THOUGH THE summer sun is waning, there are still plenty of events, indoor and out, to keep yourself busy and entertained all the way through October, when we will hit you with our holiday events guide.

Palo Alto Festival of the Arts
Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce sponsors this two-day fine arts and crafts festival, with live music, an Italian Street Painting Expo, children's activities and local beers and wines. Aug. 26-27, 10am-6pm. University Avenue, near Lytton and Hamilton, Palo Alto. 650.324.3121.

Heritage Day Festival
This first annual joint celebration from San Jose and Viet Heritage Society honors cultures from around the world through foods and beverages, live music, cultural performances, arts and crafts booths, sports clinics and a carnival. History San José, Kelley Park, 1650 Senter Rd., San Jose. 408.270.8000. www.summerheritageday.org.

Labor Day

Sand Sculpture Contest
Dozens gather to carve, scrape, dump and mold sand into works of art. Contest kicks off the annual Begonia Festival. Sept. 2, 8:30am-noon; free. Capitola Beach, Capitola. 831.476.3566. www.begoniafestival.com.

Millbrae Art and Wine Festival
Food and drinks, plus music, arts and crafts and a kids' stage. Sept. 2-3, 10am-5pm; free. Broadway Avenue in downtown Millbrae. 650.697.7324. www.miramarevents.com/millbrae.

Great Train Robberies
Shootouts, duels and other blazing re-enactments will demonstrate why the West was wild. Sept. 2-3; call for times and prices. Roaring Camp Railroad, Felton. 831.335.4484. www.roaringcamp.com.

Tapestry Arts Festival
Labor Day Weekend gets a little color with this annual arts festival, featuring 250 artists and craftspeople, four entertainment stages, 35 food booths, a creativity zone for kids and more. Proceeds benefit local arts education programs. Sept. 2-3, 10am-6pm and Sept. 4, 10am-5pm. Multiple venues, downtown San Jose. 408.494.3590. www.tapestryarts.org.

Pier 39 Labor Day
This three-day event includes live music and entertainment in honor of the day of the worker. Sept. 2-4; free. Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco. 415.705.5500.

20th Annual Greek Festival
Greek dance performances, live Greek music and traditional Greek cuisine. Sept. 2-3, 11am-7pm; Sept. 4, 11am-4pm; free. Custom House Plaza, next to Fisherman's Wharf, Monterey. 831.424.4434. www.stjohn-monterey.org.

Begonia Festival
This nautical parade of begonia-festooned floats on Sunday is a beachside tradition. The best viewing starts Sunday at 1pm from Cliff Avenue, Wharf and Stockton roads. Other activities include group volleyball, live music in the park, a horseshoe toss, chalk art and rowboat races. Sept. 2-4, all day; free. Various locations, Capitola. 831.476.3566. www.begoniafestival.com.

Ardenwood Rail Fair
Explore local railroad history, visit rail and hobo camps, see model railroads in action and give a hand car a try. Sept. 2-4; $5-$8. Ardenwood Historic Farm, Fremont. 510.635.0135. www.ebparks.org.

Belmont Greek Festival
Three days of Greek culture with food, children's activities, live entertainment, folk dancing and more. Sept. 2-3, noon-10pm and Sept. 4, noon-8pm; $2.50-$5. Holy Cross Church, 900 Alameda, Belmont. 650.529.0180. www.goholycross.org/festival.

Labor Day Weekend Fireworks
A fireworks display above the park. Sept. 3, evening; free with admission. Paramount's Great American, 4701 Great America Pkwy., Santa Clara. 408.986.1776 ext. 8858. www.pgathrills.com.

Monterey Bay ReggaeFest
Embrace your red, green and gold at this annual music festival. Sept. 3-4, 10am-10pm; call for prices. 831.394.6534. www.mbayreggaefest.net.

Other Fests

Dew Action Sports Tour: Toyota Challenge
The HP Pavilion plays host to this leg of the tour, featuring skateboarders and BMX and FMX riders. Plus musical acts the Roots and Dilated Peoples. Sept. 7-10; call for times and prices. HP Pavilion, 525 W. Santa Clara St., San Jose. 866.DEW.TOUR. www.dewaction sportstour.com.

Gilroy Art and Wine Festival
This fledgling festival, now in its second year, celebrates local wineries and artists. Sept. 9, 11am-5pm; free. Christmas Hill Park, 7050 Miller Ave., Gilroy. www.gilroyvisitor.org.

Festival in the Park
A day of food, music and community, now in its sixth year. Sept. 9, all day; free. San Tomas Park, Valerie and Fennian, Campbell. 408.535.4901.

