May 17-18: Artichokes aren't just boiled, grilled and fried at this fest, they're made into art. The "agro art" competition features three-dimensional fruit-and-veggie works; each work must be at least 10% artichoke. Cooked creations include artichokes in burritos, breads, soup, chow mein, ice cream, etc. The fest features a parade down Merritt Street; live music; stilt walkers, clowns and other kid-friendly stuff; cooking demos; and field tours to a nearby farm.
Where: Several blocks along Merritt are closed to traffic.