Everything You Need to Know About the Lafayette Art & Wine Festival 2025

The Lafayette Art & Wine Festival 2025 is shaping up to be the crown jewel of Bay Area cultural events next year. This beloved festival transforms downtown Lafayette into a buzzing hub of creativity, flavors, and fun for an entire weekend. What makes this festival truly special is its perfect blend of local art, premium wines, live entertainment, and family activities – all without an admission fee! Mark your calendars now for September 20-21, 2025, because this is one weekend you won’t want to miss.

As someone who’s attended this festival for years, I can tell you the Lafayette Art & Wine Festival 2025 goes beyond your typical street fair. With over 200 artisans displaying their crafts, dozens of wineries pouring their finest selections, and multiple stages featuring live performances, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a serious art collector, wine enthusiast, or just looking for a fun weekend outing with friends and family, this festival delivers on all fronts.

Your Quick Festival Guide at a Glance

Before diving into all the details, here’s what you need to know about the Lafayette Art & Wine Festival 2025 at a quick glance:

• 📍 Location: Downtown Lafayette, CA
• 📅 Dates & Hours:
  • Saturday, Sept 20 (10 AM–7 PM)
  • Sunday, Sept 21 (10 AM–6 PM)
• 🎟️ Admission: Free entry; drink tickets and glasses sold on-site
• 🔞 Age Policy: 21+ to purchase and consume alcohol (ID required)
• 🎨 Art & Shopping: 200+ vendors + a Local Artist Alley
• 🍷 Eats & Sips: 30+ food and drink booths (wine, beer, local restaurants)
• 🎶 Live Music: DJs, rock, jazz, and more across multiple stages
• 👧 Kid Zones: Four dedicated play areas with crafts and activities
• 🧴 What to Bring: ID, sunscreen, reusable water bottle, cash/card
• 🚫 Leave at Home: Pets (except service animals), outside alcohol, large bags
• 👟 What to Wear: Comfy shoes, breathable clothing, sunglasses, hat
• 🚇 Transportation: Take BART to Lafayette Station + free shuttle
• 🅿️ Parking: Free BART parking + nearby city lots
• 🛏️ Hotels Nearby: Book early—rooms sell out fast!

When and Where to Experience the Lafayette Art & Wine Festival 2025

The Lafayette Art & Wine Festival 2025 takes over downtown Lafayette on Saturday, September 20 (10 AM–7 PM) and Sunday, September 21 (10 AM–6 PM). The festival’s main area stretches along Mt. Diablo Boulevard, which will be closed to traffic starting Friday evening through Sunday night to accommodate the festivities.

The heart of downtown transforms into a vibrant pedestrian zone filled with art booths, wine tasting stations, food vendors, and music stages. For those planning a full wine tasting adventure in California, this event makes a perfect addition to your wine tourism destinations list, offering a concentrated taste of what the Bay Area wine scene has to offer.

Admission, Tickets & Drink Information

One of the best aspects of the Lafayette Art & Wine Festival 2025 is that general admission is completely free! You can wander through the festival grounds, enjoy the art displays, listen to live music, and soak in the atmosphere without spending a dime. However, if you plan to sample the wine and beer offerings (which I highly recommend), you’ll need to purchase:

• A festival wine glass (required for all wine and beer tastings)
• Drink tickets sold in bundles at various stations throughout the festival

Remember that you must be 21 or older with valid ID to purchase and consume alcohol—no exceptions! Festival staff check IDs thoroughly, so bringing your driver’s license or passport is essential. If you’re new to wine events, check out these wine tasting tips for women to make the most of your experience.

The ticket system is straightforward – each drink sample requires a certain number of tickets, with premium wines sometimes costing more. Only official 2025 festival tickets will be accepted at vendor booths, so don’t try using leftover tickets from previous years or other events.

What to Expect at the Lafayette Art & Wine Festival 2025

The Lafayette Art & Wine Festival 2025 offers a feast for all your senses. With over 200 artists and craftspeople displaying their work, you’ll find everything from fine art paintings and photography to handcrafted jewelry, ceramics, textiles, and woodwork. The Local Artist Alley features works from Chamber member artists, offering a great opportunity to support small businesses and local talent.

For wine and food lovers, more than 30 food and drink booths will tempt your palate. Sample wines from local vineyards that capture the essence of California wine country (similar to what you might experience during a Sonoma Valley wine tasting), craft beers from regional breweries, and delicious cuisine from local restaurants and food vendors. After sampling different wines, you might want to try putting your new knowledge into practice with some food and wine pairing fundamentals at the festival’s culinary offerings.

