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.

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