Gilroy, Calif. — The Gilroy Garlic Festival is making its highly anticipated return in 2025 after a five-year hiatus, bringing back one of California’s most beloved food events. Here’s everything you need to know about the festival’s comeback, including dates, location, ticket information, and highlights.
Gilroy Garlic Festival 2025 Dates and Location
The 2025 Gilroy Garlic Festival will take place from July 25 to July 27, 2025. This year, the event will be held at the South County Grove at Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park, located at 3050 Hecker Pass Highway, Gilroy, California. The new venue offers a more intimate setting, with attendance capped at 3,000 tickets per day due to space limitations.
Ticket Information
Tickets for the 2025 Gilroy Garlic Festival sold out quickly after their release, reflecting the community’s excitement for the festival’s return. If you missed out, you can join the official waitlist through the Gilroy Garlic Festival website.
A Storied History
Founded in 1979 by Gavilan College President Rudolph J. Melone and local farmer Don Christopher, the Gilroy Garlic Festival became a signature summer event, celebrating the region’s world-famous garlic. Over the decades, the festival attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors and raised more than $12 million for local charities.
Challenges and Hiatus
The festival faced significant challenges in recent years. In 2019, a tragic mass shooting resulted in three deaths and 17 injuries. The COVID-19 pandemic forced cancellations in 2020, and ongoing financial pressures—including rising insurance costs and the loss of key parking areas—led to the festival’s indefinite suspension in 2022.
What’s New for the 2025 Gilroy Garlic Festival
Despite a smaller scale, the 2025 festival promises many of the traditions that fans love:
- Gourmet Alley: Enjoy garlic-infused dishes like scampi and calamari, prepared by the famous Pyro Chefs.
- Live Entertainment: Experience performances from top local and regional acts throughout the weekend.
- Cooking Competitions & Demos: Watch chefs showcase their culinary talents with creative garlic-inspired recipes.
- Arts & Crafts: Shop for high-quality handmade goods from talented artisans.
- Community Support: Proceeds continue to benefit local schools and non-profit organizations.
Looking Ahead
Organizers are optimistic about the future of the Gilroy Garlic Festival. There are plans to expand capacity in future years to welcome even more garlic lovers. For now, those interested in attending should monitor the festival’s official website for updates and ticket opportunities.
Why You Should Attend the Gilroy Garlic Festival
The Gilroy Garlic Festival is more than just a food event—it’s a celebration of community, culinary creativity, and California’s agricultural heritage. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a first-time visitor, the 2025 festival promises a unique and flavorful experience you won’t want to miss.
For more information and updates, visit gilroygarlicfestival.com.
