2022 Kelseyville Pear Festival

August 11, 2022

Located at the base of Mt. Konocti and in the fertile Big Valley, Kelseyville’s a small town known for its hospitality. Main Street’s filled with shops, wineries, and restaurants. It’s the kind of place to spend a weekend exploring. But something unique happens on the last weekend of every September. It’s the Pear Festival. Started in 1993, the first festival had 1,500 people attend. Since then, it’s grown to be much more. Now, over 10,000 people show up, and the entire Lake County community comes together to celebrate fall.

Farm to Fork Dinner
Farm to Fork Dinner

The Pear Festival truly begins the night before, when the town closes off Main Street to hold their famed Farm to Fork Dinner. Two long rows of tables stretch an entire block, and people come ready to have a good time. The wine flows freely, and each dish served celebrates Kelseyville’s local farms. Plus, once they’ve had their fill of food and conversation, everyone spends the rest of the night dancing to live music under the lights of the small town. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience and one you’ll never forget. Tickets go on sale this July 1st, and they usually sell out within hours, so if you want to attend, plan ahead.

Then, on Saturday morning, Main Street fills up with a parade. It’s one of the best in the county and a great example of how a small community comes together to celebrate. The local schools and clubs all work to create floats—you’ll see tractors, fire trucks, and horses pass by, all happily waving to the crowd.

Pear Festival Parade
Karen Pavone Photography

Once the parade’s ended, it’s time to wander. The Pear Festival has over one hundred vendors selling everything you can imagine, from ceramic frogs to soaps to fine art. It’s an extravaganza of all things Lake County. You’ll be able to meet local farmers and artisans and chat with historians, community organizations, and artists. And all the shops in town have their doors open, welcoming everyone with their famed Kelseyville hospitality. Now’s the chance to pick up things you can find only in Lake County.

Food vendors spread throughout the festival. On one end of town, John’s Market grills chicken over an open flame. On the other, Pogo’s Pizza sells pizza by the slice. In between, you can pick up gorditas, huaraches, tacos, burgers, fries, noodles, and just about every other kind of food.

vase filled with pears and sunflowers coming from vase

But the focus is always on pears. As you cruise the street, you can pick up a glass of pear wine or sip on a pear margarita before heading down to the main area to taste some of the many different varieties of pears grown in Lake County. Do you think all pears taste the same? Think again. Each has a unique flavor and texture. And if you time it right, you may catch one of the pie eating contests, a dance performance, or some flamenco guitar.

Speaking of performances, there’s live music everywhere at the Pear Festival. Throughout the day, several local musicians appear to play a set. You can catch one band at the Saw Shop Public House, then walk a couple of blocks to hear something completely different.

At the Pear Festival, there’s no lack of things to do. By the end of the day, you’ll leave the full—with arms full of gifts, a stomach full of good food, and a heart full of joy.

Group of 10 women standing in front of the festivals giant pear