Mountain View Celebrates 40th Annual Art & Wine Festival — A Birthday Party Like No Other
Silicon Valley’s World-Class Festival Turns 40!
A lot has taken place in Mountain View in the last forty 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.
This year’s festival promises to be a birthday party like no other. An authentic and moveable feast for the senses. Exceptional handcrafted work by 600 of America’s top artists and craftmakers. Stellar live music on stage and street throughout downtown. Fabulous food and drink. 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. A special 10-year remembrance ceremony to honor the heroes from 9/11. Tons of fun and games for kids. The fantastic, new Cuda Lounge with comfy couches, bar seating and multiple flat screen TVs. An affordable, sun-splashed, memorable, leisure-filled weekend framed by the cool, vibrant, multicultural Castro Street vibe.
If all that sounds good to you, head to downtown Mountain View for the 40th Annual Art & Wine Festival, September 10-11. Considered one of America’s top art festivals, huge throngs of art lovers are expected to pour into Silicon Valley’s epicenter for this “Cultural Community Celebration” presented by the Chamber of Commerce Mountain View. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days. Admission is free.
The Beginning
Mountain View’s longtime signature attraction, 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. Among the programs sponsored by the Chamber are Yipee (Young Innovative Professional Entrepreneurs Etc), SOAR — a new Workforce Development pilot program, Business ConneXions and Leadership Mountain View.
Fresh Attractions in 2011
The festival continues to re-invigorate itself with the introduction of fresh, interesting attractions. This year brings an infusion of artists with new work and a variety of affordable price points; the Comcast Pigskin Party Lounge returns showing MLB and NFL games on a giant LED screen; several new food vendors offering a different slant with organic, fresh and exotic festival fare; a diverse and star-studded lineup of bands; a stellar list of top-shelf, premium wines, microbrews, margaritas, mojitios and sangria; the cool, new Cuda Lounge with comfy couches, bar seating and multiple flat screen TVs; a multitude of new attractions—like feather hair extensions, nostalgic carnival rides and hula hooping—in Kids’ Park; plus the return of the popular Community Stage featuring a magnificent array of talented, young performers in this Mountain View’s Got Talent-style showcase.
Extraordinary Art, Fine Crafts
California Artists brings its highly-acclaimed stable of exceptional artists and fine craftmakers to the festival. “Festivalgoers will find original art and fine crafts with a variety of price points. Every item is handcrafted from beginning to end—it’s a prime opportunity to meet the artists that conceive and do the work,” said Terry Allie, proprietor of California Artists. Buyers and browsers will find thousands of handcrafted items by America’s best artists and craftmakers while browsing among 600 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! The best of the Bay Area music scene will be on hand with fourteen dynamite bands playing a wide-ranging musical mix on the Civic Center Plaza Music Stage and multiple street locations throughout downtown … Motown, rhythm and blues, country, swing, classic rock ‘n roll, jazz, soul, world-beat, Celtic folk, funk, disco, Latin rock, rumba flamenco and party music. The lineup includes The Groove Kings, Department of Rock, The Houserockers, Cream of Clapton, Rockin’ Down The Hiway, Natasha James, Emerson, Jeffrey Michael, Bob Culbertson, Aryeh Frankfurter, HeartStrings Music, The RhythmShakerz, Gabriel Navia and Ancient Winds. In a new twist, the Bay Area’s legendary classic rock station, KFOX 98.5 FM/102.1 FM, hosts the Classic Rock Stage on Saturday. One of the station’s popular deejays—Greg Kihn, Tim Jeffreys, Big Rick Stuart or Laurie Roberts—will make a surprise guest appearance to host the stage.
Community Stage & Kids’ Park
The Kids’ Park Community Stage is back! Fresh, talented, up and coming performers will strut their showstopping stuff in front of a live audience in this “Mountain View’s Got Talent”-style showcase. Action-packed Kids’ Park will keep youngsters plenty enthralled with hands-on art booths, Mobile Rock’s 24-foot climbing wall, super cool body art, balloon twisters, gold fish toss, remote controlled NASCAR race track, hula hooping, feather hair extensions, the thrilling Froghopper, Zoom and Helicopter carnival rides, Monkey bounce house, and Tsunami Tidal Wave slide.
