Coming Up: Eat Real Festival - Oakland

If you like food, you'll want to go to the 5th annual Eat Real Fest in Oakland. This food festival will attract upwards of 150,000 at Jack London Square. They call is a combination of street festival, block party and state fair - all celebrating good food. They'll have demonstrations, DIY areas, markets, food trucks, tastings, drinks, contests and more.

It's family-friendly and has a Kid Zone, with activities, demos and fun educational guides on how to eat well. they'll have juice and nutritious snacks for the kids.  

What to expect: 

Kids' Kitchen: They'll have a Kids' Zone, but are featuring a Kids' Kitchen this year as well, with cooking classes for kids, taught by kids. There will be recipe contests, blindfolded "name the ingredient" tastings, and other kitchen games.

Flying Knives Steer Butchery Contest: for those who like meat, butchers will cut, cure and create - with offal being highlighted. This includes the Whole Hog Butchery Competition. Chefs will be required to use off-cuts and feature as much of the animal as possible. 

Coffee Pavilion: taste and learn about coffee through coffee cuppings and roasting demonstrations. 

Jam Bar: Learn the art of mixology while sipping masterful cocktail creations. Probably need a babysitter for this one, though.

When: September 27-30

Where: Oakland, Jack London Square

Cost: Free (though you'll pay to eat); some events require tickets