Not your typical closed-streets festival, this community event invited guests to visit local…read morebusinesses in the neighborhood. This included Bambino Thrift Shop, Pegasus Books, Atomic Garden, and Preserved (kitchen supplies), along with a plethora of eateries and dessert shops of course, some places offering free giveaways and discounts, others featuring live music throughout the day. Face painting, pet portraits, and an Art Bazaar too. The organizers did a good job posting the schedule online for the public, but the art and music didn't quite fill every block, as advertised. In fact, the section near the market hall with plenty of outdoor vendor tables set up was the busiest. Other areas were dead. I walked the entire street and back while exploring. The narrow sidewalks also weren't ideal while visiting places along the path, especially where there was live music and people would just find a spot to stand. I did enjoy some of the musical entertainment in the afternoon, including Konceptualizer at Open Mind Music (record store) and Five Pines at McNally's Irish Pub, both bands in good spirits bringing smiles to audience members. The festival also featured tunes by DJ Danny Santos and Cocoa Keys at Bad Walter's Bootleg Ice Cream and an accordionist at Saffron Kitchen. Picked up some tasty treats from Chocolate Dragon Bittersweet Cafe & Bakery, as well as savory arancini and dumplings from Belly who was actually giving out free samples during the event. I had fun engaging in the festivities while discovering lots of unique shops and businesses along College Avenue I would love to return to explore next time. There was no charge to attend, and parking was free and easy too.

We love this event. So much excitement for the kids. They have a fantastic Santa every year. They…read morereally go all out with the fun. It's a family tradition.

Honestly I think it would be better if they charged a few dollars for everything even if the…read moreproceeds were to go to a local charity.But keep the snow and parking free.I live off of Bollinger Canyon and left my house a little before 6 and with traffic and bad traffic coordination from the one parking attendant at Bishop Ranch 1, I spent more time in the car than at the actual event. We entered Bishop Ranch 1 at 6:30 to find the clown making balloons. Waited five minutes in line after he rudely yelled simply "NO MORE BALLOONS!" That was enough to crush my three year old's heart. It was nearly 45 minutes before the event ended and I am still perplexed why. If this is the 11th year doing this, then you think they would be better planned with at least a sign or assistant to BOZO the clown to let us know when they run out of balloons or warn us before BOZO loses it. I saw One face painter and One balloon artist for 3000 kids. The lines were worse than the worst day at the mall so to whoever who runs this get a few more vendors to accomodate the crowds. I wouldn't dropping a few bucks for a face painting and balloon dog. If you plan on going to this event leave, get there extra early. Happy holidays all.

I was disappointed that many of the booths ran out of food by 3:30pm when the the event was…read moresupposed to run till 5pm. There were plenty of vinyards w/ tasty wines to sample. The food that I did try was tasty and made me want to try their full menus. The cooking demonstrations were also good.

Lost the last star due to last~minute warning that this was happening, less impressed with actual…read morevendor turnout... wasn't this supposed to be bigger? Hence all the empty space. Super stoked to see what happens with this event in December... Didn't get to see much since I was way too busy vending {Thanks, Berna 'diva la glam'~ your take on the glovies has me blushing}. Trade~show sized, with the uniqueness, friendliness & fun of trunk show phenomena... feels something like an alien marketplace. I made off with personalized perfect finds, and a lot of interesting connections... really bargain entrance fee for all the incredible entertainment and art. Food left something to be desired {little variety}, but I can't complain, was impressed with options offered {Cheaper tasty vegan, $1.00 deposit on wooden bowls instead of plastic or styrofoam platters?}. Save up some $$$ and drop by when this happens again! With all the raw talent, diverse aesthetic, and out~of~this world amazingly unique techniques employed in these artisans crafts, you don't want to miss out!

