LAFAYETTE, CALIFORNIA – Lafayette’s biggest weekend is back Sep 20–21 as the Lafayette Art and Wine Festival begins, and so are the usual questions about where to park the car. Here’s the no-stress parking guide – what’s open, what’s off limits, and the best ways to get in and out.
The Quick Take
- Best bet: Lafayette BART Station lots, with free festival shuttles both days.
- Absolutely don’t: park in private lots (you can be towed).
- Bike valet: free at 81 Lafayette Circle.
- Rideshare drop-off/pick-up: signed area by Safeway at Oak Hill Rd and Mt. Diablo Blvd.
- Road closures: Mt. Diablo Blvd between Moraga Rd and Dewing Ave, plus part of Lafayette Circle, from 7pm Fri Sep 19 through Sun night. Expect detours and posted no-parking.
Where you CAN park
Your best bets are the Lafayette BART Station lots (free for the festival). The City confirms free BART-lot parking all weekend with shuttle service Sat and Sun.
Here’s an insider tip from the festival: if Lafayette fills up, park at a different BART station and ride in. The south exit at Lafayette is steps from the festival footprint.
City public lots – Festival guidance notes that City of Lafayette public parking lots are fair game when open. Meters and restrictions will be enforced. Watch for posted signs and temporary restrictions tied to the closures.
BART shuttles – hours and stops
There are free shuttles from the BART lots.
Hours: Free shuttles run Sat ~9:30am–7:30pm and Sun ~9:30am–6:30pm between the BART lot and the festival.
Shuttle stop: Look for the signed BART Shuttle Stop on the festival map.
Bike, walk, roll
Free bike valet at 81 Lafayette Circle – secure and close to the action. ADA parking and access – BART has designated accessible spaces, and an accessible shuttle runs from the lot to the festival entrance.
Rideshare and taxis
Use the signed Rideshare/Lamorinda Taxi drop-off and pick-up zone by Safeway at Oak Hill Rd/Mt. Diablo Blvd. Follow event signage and driver directions.
Where you CANNOT park
Private parking lots (shopping centers, posted customer lots, etc.) – Festival organizers are clear: do not park in private lots, and do not leave valuables in your car. Surrounding the festival are both private and public lots, please note all parking restrictions will be enforced. Adhere to all signage.
Within the closure footprint – Mt. Diablo Blvd (Moraga Rd to Dewing Ave) and part of Lafayette Circle are closed to traffic all weekend. Posted no-parking begins before closures; cars left after the posted time may be towed.
Street closures, detours, and timing
Closures begin 7pm Fri Sep 19 with in-the footprint lots closing earlier on Friday. Streets reopen late Sunday. Detours route traffic to Deer Hill Rd and nearby streets; allow extra time. The City’s weekly update includes a 2025 Parking Map for quick reference. For a visual of stages, shuttle stops, bike valet, and closed blocks, use the official 2025 festival map at https://lafayettefestival.com/visitors-guide/.
Pro tips from locals
If you’re set on driving, arrive early for easiest BART-lot parking. If you’re coming from elsewhere in the 925, park at your nearest BART and ride in – you’ll skip downtown congestion entirely. Pack light and bring a reusable bottle – water refill stations are marked on the map.
Enjoy the festival! If you spot any changes to shuttle hours or parking signs on the day, assume the on-site signs and police/volunteer directions control. For more details, check the festival Visitor’s Guide and the City’s latest update before you go: https://lafayettefestival.com
