Archive for the ‘Fairs & Festivals’ Category

Vendors wanted for City of Antioch Juneteenth Celebration

Friday, May 15th, 2026

Application Deadline: May 24

By Antioch Recreation Department

Join us for an evening of culture, community, music, food, and celebration at the City of Antioch’s Juneteenth Freedom Celebration!

Friday, June 19

4PM–8PM

Williamson Ranch Park (corner of Lone Tree Way and Hillcrest Avenue)

We’re looking for:

  • Local Vendors
  • Food Vendors
  • Community Organizations

Celebrate freedom, culture, and community with live music, poets, dancers, games, rides, and family fun for all ages.

Apply today by scanning the QR code on the flyer or visit:

www.antiochca.gov/218/Juneteenth-Celebration

Applications close May 24

Space is limited. Don’t miss out!

Rodeo returns to the Contra Costa County Fair Friday, May 15

Thursday, May 14th, 2026

By Allen D. Payton

After more than 20 years, the rodeo returns to the Contra Costa County Fair, this year, with Bulls and Broncs beginning 6:00 p.m. on Friday, May 15, 2026.

The Silver Bridge Rodeo Company brings the spirit of the West to life with world-class bull riding and broncs events that showcase the grit, skill, and courage of rodeo’s toughest athletes. From thunderous eight-second rides to airborne broncs and charging bulls!

General Admission is $19.00. Does not include Fair admission.

Rodeo Event Tickets sold separately online through Saffire Ticket by clicking, HERE.

For more information about the 2026 Contra Costa County Fair visit www.contracostafair.com.

Contra Costa County Fair offers Daily Specials Thurs-Sun May 14-17

Wednesday, May 13th, 2026

The Contra Costa County Fair is held at the Contra Costa Event Park (fairgrounds) at 1201 W. 10th Street in Antioch. For tickets and more information visit www.contracostafair.com.

Celebrate Antioch Foundation to host Jazz & Blues Festival May 9

Saturday, May 2nd, 2026

5 Live Bands • Food Trucks • 40+ Artisan Vendors • Wine & Beer

By Michael Gabrielson

Spend the day with the Celebrate Antioch Foundation, enjoying five dynamic live bands, including a special guest appearance from our talented Deer Valley Jazz Band at the Jazz & Blues Festival, Saturday, May 9th.

Select from a variety of local food trucks, unwind under our shaded seating area or bring your own blankets and chairs for a relaxed festival experience.

Browse unique creations from over 40 artisan vendors, sip your favorite wine or beer, and enjoy an unforgettable afternoon of jazz and blues.

Come relax at Williamson Ranch Park at the corner of Lone Tree Way and Hillcrest Avenue and enjoy Mother’s Day weekend in the heart of Antioch. Saturday, May 9th, 11 AM – 6 PM.

Come be a part of the experience. See you there! 

Visit CelebrateAntioch.org for details.

*No outside coolers, umbrellas or pop-up canopies allowed, please no outside food or beverages.

Antioch Wine Festival in downtown Rivertown May 9

Tuesday, April 28th, 2026

Free live music & entertainment, local food, family fun and, of course, wine – plus, after parties!

Enjoy performances by the former lead singer of Santana, Tina Turner Tribute and more

Antioch, CA – Sip, savor and celebrate Antioch at the Antioch Wine Festival, Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The event will be a celebration of fine wines and gourmet street food, in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown. Join us for a day and night filled with tastings, live music and culinary delights, plus, a family fun Kids Zone and After Parties from 8:00 p.m. – Midnight.

Food by Local Food Trucks, Street Vendors and Downtown Rivertown Restaurants

Experience the taste of local Antioch cuisine. From savory comfort food and handcrafted bites to fresh local flavors, bold seasonings, sweet treats, festival favorites and Rivertown restaurants offer something for every appetite. Whether you are looking for a sit-down meal before the festival, a quick bite between wine tastings or a delicious reason to explore downtown Antioch, the local food scene delivers an experience that is warm, welcoming and full of personality.

Family-Friendly Fun in the Kids Zone

The Antioch Wine Festival is not just for wine lovers — it is a full family-friendly experience, and our Kids Zone is designed to keep the little ones smiling all day long.

