THE ARRIVAL of cheery white tents, lemonade slush and meat on a stick in Boulder Creek each Memorial Day triggers a Pavlovian response. It's the official signal that summer is here, that it's time to shake off cares and shake a leg. Aiding in this noble pursuit are the Buffalo Canyon Band, Trusting Lucy, Acoustic Shadows and world-rock outfit Phat Chants on Saturday; the Jazzmanders, bluegrass band Mountain Drive, Root 66 and Lady Bo on Sunday; and Off on a Tangent, the AstroCasters, Solaren and the Brunos on Monday.

Meanwhile, dozens of artisans will be selling ceramics, stained glass and photography, the ubiquitous face-painting concerns will have set up shop and area wineries and breweries will be lubricating the party gears. This year, as in the last two, the festival will set up in the middle of Highway 9 (traffic is diverted through side streets), making for a relaxed, easygoing vibe to usher in summer in the greater Boulder Creek metropolitan area.

THE BOULDER CREEK ART & WINE FESTIVAL takes place Saturday–Monday (May 23–25), noon–6pm daily, in downtown Boulder Creek, Highway 9. Admission is free.

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