If there’s one thing Bay Area people like to do, it’s see what’s at the fair.
From community centers to county celebrations, the festival blossoms in the summer months. Clear your calendar and leap into the wine-sipping, kettle popcorn-popping, face-painting fray.
All events are free unless otherwise noted. Events are broken up geographically and listed in roughly chronological order. Prices, times and dates are subject to change; call ahead to check details.
East Bay
Bay Area Storytelling Festival 10 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-4:45 p.m. Sunday. Performances by professional and amateur storytellers. $8.50-$52. Kennedy Grove Recreational Area, San Pablo Dam Road, El Sobrante, 510-869-4946, www.bayareastorytelling.org.
Festival of Greece 2001 11 a.m.-11 p.m. today and Saturday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday. Food, music, dancing and arts and crafts. $5, free ages 11 and under. Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Ascension, 4700 Lincoln Ave., Oakland, 510-531-3400, www.ascensioncathedral.org.
PortFest 2001 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday. Size isn’t everything, as evidenced in the world’s smallest working crane. Marine events accompany multicultural dances, music and food. Jack London Square, Embarcadero and Broadway, Oakland, 510-627-1200, www.portofoakland.com.
John Muir Annual Birthday Celebration Noon-4 p.m. Saturday. Bagpipers and fiddlers serenade picnickers in this celebration for the naturalist. John Muir National Historic Site, 4202 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, 925-228-8860, www.johnmuir.org.
Art and Sculpture Show 1-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The annual pairing of nature with landscape paintings and outdoor sculptures returns. $10. Ruth Bancroft Garden, 1500 Bancroft Road, Walnut Creek, 925-210-9663, www.ruthbancroftgar
den.org.
Taiwanese Cultural Festival 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday. In the last decade, a significant influx of Chinese migration has been from Taiwan. Dancers and folk-art performers from Taipei join local talent. On hand will be delicacies and exhibits. Alameda County Fairgrounds, 4501 Pleasanton Ave., Pleasanton, www.ncff.org.
Festival de Cuba 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday. A Cuban cultural event with live music, dance performances, food, crafts and raffles. Civic Center Park, Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Berkeley, 510-644-6325.
Satsuki Arts Festival and Bazaar 4-10 p.m. Saturday, noon-7 p.m. Sunday. Satsuki, depending upon how it’s written, means azalea (a spring-bloomer) and the fifth month (May). Both are celebrated with performance and food. Berkeley Buddhist Temple, 2121 Channing Way, Berkeley, 510-841-1356, http://home.pacbell.net/bsangha.
Chalk It Up for Books 9 a.m.-5 p.m. May 26. Chocolate and chalk are not some peculiar pregnancy-induced craving. It’s sidewalk expression with a gourmet twist. Rain date June 2. Solano Avenue, Berkeley and Albany, 510-527-5358, www.solano
avenueassn.org.
Himalayan Fair 10 a.m.-7 p.m. May 26, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. May 27. No mountains to climb and an altitude that’s easier to breathe in pollution aside make the 18th annual Himalayan Fair an obvious trek. $5 donation. Live Oak Park, 1300 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, 510-869-3995, www.himalayanfair.net.
KidFest 11 a.m.-6 p.m. May 26-28. A fair tailor-made for the tykes includes an extreme sports stunt show, insect safari, karaoke and reptiles. $4 general, free ages 62 and older and under 2. Todos Santos Plaza, 2175 Willow Pass Road, Concord, 925-671-3287.
Art in the Vineyard 11 a.m.-5 p.m. May 27. Mixing wine and art? Quite all right, as the Livermore Art Association has proven for 29 years. Wente Vineyards Estate Winery, Tesla Road, Livermore, 925-456-2305.
San Ramon Art & Wind Festival 10 a.m.-5 p.m. May 27, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. May 28. A stunning, fluttering aerial display hovers above more than 170 arts-and-crafts booths, food, music, a kids’ zone and a Coast Guard rescue helicopter. San Ramon Central Park, 12501 Alcosta Blvd., San Ramon, 925-973-3200, www.kite
fart.com/events/srwind01.htm.
