Annual events in Livermore bring both residents and visitors to enjoy activities, wining, and dining in our beautiful city. There are many things for both adults and children to participate in. You’ll find unique California-style events, festivals and celebrations focused in the downtown area of Livermore. There are also other annual festivals held in other parts of the city of Livermore.
One popular year-round event here in Livermore is the Sunday Farmers Market that opens at 9 a.m. and closes at 2 p.m. in downtown. In the summer, there’s a seasonal Farmers Market held on Thursday evenings. Shopping for fresh breads, cheeses and produce at a Farmers Market is a typical northern California tradition that people enjoy. The Tri-Valley area where Livermore is located is renowned for its famous wineries and agricultural products. Fresh ingredients grown locally are used by most of the restaurants and hotels in Livermore.
Livermore Wine Country Festival
This beautiful valley is known for its wine making and its vineyards. The Livermore Wine Country Festival is one of the Tri-Valley’s premier festivals. The festival typically draws an attendance of more than 150,000 people over the course of two days, and takes over the town from First Street from the Vine Theater all the way down to Maple.
Local Livermore Valley’s finest wines are presented here. Previous participants included Bent Creek Winery, Cupcake Vineyards, Darcie Kent Vineyards, Flip Flop Wines, Garre Vineyards and Winery, Lavish Laines Winery, Occasio Winery, Red Feather Winery, Save Me, San Francisco Wine Co., Wente Vineyards, Concannon Vineyards and others.
It’s not only about wines, there is live music, food, arts and crafts, even a hot dog eating contest this past event – and opportunities to meet the wine makers.
Amgen Tour of California
The Amgen Tour of California is a bike race that culminates in Livermore and is a popular annual event for bikers and the public. It’s held in May.
Livermore Rodeo
The Livermore Rodeo is held every year in Livermore on the second full weekend of June at the rodeo grounds at Robertson Park. The Rodeo began in 1918 making it the oldest event in Livermore and part of the California 6-Pack Rodeo Circuit. The event starts with the Rodeo parade through the Livermore Downtown area on Saturday morning of rodeo weekend.
Concerts by Country and Western musicians are some of the highlights of the Rodeo. The Rodeo Association hosts family-friendly events such as Family Night, Junior Rodeo, and Lil’ Pardners Rodeo.
The Rodeo is known as the "world's fastest rodeo" for the speed and efficiency with which the event is run. The Rodeo is often used as a backdrop or exterior site in films.
Festivals in Downtown Livermore
The Annual Taste of Downtown
The Annual Taste of Downtown takes place in August and showcases the best creations from local chefs. The stakes are pretty high here as diners are accustomed to fine dining. Participants stroll down the streets in Downtown to sample local wine, food, listen to live music, and take carriage rides.
The holidays are a wonderful time in Livermore. There are many events focused on Halloween through Christmas.
The festivities start with Halloween events, the October Witches Night Out, a martini-tasting event sponsored by local merchants. Participants often dress up as, you got it, witches in this playful and fun event.
The Downtown Halloween Carnival is when everyone dresses up for a full-blown trick or treat. There are activities for children, costume and scream contest, and carnival games. Children will need to purchase a Fun Pass to participate.
The Annual Holiday Sights & Sounds Parade and Tree Lighting is a celebration with local marching bands, music, light displays, and the tree lighting. The parade lasts an hour, so be prepared to sit back and enjoy all the activities at the event.