Adorably known as #Goatchella, the ninth annual Goat Festival returns to the Ferry Building on April 15!
Hosted by CUESA, the one-day celebration of all things goat includes local ranchers and food crafters, sample artisan cheeses, and even a petting zoo! This year, you can even show off your love of barnyard animals with limited-edition goat merch, including a super soft tee printed by Ashbury Images ($20) and a gold-plated enamel pin ($10). Grab them at the the CUESA Info Booth or merchandise tent on the south side of the Ferry Building on the day of the fest.
Scroll through these photos from last year's fest, while you anxiously wait for April 15th to arrive.
And see the full schedule of events below:
9am–1pm: Goaty Arts & Crafts
Get goaty at CUESA's DIY arts and crafts station! Stop by to fashion your own personalized goat horns. All are welcome for family-friendly fun (next to CUESA Classroom). Free.
10am–1pm: Pet the Goats from Toluma Farms
Play with adorable baby goats from Toluma Farms and Tomales Farmstead Creamery in the Goat Festival petting stable (near the Sur La Table store). There will also be a goat viewing area, where you can take a peek! To minimize crowds and avoid stress to the goats, access to the goat petting tent will require advance ticketing. Tickets.
10:30am: Market to Table Demo
A goat-cheese-themed cooking demo with Sophina Uong of Mestiza Taqueria at the CUESA Classroom (in front of the Ferry Building). Free.
11am: Goat Cheese Tasting Plates
Taste local goat milk cheeses paired with preserves from the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market, curated in collaboration with the California Artisan Cheese Guild. Pre-order your grab-and-go sampler plate and pick up at the CUESA Info Booth (black tent in front of the Ferry Building). Plates will also be available for sale on a first-come, first-served basis, while supplies last. $5.Preorder.
12pm: Animal Welfare Talk
A discussion with local experts and ranchers about humane animal care and animal welfare certifications. You'll be joined by goat and cattle farmer Donna Pacheco of Achadinha Cheese Company, Petaluma; chicken farmer Dede Boies of Root Down Farm, Pescadero; and journalist Tara Duggan of the San Francisco Chronicle (moderator). Free.
8am–2pm: "Browse the Farmers Market" Scavenger Hunt
During our regular market hours, you can make like a goat and "browse" the delicious offerings from our local ranchers, food crafters, and chefs! Stop by the CUESA Info Booth to pick up a map of goat-inspired offerings to eat on site or take home.
- Achadinha Cheese Company: Broncha, Capricious, and Feta Goat Cheeses
- Batter Bakery: Meyer Lemon, Strawberry & Goat Cheese Scones; Kale & Goat Cheese Cornmeal Muffins; Rhubarb Shortcake with Goat Cheese Cream; Asparagus & Goat Cheese Tartlets
- Hayes St. Grill/Vicolo Pizza: Fresh Goat Cheese and Tomato Cornmeal Crust Pizza
- King Knish: Herb Goat Cheese Potato Knish; Honey Roast Beet and Goat Cheese Knish
- The Farmer's Wife: Chili Maple Bacon, Avocado, Farm Eggs, Chèvre, and Pepper Salsa Grilled Cheese Sandwich; Portobello Mushroom, Asparagus, Preserved Meyer Lemon, Farm Eggs, Chèvre & Fresh Arugula Grilled Cheese Sandwich
- The Pasta Shop: Goat Cheese, Spinach & Olives Pasta; Goat Cheese & Bacon Pasta
- Three Babes Bakeshop: Goat Cheese & Herb Quiche; Strawberry & Goat Cheese Pie (both whole or by the slice)
- Tomales Farmstead Creamery: Kenne, Assa, Atika, Teleeka, and Liwa Goat and Sheep Cheeses
// Goatchella takes place Saturday, April 15th, 9am-2pm at the Ferry Building (Embarcadero), cuesa.org/event/2017/goat-festival