Contra Costa County Fair 1-11 p.m. May 30-31, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. June 3. Jugglers, petting zoo, dog Frisbee shows and more. Call for prices. Contra Costa County Fairgrounds, 1201 West Tenth St., Antioch, 925-757-4400.
Art and Wine Festival 11 a.m.-7 p.m. June 2, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. June 3. Get into good spirits as well as food and artistry, at this 20th anniversary hoopla. Heather Farm Park, North San Carlos Drive, Walnut Creek. Call for prices, 925-934-2007, www.wal
nut-creek.com.
Sister Cities Parade & Multicultural Festival 11 a.m.-5 p.m. June 2. The parade starts off at Alvarado School, Carlson Boulevard, and coincidentally ends up at the party place where multicultural dancers mix it up. El Cerrito Community Center, 707 Moeser Lane, El Cerrito, 510-236-3255, www.CaCCandC.com.
San Leandro Cherry Festival & Parade 10 a.m.-4 p.m. June 2-3. Arguably the only festival with a spittoon. Marina Park, San Leandro, 510-577-3462, www.ci.san
-leandro.ca.us/specialevents.html.
Sand Castle & Sand Sculpture Contest 9 a.m.-2 p.m. June 9. The sands of time are 35 years old; at least, the contest is. Participants are awarded prizes for architectural marvels. $4 parking. Crown Memorial State Beach, Otis and Eighth streets, Alameda, 510-748-4565, 510-521-6887, www.ebparks.org.
Celtic Festival 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. June 9. We’ve heard of Chinese lion dancing, but how about 17-foot fire-breathing dragon Irish dancing? Witness this and more in the third annual gathering. $5-$7.50, free 3 and under. Ardenwood Historic Farm, 34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont, 510-796-0233, www.ebparks.org.
Live Oak Park Fair 11 a.m.-6 p.m. June 9-10. The 31st go-around gathers 100 artists, entertainment including magicians, jugglers, belly dancers and storytellers. 1300 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, 510-986-9337.
Danville Summer Art Festival 2001 10 a.m.-6 p.m. June 9-10. Balmy weather, delectable food and a quaint downtown thoroughfare make up the formula for a classical seasonal outdoor party. Hartz Avenue, 925-837-4400, www.hartmannstudios.com/danville.html.
Crawdad Festival 10 a.m.-10 p.m. June 15-16, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. June 17. Mmmm, mudbugs. Hey, more than 200,000 people can’t be wrong. Leap into 22,000 pounds of crawdads and Cajun music. Isleton, 916-777-5880, www.isletoncoc.org/crawdadschedule.htm.
Alameda County Fair June 22-July 8, Mondays-Thursdays 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Fridays-Sundays 10 a.m.-10 p.m. (11 a.m.-6 p.m. July 4). The theme is “The California Dream,” but it’s more like flashback central with concert headliners such as Lee Ann Womack, Lou Rawls and Rich Little. Shuttles from Pleasanton BART station. $4-$7, ages 5 and under free. 4501 Pleasanton Ave., Pleasanton, 925-426-7600, www.alamedacountyfair.com.
Juneteenth Festival noon-4 p.m. June 23. Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation on Sept. 22, 1862, but the last slave was not freed until June 19th, 1865. This celebration includes a tribute and exhibit to photographer-filmmaker Gordon Parks. $4-$6. Oakland Museum of California, 1000 Oak St., Oakland, 888-625-6873, www.museumca.org.
Brentwood CornFest 5-10 p.m. July 13, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. July 14, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. July 15. Are you all ears? Elvin Bishop, Yardbirds and Norton Buffalo are in the lineup for the annual gathering of the corn. $2-5, free ages 8 and under. Oak and Second streets, Brentwood, 925-634-3344, www.brentwoodchamber.com/cornfest2001.htm.
Art Under the Oaks 11 a.m.-4 p.m. July 14-15. Art takes shelter in this four-acre nursery. Local wineries offer samples and entertainment. Alden Lane Nursery, 981 Alden Lane, Livermore, 925-447-0280, www.aldenlane.com.
Scottish Highland Games 10 a.m.-5 p.m. July 14-15, dance 7 p.m. July 15. Duck herds and live birds of prey join the clans. $8-$15, free ages 5 and under. Dunsmuir Historic Estate, 2960 Peralta Oaks Court, Oakland, 510-615-5555, www.dunsmuir.org.
