May

 

Wings of Freedom Tour

Vintage World War II airplanes, including a B-17 Flying Fortress and a P-51 Mustang, will be on display for a week. Flights on the rare aircraft will be available. May 15–23; $6/$12. Moffett Federal Airfield, Mountainview. www.collingsfoundation.org.

St. John Vianney Fiesta

A community event with games, rides, food and live entertainment. This year's theme is "Disney." May 15, 5–11pm, May 16, 11am–11pm, and May 17, 11am–9pm. Free. St. John Vianney Church and School, 4601 Hyland Ave, San Jose. 408.258.7832.

Boogie on the Bayou

Campbell hosts this festival including more than 200 arts and crafts booths, live music, international. Cajun and New Orleans cuisine, beer and wine and kids' activities. May 16, 10am–6pm, May 17, 10am–5pm; free. East Campbell Avenue, downtown Campbell. 408.378.6252.

Celebrate Cambrian

A neighborhood event with live entertainment, games, food and more. May 16, 11am–3pm; free. Camden Multi-Service Center, 3369 Union Ave, San Jose. 408.559.8553.

Hands on the Arts

Multicultural festival where children ages 3–12 can explore art, music, dance and theater projects under the guidance of professional artists. May 16, 10am–4pm; $5. Sunnyvale Community Center, 550 E. Remington Dr, Sunnyvale. 408.730.7350.

Immigrants Day Festival

Celebrate the peninsula's diversity at this multicultural family event featuring performances and activities from around the world. May 16, noon–5pm; free. San Mateo County History Museum, 2200 Broadway, Redwood City. 650.299.0104.

Spring Fling 2009

Support Don Callejon School at annual fundraiser, including live local entertainment, a silent auction, food, game and exhibit booths and a "Kidz Zone." May 16, 11am–5pm; free (donations are tax-deductible). Don Callejon School, 4176 Lick Mill Blvd, Santa Clara. 650.520.9065

Wings of History Air Museum Open House

The aerial museum opens its doors for a day of airplane simulator rides, tours, model aircraft displays, hot air balloon rides and free Young Eagle airplane rides for ages 8 to 17. May 16, 8am–4pm; free. Wings of History Air Museum, 12777 Murphy Ave, San Martin. 408.683.2290.

A La Carte and Art

Featuring chef demonstrations, a kids' zone, wine, beer and margaritas and live music from a variety of genres. May 16–17, 10am–6pm; free. Castro Street, between Church Street and Evelyn Avenue, downtown Mountain View. 650.964.3395.

Artichoke Festival

The edible thistle gets its weekend with food, children's activities, musical performances, a parade, wine tasting, a farmers market and cooking demonstrations. May 16, 10am–6pm, and May 17, 10am–5pm; $8 general, $4 kids 12 and under. Main Grounds, Merritt Street, Castroville. 831.633.2465.

Boardwalk Season Opens

The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk celebrates opening weekend with Cirque Magnifique, skydivers and a performance by the Tubes featuring Fee Waybill. May 16–17, 11am–8pm; free. Main Beach, Santa Cruz. 831.423.5590.

Los Altos Rotary Fine Art in the Park

Browse a variety of works from more than 200 artists, plus entertainment, food and beverages. May 16–17; free. Lincoln Park, 199 University Avenue, Los Altos. www.rotaryartshow.com.

Silicon Valley Open Studios  

Visit the studios of more than 300 Silicon Valley artists. May 16–17. 11am–5pm; free. Check the website for locations. www.svos.org

Fire Truck Day

Honor our local firefighters with the day of hands-on activities, demonstrations, live music and displays of modern and antique fire trucks. May 17, 10am–3pm; $3.50–$5, children 3 and under free. Ardenwood Historic Farm, 34600 Arden Wood Blvd, Fremont. 510.635.0135.

Friendship Day

Mid Peninsula Old Time Auto Club holds this 35th annual car show and barbecue, featuring more than 850 cars. May 17; call for hours and prices. Cañada College, 4200 Farm Hill Blvd, Redwood City. 650.851.4944.

Hakone Matsuri Festival

Hakone Gardens hosts this Japanese cultural heritage festival, now in its 10th year, including judo, ikebana, live traditional music, Japanese tea ceremony and Japanese foods. May 17, 11am–4pm; free. Hakone Gardens, 21000 Big Basin Way, Saratoga. 408.741.4994.

