Sacramento Banana Festival brings bunches of fun to Land Park
Sacramento banana lovers were treated to a two-day celebration of the world’s most popular fruit this weekend at William Land Park.
Fans of the sweet, versatile fruit sampled an array of on-theme foods. Die-hards competed in costume contests for both people and dogs, as well as a banana eating contest. There were also arts and educational activities for kids (along with a parents’ lounge), live music from local artists, a car show and scores of booths selling food and clothes and other goods.
“From the retail vendors, to the artists, to the community resources, we really wanted to make sure that we had a little bit of something for everyone,” said Daphne Burgess, who helped organize the event. “We do have, of course, tons of banana food cooked and prepared in all different ways.”
Banana treats galore
At the center of a row of food stands, a “Banana Pavillion” served up plantain waffles along with banana-stuffed crepes, funnel cake, fritters and other treats made from the sweet yellow fruit.
“Loaded banana, caramelized banana, drizzle glaze, strawberry on top of banana,” said Louis Bynoe, the chef who put together the menu. “Everything has bananas in it. Just bananas, everything.”
Other vendors sold banana bread pudding, ice cream and banana split sundaes.
For those less-enthused by banana-flavored treats, a long row of vendors served up other festival food offerings: burgers, loaded French fries, smoked barbecue and a colorful array of sweet agua frescas.
The festival doubles as an annual fundraiser for the Sojourner Truth African Heritage Museum in Sacramento. It began more than 20 years ago as an arts and culture festival but in an effort to draw more attendees, it became a celebration of the banana – now a grocery staple in the United States, which imported $3.2 billion in bananas in 2024.
“Everybody loves a food festival, and there wasn’t one around this area for the banana,” said Burgess, who held down a booth selling banana-themed merchandise including banana keepers — a plastic case to help prevent bruising for bananas on the go — along with toys, blankets and baby onesies patterned with the fruit.
Organizers said the theme represents the cultural diversity of the Sacramento region.
“Bananas grow in different parts of the world and this particular festival is an infusion of so many different cultures,” said Marquis Marcilous, the event’s vendor coordinator. “It’s a great representation of Sacramento and supporting small business.”
The festival is a “full circle moment” for Marcilous, who serves on the Sojourner Truth Museum board.
As a child growing up in Tahoe Park and Oak Park neighborhoods, she frequented the museum on Florin Road and participated in its youth programs. Now a member of its board, Marcilous coordinates with the festival’s roughly 100 vendors and does marketing for the event.
“I’ve always wanted to help curate and organize festivals,” Marcilous said. “Community is what I care about most, so being able to do something like this means everything to me.”
This story was originally published August 17, 2025 at 3:45 PM.