Since 1959, the Castroville Artichoke Food and Wine Festival has been drawing visitors eager for a day of artichoke-flavored fun, food tasting and wine pairings. The event celebrates the artichoke, which Italian immigrant farmers brought to the Central Coast in the 1920s.

The plants thrived thanks to cool coastal temperatures and rich soil, and now nearly two-thirds of America's fresh artichokes are grown right in the unincorporated community of Castroville. At the 60th Castroville Food and Wine Festival this weekend, visitors can choose from field tours, cooking demonstrations, a wine and beer garden, arts and crafts booths and more.