Russian American Fair

Celebrate Russian culture and heritage through arts, crafts, food and more at this 17th annual event, hosted by the Oshman Family Jewish Community Center. May 17, 11am–5pm; $5, children under 6 free. Terman Middle School, 655 Arastradero Rd, Palo Alto.

St. Martin's Festival and Fun Day

Fun for all ages, the annual festival has games, prizes, carnival booths, jump houses and live music, plus a chance to win a new car. May 17, 11am–6pm; free. St. Martin of Tours, 200 O'Connor Dr, San Jose. 408.294.8953

Santa Cruz Mountains Wine Express

Taste all 70 Santa Cruz Mountain wines in one location. Plus food, music, auction and train ride. May 17, 2–5 pm. $20–$65; children under 3 free. Leashed dogs welcome. Roaring Camp Railroads, Felton. 831.625.8463.

CineCats Film Festival

Local filmmakers compete in this one-day festival of short films. May 20, 3pm; $5. Los Gatos Cinema, 41 N. Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos. 408.354.7377.

Burbank Neighborhood Jamboree

West San Carlos Business Association hosts this evening of music, movies, kids' activities, rock climbing, a bounce house, food and more. May 30; 4pm; free. Shasta Avenue and West San Carlos Street, San Jose. 408.947.8711.

Greek Festival

Featuring authentic Greek food, arts and crafts, cooking demonstrations and live music. May 29, 5–10pm, May 30, 11am–10pm, and May 31, 11am–9pm. $3/$5. St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 1260 Davis St, San Jose. 408.246.2770.

Sunnyvale Cherry Festival

All things cherry, featuring food, games and contests, tours, cherry tasting and music. May 30–31, 9:30am–5pm; call for prices. C.J. Olson Cherries, 348 W. El Camino Real, Sunnyvale. 408.736.3726.

Food and Wine Classic

Mingle with top chefs and vintners while tasting delectable foods and sipping fine wines. Proceeds benefit Montalvo's arts and education programs. May 31, 5:30–8:30 pm; $150–$175. Montalvo Arts Center, 15400 Montalvo Rd. 408.961.5858.  

June

 

Dine Downtown

Many of San Jose's best downtown restaurants will present $20, $30 and $40 prix fixe three-course menus during the first Dine Downtown San Jose promotion. June 3–13.

St. Clare Community Festival

The school hosts its annual three-day festival of family fun, including carnival rides, a rummage sale, games, entertainment and a barbecue. June 5–7; call for times; free. St. Clare School, 725 Washington St, Santa Clara. 408.246.6797.

Capitola Car Show

Including more than 300 hot rods and classic and live music. June 6, 9am–5pm, and June 7 9am–2pm; call for prices. Esplanade, Capitola. 831.475.6522.

Artfest in the Park

Juried artworks in many media for sale, presented by Alliance of Visual Artists and Community School of Music and Arts. June 6, 10am–6pm; free. Pioneer Park, Mountain View.

Sunnyvale Art and Wine Festival

The city of Sunnyvale hosts its annual event, including wine tasting from regional wineries, beer, food and crafts booths and more. June 6–7, 10am–6pm; free. Washington and Sunnyvale avenues, downtown Sunnyvale. 408.763.4971.

Sunset Celebration Weekend

One of the Bay Area's best-known magazines holds its annual open house, with interactive exhibits and demonstrations, food and entertainment. June 6–7, 10am–5pm; $12–$15, 12 and under free. Sunset, 80 Willow Rd, Menlo Park. 800.786.7375.

Nativity Carnival

Music, eats and rides in a carnival setting. June 12, 5–11pm; June 13, noon–11pm; June 14, noon–6pm; free. Nativity School, Oak Grove Avenue and Laurel Street, Menlo Park.

St. Christopher Parish Festival

With live music, carnival rides, a rummage sale, food and games for the family. June 12–14, call for times; free. 2278 Booksin Ave, San Jose. 408.269.2226.

Burlingame's Art in the Park

Arts and craftspeople display their wares at this 39th annual event. Plus food and live music. June 13–14, 10am–5pm; free. Washington Park, 850 Burlingame Ave, Burlingame. 650.558.7300.

Dia de Portugal Festival

The Portuguese Heritage Society of California (PHSC) hosts the annual event celebrating the Portuguese culture with food, music and dance. June 13, 10am–6:30pm; free. Kelley Park, 1650 Senter Rd, San Jose.

