Beyond Garlic: Exploring Gilroy’s Arts, Festivals, & Family Fun

On this episode of the California Now Podcast, host Josh Meyers explores Gilroy with two insightful local voices about the city’s culture, creativity, and community.

First, Meyers sits down with Ruben Dario Villa, a Gilroy-based artist and designer. Villa helps orient listeners to the city’s unique geography at the crossroads of the San Francisco Bay Area, the Central Coast, and the Central Valley. He then discusses his work creating the La Ofrenda Festival, a vibrant Día de los Muertos celebration in downtown Gilroy featuring art, live entertainment, and luchadores. Villa also highlights other standout local festivals and shares personal recommendations for u-pick farms, local wineries, scenic nature trails, and restaurants. The conversation wraps with a look at the Casa de Cultura y Artes and its role in supporting the city’s arts community.

Next, Meyers talks with Joely Rosales, brand manager for digital marketing at Gilroy Gardens, a whimsical, vegetable-inspired theme park and botanical garden. Rosales shares the story behind the park’s creation, highlights its most popular rides and attractions, and suggests activities both kids and adults can enjoy. She also dives into Gilroy’s evolving food scene, including the city’s walkable taco trail. 

GUESTS

Ruben Dario Villa, creator of the La Ofrenda Festival and Casa de Cultura y Artes
Joely Rosales, brand manager for digital marketing at Gilroy Gardens

RESOURCES

Ruben Dario Villa is a Gilroy-based artist and designer behind the La Ofrenda Festival and Casa de Cultura y Artes. 

Gilroy
San Francisco Bay Area
Central Coast
Central Valley
San Jose
Silicon Valley 
La Ofrenda Festival
Casa de Cultura y Artes
LJB Farms
Tru2Earth Farm
Mt. Madonna County Park
Solis Winery 
Fortino Winery 
Satori Winery 
Pop’s Public House
Niñøs de la Montaña
Tamale Festival & Car Show
Garlic Ice Cream 
Poppy Jasper International Film Festival
Gilroy Garlic Festival
Gilroy History Museum & Gilroy Historical Society

Joely Rosales is the brand manager for digital marketing at Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park, formerly Bonfante Gardens.

Gilroy Gardens
Circus Trees
Gilroy Gardens Water Oasis
Cherry Jubilee 
Gilroy Taco Trail 
Downtown Gilroy
Christmas Hill Park

ABOUT THE HOST

Josh Meyers is a comedian, actor, and new host of the California Now Podcast. He also cohosts the podcast Family Trips with the Meyers Brothers.

OUR TEAM

Host and Executive Producer, Josh Meyers
Editorial Director, Jené Shaw
Producer, Kate Eplboim
Technical Producer, Jessica Marshall
Theme music, Staffan Carlén