Lobster Festival
This evening of fun, music, dancing and all the lobster you can eat is hosted by the Los Gatos Morning Rotary Club. Sept. 9, 5-10pm; $75. CB Hannegan's, Bachman and North Santa Cruz avenues, Los Gatos. 408.354.3300. www.lgmorningrotary.org.

Garin Apple Festival
This late-summer festival celebrates the farm's apple-growing tradition with folk music and old-fashioned games throughout the day. Sept. 9, noon-4pm; $5 parking fee. Garin Regional Park, corner of Garin and Bello drives, Hayward. 510.795.9385. www.ebparks.org.

Mountain View Art and Wine Festival
Two days of music (the Cool Jerks, Sage and more), wine and spirits from local vintners and breweries, works by local artists and more. Sept. 9-10, 10am-6pm. Castro Street, between El Camino Real and Evelyn Avenue, Mountain View. 650.968.8378. www.miramarevents.com/mountainview.

Evergreen Fine Art Festival
Moved from spring to fall, this festival highlights the work of local artists, displaying everything from photography to carvings. Sept. 9, 10am-6pm and Sept. 10, 10am-5pm; free. Evergreen Village, Ruby Avenue off Aborn Road, San Jose. 209.296.1195.

St. Andrew Armenian Church's 42nd Annual Festival
Experience the culture and foods of Armenia, along with live entertainment, games, folk music and a raffle. Sept. 9, noon-10pm. $3 adults, children 12 and under free. St. Andrew Armenian Church, 11370 S. Stelling Rd., Cupertino. 408.257.6743.

Capitola Art and Wine Festival
Fine art, wine, music and food by the sea. Featuring a concert on Saturday from 5-7pm. Sept. 9-10, 10am-6pm; free. Stockton Avenue and Esplanade, downtown Capitola. 831.475.6522. www.capitolachamber.com.

Renaissance Faire
Enter a world of music, history, excitement and laughter. With theater, juggling, mime, comedy, wine tasting, gourmet food and arts and crafts. Saturdays and Sundays, Sept. 9-Oct. 15, 10am-6pm; $10-$20. Casa de Fruta Parkway, Hollister. $10-$20. 800-52-FAIRE. www.norcalrenfaire.com.

Vintage Santa Clara
An annual wine and food celebration. Sept. 10; call for times and prices. Mission Gardens, Santa Clara University. 408.554.6800. www.scu.edu/alumni/events/vintage.cfm.

Los Altos Annual Summer Community Picnic
A day of food, live music and entertainment, a bocce ball tournament, a classic car show, a kids' zone, art, a battle of the bands and more. Sept. 10, 11am-3pm; free. Civic Center, San Antonio Road and Hillview Avenue, Los Altos. 408.947.2790.

Antique Autos in History Park
Autos built in before 1946 will be on display along with early gas engines, vintage fire equipment and more. Sept. 10, noon-5pm; free. History Kelley Park, Senter Rd., San Jose. 408.997.0879.

Family Fun Day
Come out and enjoy bounce houses, a waterslide, a barbecue, live music, games, treats, face painting and more. Sept. 10, noon-4pm. St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, 7269 Santa Teresa Blvd., San Jose. 408.629.1836. www.ststephensinthefield.org.

Santa Cruz County Fair
Games, rides, displays and some livestock. Don't forget the funnel cake. Sept. 12-17; call for times and prices. County Fairgrounds, 2601 E. Lake Ave., Watsonville. 831.724.5671. www.santacruzcountyfair.com.

Newark Days
Four days of live entertainment, a car and truck show, food, children's activities, arts and crafts and more. Sept. 14, 6-10pm, Sept. 15, 4-10:30pm, Sept. 16, 9am-10:30pm and Sept. 17, noon-9pm; free. Newark Community Center, 35501 Cedar Blvd., Newark. 510.793.5683. www.newarkdays.org.

Holy Family Parish Festival
The Joe Sharino Band and the Houserockers perform; plus a silent auction, beer and wine, kids' activities. Sept. 15, 6-11pm, Sept. 16, 10am-11pm and Sept. 17, noon-6pm; free. Holy Family Church, 4848 Pearl Ave., San Jose. 408.265.4040. www.holyfamilysan jose.org.

St. John the Baptist Church Autumn Festival
With a barbecue, pancake breakfast, carnival rides, bingo, live music from the Hitmen, Evolution DJs and Big Band Swing Solution and more. Sept. 15-17; free. St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 279 S. Main St., Milpitas. 408.956.2650.