Afternoon Tea and Vintage Fashion Show

Guests will be served tea, fruit and pastries while viewing a vintage hat and fashion show. June 14, 1–4pm; $25 adv. Harris-Lass Historic Museum, 1889 Market St, Santa Clara. 408.249.7905.

Valley of Heart's Delight

An event to honor Helen and Bill Del Biaggio. June 18, 5:30pm; $100. History Park, 1650 Senter Rd, San Jose. 408.918.1046.

Willow Glen's Dancin' on the Avenue

Dance the evening away at this annual community event featuring live music from local bands. June 20, 5–10pm; free. Lincoln Avenue and Willow Street, Willow Glen.

2009 Fireworks Spectacular

The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk celebrates summer with the best fireworks show in town. June 13, call for time; free. Main Beach, Santa Cruz. 831.423.5590.

Civil War Re-enactment

Step back in time and take a living history lesson of what the War Between the States was like. June 13–14, 9am–6pm. Casa de Fruta, 6680 Pacheco Pass Hwy, Hollister. 408.842.7282.

San Jose Gay Pride Festival and Parade

Two days celebrating the LGBT and diverse cultural community of San Jose and surrounding areas, including family day, children's activities, live entertainment, a parade and booths. June 13–14; check the website for times, locations, prices and parade route. Downtown San Jose. [ http://www.sanjosepride.com/ ]www.sanjosepride.com.

Wild Brew Yonder

A twilight helicopter air show and microbrew festival at the historic aviation museum, including aerial acrobatics and international foods and beers. RSVP by June 17. June 19, 6–9pm; $20–$25. Hiller Aviation Museum, 601 Skyway Rd, San Carlos. 6550.654.0200.

Japanese Cultural Fair

Learn about Japanese culture through martial arts demonstrations, live music, arts and crafts and storytelling. June 20, 11am–6pm; free. Mission Plaza, Santa Cruz. 831.462.4589.

Juneteenth San Jose

An annual event about African American history and the emancipation of slaves. June 20–21; call for times; free. Plaza de Cesar Chavez Park, Market Street and Park Avenue, downtown San Jose. 408.292.3157.

Hats Off to Dad

A Father's Day event with steam engine rides, model railroad exhibits and a chuck wagon barbecue. Dads receive engineers' caps. June 21, call for time; reservations recommended, prices vary. Roaring Camp Railroads, Graham Hill and Mount Herman Rd, Felton. 831.335.4484.

Monterey Bay Blues Festival

The 24th annual event features live acts including Elvin Bishop, the Neville Brothers and Barbara Morrison. June 26–28; call for times and tickets. Monterey Fairgrounds, Monterey. 831.394.2652.

Surf City Classic Woodies

A chance to view more than 150 restored classic Woodies. Plus live music and prize drawings. June 27, 10am–4pm; free. Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf. 831.420.5273.

Hawaiian Lu'au

Hula Halau 'O Pi'ilani celebrates its 45th anniversary with this lu'au dinner and Hawaiian show, including music from Auntie Linda and NALU. June 27, 5–9pm; $40. I.F.E.S. Portuguese Hall, 432 Stierlin Rd, Mountain View. 408.247.0500.

Great Train Robberies

Shootouts, duels and other blazing re-enactments will demonstrate why the West was wild. June 27–28; call for times and prices. Roaring Camp Railroad, Graham Hill Road, Felton. 831.335.4484.

July

 

Palo Alto Clay and Glass Festival

Local artisans' wares on display, plus live music, food, workshops and clay activities for kids. July 11–12, 10am–5pm; free. Palo Alto Art Center, 1313 Newell Rd, Palo Alto. www.acga.net.

Los Altos Art and Wine Festival

Thirtieth annual event featuring hundreds of arts and crafts booths, works from local artists, food and wine, plus a KIDZONE, street performers and three stages of music. July 11–12, 10am–6pm; free. Main and State streets, Los Altos. www.los altos-downtown.org.

Obon Festival

A Japantown cultural extravaganza with games, food and performances by Chidori Band and San Jose Taiko. July 11–12; call for times; free. Buddhist Church Betsuin, 640 N. Fifth St, San Jose. 408.293.9292.

Target Family Day

The family fun event has an East Indian Bollywood theme. 11am–3pm; free. Downtown Redwood City.

