Top 5 Reasons to Attend Fairfield’s Tomato & Vine Festival

The festival highlights the tomatoes and vineyards in Solano County, and will include live music and entertainment on three stages, close to 100 vendors selling unique products, a Kids Zone with rides and activities, and so much more. Admission is free and so are most of the activities. 

Here are the Top 5 reasons you and your family should visit downtown Fairfield for the 28th Annual Tomato & Vine Festival:

1. Tomatoes, tomatoes, and more tomatoes

Whether you call them “to-may-to” or “to-mah-to,” the delicious heirloom is the star of the show!  All weekend, you can enjoy free tomato samples in the festival’s iconic “Tomato Alley” at the intersection of Texas and Jackson Streets. Garden Zone, an area vendor many will recognize from the weekly Fairfield Farmers Market, will provide an assortment of tomato varieties for both Tomato Alley and the adjacent farmers market. Food vendors will also highlight the tomato, with fried green tomatoes, tomato jam, and tomato ice cream all available for purchase. If you’re a real tomato enthusiast, be a part of the Tomato Eating Contest happening at 2 pm both days on the community stage at the intersection of Texas and Jefferson Streets. There will be contests for men, women, and children. 

Meanwhile, Il Fiorello Olive Oil Company will once again host the Tomato Cooking Competition Aug. 17 at their Suisun Valley facility.  Enter to win in four categories – sauce, soup, salad, and salsa. There is a junior competition for chefs 12 and under and an open competition for ages 13 and over.  A $10 entry fee for each category contributes to the cash prize awards. Click here for all the details.

2. The vines and the wine

Move over tomatoes! The festival market this year will also highlight Suisun Valley and Green Valley grapes! Enjoy samples of both table grapes and wine grapes inside Vintique Marketplace at 735 Texas. As you sample the wine grapes, see how the flavors differ depending on the varietal of wine they will help produce. Suisun Valley’s award-winning wines will also be available to purchase by the glass near the stage areas.

New this year is a grape stomp experience at Jackson and Texas Streets! Jump in the wine barrel for a fun photo opportunity.

3. The VIP Wine, Food & Brew

Take a break from the summer heat and join the Fairfield-Suisun Chamber of Commerce for the fifth annual VIP Wine, Food & Brew experience Aug. 17, 3 pm to 6 pm, inside the Solano County Events Center. The Wine, Food & Brew is separate from the Tomato Festival and requires a ticket, which can be purchased for $50 online at www.fairfieldsuisunchamber.com. Tickets allow you to enjoy unlimited tastings of local wine, food and brews showcased inside the events center. Altogether, there will be eight wineries, five breweries, and 13 restaurants participating. Click here for a direct link to purchase tickets.

4. Family fun

A giant Kids Zone near Jefferson and Texas Streets will include activities and games for the entire family! The festival’s youngest guests can enjoy Water Ball Walkers, pony rides, a petting zoo, bungee jumper, Zippy Pets, and more!  The Fairfield Fire Department will also be on the grass, interacting with kids and providing free demonstrations of their equipment and gear. 

5. Three stages with music and entertainment

The Tomato & Vine Festival will also include live music on two stages – an area where patrons can also purchase beer, wine, Bloody Mary’s and Margaritas – and a community stage will feature youth performances, tomato eating contests, and award presentations.  Here is the most up to date entertainment schedule:

Saturday, Aug. 17

Live Music at the Madison Beer & Wine Garden (Texas & Madison Street) 

• 11:00am – 1:30pm: The Desert Moon Band (Country)
• 1:30 – 4:30pm: Hey Jude (Classic Rock)
• 5:00 – 7:00pm: The Fender Benders (Blues/Swing)

Live Music at the Webster Beer & Wine Garden (Texas & Webster Street) 

• 11:00am – 1:30pm: Delbert Bump (Latin Jazz)
• 2:00 – 4:30pm: Matt Applin & the Midnite Band (R&B/Mowtown)
• 5:30 – 7:00pm:  The Moon Cats (Oldies/Classic Rock)

Community Performances (Jefferson & Texas)

• 11:00 – 11:45am: DJ Spinjunkie 
• 12:00 – 1:30pm: Danc-Sing Stars Studio Show
• 3:00 – 3:45pm: Sass’ay Belly Dance Troupe  
• 4:00 – 5:00pm: TBA
• 5:30 – 7:00pm: DJ Spinjunkie

Sunday, Aug. 18

Live Music at the Madison Street Beer & Wine Garden (Texas & Madison Street) 

• 12:00 – 2:00pm: Outta-Kontrol (Today’s Hits)
• 2:30 – 5:00pm: Bautista Band (Latin Jazz)

Live Music at the Webster Street Beer & Wine Garden (Texas & Webster Street) 

• 12:00 – 2:00pm: Notes of Choice (Jazz)
• 2:30 – 5:00pm: 5 O’ Clock Somewhere (Classic Rock)

Community Performances (Jefferson & Texas)

• 12:00 – 1:30pm: Danc-Sing Stars Studio Show
• 3:00 – 3:30pm: Recipe Contest Awards
• 3:30 – 4:00pm: Folklorico Dancers
• 4:00 – 4:30pm: DJ Spinjunkie

The Fairfield Tomato & Vine Festival is Aug. 17 and 18, from 11 am to 7 pm  Aug. 17 and 12 pm to 5 pm  Aug. 18. The festival offers free admission and parking downtown is also free.

For the latest festival information, please visit www.fairfieldmainstreet.com.