The Bay Area is a melting pot of traditions, cultures, and hobbies — which makes for a dynamic slate of festivals throughout the year. Whether tofu or garlic is your thing or flying kites is your passion, you’ll find a festival to scratch that niche itch somewhere this summer in San Francisco, Oakland, or elsewhere in the Bay Area. So gear up, go out, and enjoy a zucchini fry or two. After all they’re only available once a year.

Photo courtesy of SRES Productions June 2: Union Street Festival As its name implies, the Union Street Festival takes place on Union Street and features arts and crafts exhibitors, food vendors, and community groups. The festivities takes place over 5 blocks with each block showcasing music from different genres, including jazz, blues, country, bluegrass, and local bands.

Photo courtesy of North Beach Festival June 16-17: North Beach Festival Colloquially known as San Francisco's’ Little Italy, the historic North Beach District has lots of local Italian heritage. The North Beach Festival has food, art, street painting, and a blessing of the animals. The event is at Grant and Columbus avenues and admission is free.

Photo by Charity Vargas June 24: San Francisco’s 241st Birthday Celebration Walk the historic trail of Presidio, the passage that led the first settlers to San Francisco. There will be a ceremony, hands-on learning experiences, and music to celebrate San Francisco’s 242nd birthday. The event takes place at 103 Montgomery St. and admission is free.

Photo courtesy of Soy and Tofu Fest June 30: Soy and Tofu Festival Make a stop in Japantown and get ready to enjoy all things soy and tofu. The festival will feature Asian American-themed performances, soy and tofu food samplings, interactive games, and educational seminars on the uses of soy. Admission is $10 in advance, or $15 at the door.

Photo courtesy of John Muller July 6-July 8: Hollister Freedom Rally: Biker Fest Go to the original birthplace of the American biker and rev up your engines at the Hollister Freedom Rally: Biker Fest. Buy a leather vest, a hot dog and beer, and enjoy a poker walk in Hollister. Admission is free.

Photo courtesy of Kathy Bentaieb July 14-15: 'ACGA' Clay and Glass Festival in Palo Alto Marvel at glass art demos, learn how to make things out of clay, and buy an art piece or two at the 'ACGA' Clay and Glass Festival. Located in the St. Francis Terrace neighborhood, the festival is celebrating its 26th year. The event will take place the Palo Alto Art Center; admission is free.

July 14-15: Downtown Los Altos Arts & Wine Festival For the 39th year, Downtown Los Altos Arts & Wine Festival takes place in the heart of downtown in North Los Altos. Local artists and bands will be there, so enjoy a glass of red or white. The event takes place on Main and State Streets, and throughout the Downtown triangle. Admission is free.

Photo courtesy of The Salsa Festival on Filmore July 14-18: The Salsa Festival on Fillmore Dance under the stars with hundreds of Fillmore residents in the Western Addition area during the Fillmore Salsa Festival. For those wanting to join in the fun but unsure how, there are salsa dance lessons every night. The event is located at the Fillmore Center Plaza and admission is free.

Photo by Bill Strange Photography & Lara Schraft July 27-29: Gilroy Garlic Festival Join the small city of Gilroy at the annual Garlic Festival. Grab a scoop of garlic ice cream on the way to take a picture with Miss Gilroy Garlic herself. There will be plenty of vendors to visit (food, art, crafts, etc.) and live music. Admission starts at $20.

Photo courtesy of Pedalfest July 28: Pedalfest Unicycle classes, stunt shows, and rickshaw karaoke — oh my! Pedalfest, held in Oakland’s Jack London Square, has everything from bike decoration stations to pedal-powered spin art. Grab a bite to eat and ride on down to the electric bike test track. Admission is free.

Photo courtesy of Art and Soul Oakland July 28: Art & Soul: Oakland Learn what is artistically unique to Downtown Oakland at the Art and Soul festival. Local bands and national recording artists, street performers, turf dance battles, and blues and gospel singers will be present at the festival. The event is located at 14th Street & Broadway; admission is $15 for adults and free for children 12 & under.

Photo by Ingrid Taylar / CC BY July 28-29: Berkeley Kite Festival Where North Berkeley touches the Bay may be a bit chilly and windy, but it’s a great spot to fly a kite. Berkeley Kite Festival attandees can marvel at the giant creature kite display or watch a kite-flying team from Japan take over the skies. The event takes place at Spinnaker Way and admission is free.

Photo courtesy of kevinsyoza August 4-5: Nihonmachi Street Fair There is something for everybody at one of Japantown’s largest festivals of the year. The Nihonmachi’s Street Fair has seven sections to explore: the Art and Soul of Jtown, Asian Artisans, the Co-Ed Adult Basketball Tournament, Children’s World, Doggie World, Food Fest, and Sounds of Thunder. The event will take place on Post Street between Laguna and Fillmore streets, and admission is free.