California Rodeo Salinas

Rope yourself a good time with live country music, a daily horse parade, games and food, a "Miss California Rodeo" pageant, camel races and more. July 16–19, times vary; $13–$20. Salinas Sports Complex, 1034 N. Main St, Salinas. 831.775.3100.

Big Bands and Barbecue

The Downtown Campbell Business Association presents this second annual day of live music, dancing, top barbecuers and artisan booths. July 18, noon–8pm; free. East Campbell Avenue, downtown Campbell. www.downtowncampbell .com.

Connoisseur's Marketplace

A fine-crafts festival, plus food booths, cooking demos, music and fun for the kids. July 18–19, 10am–6pm; free. Santa Cruz Avenue, between El Camino Real and Johnson Street, Menlo Park. 650.325.2818.

Art on the Wharf

Local artists show paintings, photography and other works. Plus live jazz and fun for kids, including face painting and balloons. July 19, 9:30am–5:30pm; free. Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf. 831.420.5273.

Gilroy Garlic Festival

The long-running festival celebrates the stinking rose. With food, live music, cook-offs, a children's area and more. July 24–26, 10am–7pm; $6–$12; children under 6 free. Christmas Hill Park, 7050 Miller Ave, Gilroy. 408.842.1625.

Festa Italiana Community Street Fair

Italian food, music, bocce ball tournament and more. July 26, 10am–5pm; free. South B Street between Tilton and Second Avenues, downtown San Mateo. www.festafoundation.org.

Founder's Day Fandango

A celebration of local history. July 26, noon–5pm. History Park San Jose.

Moss Landing Antique Street Fair

A huge show of antiques and collectibles. July 26, 7:30am–5pm; free. Downtown Moss Landing. 831.633.4501.

Wharf-to-Wharf Race

After running six scenic miles, listen to live bands, feast on local cuisine and relax in the Santa Cruz breeze. July 26, 8:30am. Starts at Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz. 831.475.2196.

 

August

  Fremont Festival of the Arts

With food and wine, arts and crafts, music, rides and a kids' zone. Aug 1–2, 10am–6pm; free. Paseo Padre Parkway and Mowry Avenue, Fremont. 510.795.2244.

San Juan Antiques and Collectibles Flea Market

Eight blocks of vintage treasures for sale. Aug 2, 8am–5pm; free. Downtown San Juan Bautista. 831.623.2454.

Vintage Vehicles and Family Festival

One-of-a-kind vehicles, including antique cars, classics, hot rods and motorcycles, plus family activities. Aug 8, 10am–4pm; free. Palo Alto High School, 50 Embarcadero Rd, Palo Alto. 650.321.1004.

Scotts Valley Art and Wine Festival

California artists and vintners share their wares at Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce event. Aug 8–9; 10am–6pm; free. Skypark, 361 Kings Village Rd, Scotts Valley. 831.438.1010.

Musical Saw Festival

Traditional folk instruments in concert and workshops and jam sessions. Aug 9, call for time; free. Roaring Camp Railroad, Graham Hill Road, Felton. 831.335.4484.

Monterey County Fair

The traditional fair includes music, food and fun. Aug 12–16; call for times and prices. Monterey County Fairgrounds, Monterey. 831.372.5863.

Festival of India

A celebration of Indian culture and heritage. Aug 15–16; call for times. 39439 Paseo Padre Pkwy, Fremont. 510.938.8668.

San Mateo County Fair

Traditional exhibits, animals, rides and entertainment. Aug 15–23; call for times and prices. San Mateo County Expo Center, 2495 S. Delaware St, San Mateo. 650.574.3247.

Cultural Concert

WIth Los Pingous. Aug 15, 6–8pm; free. Downtown Redwood City.

Target Family Day

A family-friendly funfest with a Hawaiian theme. Aug 16, 11am–3pm. Downtown Redwood City.

Fiesta de Artes

Art and wine festival features live bands, local talent, arts and crafts. Aug 15–16, 10am–6pm; free. Los Gatos Town Center, 110 E. Main St, downtown Los Gatos. [ http://www.lgfiesta.org/ ]www.lgfiesta.org.

Aloha Celebrity Races and Polynesian Festival

Novice racers are encouraged to participate in this outrigger canoe-racing event, which includes a celebration of island cultures. Aug 16, races at 9am, festival at 11am; free. Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf. 831.420.5273.