Monterey Jazz Festival
Venerable event features big names on multiple stages. Sept. 15-17, Monterey Fairgrounds. www.montereyjazzfestival.org.

Bark in the Park
Activities include contests, performances, demonstrations, live music, kids activities, rescue organizations and specialty vendors. Sept. 16, 10am-5pm; free. William Street Park, William and South 16th streets, San Jose. www.nagleepark.org/bark.

ArtCar Fest
Now in its 10th year, this festival highlights street legal vehicles that have been modified into works of art, able to cruise down the street like everyday cars. Sept. 16, 11am-5pm. San Jose Museum of Art, 110 S. Market St., San Jose. 408.271.6840. www.sjmusart.org.

Aki Matsuri
Kids events, food and Japanese entertainment. Sept. 16, noon-5pm; free. Wesley United Methodist Church, 566 N. Fifth St., San Jose. 408.285.0367.

Mission Adobe Day
A living-history celebration with crafts, outdoor cooking, equipment demonstrations and hands-on activities. Sept. 16, noon-4pm; free. 144 School St., Santa Cruz. 831.425.5849.

Celebrate Saratoga!
Dance your way to food and wine vendors while listening to six live music acts. Plus a fun zone for kids. Sept. 16, 5:30-10:30pm; free. Big Basin Way, downtown Saratoga. 408.867.0753. saratogachamber.org/calendar/celebrate/celebrate.htm.

Moon Festival of Silicon Valley
An annual community celebration of Chinese heritage. Sept. 30-Oct. 1, 10am-5pm; free. Memorial Park, Stevens Creek Boulevard at Mary Avenue, Cupertino. 408.865.6688.

Art/Craft Show and Wine Festival
Fine arts and handmade crafts; wine from local vintners. Sept. 16-17, 10am-5pm; free. Third Street, between Franklin and Muckelemi, San Juan Bautista. 831.623.2454. www.san-juan-bautista.ca.us.

Cupertino Jubilee
A celebration of Cupertino, with arts and crafts, food, beer and wine, fine arts, live music and a History Lane interactive display area. Sept. 16-17, 10am-6pm; free. Community Hall, 10350 Torre Ave., Cupertino. 408.243.1771. www.cupertino.org.

Santa Clara Art and Wine Festival
This fundraiser event features talents from local and regional artists, international foods, more than 175 booths, entertainment stages and a kids' area. Sept. 16-17, 10am-5pm; free. Central Park, 969 Kiely Blvd, Santa Clara. 408.615.3140. www.santaclaraartandwine .com.

Fiestas Patrias Festival and Parade
Celebrating Mexican Independence Day with two stages of continuous entertainment, a children's art and crafts section and food and drinks. Sept. 17, 9-11am parade, 10am-6pm festival; free. Discovery Meadow, Woz Way, San Jose. 408.288.9470.

Banjo Jubilee Jazz Festival
A day of banjos and jazz. Sept. 17; call for times and prices. San Jose Hyatt, 1740 N. First St., San Jose. 408.993.BAND. members.aol.com/penbanjo.

Almaden Valley Art and Wine Festival
A fundraiser for local schools, charities and scholarships, now in its 30th year, including arts and crafts, live entertainment, wine and beer and a children's area. Sept. 17, 10am-6pm. Almaden Lake Park, San Jose. almadenartwinefestival.com.

To Life! Jewish Cultural Street Festival
Learn about a variety of cultures through ethnic food, hands-on activities and crafts, games, live entertainment and more. Presented by the Albert L. Schultz Jewish Community Center. Sept. 17, 11am-6pm; free. California Avenue and El Camino Real, Palo Alto. 650.852.3508.

San Francisco Blues Festival
This event, which claims the title of "the world's oldest blues festival," is in its 34th year. Sept. 22 kickoff concert; free. Sept. 23-24, 11am-6pm; $35-$80. Great Meadow, Fort Mason, San Francisco. 415.979.5588. sfblues.com.

Cajun/Zydeco Festival
The East Bay Regional Park District will hold its 10th Annual Cajun/Zydeco Festival, featuring down-home Louisiana-style music. Sept. 23, 10am-7pm; call for prices. Ardenwood Historic Farm, Fremont. 510.635.0135. ebparks.org.

West San Jose Festival in the Park
District 1 Councilmember Linda LeZotte hosts this day of live music, a resource fair, crafts, games, food and more. Sept. 23, 1-5pm; free. San Tomas Park, 4093 Valerie Dr., San Jose. 408.535.4901.

