Eat Your Way Through November: California’s Best Food Festivals

November in California carries a certain excitement for food lovers. The harvest winds down, but the state’s appetite for coming together around good food is just getting started.

Here are ten festivals I genuinely look forward to each year, each one offering a taste of something different, both on the plate and in the crowd.

1. 27th Annual Wine & Food Affair, Sonoma County

The first weekend of November, Sonoma quietly transforms into a paradise for wine fans. I love how the Wine & Food Affair keeps things laid-back, no long lines or noisy crowds, just leisurely strolls between more than 50 wineries, each pouring their best and serving a signature bite. Tasting notes are handed to you by winemakers who genuinely want to answer your questions, which always makes the experience feel personal and grounded.

You’ll find dishes rooted in local ingredients, from farm-fresh cheese to savory stews, each paired to showcase the region’s varietals. I’ve learned more about the subtleties of Zinfandel and the art of food pairing here than anywhere else. The scenery, rolling vineyards dressed in autumn gold, never fails to impress, and there’s an unhurried pace that lets you linger where you want.

A fun tradition I always look forward to: many guests bring their own wine glasses, which adds a sense of camaraderie to the day. This isn’t a place to rush; instead, it’s about enjoying the simple pleasure of good food, good wine, and genuine conversation surrounded by some of California’s most inviting landscapes.

2. Los Angeles Wine & Food Festival, Santa Monica

Stepping into the Barker Hangar during the Los Angeles Wine & Food Festival always feels like a reunion of the city’s best chefs. There’s an infectious sense of creativity here, with culinary teams serving up everything from classic tacos to inventive fusion plates. You’ll see chefs and mixologists chatting with visitors, offering samples and sharing what inspires their menus.

The variety of flavors on display is what keeps me coming back. One year, I sampled smoky barbecue next to a vegan sushi roll, each dish representing a different corner of LA’s food scene. Drinks aren’t an afterthought either; expect craft cocktails and regional wines poured by experts who are as passionate about their pours as the food creators are about their recipes.

What sets this festival apart is its energy. There’s music, laughter, and a steady hum of conversation, but it never feels overwhelming. Everyone seems genuinely excited to share in new experiences, making this a standout event for anyone wanting a taste of LA’s ever-evolving palate.

3. San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival, San Diego

A meal by the water always tastes better, and the San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival makes the most of its stunning location. This week-long event features everything from cooking classes to the showstopping Grand Tasting, where dozens of chefs and winemakers set up with the city’s skyline as a backdrop. The mix of fresh seafood and local produce reflects the region’s bounty, and there’s always something unexpected on the menu.

I find the chef demos especially valuable; you can see both established stars and up-and-comers talk through their process, sharing tips that are genuinely helpful back home. The festival also supports scholarships for culinary students, so attending means helping the next generation of food pros.

The best part for me is how friendly people are at this event. First-timers and locals alike trade recommendations for must-try bites, and I always leave with at least a couple new friends. If you prize laid-back sophistication and a view with your meal, this is a festival you’ll want to experience at least once.

4. Big Sur Food & Wine Festival, Big Sur

Arriving in Big Sur for its Food & Wine Festival feels a bit like stepping into another world. The winding drive through redwoods and along the ocean is worth the trip on its own, but what draws me most is the festival’s mix of community warmth and culinary adventure. Local winemakers and chefs dream up pop-up dinners in unexpected places, think forests and clifftops, making each event feel special.

Here, small plates showcase local ingredients, from foraged mushrooms to freshly caught seafood. Attendees are often greeted by chefs eager to explain their creation, and the conversations tend to flow as easily as the wine. I always appreciate the wide range of flavors, reflecting both the landscape and the inventive energy of the people who call Big Sur home.

Live music and art installations round out the experience, making this more than just a food fest. If you appreciate food seasoned with a sense of place, and the kind of scenery that makes you pause mid-bite, Big Sur in November is a must.

5. Palm Springs Food & Wine Festival, Palm Springs

Palm Springs in November is all about warm days and cool evenings, which pairs perfectly with the Food & Wine Festival’s outdoor tastings. There’s a friendly, come-as-you-are attitude that always puts me at ease. Under rows of white tents, local restaurants and guest chefs serve up inventive dishes, ranging from small bites to hearty mains, using seasonal desert ingredients.

Wine flows, but so do craft beers and creative cocktails, making it easy to find something for every taste. The festival’s pace is relaxed; I’ve spent whole afternoons chatting with fellow attendees, swapping bites, and soaking up the easygoing desert energy. There’s a certain luxury to strolling between tasting tables with mountains on the horizon.