Fabulously Festive Food
Festival eateries will be serving up a world of flavorful fare—fresh corn-on-the-cob, souvlaki made with organic, locally sourced ingredients, Teriyaki chicken and vegetables, barbecue chicken and pork skewers, plump smoked sausages, paella, tacos, tamales, pizza, garlic chicken sandwiches, Parmesan-sprinkled garlic fries, tri-tip and pulled pork sandwiches, smoked turkey legs, smoothies, kettle corn and more.
Delectably Delicious Drink
Thirsty yet? The wines selected by the discriminating tasting panel to be served include Torre Alta Pinot Grigio, Columbia Crest “Two Vines” Riesling, San Elias Sauvignon Blanc, 786 Chardonnay, Camelot Pinot Noir, 786 Merlot, Penfolds “Rawson’s Retreat” Shiraz and Stimson Estate Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon … truly luscious vintages from several outstanding winemakers. This year’s special festival brews from Tied House are a tasty Highway 6 Lager and the flagship Cascade Amber. Stella Artois, Sam Adams Oktoberfest, Budweiser and Bud Light Lime will also be served. Enjoy a Sauza Original Margarita, Cruzan Rum Premium Mojito or Morada Sangria for a deliciously refreshing beverage alternative. Sip your favorite beverage in a beautiful, collector-item wine or beer glass adorned with this year’s stylish festival logo.
Comcast Pigskin Party Lounge & Cool, New Cuda Lounge
Sports fans will have a place to watch NFL and college football and MLB games on a giant LED screen in the Comcast Pigskin Party Lounge. Centrally located at Mercy and Castro, there will be plenty of seating, festive food and drink. The cool, new Cuda Lounge offers comfy couches, bar seating and multiple flatscreen TVs—a sweet spot to kick back. Stop by for free Barracuda Networks schwag and enjoy tasty samples from Larabar, Cascadian Farm and Purity Organic Juice, ALO and Crystal Geyser Alpine Spring Water. The Cuda Lounge is located on Castro Street between Evelyn and Villa. Both lounges are perfect spots to take a break while you enjoy a great day at the festival.
9/11 Remembrance Ceremony
On Sunday (Sept. 11) at 11 a.m., there will be a special 10-year remembrance ceremony to honor the heroes from 9/11. Members of all U.S. military branches, local police and fire officials, civic dignitaries and Boy Scouts will participate in a ceremonial procession down Mercy Street to Civic Center Plaza followed by a singing of the national anthem, speakers, a moment of silence and lowering of the flag.
Warriors In The House
Meet members of the Golden State “Warrior Girls” dance troupe, find out about tickets for the 2011/2012 season, win great prizes and check out the latest Warriors merchandise—hats, t-shirts, sweatshirts and more—featuring the popular Warriors retro “bridge” logo.
Zero Waste
The Chamber of Commerce Mountain View is partnering once again with Recology Mountain View, the City of Mountain View and Nothing Wasted Consulting to promote and encourage Zero Waste. Festival organizers are also encouraging the use of public transit, bicycles and car pools to cut down carbon emissions and vehicular traffic. “We’re working hard to make this a Zero Waste festival — it’s a top priority for us and something we diligently plan for and try to improve upon every year,” said Oscar Garcia, President/CEO of the Chamber of Commerce.
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 Purity Organic Juice, Crystal Geyser Alpine Spring Water, The Solar Company, Larabar, Cascadian Farm, Sunlight Concepts, ALO, Stanford Chiropractic, Mrs. Meyers Clean Day, Palo Alto Medical Foundation, El Camino Hospital, American Laser Centers, University Chiropractic, SunWize Technologies, Mountain View Family Dentistry, Ellis Eye & Laser Medical Center, and Sunnyvale Chiropractic.
Home & Garden Exhibits
For home improvement ideas, check out product displays and chat with representatives from Renewal by Andersen, Heavenly Greens, Armstrong Installation Service, Cutco Cutlery, Gutter Helmet, BathFitter, OneLawn, Softub, Bay Home & Window, Sunlight Concepts and The Craftsmens’ Guild.
