Gilroy Garlic Festival 2012, Gilroy, California/July 27-29

Gilroy is the garlic capital, so it's a logical place for a garlic festival. The event -- which dates back to 1979 -- will feature celebrity such chefs as Carla Pelegino and Michael Giletto, plus a garlic showdown among five chefs chosen from about 1,000 entries and a cook-off whose contestants have two hours to prepare a plate and serve five judges. Last year's event drew more than 100,000 visitors and featured 50 live concerts. The proceeds go to 160 charities.

Price: $17 at the entrance. Two garlic festival combo plates cost $24.