Gilroy Garlic Festival Kicks Off In 'Reimagined' Format

GILROY, CA — The Gilroy Garlic Festival is back beginning Friday for the first time in two years, marking what is expected to be a celebratory occasion for a city recovering from COVID-19 and a mass shooting at the festival in 2019.

The festival will take place over two weekends — July 23-25 and July 30-August 1st — at several locations in the city in what organizers call a “reimagined” format this year. Events include drive-thru events at the Gilroy Presbyterian Church, a farm-to-table dinner at Fortino's Winery and a golf tournament at Gilroy Golf Course.

Since 1979, the Gilroy Garlic Festival Association has distributed more than $12 million to community groups.

“We have all been confronted with so many changes due to COVID-19,” said Tom Cline, the association’s president. “There is a great community desire to see some reminders of Festival past that highlight our community, our commitment to our non-profit partners, and, of course, our love of Garlic.”

The drive-thru Gourmet Alley at the church will take place from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Fridays and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends. Menu items include a steak combo, sausage combo and pepper steak sandwich.

The farm-to-table dinner at Fortino Winery will take place Saturday evening and the Garlic Festival Golf Classic on July 30.

Tickets for the golf classic are $150 and proceeds will benefit the Gilroy Garlic Festival Association.

Click here to order tickets and for more information on the events.