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus

Showcasing dazzling feats and daring spectacles. Aug 19–21, 7:30pm; Aug 22, 11am, 3 and 7pm; Aug 23 at 1:30 and 5:30pm; $15–$100. HP Pavilion, 525 W. San Carlos St, downtown San Jose. 408.998.TIXS.

Cajun/Zydeco Festival

With tasty Louisiana culinary treats plus music. Aus 22; call for times. Ardenwood Historic Farm, Fremont. 888.EBPARKS.

Palo Alto Festival of the Arts

Several thousand artists and craftspeople come together at this annual community extravaganza. Browse fine art booths, walk through the Italian Street Painting Expo and view the Kids Art Studio. Aug 22–23, 10am–6pm; free. University Avenue, downtown Palo Alto. 650.324.3121.

Harvest Festival

With food, games and fine wines. 21+. Aug 23; call for times and prices. Guglielmo Winery, 1480 E. Main Ave, Morgan Hill. 408.779.2145.

North Fair Oaks Community Festival

A morning parade is followed by performing-arts stages, exhibits and food. Aug 23, 11am–6pm; free. Middlefield Road, between First and Fifth avenues, Redwood City. 650.368.2497.

Italian Family Festa

Celebrate Italian-American heritage through food, arts and crafts, performances and games. Sat–Sun, Aug 29–30; call for times and prices. Downtown Willow Glen, Lincoln Avenue and Willow Street, San Jose. www.downtownwillowglen.org

September

 

Taste of Saratoga!

A wide variety of food and wine vendors are featured. Sept 12, noon–8pm; free. Big Basin Way, downtown Saratoga. 408.867.0753.

Mountain View Art and Wine Festival

Beer and wine, live music, arts and crafts vendors and children's activities. Sept 12–13, 10am–6pm; free. Castro Street, between El Camino Real and Evelyn Avenue, Mountain View. 650.968.8378.

Renaissance Faire

Enter a world of music, history, excitement and laughter. With theater, juggling, mime, comedy, wine tasting, gourmet food and arts and crafts. Weekends, Sept 12–Oct 18, 10am–6pm; $10–$25. Casa de Fruta, 10021 Pacheco Pass Hwy, Hollister. 408.847.FAIR.

Target Family Day

A family-friendly funfest with a Latin theme. Sept 13, 11am–3pm. Downtown Redwood City.

Vintage Santa Clara

The annual celebration of good food and wine also features live music. Sept 13, 1:30–5pm; $45, no one under 21. Mission Gardens, Santa Clara University. 408.554.6800.

Santa Cruz County Fair

Games, rides, art, collectibles, music and livestock; this year's guest artists: Blue Öyster Cult. This year's theme is Barnyard Beach Party. Sept 15–18, noon–11pm, Sept 19–20, 10am–10pm; call for prices. County Fairgrounds, 2601 E. Lake Ave, Watsonville. 831.724.5671.

Santa Clara Art and Wine Festival

This fundraiser event features local and regional artists, international foods, more than 175 booths, entertainment stages and a kids' area. Sept 19–20, 10am–5pm; free. Central Park, 969 Kiely Blvd, Santa Clara. 408.615.3140.

Cupertino Fall Festival

Arts and crafts booths, beer and wine and live music, plus a kids' zone. Sept 19–20, 10am–5pm; free. Civic Center Library Field, 10300 Torre Ave, Cupertino. 408.517.9094.

Aki Matsuri

Kids events, food and Japanese entertainment. Second week in Sept, noon–5pm; free. Wesley United Methodist Church, 566 N. Fifth St, San Jose. 408.285.0367.

Antique Autos in History Park

Antique autos built in before 1946 will be on display along with historic fire equipment, plus live music, children's activities, trolley rides and food. Sept 13, noon–5pm; free. History Kelley Park, 1650 Senter Rd, San Jose. 408.918.1050.

Ohlone Day

Celebrate the Ohlone through traditional dance, stories, songs and crafts. Sept 19, 10am–4pm; free. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, off Highway 9, Felton. 831.335.7077.

Bark in the Park

A day devoted to our canine friends. Sept 19, 10am–5pm; free. William Street Park, William and South 16th streets, San Jose. www.nagleepark.org/bark.

