May

Circus Chimera Extraordinary circus artists from around the world mesmerize with enchanting characters, amazing human feats and colorful theatrical elements combining to tell a fantastic and captivating story. May 18-21, call for times; $10-$22. Children's Discovery Museum, 180 Woz Way, San Jose. 408.298.5437.
Swing Time in the Square A street dance with the Joe Sharino Band. May 19, 7-9:30pm. Homestead and Benton streets, Santa Clara. 408.615.2219.
Cooking for Solutions Celebrity chefs, including Rick Bayless of Frontera Grill/Topolobampo, will perform cooking demonstrations, and Julie Packard is the event's honored guest. May 19, 6-10:30pm and May 20, 8:30am- 7:30pm; call for prices. Monterey Bay Aquarium, 886 Cannery Row, Monterey. 831.644.7561.
St. John Vianney Fiesta A community event with games, rides and live entertainment. May 19, 5-11pm, May 20, 11am-11pm and May 21, 11am-7pm; free. 4601 Hyland Ave, San Jose. 408.258.7832.
Celebrate Cambrian The day begins with a fun walk and costume contest, and continues with a dedication of the Camden Tot Lot, a community center open house, food, live entertainment and children's activities. May 20, 7:15am-1pm; free. 3369 Union Ave, San Jose. 408.559.8553.
KTSF Asian Family Heritage Celebration This event brings together the music, food, dance and traditions of different Asian cultures, with stages representing East Asian, Southeast Asian, South Asian/Pacific Islander and Asian American cultural segments. May 20, all day; free with paid admission. Paramount's Great America, 2401 Agnew Rd, Santa Clara. 408.988.1776.
California Poets Festival Poetry Center San Jose hosts this first-annual event featuring poets including Al Young, Amy Gerstler, Gary Soto and Brenda Hillman. May 20, 10am-4:30pm; free. History Park, 1650 Senter Rd, San Jose.
Chili Cook-Off A benefit for St. Patrick's of Haiti, now in its second year. With food from local chefs and vendors, live music and activities for kids. May 20, noon-3pm; free. St. Edward's, 15040 Union Ave, San Jose. 408.377.0158.
Hands on the Arts Multicultural arts festival where kids can explore arts projects under the guidance of professional artists. May 20, 10am-4pm. Sunnyvale Community Center, 550 E. Remington Dr, Sunnyvale. 408.730.7350.
Artichoke Festival The edible thistle gets its day at this annual festival with food, children's activities, musical performances from Pete Escovedo, William Hung (of American Idol fame), Malo and others. Plus a classic car show, run and parade. May 20, 10am-6pm and May 21, 10am-5pm; $6 general, $3 kids under 12. Main Grounds, Merritt Street, Castroville. 831.633.2465.
Silicon Valley Open Studios The final weekend of this art event covers the studios of artists along the peninsula. May 20-21, 11am-5pm; free.
Sunset Weekend Celebration One of the Bay Area's most well-known magazines opens its doors for an open house with interactive exhibits and demonstrations. May 20-21, 10am-5pm; $10 general, $8 seniors, 12 and under free. Sunset, 80 Willow Rd, Menlo Park. 800.786.7375.
Car Show and Educational Expo Annual display of American automotive engineering from the days of cheap gas. Plus music from the Shane Dwight band, face painting and a pancake breakfast and lunchtime barbecue, May 21, 7am-4pm; free. San Jose City College, 2100 Moorpark Ave, San Jose. 408.298.2181.
Friendship Day Mid Peninsula Old Time Auto Club holds this 32nd annual car show and barbecue. Last year's event featured more than 850 cars. May 21, 8am; prices vary. Cañada College, 4200 Farm Hill Blvd, Redwood City. 650.941.1120.
Russian-American Fair A communitywide cultural celebration, presented by the Albert L. Schultz Jewish Community Center. May 21, 10am-5pm; $3-$5, kids under 6 free. Terman Middle School, 655 Arastradero Rd, Palo Alto. 650.852.3509.
St. Martin of Tours Spring Festival and Fun With entertainment for all ages, including a rock climbing wall, carnival booths, a barbecue, bingo, live music, games and dancing. May 21, 11am-6pm; free. St. Martin of Tours Church, 200 O'Connor Dr, San Jose. 408.294.8953.
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