After a long hiatus, Fiesta on the Hill returns to Cortlandia thus Sunday, Oct. 22. Yaaaay!

An ancient Bernal Heights tradition that dates back to the era of the chert sprites, Fiesta is the once-a-year occasion when Cortland Avenue shuts down to traffic so modern-day Bernalese can promenade with impunity. It’s a locavore bounty of tasty food, artisanal offerings, bumpin’ beats, and games and attractions to absorb the surplus energies of feral children. And it’s all presented by the Bernal Heights Neighborhood Center and the Bernal Business Alliance.

Here’s everything you need to know, courtesy of BHNC and BBA:

The Bernal Heights Neighborhood Center is happy to welcome everyone back to Fiesta on the Hill, 2017, Sunday, October 22, from 10:00 – 4:00!

Thanks to all our sponsors, including Sutter Health CPMC2020 and a host of others, our beloved annual event can continue as a fundraiser to support the essential programs the BHNC provides to our community, including senior lunches, affordable housing, and a great space for youth activities.

Join us for music from favorite local bands including the SF Jazz High School All-Stars Quintet, the San Francisco Community Music Center Senior Choir, the Bayonics Reggae Band, Fito Reinoso and his Cuban Songs, and the Adelante Salsa Band at the west end of Cortland.

Also returning is the neighborhood favorite children’s area, with rides and face painting and endless festival fun on the east Cortland side.

Along the middle Cortland corridor we are pleased to again feature a variety of artisan booths, Bay Area businesses and some of the best food vendors and trucks in the city. Get your pictures taken with family and friends at the photo booth in front of the Bernal Heights Neighborhood Center. And stop by their Community Engagement table, where you can get information about safety, upcoming community events and activities that the BHNC puts together.

The theme for this year’s festival is the Summer of Love, and as October is our sunshine season, be sure to come dressed in your best vintage 1960’s attire. Prizes will be awarded on stage for some of the favorite costumes spotted in the crowd.

Our Cortland merchants will be featuring specials at their stores and restaurants, so be sure to stop by and check out their offerings. The Bernal Heights Neighborhood Center will be selling commemorative Fiesta T-shirts for $20 for adults and $15 for kids that you can tie-dye next door outside 12 Small Things. Be sure to get yours before they run out.

Many of our local merchants have donated great raffle prizes that can be yours with a $5.00 donation to the BHNC, so be sure to get your tickets the week before at the BHNC at 515 Cortland or on the morning of the Fiesta. Raffle tickets will be drawn and announced on stage throughout the day, so come early for the best chance to win and enjoy the celebration!

With thanks to all our generous sponsors, volunteers, neighbors, and attendees, we couldn’t do this without your support.

PHOTOS: Scenes from Fiestas past, by Telstar Logistics