Berkeley Kite Festival 11 a.m.-5 p.m. July 28-29. The sky will be filled with color in this spectacular showcase of kites and windsocks. Cesar E. Chavez Park, Berkeley Marina, University Avenue, Berkeley, 510-235-5483, www.highlinekites.com/Berkeley-Kite-Festival.
Fremont Festival of the Arts 10 a.m.-6 p.m. July 28-29. Art, music and technology converge, as do 400,000 visitors and about 700 artisans. Mowry Avenue and Paseo Padre Parkway, Fremont, 510-795-2244, www.fremontbusiness.com.
Dragon Boat Races 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 11-12. A 2,400-year-old tradition of China takes to East Bay waters. Oakland Estuary, Jack London Square, Embarcadero and Broadway, Oakland, 510-814-6000, Ext. 2, www.jacklondonsquare.com.
Pittsburg Scottish Renaissance Festival 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Aug. 11, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 12. Founded by Highlands Renaissance Productions and the City of Pittsburg Leisure Services. Buchanan Park, Harbor and Buchanan Road, Pittsburg. 925-252-6900, www.ci.pittsburg.ca.us/depart/leisure/Fe stivals/page4.html.
Brannan Island Kite Festival 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Aug. 11. What else would you want to do on an island except kite? Parking $2. Brannan Island State Recreation Area, 17645 State Highway 160, Rio Vista, 916-777-7701, www.parks.ca.gov.
Diablo Japanese American Club Summer Festival 1-9 p.m. Aug. 12, 12-9 p.m. Aug. 13. This private club opens its doors for its 45th annual event of food, games, exhibits and cultural demonstrations. Diablo Japanese American Cultural Center, 3165 Treat Blvd., Concord, 925-680-9768.
Hayward Zucchini Festival 10 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Aug. 18-19. Who knew the subtleties of zucchini? Celebrity judges will assess shape, weight, carvings and color while others will merely enjoy the food, arts and crafts, hot-rod shows, music and games. $1-$4. Kennedy Park, A Street and Hesperian Boulevard, Hayward, 510-264-9466.
Goodguys Goodtimes West Coast Nationals 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Aug. 24-25, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Aug. 26. The average efficient, modern chassis cannot compare with the classics, and 5,000 pre-1954 will be on hand, as will some 60,000 spectators. $6-$15, free ages 6 and under. Alameda County Fairgrounds, 4501 Pleasanton Ave., Pleasanton, 925-838-9876, www.goodguysgoodtimes.com.
Oakland Chinatown StreetFest 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Aug. 25-26. This parcel of land is home and workplace for migrants from Vietnam, Laos and Korea. The Asian Diaspora celebrates the Year of the Snake with performances, oodles of food and giftware. Franklin and 9th streets, Oakland, 510-893-8979.
San Francisco
Carnaval 10 a.m.-6 p.m. May 27. Dry-clean those sequined thongs for the Brazilian celebration. The party moves to Civic Center, but the parade still starts at Bryant and 24th streets. $2/$5. Civic Center Plaza, S.F., 415-826-1401, 877-203-1703.
Union Street Art Festival 10 a.m.-6 p.m. June 2-3. Music, microbrews, wine and crafts. Union Street between Gough and Steiner streets, S.F., 800-731-0003, www.unionstreetartfestival.com.
North Beach Festival 10 a.m.-6 p.m. June 16-17. Mixed in with tomatoes and garlic are art, music, an animal blessing and an organ concert at St. Francis of Assisi and in front of about 100,000 people. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Grant Avenue between Columbus Avenue and Filbert Street, S.F., 415-989-2220, www.sfnorthbeach.com/nb47.html.
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Pride Celebration and Parade June 23-24. Whew, the name keeps getting longer, but then again, so does the partying. An eventful weekend, including a “pleasuredome,” culminates in the June 24 10:30 a.m. parade. Various locations, Market Street, S.F. 415-864-3733, www.sfpride.org.
Fillmore Street Jazz Festival 10 a.m.-6 p.m. June 30-July 1. In addition to 35 different bands, arts and craft occupy this 13-block party. Fillmore Street between Jackson and Eddy streets, S.F., 510-970-3217, www.hartmannstudios.com/fillmore.html.
