Blues & Barbecue, the traditional fall festival to benefit the purchase of open space in Portola Valley, returns to the Town Center at 765 Portola Road on Sunday, Sept. 16, after a hiatus of two years. The day includes a concert, a silent auction, inflatable games and other entertainment for kids, a climbing wall, plenty of food and drink, and recognition of noted environmental activist and longtime resident Martin Litton.

The festival begins at 2:30 p.m., with the silent auction starting at 3 and the concert by the Daniel Castro Band and Acoustic Therapy at 3:30. The recognition of Mr. Litton is set for 5:45 p.m.

Click here for the most recent Almanac story on Mr. Litton.

Click here for a more comprehensive look at Mr. Litton's life by Almanac reporter Marion Softky.

Tickets are $65 for an individual and $650 for a table for 10 for the package deal that includes appetizers, seating at a table, and the barbecue dinner from Bianchini's Market in Ladera along with wine and beer.

Without the alcoholic beverages and without the table seating, tickets are $35 for adults and $15 for youth aged 12 or younger. If you bring your own picnic food, admission plus appetizers is $20 for adults and $10 for kids.

Tickets are available via PayPal. After expenses, revenues from the festival go to the Open Space Acquisition Fund to buy and maintain open space in town.

Write to events@portolavalley.net for more information.

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