Burlingame Gears Up For ArtzFest

Burlingame ArtzFest rolls into town Saturday, bringing along new local musicians, seasoned performers, artists and food vendors for a family-friendly weekend right in the heart of downtown Burlingame.

Now in its 19th year, ArtzFest has evolved into a broad event with various music genres, a multitude of artists and more community and family-specific options.

“We try to have a little bit of something for everyone,” said Burlingame Chamber of Commerce CEO Georgette Naylor.

The event features everything from popular Bay Area cover band, Livewire, to 2009 Burlingame Idol winner and NBC’s The Voice contestant Sara Oromchi, to the nine-piece Latin band Lava.

In addition to live music from Bay Area bands, ArtzFest features a community stage, on which only local performers, such as the Burlingame Bollywood Dancers and the Millbrae Dance Academy, show their stuff. Past Burlingame Idol winners can also be found on this stage, as well as the Burlingame Community Theater Troupe. The community stage highlights what’s going on in the community, Naylor said, and spotlights local talent.

The festival also boasts a Home, Garden and Green section to promote sustainability and green living in Burlingame.

“We feel like people are staying closer to home, and if they have a little extra money they’re doing things to fix up their homes,” said Naylor. “Also, we want to promote the sustainable.”

While meandering around Burlingame Avenue with the tunes of local musicians in the thousands of visitors ears, ArtzFest goers can peruse the more than 150 vendors showcasing their works. Arts and crafts abound, as well as specialty foods.

Naylor said ArtzFest is the perfect late summer event because families seem to be in town as children prepare for the imminent new school year.

“It’s a great end of summer event,” she said. “[I’m excited] just seeing it all come together and seeing everybody having a good time and enjoying our little village.”

ArtzFest runs Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Burlingame Avenue area. Admission is free.