Gilroy Garlic Festival 7/26-7/28
 

Just wondering if any of you guys are headed there during that weekend. It'll probably be my first time going on Friday so the garlic ice cream should be rather interesting.
Admission is $15 and the meal is an additional $10.
Heard they might have dirt roads for parking as a heads up.

I've never been, and I've heard it's not really worth going... Thoughts from anyone who goes or has gone?

Things to eat:

Garlic Ice Cream (basically vanilla infused with garlic)
TURKEY LEG!!!!!!! (self explanitory)
Garlic Fries
Garlic butter corn on the cob.

Everything else is not worth waiting since you can get those things elsewhere

I went 2-3 times in the previous years, but i'm sad that i'm missing it this year.

Sorry to hear that you'll be missing it this year but thanks for the suggestions!

I think we're (the wife, mini-me, and I) are going to go, not sure yet. My advice is to leave early to avoid the awful traffic on 101 that forms up after around 11 from the hordes of people going there. Also prepare for it to be hot as hell, and bring sunscreen if you burn easily. Also starve yourself the day before so you can be prepared to eat lots of food. There's so much good stuff.

So many good tips in this thread. Keep them going people! Really do appreciate all the helpful tips!

Pretty much what they said. Alot of folks are grossed out by the thought of garlic ice cream, but it pretty much just tastes like vanilla with a mild garlic after taste (picture immediately having vanilla ice cream for dessert after having something garlicy for dinner).
@denkigrve pretty much hit it spot on, go early to avoid the crowds, heat and be able to park closer for that shorter walk back after a whole day of walking/standing around in the sun. Guaranteed, your feet will be tired lol

My only other tip is to bring a canvas bag and keep an eye for the garlic trimming contest (look for a little hay circle, not sure where it is). They usually have a little competition where they have some local farmers trim as many gralic stems as they can in 1 min. When the competition is done, FREE GARLIC! its a little bit of a free-for-all with all the spectators grabbing as much as they can, but my wife and I can only eat so much garlic :D

Yup, dirt parking. Drive a different car if you don't want to get your car dusty dirty.

They usually spray the dust with water, but it's not always too effective.

I want to add -- Get the infused honey near the front portion of the festival, very good quality honey.

Also get on the road around 8:30 to 9AM if you don't want traffic (this is from south bay around Milpitas) if you leave later, you'll hit traffic for sure.

Bring lots of tissue and make sure you go without digestive problems, the porta potty's are disgusting.

Went there once for a first time. When I was on vacation before I head back to the Army. It was cool experience for a first timer. No luck on military discount :( However I saved 8 bucks off the ticket from a shady guy who simply doused water on my hand and imprinted stamp on my hand and allowed me to go in. I went during afternoon. Definitely was hot during my time! I got to enjoy the little sites around there walked around a lot. There's a lot of hand made shops, advertisements, 3 different stage entertainment being played out, chef cook off (that was cool), playground for the kids ;) games here and there and some informational advertisements. Can't forget the garlic food stands. I didn't try it out due to the line being so long. I did go for free garlic ice cream. At first I was hesitant a bit but its a once in a lifetime experience. I gave it go and I liked it! hahaha I had more like....5 more :D After that I left. The parking lot of dirt is a lot dusty especially when cars go in and out. Wetting the dirt just isn't enough. It'll get your car dirty fast. Overall, it was an awesome experience for me something I never go to. I heard it from a friend and I gave it a go. I had nothing to buy. I enjoyed the scene there and some of the music being played. If you're not shy to dance go out and dance. I saw a wheelchair dude dancing there got some ladies ;) hahaha

Bring bottles of water. As others of suggested I will agree to go early to avoid crowds and enjoy the garlic made meals without having a line and other attractions. Fun for the family and kids for sure if you haven't gone. If it's afternoon well bring some sunblock and enjoy your festivities.

Yeah, if I remember correctly it was kind of soft too. Fluffy even. Your parking in a field that they grow stuff on to it was recently tilled I think.

If you arrive early enough you can park in the neighborhood and walk 10mins, no dust or dirt...went last year but not sure if I want to go this year, too hot, too many people, and the food was okay but nothing to write home about. It's definately something to check off your list if you haven't been to it.

PICKLED GARLIC! :thumbsup: