Bay Area Muslims Prepare for Annual Suhoor Fest Amid Tensions

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Thousands of Bay Area Muslims are set to gather for the fourth annual Suhoor Fest, a halal food festival that will take place from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. on March 15, in the parking lot of the SABA Islamic Center.

Suhoor, the pre-dawn meal observed by Muslims during Ramadan, is traditionally a quiet time for reflection, but for many in the Bay Area, it becomes a vibrant celebration at Suhoor Fest. The event features numerous food stalls, art vendors, and live Arabic music, transforming a parking lot into a bustling gathering place.

“It feels like every Muslim in California is there,” said Hisham Abdelfattah, owner of El Halal Amigos, a popular food truck that draws large crowds. “It’s an incredible sense of community.”

Suhoor Fest is organized by Halal Fest, an initiative created in response to pandemic-related isolation, and aims to recreate the lively night markets found in many Muslim-majority countries.

“Everything is usually shut down during the daytime. After sunset, that’s when everybody breaks their fast and goes out for street food,” said founder Irfan Rydhan. “This festival is our way to bring that atmosphere here.”

This year’s event will feature 21 halal food and beverage vendors, several of which are participating for the first time. Popular Peninsula restaurant Zareen's will set up a stall, and a new Palestinian eatery will showcase its flatbreads. El Halal Amigos will introduce a new take on street tacos, melting cheese on the tortilla for a quesataco-style dish.

In addition to food, the event will include an exotic car show, and VIP tickets will be available for $50, which include promotional items such as a T-shirt and raffle ticket for a chance to win a Warriors game ticket.

While Suhoor Fest is a joyful celebration, it is underscored by the ongoing conflict in the region, particularly the war in Gaza. Abdelfattah noted that many attendees carry the weight of that reality, making it difficult to fully enjoy the festivities amidst the sorrow.

“It’s the most beautiful time of the year during Ramadan,” Abdelfattah said. “But it’s hard to enjoy everything happening in Gaza.”

In response, Suhoor Fest organizers are partnering with Islamic Relief to collect donations for those affected in Gaza.

“We have a duty to look out for our brothers and sisters around the world,” Rydhan added.

Suhoor’s unique aspect is that it lasts until sunrise, allowing attendees to share a quieter, more reflective moment after a night of celebration. “The reason why it runs until 5 a.m. is because we’re all still together to pray right at sunrise after we’ve filled our bellies,” Abdelfattah said.

Suhoor Fest is set to draw thousands to the SABA Islamic Center at 4415 Fortran Ct. in San Jose. An additional Suhoor Night event by El Halal Amigos will take place from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. on March 21 at 1100 Lincoln Avenue, with a portion of proceeds going to charity.