The inaugural Solvang Fall Festival will be a free three-day event, Nov. 15-17, featuring 25 bands on two stages, a carnival (including a Ferris wheel on Copenhagen Drive) craft beer and wine gardens, food and retail vendors.
The Solvang Fall Fest will also kick off the 25th Anniversary Tour for local, and world-renowned band Mad Caddies. The Mad Caddies, which has sold 400,000 albums, will be playing a free concert, 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16, at Solvang Park.
Since the the Mad Caddies’ inception, during its members’ days at Santa Ynez High School two decades ago, the band has toured the world numerous times bringing fans a unique blend of reggae, punk, ska and pop. With its album Dirty Rice, the Mad Caddies has proven to be as impassioned and energetic as ever.
Some 20 additional bands including local favorites Will Ridge, Frank Palmer, Vineyard Byrds, Bear Redell, Soul Cats, and The Kicks will be playing at Solvang Park. The festival also features Santa Barbara-based Cornerstone Reggae, DJ Hecktik, New Vibe, Wall of Tom, Dusty Jugs and Lompoc’s Richie Rey.
On the Copenhagen Stage Saturday and Sunday, six local teen-age bands will battle it for the Solvang Fall Fest Battle of the Bands and a $500 cash prize. To see the band lineup, visit www.solvangfallfest.com/entertainment.
As part of the family friendly event, a full carnival and games will take place in the parking lot at Solvang Park and on Copenhagen Drive.
Several craft beer and wine gardens will be located throughout Solvang Park, 1st Street and Solvang Park parking lot. Solvang Brewing Company will be the primary craft beer sponsor; Buellton’s Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co. is also a sponsor. Local wineries Lucas and Lewellen, and Casa Cassara will be featured.
Festival hours are 4-10 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday.
A tasting event called Suds at Solvang Park is set for Nov. 16. More than 20 craft breweries and wineries will be on site, and guests can sample from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. for $35. Tickets available at www.solvangfallfest.com.
The Solvang Fall Festival supports the Solvang Arts and Music Foundation (SAM). SAM has partnered with Solvang School to establish vibrant Music and Arts Education programs integrated throughout kindergarten through grade 8 curriculum.
The Solvang Fall Festival is produced by En Fuego Events, which recently managed the Taste of the Santa Ynez Valley, and the Sideways Fest. It also produced the Buellton Brew Fest, Buellton Wine and Chili Festival and Surf ‘n’ Suds Beer Festivals.
Other festival sponsors are Vacations Inn, city of Solvang, Santa Ynez Valley Star and Santa Barbara Independent.
For more information, visit www.solvangfallfest.com.
— Andres Nuño for Solvang Fall Festival.