Bring the family to Waldie Plaza and let the kids enjoy a colorful, exciting play area filled with kid-friendly activities, inflatable games, bounce houses, sports challenges, and interactive fun. From basketball and football toss games to tic-tac-toe, slides, and playful inflatables, the Kids Zone gives children a safe and energetic space to laugh, play, and make festival memories of their own.

While adults enjoy wine tasting, live music, local food, art, and the beautiful Rivertown atmosphere, kids can explore a festival space created just for them. It is the perfect way to enjoy the Antioch Wine Festival as a family — with something special for every age.

Play. Laugh. Explore. Make memories.

The Kids Zone is where family fun comes alive at the Antioch Wine Festival.

Craft Beer & Cocktails

Quench your thirst with a wide selection of craft beer and cocktails. We have something for everyone, whether you prefer a classic margarita or a local IPA.

Meet the Chefs

Get to know the chefs behind your favorite street foods and learn about their culinary journeys. We have meet-and-greet sessions scheduled throughout the day.

Live Music & Entertainment

Enjoy live musical performances on stage in Waldie Plaza and entertainment. This year’s line-up brings together powerhouse vocals, smooth soul, Bay Area funk, rock, R&B including Santana’s former lead singer and a show-stopping Tina Turner tribute that will keep Rivertown moving from afternoon into the evening.

From the first note to the final encore, guests will experience the kind of live music that makes a festival feel alive — the kind that gets people dancing, singing along, raising a glass and making memories in the heart of downtown Antioch.

Entertainment includes The Millionaire’s Mentalist Dan Chan and Street Breakdance Performances featuring high energy, real talent and unstoppable moves. Don’t miss the action!

Tony Lindsay | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Grammy Award-winning vocalist, Tony Lindsay, is best known for his powerful 25-year run as the lead singer of Santana. With his soulful voice and dynamic stage presence, he brings a blend of rock, R&B and Latin influences that captivate audiences worldwide. 

Mystique | 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Mystique is a high-energy Bay Area band known for their versatile sound, blending Latin, funk, R&B and party hits into an electrifying live performance that keeps the crowd dancing all day and night. 

The Fell Swoop | 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Late afternoon, The Fell Swoop turns up the groove with a genre-blending powerful mix of original rock, pop, funk and soul with high-energy performances and tight musicianship that keep audiences fully engaged from start to finish. Proudly rooted in San Francisco, the band is known for dance-ready live performances. Their bio describes a high-energy sound built around tight grooves, vibrant horn arrangements, dynamic vocals, and a celebration-style performance that has taken them to stages including High Sierra Music Festival, SXSW, The Independent, August Hall, Boom Boom Room and more.

Lea Sweet: Tina Turner Tribute Artist | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM

Get ready for a powerhouse performance as Lea Sweet brings the energy, soul, and unforgettable stage presence of Tina Turner that honors the Queen of Rock ’n’ Roll. 

Known for her electrifying tribute show, Lea Sweet captures the spirit of one of music’s greatest icons with dynamic vocals, bold choreography, dazzling costumes, and the high-energy performance style that made Tina Turner legendary.

Her upcoming performance will celebrate the timeless hits, fierce confidence, and rock-and-soul legacy that fans know and love. From the first note to the final bow, audiences can expect a show filled with excitement, nostalgia, and nonstop entertainment.

Join us for an unforgettable Tina Turner tribute performance. This is one show you will not want to miss.

The Millionaire’s Mentalist Dan Chan

Dan Chan, The Millionaire’s Mentalist, will amaze you with his mind-blowing magic, mentalism and sleight of hand in an unforgettable interactive performance. With over 25 years of magic experience and 10,000 performances, Dan’s built a reputation performing for the biggest names in tech and finance,including Google, Facebook, AirBnB and more. His high-profile clients are proof of his credibility and the captivating experience he delivers.

Street Breakdance Performances

Throughout the afternoon, guests will be treated to live breakdance performances featuring exciting moves, crowd interaction, music, and nonstop festival energy.

These talented street performers will bring the spirit of urban dance to downtown Antioch with flips, freezes, footwork, spins, and show-stopping routines that are fun for all ages. Whether you are watching with friends, bringing the kids, or just walking through the festival, this is one performance you will want to stop and see.