Live music plays a central role in the festival atmosphere, with multiple stages featuring performances throughout the weekend. The lineup typically includes rock, jazz, pop, and other genres to keep the energy flowing. Check the official festival website closer to the date for the complete music schedule.

Families with children will appreciate the four dedicated kid zones featuring crafts, games, and activities designed specifically for younger visitors. While parents enjoy the wine tasting, children can have their own fun in supervised areas.

What to Bring (and What to Leave at Home)

To make the most of your Lafayette Art & Wine Festival 2025 experience, come prepared with these essentials:

Do Pack:

• Valid ID (essential for alcohol purchases)
• Reusable water bottle (free refill stations available throughout the festival)
• Sunscreen (non-aerosol type – September in Lafayette can be quite sunny)
• Cash and cards (while many vendors accept cards, some smaller artists might prefer cash)
• Comfortable shoes (you’ll be walking and standing for hours)

Leave Behind:

• Pets (except service animals, which are always welcome)
• Outside alcohol (this is strictly prohibited and will be confiscated)
• Large backpacks or bags (security may check bags at entry points)
• Weapons of any kind (these are strictly prohibited)

What to Wear for Festival Comfort

September in Lafayette typically offers warm, sunny days, so dress accordingly. Lightweight, breathable clothing is your best bet, and layers are useful for cooler mornings or evenings. Comfortable walking shoes are a must – you’ll be on your feet a lot, and those cute sandals might not feel so great by hour four!

Don’t forget sunglasses and a hat for sun protection. While there are some shaded areas, much of the festival takes place under open skies. A small crossbody bag or fanny pack works well to keep your hands free for wine glasses and shopping while keeping your essentials secure.

Getting to the Lafayette Art & Wine Festival 2025

The most convenient option for reaching the festival is taking BART to Lafayette Station. The festival grounds are just one block away, making this the easiest and most environmentally friendly choice. If you’re planning to explore other wine events in the region, check out this 2025 art and wine festivals guide to coordinate your transportation between different celebrations.

For those who prefer to drive, free parking is available at BART stations on weekends and in designated city lots. Just be aware that Mt. Diablo Boulevard will be closed from 7 PM Friday through 10 PM Sunday, so plan your route accordingly. A free shuttle service runs throughout the weekend from designated parking areas to the festival, making it easy to park and ride.

Where to Stay for the Festival Weekend

If you’re coming from out of town for the Lafayette Art & Wine Festival 2025, book your accommodations early! Hotels in the area fill up quickly for this popular weekend. Consider staying at:

• Lafayette Park Hotel & Spa (the closest option, within walking distance)
• The Gregory in Pleasant Hill (a short drive away)
• Various hotels in Walnut Creek (about 10 minutes by car or BART)

Many visitors also use vacation rental services to find stays in the area, which can provide more space and kitchen facilities if you’re traveling with family or planning to bring home wine purchases from the festival.

Festival Map & Schedule Details

For the complete music lineup, vendor list, and festival map, visit the official Lafayette Art & Wine Festival website. The site updates regularly with new information as the event approaches, so check back frequently for the latest details on performances, special events, and featured wineries.

The festival typically publishes a detailed map about a month before the event, showing the location of all vendor booths, wine and beer stations, food areas, music stages, kid zones, and restrooms. Having this map on your phone or printing a copy before you go will help you navigate the festival grounds efficiently.

Stay Connected for Festival Updates

Follow @LafayetteFestival on Instagram and Facebook for regular updates, behind-the-scenes looks at festival preparations, and special announcements. The social media accounts often share spotlights on featured artists, wineries, and musicians in the weeks leading up to the event.

For the most reliable information, sign up for the festival newsletter through the official website. This will deliver all important updates directly to your inbox, including any schedule changes, new additions to the lineup, or special promotions.

The Lafayette Art & Wine Festival 2025 promises to be an amazing weekend celebration of art, wine, music, and community. With free admission, incredible variety, and a beautiful setting, it’s no wonder this festival has become one of the Bay Area’s most anticipated annual events. Plan your visit with these tips, bring some friends along, and get ready to discover new favorite artists, wines, and memories. Whether you’re a festival regular or first-timer, the Lafayette Art & Wine Festival 2025 will offer something fresh and delightful at every turn. And remember – arriving early on Saturday gives you first pick of the art and shorter lines at the most popular wine booths!