Art Deco Weekend By-the-Bay 10 a.m.-6 p.m. June 2, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. June 3. From dinnerware to books to furniture, and even a 2 p.m. Saturday fashion show, the 16th annual show covers the gamut. $6/$8. Concourse Exhibition Center, 8th and Brannan streets, S.F., 650-599-DECO (3326), www.artdecosale.com.
Books by the Bay 10 a.m.-4 p.m. July 21. Support independents (bookstores, that is). Authors include Armistead Maupin, Sena Jeter Naslund and Adrienne Rich. Yerba Buena Gardens, Mission and 3rd streets, S.F., 415-927-3937, www.booksbythebay.com.
Polk Street Festival 10 a.m.-6 p.m. July 28-29. It’s grittier and (arguably) more eclectic than the average San Francisco neighborhood fest. This year’s theme is “Urban Oasis.” Polk Street between Bush and Jackson streets, S.F., 415-383-3470.
San Francisco Aloha Festival 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 4-5. Look what the trade winds have blown in. The seventh annual dance celebration conjures up Polynesian rhythms in its array of dance, food and workshops. $5 parking. San Francisco Presidio Main Parade Grounds, Lincoln Avenue, S.F., 415-281-0221, www.pica-org.org/AlohaFest.
American Craft Council Craft Show 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Aug. 10, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Aug. 11, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 12. A whopper of a gathering; more than 350 artists from around the country descend on what is billed as the largest juried show in California. $8-$14, free ages 11 and under. Herbst and Festival pavilions, Fort Mason Center, Buchanan Street and Marina Boulevard, S.F., 415-896-5060, www.craftcouncil.org.
Nihonmachi Street Fair 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Aug. 11-12. A good-natured hometown feel pervades the gathering, now in its 28th year. Post and Buchanan streets, S.F., 415-771-9861, www.nihonmachistreetfair.org.
North Bay
Ranches & Rolling Hills 2-5 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. The landscape art sale benefits the Marin Agricultural Land Trust’s farmlands preservation. Marin County. Druid’s Hall, Nicasio, 415-663-1158, www.malt.org.
Luther Burbank Rose Parade Festival 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. The 107th annual festival launches once more with a massive parade, a rose bloom competition and Italian street painting. Downtown Santa Rosa, 707-542-7673, www.roseparadefestival.com.
Tiburon Wine Festival 1-4:30 p.m. Saturday. Come for the 50-plus wineries, stay for the complimentary gourmet foods. The music is live, the wine auction is silent. $25 advance/$30 door, Point Tiburon Plaza, Tiburon, 415-435-5633, www.tiburon.citysearch.com.
Marin Grecian Festival 11 a.m.-10 p.m. May 26, noon-10 p.m. May 27. Eat, drink and be merry, Grecian-style. $3/$5, free ages 3 and under. Nativity of Christ Greek Orthodox Church, 1110 Dickson Drive, Novato, 415-883-1998, www.nativityofchrist.org.
Marin Home Show & Benefit Jazz Fest 10 a.m.-8 p.m. June 2, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. June 3. Two exhilarating days of home improvement ideas. Live jazz music includes the battle between local high-schools bands. $5-$6, ages 14 and under free. Marin Exhibit Hall and Fairgrounds, Marin Civic Center, Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael, 415-472-3500, www.marinhomeshow.com.
Youth in Arts Italian Street Painting Festival 9 a.m.-7:30 p.m. June 9, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. June 10. The sidewalk becomes ablaze with astounding art. $10 fee for painting. Fifth Street, San Rafael, 415-457-4878, www.youthinarts.org.
Health & Harmony Music & Arts Festival Show 10 a.m.-7 p.m. June 9-10. The Goddess Temple alone should be a draw, but the 500-plus exhibits of world goods, artisan crafts and health products might persuade non-goddesses to pay heed. $8-$20, free ages 8 and under. Sonoma County Fairgrounds, Santa Rosa, 707-547-9355, www.harmonyfestival.com.
Lavender Festival 10 a.m.-4 p.m. June 23-24. Visit a five-acre lavender farm, with a marketplace offering everything from lavender bouquets to soaps and massages. 8537 Sonoma Highway, Kenwood, 707-833-1330, http://sonomalavender.com.
