Harvest Festival To Celebrate Sustainable Food Culture In Berkeley

BERKELEY, CA — Festivalgoers looking for something different should head over to Cedar Rose Park Oct. 21 for a day of kids’ activities, live music, a seed swap and food contests, all a part of the city of Berkeley's annual Harvest Festival.

Scheduled from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the free event celebrates the city's sustainable food practices with activities that showcase Berkeley's thriving culture of growing and making it's own food, a news release announcing the event said.

A variety of Food and Garden Exhibitions will feature a crop swap where people can exchange surplus fruits and vegetables from their gardens with other gardeners. A seed swap where gardeners can share seeds and gardening tips will also be available.

A variety of food contests will be held allowing those interested to enter their best baked goods, preserves, pickled vegetables, pie, and gluten-free baked goods, and more.

Register for the free Food Contest, which will be open from 9 to 11:30 a.m., with judging at noon, by clicking here.

"All participants will receive recognition and ribbons will be awarded in each category," the city said. "Food entries must showcase a main ingredient that could realistically be cultivated in Berkeley, even if the ingredient itself wasn't grown there."

The Kids Zone will have plenty of activities for children, including a zipline, giant inflatables, scarecrow making, pumpkin decorating, petting zoo, face painting, and carnival games with prizes. Toddlers can enjoy the Tot's Zone with a small jumper, arts and crafts, sandbox, face painting, and more, the city said.

Numerous food trucks and vendors will be on hand offering a variety of Southern cuisine, lobster, hot dogs, barbecue, dessert, and more.

Live music will be provided by Fahrenheit 5150, Smokehouse Reunion, and Funky Latin Orchestra with a DJ entertaining between sets.

"Bring a blanket or lawn chair if you want to sit for a while," the city said.

City staff from various departments, including 311, Customer Service, Civic Arts, Fire, Mental Health, Planning, Police, Public Works, Rent Board, the Library, and Youth Engagement will also be on hand at the event to visit with residents and answer questions they may have.

Those interested in learning more about alternative means of transportation can visit the Cedar Rose basketball courts from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. to check out electric cars, ride an electric bike or hop on an e-scooter to learn how they can electrify their ride and learn about discounts, rebates, and more.

Cedar Rose Park is located at 1300 Rose Street in Berkeley.

For more information about Berkeley's Harvest Festival, click here.