Pleasant Hill Art, Wine & Music Festival Expands Experience for 2026 with Regional Breweries, VIP Weekend Packages and Bay Area-Wide Festival Access
Northern California festival highlights craft beverage experiences, live entertainment, regional tourism partnerships and elevated guest offerings ahead of May 16–17 weekend
PLEASANT HILL, Calif. As anticipation builds for the return of the Pleasant Hill Art, Wine & Music Festival on May 16–17, the Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce is unveiling additional details surrounding this year’s expanded festival experience, including featured brewery partners, VIP hospitality offerings, regional transportation access and enhanced visitor experiences designed to attract guests from throughout California.
Now entering its latest chapter in a tradition dating back to 2000, the two-day festival has grown into one of Contra Costa County’s largest and most anticipated spring events, drawing an estimated 45,000 attendees in previous years, with increased attendance projected for 2026.
Held throughout Downtown Pleasant Hill, the festival combines live music, food, local art, wine, craft beer, community celebration and family-friendly entertainment into a full weekend destination experience.
“This year’s festival is about more than just attendance—it’s about creating an experience that encourages people to spend the weekend in Pleasant Hill and truly engage with the community,” said Jeremy Carlson, Executive Director of the Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce. “We’ve worked to elevate every part of the event experience, from transportation access and hospitality partnerships to the breweries, entertainment and VIP offerings available throughout the weekend.”
Expanded Craft Beverage Experience
The 2026 Art, Wine & Music Festival will feature a strong lineup of regional and internationally recognized breweries, creating one of the event’s most robust craft beverage programs to date.
Featured brewery participants include:
- Canyon Club Brewery
- Calicraft Brewing Co.
- Parliament Brewing Company
- Almanac Beer Co.
- Bayerische Staatsbrauerei Weihenstephan, recognized as the oldest brewery in the world
Festivalgoers will also enjoy wine and sparkling selections, including offerings from Napa Valley wineries J Gregory Wines and McKahn Wines, alongside expanded food offerings, downtown dining experiences and interactive beverage areas throughout the festival footprint.
Music, Entertainment and Community Atmosphere
The festival will feature 13 live acts across multiple stages throughout the weekend, culminating in Saturday evening’s featured concert performance by The Bell Brothers from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Additional experiences throughout the weekend include:
- Family entertainment and Kids Zone attractions
- Community Stage performances
- Local artists and vendor marketplace experiences
- Regional food vendors and food trucks
- Downtown shopping and dining integration
Main Stage Music presented by Back Forty Texas BBQ
- Saturday 12:30 – 1:45 PM: Great Space Coaster
- Saturday 2:15 – 3:45 PM: Sixteen Scandals 80’s
- Saturday 4:15 – 5:45 PM: King Tritone
- Saturday 6:30 – 8:45 PM: The Bell Brothers
- Sunday 12:30 – 1:45 PM: Jinx Jones & The Kingtones
- Sunday 2:15 – 3:45 PM: Jewels Hansons & Co.
- Sunday 4:15 – 5:45 PM: Groove Doctors
Main Stage Music presented by WiseGirl
- Saturday 12:30 – 1:15 PM: Hipster Cocktail Party
- Saturday 1:45 – 3:15 PM: The New Frantics
- Saturday 3:45 – 5:15 PM: Junior DeVille Blues Band
- Sunday 12:30 – 1:15 PM: Secret Sauce
- Sunday 1:45 – 3:15 PM: Rusty Giraffe
- Sunday 3:45 – 5:15 PM: Evan Thomas Band
Pleasant Hill Weekend Getaway Packages
Visit Pleasant Hill is also encouraging attendees to turn the festival into a full Bay Area weekend getaway experience.
Curated overnight packages are available through participating hotel partners including Marriott, Hyatt, Hilton and Sonesta properties and include:
- Overnight accommodations
- Champagne brunch for two at Crescent Bistro
- Exclusive VIP wine tasting access reserved for package guests and sponsors
The packages are designed to create a seamless hospitality experience for visitors traveling into Pleasant Hill for the festival weekend.
First-Year Regional Transit Partnership
For the first time, the festival is partnering with Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART), encouraging guests from throughout the Bay Area to utilize the Pleasant Hill / Contra Costa Centre Station with complimentary festival shuttle access into Downtown Pleasant Hill.
The shuttle program is proudly sponsored by Pacific Gas and Electric Company and reflects the festival’s continued efforts to improve regional accessibility while encouraging environmentally responsible transportation alternatives for attendees traveling to Pleasant Hill.
“Our goal is to continue growing this event in a way that benefits local businesses, supports tourism, and creates a welcoming experience for residents and visitors alike,” said Alex Khodadad, Board Chair of the Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce and founder of In and Around Pleasant Hill. “The festival has become a signature event not just for Pleasant Hill, but for the region as a whole.”
Festival Information
Pleasant Hill Art, Wine & Music Festival
- Saturday, May 16 & Sunday, May 17
- Downtown Pleasant Hill (Crescent Drive area)
- Free Admission
Festival Hours
- Saturday: 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Saturday Night Concert: 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
- Sunday: 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
More Information: Click here