Marin Arts Festival 10 a.m.-6 p.m. June 16-17. Refinement, pleasant surroundings and a family atmosphere make this an annual favorite. $6. Lagoon Park, Marin Center, Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael, 415-388-4836, www.marinartfestival.com.
San Anselmo Art & Wine Festival 10 a.m.-6 p.m. June 23-24. The self-proclaimed antiques capital of Northern California serves up the drinks and art for more than 30,000 visitors. San Anselmo Avenue between Bolinas and Tamalpais streets, San Anselmo, 415-454-2510, www.sananselmochamber.org.
Mill Valley Wine & Gourmet Food Tasting 1-4 p.m. June 24. Winemakers pour, with local gourmet restaurants getting into the act, in idyllic Marin small-town surroundings. $25/$28. Downtown Plaza, Throckmorton and Miller avenues, Mill Valley, 415-388-8466, 415-388-9700.
Marin County Fair 11 a.m.-11 p.m. June 30-July 4. The Fair Forward theme continues last year’s tribute to inventors this is the fair, Marin-style. $8-$10, free ages 3 and under. Marin County Fairgrounds, San Rafael, 415-499-6400, www.marinfair.org.
Benicia Camel Races 10 a.m.-6 p.m. July 14-15. The U.S. Army decided to try camels in the mid-1800s to carry supplies from Mexico to Northern California: Not a good idea for the military, but a great idea for a celebration. Downtown First Street, Benicia, 707-745-5435.
Solano County Fair 11 a.m.-10 p.m. July 13-22. Even Dwight Yoakam, the O’Jays and comedian Sinbad can’t stay away. $3/$6. Solano County Fairgrounds, Interstate 80 and Highway 37, Vallejo, 707-644-4401, www.scfair.com.
Sonoma County Fair 10 a.m.-10 p.m. July 24-Aug. 6. This fair likes to point out that it has one of the best flower shows in the state. Headliners include Patty Loveless, America, Fiesta Mexicana and the Village People. $2/$5, free ages 6 and under. Sonoma County Fair Grounds, 1350 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa, 707-545-4200, www.sonomacountyfair.com.
Benicia Waterfront Festival 5-10 p.m. July 27, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. July 28, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. July 29. Back by popular demand, Friday and Saturday night performances by Broadway and London cast members of BeatleMania all that and seafood, too. $5/$10, free ages 12 and under. Waterfront Promenade, First Street, Benicia, 707-745-9791.
Napa Town & Country Fair noon-10 p.m. Aug. 8-12, carnival until midnight Aug. 8-11. At 72 years old, you’re due a Mardi Gras party this year’s theme. $4/$7, free ages 5 and under, special discount days. Napa Valley Expo, 575 Third Street, Napa, 707-253-4900, www.napavalleyexpo.com.
Great Petaluma Quilt Show 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Aug. 11. Blanket yourself in this outdoor show, with more than 500 quilts on display. Other highlights include a craft fair and a farmers market. Fourth and Kentucky streets, Petaluma, 707-778-8015.
Benicia Peddler’s Fair 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 11. After 38 years, perhaps its claim of being the largest antique and handicraft fair may be assured. Shuttles from Benicia High School parking lots on Military West. First Street, Benicia, 707-745-8680.
Bodega Bay Seafood, Art & Wine Festival 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Aug. 25, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 26. Several hundred artisans, 20 wineries, 12 microbreweries and more than a dozen catering companies join to showcase their wares. Music, puppetry, comedy and juggling. $5/$6, free ages 11 and under. Chanslor Horse Ranch, Highway 1, Bodega Bay, 707-824-8717.
South Bay
Santa Clara County Fair 11 a.m.-11 p.m. through Sunday. The week-long festival ends this weekend; it’s not too late to catch the Four Tops, Blood, Sweat & Tears or War. $4-$8.50, free ages 5 and under, 344 Tully Road, San Jose, 408-494-3247, www.thefair.org.
A La Carte & Art 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Fifth annual juried show of 175 artists and craftspeople, farmers market, cooking demos, international foods, wine, microbrews, music and fun zone. Castro Street, Mountain View, 650-964-3395, www.miramarevents.com.
