Despite the loss of several California “famous signature” food festivals in recent years, including the Gilroy Garlic Festival, the Castroville Artichoke Festival and the California Nut Festival in Chico, it’s still a good time to be a “foodie” in the Santa Clarita Valley.
Not only is the historic Original Pantry Cafe in downtown Los Angeles reopening in April with many of the same employees and menu, but the city of Los Angeles will offer the inaugural VendorFest Night Market at Gloria Molina Park on March 28.
Both of these locations are reached easily by taking a Metrolink train from any of the SCV’s four stations to the historic downtown Union Station and transferring to the light rail, skipping the need to use your car.
The reopening of the Original Pantry Cafe, an iconic, century-old eatery, is particularly significant. Open since 1924, the 24-hour restaurant routinely attracted lines of diners until new ownership closed the doors in early 2025 due to labor issues.
Now, not only will the Original Pantry Café, be returning with a nearly identical menu, prepared by longtime returning employees, it will be operated in partnership with the nonprofit Hope the Mission, with earnings used to support homeless shelters and services.
There are also many other fun foodie adventures in Southern California this spring, including the SCV’s signature foodie event, Taste of the Town. Bring your appetite.
SeaWorld San Diego Seven Seas Food Festival
Now through April 26
500 Sea World Drive, San Diego,
Info seaworld.com/san-diego/events/seven-seas-food-festival
The festival, which runs on Friday, Saturdays and Sundays, features a new menu with an expanded culinary lineup. Sample flavors of Latin America, the Caribbean, France, Tuscany, Asia, Polynesia and the Mediterranean. More than 150 offerings of fresh, global cuisine with craft beer and fine wines. Park admission required. Food and beverages sold separately.
Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival
Now through April 27
1313 Disneyland Drive, Anaheim 92802
Info disneyland.disney.go.com/events-tours/disney-california-adventure/food-and-wine-festival
This annual spring event features eight festival marketplaces serving California-inspired small plates and specialty drinks. Purchase a 4-entitlement Sip and Savor Pass for $34, or 8-entitlement Sip and Savor Pass for $64. Park admission required, food/beverage tastings sold separately.
VendorFest Night Market
Saturday, March 28, 6-10 p.m.
Gloria Molina Grand Park, 200 N. Grand Ave.,
Los Angeles
Info grandparkla.org/vendorfest/
The inaugural VendorFest Night Market at Grand Park in downtown Los Angeles will offer foodies a free celebration with food for purchase from dozens of street food vendors and local artisans.
The evening will feature street vendors operating from colorful, custom-designed carts and local artisans who sell handmade goods and original designs. Music by DJ Butchona will bring a festive air throughout the evening.
Guests will also be able to view large-scale visual art that will illuminate the façade of the historic Los Angeles County Hall of Records, which will showcase works by dozens of L.A.-based artists and community members.
Knott’s Boysenberry Festival
March 13-April 12
8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park
This food and wine festival highlights the boysenberry with over two dozen unique food offerings, craft beers and a variety of wines. Festival free with park admission, food and beverages sold separately.
Knott’s Boysenberry Festival celebrates the park’s historic roots by highlighting the berry that started it all, the boysenberry. The historic Knott’s Berry Farm, operated by Walter and Cordelia Knott, was established in 1920 when the Knotts began farming 10 acres of land in Buena Park. In the late 1920s, the Knott family sold berries, preserves and pies from a roadside stand.
In 1932, the Knotts cultivated the Boysenberry after being given the last six wilted plants by Rudolph Boysen, which became the cornerstone of the farm’s popularity. To boost income, the Knotts began serving fried chicken dinners in 1934, which became very popular, serving over 265,000 dinners in their first year.
Taste of the Town
Sunday, May 3, 1-4 p.m.
SoCal Innovation Park, 25141 Rye Canyon Loop,
Valencia
Child & Family Center invites guests to experience an afternoon filled with unlimited tastings from the SCV’s favorite restaurants, caterers, breweries and wineries, all coming together for a celebration of food and community. Live musical entertainment by Mark LeVang and Friends. Founded in 1988, it is the SCV’s longest-running annual “foodie” event. General admission tickets are $125 each.
FoodieLand Night Market
May 1-3, Friday 3-10 p.m., Saturday 1-10 p.m., Sunday 1-10 p.m., May 1-3
Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd.,
Del Mar
Info foodielandnm.com/city/san-diego
This event is produced by FoodieLand, a company that stages food festivals throughout the United States. It features more than 250 food and merchandise vendors, food trucks and games. Tickets $12 per person.
California Strawberry Festival
May 16-17
Ventura County Fairgrounds, 10 W. Harbor Blvd.,
Ventura
Info castrawberryfestival.org
The festival is located beachside with stunning views. The location is off the 101 freeway with parking, free shuttles and the nearby Amtrak/Metrolink station offering easy access. Indulge in your favorite strawberry treats like build-your-own shortcakes, strawberry nachos, strawberry pizza, strawberry funnel cake, strawberry chimichangas, chocolate-dipped strawberries, deep-fried strawberries, berry kabobs, strawberry tamales, strawberry beer, margaritas, smoothies and strawberry popcorn. More than 50 food vendors, live music and arts and crafts booths. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for seniors 62+, $8 children age 5-12.
The 40th San Joaquin Asparagus Festival
April 24-26
San Joaquin County Fairgrounds, 1658 S. Airport Way, Stockton
Info www.sanjoaquinasparagusfestival.net
This vibrant Stockton-based festival is focused on local agriculture and gourmet food. The event includes entertainment, carnival and chef demos.
Tickets: Adults 18-64, $17.04, children 6-17 and seniors 65+, $11.74. Separate food and beverage purchases.