What really stands out here is the blend of gourmet and approachable. You can try a Michelin-worthy bite right after grabbing some classic street tacos, all without any pretense. Palm Springs knows how to make guests feel welcome, and well-fed.

6. California Wine Festival, Huntington Beach

There’s something special about sipping wine with the ocean as your backdrop, and the California Wine Festival in Huntington Beach nails that vibe. I always look forward to the mix of top-notch California wineries pouring everything from crisp whites to bold reds. Food stations showcase local chefs and their best appetizers, creating a laid-back but refined tasting experience.

Live bands soundtrack the afternoon, matching the festival’s lively but unhurried pace. I’ve discovered many new favorites here, both from boutique vineyards and established producers. The event’s oceanfront location means you can move from a bustling tasting tent straight to the sand, glass in hand.

It’s a great place to meet fellow wine fans, and the staff are quick with pairing tips if you’re curious. There’s also a clear commitment to sustainability, reusable utensils and a focus on local producers, so you can feel good about every bite and sip. For anyone who loves the California coast, this event is a highlight every November.

7. Mountain Mandarin Festival, Auburn

If you think oranges are only for breakfast, the Mountain Mandarin Festival may change your mind. Auburn transforms into a celebration of the new mandarin crop, with local growers proudly displaying crates of bright fruit. Kids dart between cooking contests and tasting booths while chefs show off clever ways to use mandarins in both sweet and savory recipes.

Live music and arts-and-crafts stalls fill the park, and I’ve picked up more than a few holiday gifts here. The festival also features a popular recipe contest, where home cooks compete to create the most inventive mandarin-infused dishes. There’s a warmth to the event that goes beyond the fruit, it’s about community pride and a true taste of Placer County.

For anyone who loves exploring local produce and seasonal traditions, this event is an annual treat. Don’t miss the fresh-squeezed mandarin juice, it’s a revelation.

8. Eat Real Festival, Oakland

Oakland’s Eat Real Festival isn’t just about what you eat, it’s about the story behind every bite. The streets fill up with vendors serving dishes made from sustainable, local, non-GMO ingredients, all with an eye on minimizing waste. There’s a sense of mission here, but it’s never preachy; instead, the focus is on big flavors and a welcoming, neighborly attitude.

Cooking demos and hands-on workshops offer something for every curiosity level, whether you want to learn how to pickle vegetables or just grab the best taco you’ve had all year. Kid-friendly activities and live bands keep the vibe lively and inclusive. I always leave with fresh ideas for my own kitchen, and a new respect for Oakland’s creative food scene.

Best of all, there’s no ticket charge. This is street food with a purpose, and it brings together people from every part of the city. For anyone interested in sustainability and community, it’s a must-visit.

9. Heritage Fire, Pebble Beach

Few things match the excitement of live-fire cooking, and Heritage Fire at Pebble Beach delivers a feast for all the senses. The first time I saw chefs turning whole animals over glowing embers, I realized this was more than just a food event, it’s a performance. Whiskey tastings add a distinct twist, with experts sharing stories behind each bottle.

The event draws culinary pros from across California, each eager to show off traditional techniques and creative spins on familiar flavors. Guests can wander between stations tasting everything from slow-roasted meats to flame-charred vegetables, all seasoned with a hint of salt air from the coast. It’s a rare chance to sample rare cuts and dishes you won’t find elsewhere.

What I appreciate most is the sense of camaraderie among both chefs and guests. There’s an openness to learning and sharing here, and every year, I walk away inspired to fire up my own backyard grill.

10. Sawdust Winter Fantasy, Laguna Beach

I always look forward to the Sawdust Winter Fantasy for its creative twist on the typical food festival. Set in Laguna Beach’s artist enclave, the event transforms a forested canyon into a bustling winter village. Artisans display their work, glassblowers shape ornaments, and food vendors bring the aroma of cinnamon and spice to the air.

While not strictly a food festival, the culinary offerings can be surprisingly diverse, everything from gourmet grilled cheese to seasonal pastries. Live music fills the space, and wandering between art booths with a hot cider in hand is a tradition for many locals. The festival’s laid-back, festive mood is contagious, and there’s always something new to taste.

It’s the blend of creativity, community, and comfort food that sets this event apart. If you want to soak up holiday spirit with a side of delicious treats, Sawdust is a standout every November.