Art & Wine Festival 10 a.m.-6 p.m. June 2, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. June 3, carnival 5-11 p.m. June 1, 10 a.m.-11 p.m. June 2, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. June 3. Stilt walkers and carnival rides aside, terra firma is the main appeal with crafts, food, music, wine and a parade. Leo Ryan Park, E. Hillsdale and Shell boulevards, Foster City, 650-573-7600, www.fostercitychamber.com.
Palo Alto Clay & Glass Festival 10 a.m.-5 p.m. July 7-8. Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arranging, becomes the focus in this showcase of clay and glass. Palo Alto Art Center, 1313 Newell Road, Palo Alto, 650-329-2366.
Los Gatos Fiesta de Artes 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Aug. 11-12. About 60,000 attendees come to this genteel part of Silicon Valley. Los Gatos Town Center, 101 E. Main St. at Pageant Avenue, Los Gatos, 408-354-3540, www.los-gatos
.ca.us/los-gatos/assoc-clubs/kiwanis.
Palo Alto Festival of the Arts 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Aug. 25-26. It certainly gets more crowded than usual here in this shopping mecca, with 100,000 attendees perusing the crafts of 300 vendors, the digital art pavilion and lots of eats. University Avenue, Palo Alto, 650-324-3121, http://
mlaproductions.com.
Peninsula
Morgan Hill Mushroom Mardi Gras 10 a.m.-6 p.m. May 26-27. $5/$10 (includes parking). Morgan Hill Community Park, Monterey, Tennant and Edmundson streets, Morgan Hill, 408-778-1786, www.mushroommardigras.com.
Eastfield Ming Quong Strawberry Festival 8 a.m.-5 p.m. June 9-10. West Valley College, 14000 Fruitvale Ave., Saratoga, 408-437-8359, www.emq.org/
strawber.htm.
Art in the Park 10 a.m.-5 p.m. June 9-10. Washington Park, Carolan and Burlingame avenues, Burlingame, 650-558-7300.
Pescadero Arts & Fun Festival 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Aug. 18-19. IDES Grounds, Stage Road, Pescadero, 650-879-0848.
Elsewhere
Artichoke Festival 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. $2/$6. The Community Center, Crane and Preston streets, Castroville, 831-633-2465, www.artichoke-festival.org.
Oakdale Chocolate Festival 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. $3/$4, ages 12 and under free. Wood Park, Highways 108 and 120, Oakdale, 209-847-2244, www.yosemite-gateway.net.
Jumpin’ Frog Jamboree noon July 4. $5 frog, $2.50 a toy frog; $15 adult train ride, $10 child train ride. Roaring Camp Railroads Graham Hill Rd. Felton Competition begins at noon. 831-335-4484, www.roaringcamp.com.
Gilroy Garlic Festival 10 a.m.-7 p.m. July 27-29. $5/$10, free ages 5 and under. Christmas Hill Park, Miller Avenue, Gilroy, 408-842-1625, www.gilroygarlicfestival.com.
Lambtown, U.S.A. Festival 10 a.m.-10 p.m. July 28. Possibly one of the cutest festivals of the summer. The 15th annual affair involves shearing competitions, sheepdog trials, lamb cook-off, wool show and sheep-to-shawl contests. Don’t forget the 100-plus crafts booths, music, and street dance. N. First Street, Dixon, 707-678-7386, www.lamb
town.com.
Steinbeck Festival times vary, Aug. 2-5. Call for ticket prices. One Main Street, Salinas. 831-796-3833, 831-775-4721, www.steinbeck.org.
Monterey Scottish Games & Celtic Festival 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 4-5. Toro Park, Highway 68, Monterey, 831-647-6311, www.montereyscotgames.com.
California State Fair 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; open until midnight some nights, Aug. 17-Sept. 3. $4.50-$8, free ages 4 and under, $6 parking, $4 carpool. Cal Expo, Capital City Freeway and Exposition Boulevard, Sacramento, 916- 263-3247, www.bigfun.org.
Cotati Accordion Festival 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Aug. 25-26. $10/$18, free ages 14 and under with adult. La Plaza Park, Old Redwood Highway and West Sierra Avenue, Cotati, 707-664-0444, www.cotatifest.com.