Gilroy Garlic Festival, California

Where: Gilroy, California, USA

When: July 27-29, 2012
10 a.m. – 7 p.m. (Gates close at 6 p.m.)

Cost: General admission is $17, kids under 6 are free, kids 6-12 are $8, Seniors over 60 are $8

Where To Stay: Gilroy Hotels

Here’s one festival where you don’t want to forget your toothbrush!

The Gilroy Garlic Festival has been an ongoing annual event for the past 33 years, and has raised over 9 million dollars for local charities.  The festival, which takes place over three days, where visitors enjoy  live music, watch and partake in cooking competitions that use over two tons of… yup, you guessed it…  fresh Christopher Ranch California garlic.

The main event is the Cook-off stage where there’s a line-up of prominent celebrity chefs, cooking demonstrations and cook-off contests. There is also a recipe contest, a children’s area, arts and crafts, and the crowning of the Miss Gilroy Garlic Festival Queen. And be sure to keep your eyes open for “Mr. Garlic” who will be circulating around the festival.

Click here for more information about the Gilroy Garlic Festival.