I'm going to be representing the designers in this review. I was a vendor at Mission Bazaar, and…read morewhile I completely agree with the "so much unfulfilled potential" thing, I also have to point out that the potential for the Armory is somewhat astronomical, and it'd be really difficult to fulfill it during the first public event in 30+ years. The group that organized the event (the same people who organize the wonderful Edward Gorey Edwardian Ball every year) did an amazing job pulling together a large network of designers, singers, dancers, and assorted creative crazies for an extremely ambitious two-day festival. Everything was super well organized, and most needs and/or problems were accounted for in advance. I do a crazy amount of shows (usually 2 a month, but more during the summer and Christmas time) and I have to say that this was one of the more pleasant ones to be at. I heard pretty much the same from the other designers who took part in the show. What this means for the average show-goer: the December event is going to be AMAZING. Word of mouth has gotten around, so you can be sure that the drill yard (which is, by the way, the size of a football field. Try filling that with ANYTHING. It's hard) will be crowded with your favorite local designers. So if you didn't get a chance to make it to this inaugural show, be sure to check out the December event (the weekend of the 6th and 7th), and if you did make it and were underwhelmed, be doubly sure to come back in December.

On the very weekend I'm absolutely dying inside to be at the Outside Lands Festival... I am in…read moreLafayette listening to a cover band do a Michael Jackson tribute. F me. I'll start over... a tiny patch of grass in the middle of town is all lafayette needs to gather up a cover band and every family with wee ones age 0-7 or so, within a 15 mile radius. the kids jump around the grass to 70's and 80's covers (tonight anyway.) The parents sit on the grass and drink not-coffee in starbucks clear cups. BYO blanket, snacks and Whatever to fill that starbucks cup. [Probably bring your own cup too, not sure how I got mine... ] Meet up with a couple other moms (or dads, or both...) and make a little party out of it.

Copy and pasted from their website: "Caltopia 2025 is…read morescheduled for August 24 & 25, 2025. Celebrating its 22nd anniversary, this two-day interactive festival will introduce Cal students to brands of all sizes aligned with the Cal lifestyle." Quality/Quantity - My wife "forced" me to come to this event. She and my daughter love these types of events. My favorite booth was the Safeway (5% off loyalty card) and Frito Lays. Overall I still had a good time. Well I made my own fun, lol. My wife and daughter will probably come next year without me, I/we will plan better. Atmosphere - Decent size location. My daughter said in previous years there has been low attendance. But it was crazy busy today. If you do not like crowds, come later in the day. The event is held at the Recreational Sports Facility (RSF), UC Berkeley. 2301 Bancroft Way; Berkeley, CA 94720. Service - Self service. Overall good. Some vendors take their job way too seriously. ONLY one per person, yelling at the poor freshmens... Someone needs to tell those few serious vendors their objective is to get these freshmen "hooked" on your product for future sales!! So it's okay if they take two. You will NOT run out. Price - Free. Owner Comment - Happy 22nd Anniversary. Thanks for having this annual great event (for my daughter).

