2013 Pleasanton Harvest Festival Returns with Thousands of Arts and Crafts

The Pleasanton Harvest Festival® Original Art and Craft Show will transform the Alameda County Fairgrounds into a shopper's paradise on September 20-22, 2013, offering over 24,000 unique arts and crafts, delicious foods and exciting entertainment acts.

The Harvest Festival boasts thousands of handmade arts and crafts, including jewelry, glassware and ceramics, woodturnings, art and photography, specialty foods, clothing, and more. Attendees will enjoy strolling hundreds of booths, getting purchases personalized and interacting with the artists that created each item.

Headlining the outdoor entertainment stage this year is Captain Jack Spareribs, a performer new to the Harvest Festival circuit.  A spoof of the notorious Pirates of the Caribbean character, Captain Jack Spareribs puts on a zany pirate show that features magic and illusions, dangerous juggling and ventriloquism with his talking monkey Maynard.

The Pleasanton Harvest Festival is proud to support the Alameda County Community Food Bank by offering $2 off admission to anyone who brings a monetary donation or non-perishable food items to the show. The Alameda County Community Food Bank serves 1 in 6 residents living throughout Alameda County, including the Tri-Valley.

The event is also partnering with the Oakley Raiders as the official show charity and will offer the non-profit youth sports organization half of the proceeds from every shopping bag sold. The Oakley Raiders will also host the interactive KidZone, which is an area for children to participate in hands-on arts and crafts.

The Harvest Festivals are the largest indoor arts and craft shows on the West Coast, and all products offered are handmade in the United States.

What:           The Pleasanton Harvest Festival®

When:          September 20-22, 2013

Where:         Alameda County Fairgrounds 

Hours:           Friday and Saturday: 10 am – 6pm

                     Sunday: 10 am – 5pm

Tickets:         Adults: $9, Seniors (62+): $7, Youth (13-17): $4, Kids 12 and Under: Free

Info:              Call or visit www.harvestfestival.com or 800-346-1212

Press:            Contact the Larose Group at 650-548-6700 or email Lrosinski@prmagic.com   

Fantasy and History Come to Life at the 2013 Northern California Renaissance Faire

Go back in time and experience a land of peasants, pirates, maidens, and nobility at the Northern California Renaissance Faire, located at Casa de Fruta in Hollister. 

Held every Saturday and Sunday from September 14^th through October 13^th, one can experience a  journey through the village of Willingtown at a time when classical art, architecture, literature, and music flourished.

The Renaissance Faire is a place where entertainment starts from the moment one walks through the gate. The Marketplace is full of all types of performers from all around the globe who are ready to sing and dance to your delight.

 Over 140 master artisans present creations of blown glass, sculptures, amulets, romantic clothing and much, much more. However, make sure to walk with caution for you may have an encounter with a swashbuckling, sword fighting pirate.

The Renaissance Faire is fit for all ages and one is certain to find a show for their liking. Traveling with little ones? Be sure to venture into The Enchanted Garden where fairies and woodland creatures come to life. Or for those who are more mature, The Dockside Alley awaits where the ale flows like water and peddlers are ever-so present.

For a hands on experience come perfect your archery, fencing, and axe throwing skills with a variety of booths and games available throughout the grounds.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth I, requests your presence during the 2013 Celtic Rock Series. Saturday’s at 6pm, be sure to open your ears and let out a big “Huzzah!” for the musical performances of Tempest, Wicked Tinkers, The Galway Hooker Band, Hoist The Colors, and Brick Top Blaggers. 

Grab a turkey leg and head on over to the World Tournament of Champions. Donned with armor, professional jousters battle with lances, swords, and daggers for the pleasure of the audience and Her Majesty. Although it is uncertain who will claim victory it is certain that this performance will leave you on the edge of your seat.

Dust off your Renaissance garb and meet us at Casa de Fruta where a land of mystical fantasy comes to life!

WHAT:      Northern California Renaissance Faire- A Play Faire Production

WHEN:      Every Saturday and Sunday September 14^th- October 13^th 

Celtic Rock Concert Series every Saturday night, FREE with general admission

TIME:       10 am- 6pm (Celtic Rock Series starts at 6pm on Sat.)

WHERE:   Casa de Fruta, 10031 Pacheco Pass Highway, Hollister

COST:      $25 at the gate; children 12 and under will be admitted FREE the entire run of the Faire. A weekend pass, which covers the admission for one weekend, is $35 . A ‘Fairever’ pass, which allows unlimited access all 10 days, is $150. Save $5 off adult tickets for groups of 15 or more with the promo code “group”.

INFO:        For more information and tickets, visit www.norcalrenfaire.com or call 408.847.FAIR.