The breakdancing crew will perform four 20-minute shows between 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM, giving festival guests multiple chances to catch the action.

Come for the wine. Stay for the music, food, dancing and unforgettable street performances.

Support Local Businesses

Enjoy shopping in the Rivertown stores, supporting local, small businesses and helping to keep our community thriving.

After Parties

The party continues into the night with more live music at two after parties from 8:00 p.m. to Midnight.

Suga-T

Suga-T at ROYAL BANQUET & EVENT HALLS. Suga-T will be performing live at the official after party at the Royal Banquet & Event Halls. Located at 509 & 517 W. 2nd Streets.

Suga-T is a 90’s sensational legendary multi-platinum and gold selling,trail blazing performer from the Bay Area known for underground and commercial hits all over the world. She is admired as the First Lady of the legendary group The Clickand holds the title as the biggest brother and sister Hip Hop duo in history.

Mystique at LA PLAZUELA. The party doesn’t stop — Mystique takes over La Plazuela for the after party. Located at 400 G Street.

Location & Free Parking

The Festival will be held on W. 2nd and G Streets and in Waldie Plaza. Directions: Take A Street, G Street, L Street from Highway 4 north toward the river to W. 2nd Street or take Auto Center Drive north, curve to the right east on W. 4th Street, drive to I or H Streets, turn left and into one of the free parking lots.

Presented by Vangitude Spirits, LLC for more information visit https://antiochwinefestival.com.

Paid advertisement

County Fair Scholarship Program announces 2026 Miss and Mini Miss Contra Costa contestants

Monday, April 20th, 2026
Miss Contra Costa 2026 contests are (back row L-R) Emelia “Eme” Brown, Yareli Santuario and Kaylee Rhiann Wright. Mini Miss Contra Costa 2026 contestants are (front row L-R) Gianna Lynch, Teigan Moore and Chloe Pettyjohn. Photos by Contra Costa County Fair.

From Antioch, Brentwood, Discovery Bay & Martinez

Coronations May 14th at the 2026 Contra Costa County Fair

2025 Queen & Princesses end their reigns

By Cheyenne Erickson, CEO, Contra Costa Fair & Event Park

The Contra Costa County Fair Scholarship Program provides young participants with valuable life and career skills while giving them the opportunity to earn education funds. Through the program, participants develop speech writing and public speaking abilities, build professional resumes, and showcase their unique talents.

They also gain confidence through interview practice, including answering impromptu questions skills that prepare them for future academic and career opportunities. The program focuses on personal growth, leadership, and community involvement, all while rewarding participants with scholarships to support their educational goals. Miss Contra Costa will receive a $1,000 scholarship and Mini Miss Contra Costa will receive $500 provided by the Contra Costa County Fair. They will serve as ambassadors of the fair throughout the year at community service events.

Miss Contra Costa 2026 contestants Emelia “Eme” Brown, Yareli Santuario and Kaylee Rhiann Wright. Photos: CCC Fair

MISS CONTRA COSTA CONTESTANTS:

  • Emelia “Eme” Brown, 17, lives in Discovery Bay and she attends Liberty High School. She is a varsity volleyball player and participates in swimming and basketball. She enjoys surfing and spending time on the water.
  • Yareli Santuario, 17, lives in Antioch and attends Antioch High School. She is passionate about spreading positivity in her community and is involved with Be Exceptional and serves as an ambassador for the We Get It Foundation.
  • Kaylee Rhiann Wright, 17, lives in Martinez and attends Alhambra High School. She enjoys meeting and uplifting others, loves animals and has a soft spot for dark chocolate.
Mini Miss Contra Costa 2026 contestants Gianna Lynch, Teigan Moore and Chloe Pettyjohn. Photos: CCC Fair

MINI MISS CONTRA COSTA CONTESTANTS:

  • Gianna Lynch, 11, is a fifth grader from Brentwood. She enjoys performing in plays, singing, and acting, and is an active member of Brentwood 4-H.
  • Teigan Moore, 8, of Discovery Bay, loves reading and art. She enjoys spending time with family and friends and hopes to become a teacher one day.
  • Chloe Pettyjohn, 11, from Brentwood, has a two-year-old Pomeranian named Peanut. She enjoys dancing, karate and crafting, and values time with her family and friends.

