn, caramel kettle corn, roasted peanuts and more.

Delectably Delicious Drink
Festivalgoers can enjoy enjoy premium fine wine, seasonal craft beer, low-carb hard seltzer, refreshing sangria, Bellinis, and signature festival cocktails – deelish Summer Breeze Mules (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. Beer lovers will be in hops heaven with the assortment of world-class brews – Ballast Point Lager, Firestone 805, Ballast Point Fathom IPA and Sierra Nevada Oktoberfest. For aficionados of fine wine and bubbly, there will be a premium selection of easy-drinking varietals from around the world: Avelda “Praia” Vinho Verde, Chateau Ste. Michelle Chardonnay, 14 Hands Brut Rose, Columbia Crest Red Blend, 14 Hands Cabernet Sauvignon as well as delicious Sangria … a premium selection of truly luscious vintages from several world-class winemakers. Sip and savor a taste of Venice with a Bellini, a refreshing, lovely mixture of Prosecco and nectar! For a refreshing alternative, festivalgoers can enjoy delightful, low-carb, gluten-free White Claw Hard Seltzer. Cool off, replenish and hydrate with a bottle of PathWater, 100% responsibly and locally sourced water in an aluminum reusable bottle. Water provider Oollee will have a re-filling station for festivalgoers to replenish their reusable bottles with clean, fresh water. Sip your favorite beverage in a beautiful, collector-item wine or beer glass adorned with the stylish festival logo.

Savory City 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, 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 Kids’ Park Sponsored by First Tech Credit Union and the Facebook Community Stage
Action-packed Kids’ Park will keep youngsters plenty enthralled with ultra thrilling bungee jumping, wild and wacky waterballerz, a 24-foot rock climbing wall, monster inflatables, super cool henna art, glitter tattoos, face painting, create-your-own bracelets and sand art creative cards, kids clothing and toys, hair clips, hats and sunglasses, children’s books and puzzles, and elaborate French hair braiding! The Facebook Community Stage returns with a dazzling array of gifted young performers who will strut their showstopping stuff in front of a live audience in this “Mountain View’s Got Talent” style showcase.

Xfinity Pigskin Party Lounge, Cornhole Corner and Stay Cool Misting Tent
Sports fans will have a place to relax and watch NFL and NCAA football and MLB pennant races on a giant LED screen in the Xfinity Pigskin Party Lounge. Centrally located in a new spot at Church and Castro (in the Wells Fargo lot), there will be plenty of seating, festive food and drink, Stay Cool Misting Tent and Cornhole Tossing game area. It’s the perfect spot to kick back and take a break while you enjoy a great day at the festival. Plus you can rinse off and refresh under the light spray in the Stay Cool Misting Tent!

Reduce, Re-use, Recycle – Bring A Reuseable Shopping Bag!
The Chamber of Commerce Mountain View is partnering once again with Recology Mountain View and the City of Mountain View to promote and encourage Zero Waste. Specially marked free-standing containers will be positioned at 75 different receptacle stations throughout the festival pedestrian route for recycling glass, plastic, aluminum, paper and cardboard; as well as for composting food scraps (including meat and bones), paper plates, bio-degradable cups, chopsticks, skewers and napkins. There will be large recycling and compost containers in strategic behind-the-scenes locations for event staff, vendors and sponsors to utilize.

Festival organizers are also encouraging the use of public transit, bicycles and car pools to cut down carbon emissions and vehicular traffic. For the first time, the festival will be partnering with PathWater, selling its 100% responsibly and locally sourced water in an aluminum reusable bottle. Water provider Oollee will have a re-filling station for festivalgoers to replenish their reusable bottles with clean, fresh water.

Organic, Healthy & Green Products Showcase
This year’s festival will feature the latest and greatest exhibits featuring Organic, Natural, Healthy and Eco-Friendly products. Festivalgoers can enjoy free product samples and gather information while experiencing first-hand how these products and organizations can help you live a better, healthier and “greener” lifestyle and be a positive catalyst for change. Sponsors include Toyota Mirai Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle, Sutter Health/Palo Alto Medical Foundation, Farm Fresh To You, Bay Area Air Quality Management District, Stanford Chiropractic, Recology Mountain View, University Chiropractic, Stanford Health Care, Larabar, Stretch Lab, and Sunnyvale Chiropractic.

KMVT Broadcasts Live!
KMVT 15 “Mountain View Community Television” invites YOU to “SPEAK OUT” on TELEVISION at their booth during the festival! Drop by any time on Saturday or Sunday between 10am and 5pm to speak out, ON CAMERA, on ANY topic of your choice for 1-2 minutes. Your comments will be broadcast on KMVT Channel 15, in Mountain View, Los Altos, Cupertino, and Sunnyvale and you will receive a link to the video to view online. In addition to SPEAK OUT, KMVT15 will be airing LIVE interviews on Sunday with local community partners, City Council members, and non profit representatives, as well as show producers and KMVT’s Executive Director. Stop by the booth to see live television in action and just say hello! The broadcast booth will be located at Church and Castro Streets, in front of Wells Fargo.

Royal Robbins #BeyondTheMap Tour
Check out the latest and greatest travel and outdoor apparel at the big Royal Robbins #BeyondTheMap Tour Safari Tent.

Toyota Mirai Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle
Get an up close look and test drive the amazing 2019 Toyota Mirai Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle, the future of motoring.

Pay For Drink Tokens and Glasses With Credit Cards!For your convenience, pay for drink tickets and glasses using any major credit card at all Ticket/Glass booths spread throughout the festival site.

Bicycle Parking
Avoid the traffic congestion and ride your bike. Free centrally located and highly visible bicycle parking will be offered near the corner of Castro and Church Streets thanks to Friends of Stevens Creek Trail. Please bring your own lock.

Vehicle Parking
Free parking is available on streets and parking plazas surrounding the downtown area. Paid parking ($5) will be available both days (beginning at 9:30 a.m.) at these locations: 400 Castro Street (parking lot entrance on Bryant Street), 444 Castro Street (parking lot entrance on Bryant Street), Kaiser Permanente (555 Castro Street –– parking lot entrance on Hope Street), and the City of Mountain View parking Lot #12 (on Bryant between California and Mercy Streets). Parking fees benefit KMVT.

Public Transportation
Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) will be running its regular weekend schedule with Bus and Light Rail service to Downtown Mountain View. Ride VTA Light Rail (exit at the Mountain View Transit Center) or VTA Bus Lines 22, 32, 35, 81 and 522 to the Festival. Please note Bus Line 32 does not operate on Sundays. For your free trip plan, call (408) 321-2300, or visit www.vta.org

For Caltrain information, call 800-660-4287 or visit http://www.caltrain.com/. Caltrain and bus service drops riders off at the Mountain View transit center, just steps from the primary festival entrance at Evelyn Avenue and Castro Street.Street Closures
Castro Street will be closed to traffic from El Camino Real to Evelyn Avenue for the two-day festival.

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

Festival Dates/Hours/LocationThe festival will be held on September 7-8. Hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. The festival takes place on Castro Street from El Camino Real to Evelyn Avenue. Admission is free.

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