Caltopia 2013! Here is the definition and details as what Caltopia is:…read more http://caltopia.berkeley.edu/details.php It is UC Berkeley's method of celebrating the start of Fall 2013 by throwing the Recreational Sports Facility's ("RSF's") doors open to the Cal community and the general public. Fun, food, and lots of free stuff! Free stuff?! Did somebody say, "Free Stuff?!" Whoa--I am so there! I checked out the website as to who would be participating at Caltopia XI. I read there were going to be free haircuts and mini manis from Paris Beauty School. Oh, I will definitely get in on a free haircut! My hair needs it! And it is free! And Yelp! is going to be there?! Oh, I will definitely go to Caltopia to see Yelp! Because of my studies, I have not been able to attend any Yelp!-related events. Other participants were The Melt, IKEA, Extreme Pizza, Bank of America, Ben and Jerry's, Paris Beauty School, Benefit Cosmetics, Aveda, Pentel, and many of Cal's student services and organizations on campus. I was amongst the early birds who got there early and was amongst those waiting in line for Caltopia to begin. I took part at Cal Student Store's plinko game. Scored a gold pen and Cal scarf! I made a new Yelp! friend (Hey Maggie W!) while we were waiting to be let in! Scored a campus police tote and a car air freshner right before the moment we were allowed to go into the RSF. All righty then, let's roll. Played a few games, won some prizes. Signed up for some of the campus services, especially Cal's Office of Emergency Services. Signed the pledge to honor Cal being a a smoke-free campus in 2014. I found Paris Beauty School's room at RSF. Had to wait about 20 minutes and was ushered into Maggie's chair for my haircut. Got four inches cut into layers, got fringy, whispy bangs, got a blue hair extension, and a sample of hair conditioner. Love my new haircut! I hope Maggie has a bright future as a hairstylist! Any salon would be quite fortunate to have her! And I found the Yelp! photo booth! And Ben T. was running the show! It was great to meet Ben T., Yelp's East Bay Intern and my Yelp! friend. Ben told me Shirene, another Yelp! crew member would be joining him later. And Nique would be in on Monday. I will be back on Monday afternoon. When it was my turn for my photo, I got and donned on the Yelp! Red gear for my picture and my degree of YELPY CUM LAUDE. Also scored my Yelp swag of Chapstick, mint, and gloves! Thank you Ben! I got lots of free bags, and as Maggie W. said in her review, they will come in handy as many of the stores are charging for bags now. I got a nice cold bag from Bank of America which will come in handy for refrigerated goods from the store to home. Got a free T-shirt promoting community service after my promising to contribute to the community. Got some pix taken as well. Got my Yelp! ones. Still waiting for Cal Student Store to post mine with Oski and the sweet Aussie bloke on their Facebook page. Will be back for a quick Monday in and out just to see Yelp! A quick update--we shall see! Go Yelp! And Go Bears! Caltopia XI 2013 Review #3 Fresh Yelp! Review #59 for 2013

Really nice event. Bring a chair, I didn't' think to do that. Do this if you want to just sit down…read moreand enjoy the music. Most people stood up and danced a little. Something I wish is that the dancing was on a stage, where everyone could see. Instead it's located in the middle of the plaza, too many people crowd around, making it near impossible to see the performance. It would cost more money to rent a stage, so I understand this won't happen. There are vendors selling Mexican influenced items. I saw some informational booths. And! The food booths around the corner. Tons of stuff going on. As I was walking around, I was smelling the food, hearing the music and watching people, it was entertaining. Portable bathrooms were supplied and a permanent one walking distance from the portables. You'll be okay after eating a bacon wrapped hot dog. Families, friends, even dogs came out. I attended the fiesta for about an hour, then went home to feed me cat. Oh before I forget, people of many cultures came out to experience this event, it's something for everyone to explore and enjoy. Viva Mexico!!!

One of the many festivals in the downtown RWC courtyard. One bouncy slide. Beer & wine for sale…read more Chavez market and other small businesses selling goods as well. Parking garage or street only. Per the website: "Courthouse Square will be transformed into a festive, beautiful, and fun setting in celebration of this important patriotic holiday in the Mexican culture. This is a FREE community celebration! Kids and families will love the Hands on the Arts crafts area, everyone will enjoy trying authentic Mexican food from local restaurants, and there will be an authentic Flag Ceremony conducted by Consul General de Mexico. The Square will be filled with colorful and glamorous Ballet Folklorico dancing, live Mariachi music, and a very special live performance by a great musical act."

Moonlit Circus offers unique and fashionable up-cycled products both on-line and at local art and…read morecraft fairs. Award-winning proprietor and head clown Jennifer W. also teachers craft classes at several locations in the San Mateo area. What's up-cycled? It's about re-making items that are no longer useful into new items but without the costly and energy-intensive recycling process. Their most popular product is called "Fittens" - a corruption of "fingerless mittens" and are made from wool sweaters that are acquired at local thrift shops and then reprocessed into unique felted wool mittens complete with clever and stylish stitching and adornments. Jennifer W. is a DIY (do-it-yourself) champion and is a prolific contributor to whimsical and creative events including the Maker Fair, San Mateo County Fair, SF Pride Parade, and many other art & community events throughout the Bay Area.