Moraga Commons Park will host the annual Pear and Wine Festival on Saturday, Sept. 26, with a new pear sculpture, community awards and live music.

At 10:30 a.m., the town will cut the ribbon on the Moraga Pear, a new public sculpture at the park entrance near the intersection of St. Mary's Road and Moraga Road, according to the town's festival page. Admission and parking are free.

A ceremonial tree planting opens the festival at 11 a.m. At 11:45 a.m., organizers will announce the Business Person of the Year, Non-Profit of the Year and 2026 Citizen of the Year at the band shell, Patch reported.

The HouseRockers take the stage at noon, according to the town's festival page. At 1:30 p.m., Moraga first graders will join former Mayor Teresa Onoda and a Moraga School District guitarist for a performance of "Hills of Moraga" at the band shell.

The festival traces its roots to Moraga's agricultural past. Between 1914 and 1944, the town was home to the largest pear production operation under one management in the world, according to the Moraga Historical Society.

The sculpture is the latest addition to Moraga's public art collection, overseen by the Art in Public Spaces Committee. APSC Chair Holly Hartz told Lamorinda Weekly in May, when the committee unveiled pear-themed banners across town, that the banner designs reinforce themes of outdoor recreation, community connection and quality of life in Moraga.

Kids can bounce on inflatable jumpies sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Moraga Valley, visit a petting zoo with bunnies, goats and a mini donkey, or try chalk art and face painting. The Kiwanis Club and Moraga Lions Club will run the BBQ. Captain Vineyards will pour wine by the glass or bottle, and the Lions Club will serve pear cider and beer.

Organizers advise buying pear pies early. They always sell out.

Live entertainment runs through 3 p.m., according to the town's schedule. More than 15 artisan and food vendors will line the park.

Saturday, Sept. 26 at Moraga Commons Park

  • 10:30 a.m.: Ribbon cutting, Moraga Pear sculpture (park entrance, St. Mary's Road and Moraga Road)
  • 11 a.m.: Ceremonial tree planting; festival opens
  • 11:45 a.m.: Community awards at the band shell
  • Noon: The HouseRockers concert
  • 1:30 p.m.: "Hills of Moraga" performance with Moraga first graders
  • 2 p.m.: HouseRockers resume