Mountain View A La Carte & Art
Held annually, the Mountain View A La Carte & Art is the principal fund-raiser for the city’s non-profit Central Business Association (CBA), an organization comprised of local merchants and businesses to promote the prosperity and identity of the city’s businesses. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the open air A La Carte & Art kicks off the Silicon Valley’s flourishing festival season along Downtown Mountain View’s popular Castro Street.
Held on Saturday, April 30th and Sunday, May 1st from 10am to 6pm, the festival features something for everyone. Live rock & roll, rhythm & blues, jazz, dance and party music is performed on stage and street by The Hitmen, Old School, The Megatones as well as about a dozen other big-name bands will liven up the atmosphere and have festival-goers dancing in the streets.
In keeping with its name, fine arts and crafts created by 200 of the west coast’s top artists will be available for purchase. Browse booths filled with one-of-a-kind artwork in a variety of media including metal, leather, glass, ceramics, and wood. A La Carte & Art is the ideal place to find distinctive jewelry, gorgeous photographs and paintings, glass and flatware, and a multitude of unique pieces.
Attendees will enjoy artisan specialty foods, premium wine, microbrews and margaritas. Artichokes, tacos, bacon-wrapped hot dogs, made-to-order crepes, fruit bowls, tri-tip are just the start of the delectable delights that will tantalize the taste buds. Lovers of all things brew will enjoy Shock Top Belgian White, Sierra Nevada Hop Hunter IPA and Modelo Especial while Barefoot Wine & Bubbly serves up their award-winning wines including Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Malbec, Crisp White Refresh and Summer Red Refresh. Both can be enjoyed in a collectable wine or beer glass adorned with the stylish festival logo. Non-alcoholic beverages will also be available.
The festival also includes an organic and green products showcase, health and wellness displays, home and garden exhibits, and a farmers’ market with fresh seasonal produce. Fun for all members of the family, the Super Duper Kidz Fun Zone is sure to thrill children as well as the young at heart with climbing walls, bungee jumping, facing painting, hula hooping, tattooing, water play and “Human Hampster Balls”.
The “A La Car & Art” classic car show showcases classic, exotic and customs cars that takes over a full city block between Church and Mercy Streets on Castro. Presented by Mike Hennessy, organizer of Hot San Jose Nights and host of the Car Guy Channel, enthusiasts can expect an incredible array of custom hot rods, muscle cars, sleek sports cars, and tricked out low riders. An open event, anyone can enter to show their car.
Admission is free but alas, pets are not allowed. Use of public transportation is highly encouraged as is cycling or walking if you live nearby. Free parking is available on side streets and in parking plazas surrounding Downtown. However you get there, you are guaranteed to enjoy Mountain View’s spectacular spring festival, A La Carte & Art!
