One of the main reasons people come to visit Livermore is to enjoy its many attractions. Livermore is also known as the oldest wine-producing area in Northern California’s famous Wine Country. This lovely area is characterized by a seemingly endless expanse of open space, rolling hills and stunningly beautiful vineyards that produce some of the most famous wines in California. Did we mention the scenery is beautiful and Livermore is close to urban centers San Francisco, Berkeley, Oakland, and San Jose?

Events

Livermore’s annual events are a magnet for visitors from all around the Bay Area.

Livermore Wine Country Festival

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 showcased here.

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 Rodeo is known as the "world's fastest rodeo" for the speed and efficiency with which the event is run. 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 features the Rodeo parade, concerts by Country and Western musicians, and family-friendly events such as Family Night, Junior Rodeo, and Lil’ Pardners Rodeo.

Downtown Festivals

The Annual Taste of Downtown showcases the best creations from local chefs. Participants stroll down the streets in Downtown to sample local wine, food, listen to live music, and take carriage rides.

October Witches Night Out is 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 enjoy all the activities at the event.

Wineries

The Livermore Valley is home to more than 40 wineries. Most wineries have tasting room hours on weekends. The annual Harvest Wine Festival on the Sunday and Monday of Labor Day weekend is always a popular event.

Technology

The Lab Discovery Center at the Lawrence Livermore Lab features displays of science and technology. The Center is open Monday to Friday, 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. 

Downtown Sites

Livermore has a historic downtown that you can stroll down. The following are a few of the historic sites that you can explore. The downtown is currently under extensive redevelopment.

Flagpole Corner of First and Livermore Avenue

Bank of Italy Building Corner of First and Livermore

The Masonic Hall Southwest corner of 1st and Livermore

The Schenone Building Second Street

The IOOF Building First Street 

The Carnegie Building Third Street

Independence Hall Southeast corner of First Street and McLeod 

SP Railroad Station

Recreation Area

Del Valle Park is open during daylight hours. The Del Valle Reservoir provides swimming, boating, wind surfing, hiking, horseback riding, and bicycling facilities. 

The Outdoors

Livermore has several parks that have hiking trails, biking paths and areas for horseback riding.

• Brushy Peak Regional Preserve
• The Morgan Territory Regional Preserve
• The Ohlone Wilderness Trail
• Sycamore Grove Park
• Holderner Park
• Garaventa Wetlands Preserve

These examples are just a few of the great hiking opportunities that make Livermore and its regional area a special place for recreation enthusiasts. For a detailed overview of hiking opportunities please see our Hiking page. You can also find Livermore hiking maps, from the East Bay Regional Park District’s website. You will find a variety of free maps that you can download to help plan your hike.

Places of Interest

History Center

Open Wednesday through Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The History Center is located in the Carnegie Building on Third Street, between J and K. The center contains displays and information on Livermore's past. 

The History Center has guides for walking tours of both the historic business and residential areas.

Ravenswood

Open second and fourth Sundays, 12:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Ravenswood was built by Christopher Buckley Sr. beginning in 1889 and has been restored to that era.  Tours are given by docents dressed to the 1890s period.  Tours are free.  

World's Longest Burning Light Bulb

Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The world's longest burning light bulb was first installed in 1901. It is at the East Ave Fire station, 4550 East Ave. The famous light bulb has been written up in the Guinness book of world records, Ripley's Believe it or not, and On the Road with Charles Kurault.

Windmills

Thousands of windmills stand sentinel at the Altamont Pass, taking advantage of the windy conditions to generate power.  The Altamont Pass is one of the premier wind farms in the nation.  You can get a good view of them from I-580 through the Altamont Pass, or from Altamont Pass Road.