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There’s something really special about a local event that brings the whole community together—especially one that mixes live music, great food, local art, and space for the kids to play. This fall, we spent a full day at the Lafayette Art & Wine Festival, and now I totally understand why so many people make this an annual tradition.
We had such a good time that by the end of the day, we were already talking about coming back next year.
Easy Arrival, Laid-Back Vibes
We started the morning by parking at the BART lot, where a free shuttle took us straight to the festival entrance. Super convenient, and the shuttle seemed to run often so we didn’t have to wait long at all.
The streets were already buzzing with people, and since we had gotten an early start, we decided to have breakfast at Tutu’s Café Bar & Market with the kids before diving into the festival itself.
We sat outside, which gave us a perfect view of the street, and we could see a band walking the streets. The French toast and pancakes were amazing, and it was a great way to fuel up before exploring the rest of the day.
Wine, Art, and So Much Food
The Lafayette Art & Wine Festival is definitely one of the biggest events in Contra Costa County, and it shows. There were over 200 booths filled with local artwork, handmade goods, and crafts, and 30+ food vendors serving everything from food truck snacks to restaurant-style bites. We also noticed the number of local businesses and shops participating in the festival, which added to the small-town charm.
Of course, the wine and beer were a big draw. After grabbing our festival wine cups and drink tickets, we wandered through the event with a glass in hand, sampling wines from various booths as we went. There were also plenty of beer options for those who prefer microbrews.
Fun for the Kids, Too
What really stood out to me as a parent was just how kid-friendly the festival was. There were four separate Kid Zones scattered throughout the event footprint, each with a mix of rides and activities tailored to different age groups.
Our girls had a blast—whether they were taking a spin on the Pirates Revenge Ship Ride, checking out the Jurassic Playspace, or making crafts in the all-ages downtown play space behind Uncle Yu’s. That shaded area had everything from giant Jenga and ping pong to jewelry making and kinetic sand, and it gave us all a much-needed break from the walking (and the sun).
We also enjoyed a few performances, including a local dance group on stage, which was a fun and energetic moment.
The music kept the whole event lively, with bands playing all day across multiple stages.
Ending on a Sweet Note
After hours of exploring, eating, sipping, and playing, we ended our day with a stop at a local ice cream shop just off the main street. The girls were thrilled, and it was the perfect way to cool down and wrap things up before heading home.
Why We’ll Be Back
The Lafayette Art & Wine Festival checked all the boxes: free to attend, easy to get to, packed with things to do for all ages, and filled with great food, drink, and community energy. It’s the kind of event that feels big, but still manages to be personal and welcoming.
We’ll definitely be back next fall—maybe with a bigger group, maybe just us again—but either way, it’s officially part of our family’s seasonal plans.
Lafayette Art & Wine Festival
- Dates: During the Fall Season
- Location: Downtown Lafayette, California
- Admission: Free
- Parking: Free at the BART lot, with a free shuttle to the entrance