Almaden Valley Art and Wine Festival

A fundraiser for local schools, charities and scholarships, now in its 33nd year, including arts and crafts, live entertainment and a children's area. Sept 20, 10am–6pm. Almaden Lake Park, Coleman Road and Almaden Expressway, San Jose. www.almadenartwinefestival.com.

Taste of Morgan Hill

Food and music plus a classic cars and a quilt show. Sept 26–27, 10am–6pm; free. Monterey Road, Morgan Hill. 408.779.9444.

Willow Glen Founders Day Parade

This year's theme is "Past, Present and Future." Sept 26, 10:30m–noon; free. Downtown Willow Glen, Lincoln Avenue and Willow Street, San Jose.

Spirit of Japantown Festival

Food, kids fun, shopping and exhibits. Sept 26, all day. Japantown, San Jose. www.spiritofjapantownfestival.com.

Harvest Festival

Celebrating the changing seasons. Sept 26; 9am–4pm; free. Friends Meeting, 957 Colorado Ave, Palo Alto. 650.575.1687.

Redwood City Salsa Festival

Salsa tasting, art, family activities, salsa dancing competition. Sept 26; free. Courthouse Square, downtown Redwood City.  

Memorial Day Weekend

Fanimecon

The Bay Area's largest anime convention, including guest stars, art, games and karaoke, Fanimecon also hosts its third annual music festival featuring Japanese and local indie acts. May 22–25; see website for times and prices. San Jose McEnery Convention Center, 150 W. San Carlos St, San Jose. [ http://www.fanime.com/ ]www.fanime.com.

Watsonville Fly-In

Annual festival of antique flying machines, aerial tricks and fireworks. May 22–24; $5–$15. Watsonville Airport, 100 Aviation Way, Watsonville. 831.763.5600.

Boulder Creek Art, Wine & Music Festival

The 20th annual event features outdoor vendors, food, wine tasting, live music and a juried art show. May 23–25, noon–6pm; free. Downtown Boulder Creek, off Highway 9 in the Santa Cruz Mountains. 408.505.1725.

Civil War Battles and Encampment

Visit encampments of Union and Confederate solders and witness historic battles at one of the longest-running Civil War re-enactments in the West. May 23–25; call for times and prices. Roaring Camp Railroad, Graham Hill Road, Felton. 831.335.4484.

Felton Remembers Parade and Covered Bridge Festival

Annual festival and parade celebrates those who have served. With games, entertainment, food, a beer and wine garden, arts and crafts and more. Parade starts on Highway 9 between Henry Cowell and Graham Hill Road at 10am. May 23, 10am–4pm; free. Felton Commons Park, Felton.

Memorial Day Weekend Fireworks

The summer gets started with a bang with a fireworks show. May 24, 9:45pm. Paramount's Great America, Santa Clara.

Gilroy Memorial Day Parade

An annual parade followed by a family day. May 25, parade at 11am, family day 1–4pm; free. Starts on 10th Street, ends up at Christmas Hill Park, west of Miller Avenue. 408.846.0460.

Memorial Day Barbecue

All all-you-can-eat meal plus patriotically themed events. May 23–25, all day; call for prices. Gilroy Gardens, 3050 Hecker Pass Hwy, Gilroy. 408.840.7100.

Memorial Day Ceremony

A special ceremony, held in honor of local service men and women who have given their lives for the cause of freedom. May 25, 9am; free. Veterans Memorial Park, 455 E. Calaveras Blvd, Milpitas. 408.586.3210.

Mushroom Mardi Gras

Food, a wine tent and beer garden, live performers, "Munchkinland" for kids, a parade and stage show and crafts. May 23–24; free. Morgan Hill Community and Cultural Center, 17000 Monterey Rd, Morgan Hill. 408.778.1786.

Santa Cruz Blues Festival

Music festival with B.B. King, Joe Cocker and more. May 23–24; $25–$190. Aptos Village Park, 100 Aptos Creek Rd, Aptos. 831.479.9814.

Fourth of July

All-City Picnic

Annual family-friendly Fourth with entertainment and fireworks. July 4; all day; Central Park, 909 Kiely Blvd, Santa Clara. 408.615.3140.

Cupertino Fourth

The city hosts a day of events, including a pancake breakfast, a children's parade at Memorial Park at 10am and fireworks at 9:30pm. July 4, all day; call for details. Various locations, Cupertino. 408.777.3110.