Spectacular Sponsors
Win great prizes, enjoy free samples, meet the personalities and experience the latest products from festival sponsors: Barracuda Networks, Wells Fargo, The Swig Company, Toyota of Palo Alto, Bay Area Ford Stores, Tishman Speyer Properties, Tri-Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau, Nob Hill Foods, CEFCU, CAS Architects, Mass Mutual, Yellow Checker Cab, CA Dept of Tourism, Mary Kay Cosmetics, The Golden State Warriors, Hotel Avante, ME Fox Distributing, Stella Artois, Sam Adams Oktoberfest, Bud, Bud Light Lime, Sauza Original Margaritas, Cruzan Rum Premium Mojitos, DBI Wine, Valley Transportation Authority, AT&T “The Real Yellow Pages”, CBS 5 — Channel 5, The CW — Channel 44, KOFY TV 20, Comcast, Yelp!, Bay Area News Group, San Jose Mercury News, Got Daily Deals, Mountain View Voice, Metro, Alice 97.3 FM, KFOX 98.5/102.1 FM, KOIT 96.5 FM, KCBS 740 AM/106.9 FM, KBAY 94.5 FM, Mix 106.5 FM, KRTY 95.3 FM, KLIV 1590 AM and KBLX 102.9 FM.
KMVT Broadcasts Live!
KMVT Community Television is inviting 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. In addition to broadcasting your comments on KMVT Channel 15, you will also receive a FREE customized DVD of your recorded commentary! In addition to SPEAK OUT, KMVT will be airing LIVE interviews on Sunday with local KMVT Community Producers of several popular shows, as well as Board members and KMVT’s retiring and new Executive Directors. Stop by the booth to see live television in action! The broadcast booth will be located at Church and Castro Streets, in front of Wells Fargo.
Pago: Pre-Purchase Drink Tickets From Your Smartphone! Early Bird Deals!
For the first time, you can pre-purchase drink tickets from your smartphone. Download PAGO for free on on your smartphone at http://www.getpago.com to take advantage of special early bird deals and avoid ticket lines.
Viva Plastic: We Take Credit Cards Too!
For your convenience, pay for drink tickets, glasses and t-shirts using Visa or Mastercard at the Ticket/Glass booths at California/Castro and Church Castro.
Bicycle Parking
Avoid the traffic congestion and ride your bike. Bicycle parking will be offered in the St. Joseph Church parking lot at the corner of Castro and Church Streets by the Friends of Stevens Creek Trail.
The Friends of Stevens Creek Trail promotes community pride and involvement in the completion, enhancement, and enjoyment of the Stevens Creek Trail and Wildlife Corridor. To find out more about their good works, visit http://stevenscreektrail.org.
Vehicle Parking
Some free parking is available on streets and parking plazas surrounding the downtown area. Paid parking ($5) will be available both days from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at 400 Castro Street (parking lot entrance on Bryant Street between California and Mercy Streets), 444 Castro Street (parking lot entrance on Bryant Street), Kaiser Permanente (555 Castro Street — parking lot entrance on Hope Street), Chase Bank (749 El Camino Real/Castro Street) and the City of Mountain View parking Lot #13 (on Bryant between California and Mercy Streets). Parking fees benefit the Community Health Awareness Council, creating healthy lives for children and families in Mountain View, Los Altos and Los Altos Hills.
Public Transportation
Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) will be running its normal 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, and 522 to the Festival. Please note Bus Lines 32 and 522 do not operate on Sundays. For your free trip plan, call (408) 321-2300, or visit http://www.vta.org. For Caltrain information, call 800-660-4287 or visit http://www.caltrain.com. Caltrain, VTA Light Rail 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 allowed at the festival. For the safety, comfort, and courtesy of your pets and festivalgoers, please leave your pets at home.
Festival Dates/Hours/Location
The festival is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on September 10-11. It is held on Castro Street from El Camino Real to Evelyn Avenue. Admission is free.
Info-Line
For festival information, call the Chamber of Commerce Mountain View at 650-968-8378.
