I enjoyed every moment at ScentFest SF 2026, so was I was beyond happy when Grant Osborne of Basenotes suggested publishing my article about my experience on his prestigious, award-winning online hub dedicated to perfume and all things fragrant.
Read my full account of ScentFest in Basenotes, and enjoy a few highlights and photos below.
The event was held at Fort Mason, San Francisco from June 26 to June 28, 2026.
I attended with Sarah, my best friend and partner in scent. Sniffing in good company (with people who get you) is best!
The exhibition by L’Osmotheque was one of our favorite parts. We could smell the reconstruction of antique and classic fragrances.
The education panel organized by perfumer Yosh Han were another highlight of ScentFest. I was honored to moderate Perfumers as Protagonists, starring Julien Rasquinet (CPL Aromas), Dana El Masri (Jazmin Saraï), Michael Nordstrand (Mythologist Studio), and Alexandre Helwani (Nishane).
I also enjoyed attending other panels, in particular Celebrating Perfume History, led by perfume historian and perfumer Jen Siems and featuring L’Osmotheque and Perfume Passage. We sniffed historic classics and heard all about ingredients and bottle designs.
There were more than 100 so exhibitors and fragrances, and I really wish I could have tried them all. Read about the themes that stood out to me in Basenotes.
The art exhibition Just Write to Me was all about roses and meters of love letters…
The personal connections were another wonderful aspect of ScentFest. I’m not great at taking photos with people on the spot, but here are a few:
Full days at ScentFest weren’t quite enough, so we also ran around San Francisco to attend after-hour parties hosted at Ministry of Scent and ZGO.
I my piece, I end by sharing tips to navigate the event and a few reflections on the event.