Taste of Morgan Hill
Food and entertainment plus a display of classic cars and a quilt show. Sept. 23-24, 10am-6pm, plus a street dance Friday, 7-9pm; free. Monterey Road, Morgan Hill. 408.779.9444. morganhill.org/tasteofmh/taste.htm.

Pacific Coast Fog Fest
Festival celebrating sun, sand and surf, includes sand sculptures, an obstacle course and climbing wall, wine and food, dancing and live music. Sept. 23-24, 10am-6pm; free. Along Palmetto Avenue, Pacifica. 650.355.8200. pacificcoastfogfest.com.

Italian Family Festa
This 26th annual festival brings Italy to Santana Row, with a grape-stomping contest, historical photo display, children's games and loads of food. Sept. 29-Oct. 1; call for times and prices. Santana Row, Stevens Creek Boulevard and Olin Avenue, San Jose. 408.293.7122. iahfsj.com.

Oktoberfest
With bingo, international food, a raffle, live entertainment, a barbecue and silent and live auctions. Sept. 30, 10am-10pm and Oct. 1, noon-8pm. St. Victor's Church, 3150 Sierra Rd., San Jose. 408.251.7055

Moon Festival of Silicon Valley
Celebrate Chinese and Asian traditions and culture through art, music, performances and ceremonies at this eighth annual festival. Sept. 30-Oct. 1, 10am-6pm. Memorial Park, Stevens Creek Boulevard and Mary Avenue, Cupertino. 408.627.7938. themoonfestival.org.

Arts and Olive Festival
Olives, wine, local artists, musicians and live entertainment. Proceeds benefit student scholarships. Oct. 1, 10am-6pm. Cañada College, 4200 Farm Hill Blvd., Redwood City. olivefest.org.

San Jose International Mariachi Festival
Juan Gabriel, Linda Ronstadt, Mariachi Cobre and Mariachi Azteca perform a gala concert at HP Pavilion, plus workshops and classes in mariachi and folklorico Oct. 3-6, a "Mostly Mariachi" concert Oct. 7 and Feria de Mariachi at History Park on Oct. 8. Oct. 3-8; call for times and prices. Various locations, San Jose. 800.MHC.VIVA. mhcviva.org.

Los Altos Fall Festival
With live entertainment, a Children's Alley, wines and micro-brews, more than 160 arts and crafts booths, food and a classic car show. Oct. 7-8, 10am-5pm; free. In parking plaza behind Main Street, off San Antonio Road, Los Altos. 650.948.1455.

Family Fun Festival
Three days of carnival games and rides, food booths, live music and more. Oct. 7, 5-10pm, Oct. 8, 10am-10pm and Oct. 9, 11am-5pm; free. St. Joseph of Cupertino School, 10120 N. De Anza Blvd., Cupertino. 408.252.9775.

Diwali Festival
A Festival of Lights similar fashion to India's four-day celebration, sharing wealth with neighbors and friends. Oct. 14, 10am-5pm; free. Memorial Park, Mary Avenue and Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino. 408.252.7054.

Half Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin Festival
A pumpkin weigh-off, expert pumpkin carvers, and pumpkin patches, plus live music and works from local artists and craftspeople. Oct. 14-15, 10am-5pm; free. Main Street, between Miramontes and Spruce, Half Moon Bay. 650.726.9652.

Sidewalk Arts and Crafts Fall Fest
More than 90 artists and craftspeople from the Western United States display their wares. Oct. 20-21, 10am-6pm and Oct. 22, 10am-5pm; free. Santa Cruz Avenue, at El Camino Real, Menlo Park. 209.296.1195.

Harvest Fair
Just in time for Halloween, with scarecrow-building and pumpkin-decorating contests, train rides, crafts and harvest-related activities. Oct. 21-22; call for times and prices. Roaring Camp Railroads, Graham Hill and Mt. Hermon Road, Felton. 831.335.4484. roaringcamp.com.

Heritage Harvest Festival
Learn about harvest-time tools and techniques through living history demonstrations and participate in hands-on crafts and activities. Oct. 28, 11am-4pm. Wilder Ranch State Park, 2 miles north of Santa Cruz off Highway 1. 831.426.0505.

Iranian Arts and Cultural Festival
The community is invited to learn about Iran and it culture and traditions at this day of arts and crafts, music, poetry and food. Oct. 29, 11am-6pm. Quinlan Community Center, 10185 N. Stelling Rd., Cupertino. 408.381.4268. payvand.org.

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