Frequently Asked Questions

The Gilroy Garlic Festival is held in an outdoor park that is mostly grass with concrete, asphalt, or paver walkways. There are natural shade trees and some shade structures with tables and benches. Prepare for lots of eating, walking, shopping, and maybe dancing!

Shirts and shoes are required at all times. We highly recommend that you:

• Wear comfortable shoes.
• Dress in layers. Mornings may be cool and foggy; afternoons are usually sunny and warm.
• Bring sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, etc.).

It is the Gilroy Garlic Festival’s policy to provide a safe, family-friendly atmosphere for all Festival patrons and volunteers. The Gilroy Garlic Festival may refuse entry or admission to anyone wearing clothing or paraphernalia indicating or signifying membership in a gang, including a motorcycle club. This policy is applied equally to all patrons, regardless of their sex, race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, disability or medical condition.

Gilroy Garlic Festival rules prohibit bringing the following items on Festival grounds:

• Alcohol of any kind
• Bottles, glass and cans (except for empty reusable water bottles)
• Coolers – large or small (unless used for medications or breast milk; may be subject to search)
• Frisbees and water-projecting devices
• Pocket knives or weapons of any kind

To help ensure a safe and speedy entry process, only certain types of bags are permitted:

• Clear plastic bags, clear backpacks, clear purses, and clear fanny packs (no larger than 12″ x 6″ x 12″)
• Small clutches with a wrist strap or shoulder strap (no larger than 4.5″ x 6.5″)
• 1-gallon clear plastic freezer bags
• Diaper bags (allowed if they are specifically used as a diaper bag and contain diapers)

Please note that all bags will be searched and opened during screening. Bags that don’t meet these guidelines will not be allowed inside the event.

Only animals that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) defines as Service Animals are allowed at the Gilroy Garlic Festival. There is a limit of one service animal per guest. Service animals must be physically controlled on a leash or harness at all times. Guests whose service animal demonstrates aggressive actions towards other guests or volunteers will be directed to remove the animal from the event.

Yes, you can bring one EMPTY, reusable water bottle which can be filled inside the festival.

No smoking or vaping is allowed at the Gilroy Garlic Festival.

The Gilroy Garlic Festival is committed to providing a safe environment for all our guests and associates. We have implemented several security procedures at the entrance gate which may result in slight delays while entering the park.

As a part of this process:

• Guests arriving at the park may be subject to metal detection.
• All bags, purses, backpacks, waist packs, etc. may be subject to search prior to entering.
• The Gilroy Garlic Festival does not tolerate guests who fight and/or harass other guests while on our property. People who engage in this behavior are subject to being ejected, risk being potentially banned from the event, and may be subject to arrest by local police.
• The Gilroy Garlic Festival may refuse entry or admission to anyone wearing clothing or paraphernalia indicating or signifying membership in a gang, including a motorcycle club. This policy is applied equally to all patrons, regardless of their sex, race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, disability or medical condition.
• Small coolers and ice chests are only allowed for medication or breast milk storage and may be subject to search.
• We encourage guests to leave any unnecessary items at home or secured in your vehicle.

These items are prohibited:

• Outside food or beverages (Exceptions can be made for any dietary need: medical, religious or personal choice to include food allergies and infant food/formula.)
• Glass, ceramic, or porcelain containers of any kind (with exception of infant food/formula)
• Weapons including but not limited to guns, knives, pepper spray, explosives or fireworks, glass breakers
• Marijuana, including marijuana-enriched products, or any illegal substance. Smoking and vaping are not allowed in park.
• Alcoholic beverages
• Horns, whistles, remote speakers or sound systems
• Drones, remote controlled toys, skateboards, scooters, bicycles, or shoes with wheels. Children’s ride-on toys must be equipped with handles for parents to control.
• Balls, bats, frisbees, kites, pool noodles, inflatable pool toys, squirt guns
• Folding chairs or tent-like structures, large umbrellas

Yes, blankets are allowed, but oversized blankets are not permitted. All blankets are subject to search at the entrance.