2025 Queen & Princesses to End Their Reigns

2025 Contra Costa Fair Queen Aili Selvin

Aili Selvin of Martinez will end her reign as the 2025 Miss Contra Costa County Fair Pageant Queen. The County Fair Board offered their appreciation to her saying, “We are so proud of you and appreciate your contributions to your community all while carrying yourself with the upmost poise and kindness. We look forward to seeing more of your bright future!”

The 2025 Fair Princesses Jocelyn Luna of Oakley and Madilyn Davis of Antioch and Miss Congeniality Michalia Banks of Antioch will also end their reigns.

2025 Contra Costa Fair Queen Aili Selvin of Martinez (right) and Fair Princesses (L-R) Jocelyn Luna of Oakley and Madilyn Davis of Antioch, along with Miss Congeniality, Michalia Banks also of Antioch. Photo by Contra Costa County Fair
Miss Contra Costa Pageant Director Danielle Ferguson.

Pageant Director Danielle Ferguson said, “I am honored to serve as the new Director for the Miss Contra Costa County Scholarship Program.  I grew up in the pageant world, competing from infancy through the age of 24, and spent many years as a dedicated dancer – truly growing up on the stage.  These experiences shaped my love for performance, confidence-building and empowering young women.  I am excited to bring passion, polish and heart to this program and to create an inspiring and memorable experience for every participant.”

Meet the six contestants during the 2026 Contra Costa County Fair May 14-17 at the Contra Costa Event Park, 1201 W. 10th Street, Antioch. Join us May 14th for both competitions and come support your next Miss & Mini Miss Contra Costa! For more information visit Miss Contra Costa and www.contracostafair.com where you can purchase tickets for the fair.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Entries open for still exhibits at the 2026 Contra Costa County Fair

Saturday, April 11th, 2026

Deadline: May 4th to register to show your creations

By Cheyenne Erickson, CEO, Contra Costa Fair & Event Park

Calling all crafters, bakers, photographers, plant lovers, sewers and more—this is your time to shine! Enter your creations and be part of the 2026 Contra Costa County Fair, May 14-17.

Divisions for EVERYONE:

• Youth

• Adult

• Classroom (open to any group or class!)

Sign up now on the Showman App!

https://www.contracostafair.com/exhibitors

Need help or have questions? We’ve got you covered—join us during office hours every Tuesday & Thursday 9am-4pm for entry assistance and support.

Questions? Email us at exhibits@ccfair.org.

The Contra Costa Event Park & Fairgrounds are located at 1201 W. 10th Street in Antioch.

We can’t wait to see what you bring to the Fair!

Paid advertisement

Contra Costa County Fair returns May 14-17, 2026

Friday, April 10th, 2026

We’re WILD about the Fair and 2026 is bringing the ROAR!

By Cheyenne Erickson, CEO, Contra Costa Fair & Event Park

Get ready, Contra Costa County… new thrills, new events and wildly exciting surprises are coming to the Fairgrounds during the Contra Costa County Fair May 14-17.

Mark your calendars:

  • Friday, May 15 – Bulls & Broncs Rodeo kicks things off at 7PM
  • Saturday, May 16 – Flat Track Motorcycle Racing! FREE with fair admission!
  • All weekend – New and exciting grounds acts you won’t want to miss
  • Sunday, May 17 – Junior Livestock Auction at 9AM

We’re turning up the fun and going full safari mode!

This year’s fair is shaping up to be an exciting one. Some of the highlights include:

  • Exotic animals and family-friendly attractions
  • The return of the Bulls & Broncs Rodeo—back for the first time in 20 years
  • Flat Track Motorcycle Racing on Saturday (FREE with fair admission)
  • Junior Livestock Auction on Sunday—support local youth and enjoy some of the best locally raised meat around

We are also crowning our very FIRST Mini Miss Contra Costa during our Miss Contra Costa Scholarship Program Thursday, May 14 at 6pm.  They have been working very hard on resumes, honing their communication skills and leadership development. 

More details coming soon… until then, stay WILD about the Fair!

For more information click here: 2026 Contra Costa County Fair – May 14-17, 2026.