It’s Official: The Gilroy Garlic Queen
pageant is back!

Applicants ages 18-25 who live in Gilroy, Hollister, San Juan Bautista, San Martin, Morgan Hill, or Aromas are eligible to enter.

The Gilroy Garlic Festival Queen Pageant will be held on Sunday, April 19. Contestants are judged by a panel on the categories of personal interview, talent, garlic-related speech, and on-stage questions. The winner will be crowned the 2026 Gilroy Garlic Festival Queen and will receive a $5,000 scholarship. The First runner-up receives $3000, and the second runner-up receives $2000.

The queen and her court represent Gilroy at various festivities leading up to the Gilroy Garlic Festival, to be held July 24-26, 2026. They have the opportunity to make guest appearances in local print and electronic media, in parades, and at fundraising events. Most importantly, they spend all three days at the festival having a great time with fellow lovers of the pungent bulb.

Complete contest rules and online application forms are posted on the Gilroy Garlic Festival website at gilroygarlicfestival.com/miss-gilroy-garlic.

Entries must be received by 4 pm on March 16. For additional information, call 831-801-3766.

Complete contest rules and online application forms are linked here.

Entries must be received by 4 pm on March 16. For additional information,
call 831-801-3766.

Apply Now
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Pageant Rules & Requirements

Compliance with Rules

The contestant agrees to abide by all rules and regulations of the pageant currently in effect or as announced in the future.

Authority of the Board

The contestant agrees to be bound by the rules and regulations of the Gilroy Garlic Festival Association, Inc. Board of Directors, including those governing supervision and the distribution of prizes, whether currently in effect or announced in the future.

Judging Discretion

The contestant acknowledges that the time, manner, and method of judging shall be solely at the discretion of the Board of Directors. All decisions made by judges regarding the selection of the winner and runners-up shall be final.

Residency Requirement

Contestants must reside in Gilroy, San Martin, Morgan Hill, Hollister, San Juan Bautista, or Aromas and must be available to fulfill duties throughout the year of reign if selected as Queen.

Eligibility Requirements

Contestants must:

  • Be female
  • Be a high school graduate
  • Be at least 18 years of age and not more than 25 years of age by the dates of the 2026 Festival (July 24–26, 2026)
Applicants Under 18

Applicants who are under 18 during the application period and/or pageant may apply; however:

  • A parent/guardian waiver is required prior to participation
  • The contestant must be graduating from high school in 2026
Image & Contractual Representation

The contestant affirms that she has not authorized any person, firm, or corporation to use her name, photograph, or likeness for advertising or endorsement of any commercial product, present or future.

Conflicting Contracts

The contestant is not under contract, nor does she have legal obligations, that would prevent her participation in the pageant or compliance with this contract.

Media Rights

All photographs, videos, motion pictures, recordings, or reproductions made of the contestant in connection with the pageant shall become the exclusive property of the Gilroy Garlic Festival Association and Christopher Ranch, LLC.

Mandatory Participation

Contestants agree to participate in all required events leading up to and following the pageant, including all three days of the Gilroy Garlic Festival and Pageant weekend April 17-19, 2025
Failure to attend two or more mandatory events or all festival days may result in:

  • Dismissal from the Court
  • Forfeiture of scholarship monies
Conduct & Professionalism

Contestants shall conduct themselves in a responsible and professional manner. While representing the festival, contestants shall:

  • Refrain from smoking and alcohol use
  • Avoid verbal or written disparaging remarks about other contestants, Festival members, or the festival itself, including on social media
  • Violations may result in dismissal from the Court and disqualification from future participation.
Attendance & Punctuality

Contestants agree to attend all scheduled pre- and post-pageant activities, including publicity sessions, photo sessions, rehearsals, and promotional appearances, and to be on time for all events.

Closed Sessions

Parents, family members, and friends are not permitted to attend sessions or rehearsals.

Personal Property

The Gilroy Garlic Festival Association, Inc. is not responsible for any lost or stolen personal items during pageant activities.

Scholarship Eligibility

To be considered for scholarship monies:

  • Official transcripts must be submitted with the completed application
  • Scholarship recipients must fulfill all contract requirements, including publicity appearances and participation in the 2026 Gilroy Garlic Festival

Selection of Finalists & Awards

Selection of Finalists & Awards

Scholarships Provided by Christopher Ranch, LLC.

  • First Runner-Up: $3,000 scholarship
  • Second Runner-Up: $2,000 scholarship
  • Miss Gilroy Garlic Festival Queen: $5,000 scholarship
  • Remaining Court: $1,000 scholarship

The Queen shall represent the Gilroy Garlic Festival Association, Inc. in press, radio, television, stage, and community appearances without fee, and reign as Queen of the Gilroy Garlic Festival.

The Queen may be requested to represent the Festival at approved community functions. Remaining contestants may also be asked to represent the Festival at designated times.

Speech & Talent Requirements
  1. All speeches, talents, and evening gowns must be appropriate for all ages.
  2. Contestants will present a 2-minute speech about garlic, with a self-selected title. Singing speeches are not allowed.
  3. Props must be minimal, easy to manage, and approved by the pageant committee.
  4. Talent presentations may not exceed 2.5 minutes.
  5. Duplicate talent performances using identical material are not allowed. Priority is given on a first-come, first-served basis.
  6. Contestants must provide their own accompaniment and may have no more than one accompanist.
  7. Talent performances must be live; recorded or film presentations are prohibited.
  8. Talent performance order will be determined by production staff.
  9. Instrumental performers are responsible for transporting and covering all associated costs for their instruments.
  10. Talent acts must comply with stage and microphone limitations.
Wardrobe Requirements

Contestants agree to provide:

  • An afternoon dress or suit for judges’ interviews
  • A long evening gown with appropriate shoes (contestant’s choice of color)
  • Speech and talent costumes and props
Acceptance of Contract

By submitting the Gilroy Garlic Festival Queen Pageant application, the contestant acknowledges that she has read, understands, and agrees to all terms and conditions of this contract.

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Questions?

Visit our FAQ page for answers about ticketing, parking, event details, and more.