Los Gatos

The city of cats hosts a full day of fun with a town celebration, entertainment, music, food and games. The San Jose Wind Symphony performs at 1:30pm at Los Gatos High School lawn. July 4, all day; free. 110 E. Main St, Los Gatos. 408.354.9300.

Redwood City Independence 

With a pancake breakfast, entertainment and fireworks. July 4, 9am–5pm; free. Brewster and Winslow streets, Redwood City. 650.599.3428.

World's Shortest Parade

Just about everyone shows up to display their patriotism, send a political message or poke fun. Preceded by a pancake breakfast and followed by a party in the park. July 4, 10am; free. Soquel and State Park drives, Aptos. 831.688.1467.

Fourth of July Celebration

An old-fashioned family day, with entertainment and train rides. July 4; call for time and prices. Roaring Camp, Graham Hill and Mt. Hermon Road, Felton. 831.335.4484.

Fremont Fourth of July Parade

An annual patriotic parade. July 4, 10am. Warm Springs Boulevard, South Fremont. www.fremont4th.org.

Gilroy Fireworks

Annual salute. July 4; 9:15pm. Gilroy High School, 750 10th St, Gilroy. www.ci.gilroy.ca.us.

Independence Day at Ardenwood

Featuring music, games, races, a pie-eating contest and a steam engine, simulating a traditional Independence Day in the early 1900s. July 4; call for prices and times. Ardenwood Historic Farm, 34600 Ardenwood Blvd, Fremont. 510.796.0663.

Morgan Hill Fourth

 With a parade at 10am and all the traditional trappings. July 4; free. Fourth and Monterey streets, Morgan Hill. See www.mhparade.com.

Old-Fashioned Independence Day Celebration

Enjoy an Independence Day event as it might have been in 1906. Includes a noon parade and living history demonstrations. July 4, 11am–4pm; free, plus day-use parking fee. Wilder Ranch, off Highway 1, north of Santa Cruz. 831.426.0505.

Chili Cook-Off and Summer Festival

Music, dancing, a wide variety of food vendors, kids' activities and, of course, chili. July 4, noon–5pm; free. Mitchell Park, 600 E. Meadow Dr, Palo Alto. 650.463.4921.

Milpitas July Fourth Celebration

The day's events include water fun at the Sports Center pools (1–5pm), plus music with JamFunkShun and fireworks in the evening (8–10pm). July 4; free. Sports Center, 1325 E. Calaveras Blvd, Milpitas. 408.586.3210.

Rose, White & Blue Parade

The second celebration of the traditional patriotic event presented by the Alameda Business Assoc., the Shasta/Hanchett Park Neighborhood and the Rose Garden Neighborhood. July 4. Parade at 10am, festival at 11am. Hanchett Avenue and The Alameda, San Jose. www.the-alameda.com.

San Francisco  Symphony

A concert followed by fireworks. The featured perform is vocalist Stephanie Harwood, plus teen cello player Nathan Chan. July 4; 5pm doors, 8pm show; $13.50–$29.50. Shoreline Amphitheatre, 1 Amphitheatre Pkwy, Mountain View. 877.598.6659.

Red, White and Cool Barbecue

This all-you-can-eat barbecue includes potato salad, hot dogs, chicken and more. July 3–5, noon–2pm; $9–$13. Gilroy Gardens, 3050 Hecker Pass Hwy, Gilroy. 408.840.7100.

Labor Day

Begonia Festival

This nautical parade of begonia-festooned floats is a beachside tradition. The best viewing starts Sunday at 1pm from Cliff Avenue, Wharf and Stockton roads. Sept 4–7; free. Various locations, Capitola. 831.476.3566.

Millbrae Art and Wine Festival

A Mardi Gras–style celebration with food and drinks, music, arts and crafts and a kids' stage. Sept 5–6, 10am–5pm; free. Broadway Avenue, between Victoria and Meadow Glen, downtown Millbrae. 650.697.7324.

Great Train Robberies

Shootouts, duels and other blazing re-enactments will demonstrate why the West was wild. Sept 5–6; call for times and prices. Roaring Camp Railroad, Graham Hill Road, Felton. 831.335.4484.

Tapestry Arts Festival

A wide array of arts, crafts and live entertainment with more than 350 booths. Aug 30–31, 10am–6pm and Sept 5–6, 10am–5pm; free. San Carlos and Santa Clara streets, downtown San Jose. 408.494.3590.  

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