One of my favorite things to do in the summer is to go to festivals. It is always a full day of entertainment on the cheap. I make lunch, put $10 in my pocket for cold drinks, get Yummy Beans in the car and go. Juneteenth and the
Thanks to the SJ Merc for putting together this list.
"Fairs and festivals annual roundup
By the Mercury News
...
JUNE 3-4
Festival of the Cement Ship in Aptos. Celebrate the concrete ship, the Palo Alto. Kite making, music, arts & crafts, and food. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. June 3. Seacliff State Beach, State Park Drive, (off Highway 1), Aptos. Information: (831) 685-6444.
Story Road Tamale Festival, San Jose. Tamales, entertainment, folkloric dancers, food, arts and crafts, children's play area. 10 a.m.-6 p.m June 3. Emma Prusch Farm Park, 647 South King Road. Information: www.storyroad.org or (800) 406-9205.
St. Clare Community Festival, Santa Clara. Carnival rides, games, barbeque, live music and entertainment, bazaar. 5-9 p.m. June 2; 11 a.m.-9 p.m. June 3; noon-7 p.m. June 4. St. Clare School and Parish, 725 Washington Street. Free. www.stclareschool.org.
National Alliance on Mental Illness -- NAMIWALK San Francisco Bay Area. 3-mile (5K) course and 1-mile course. Check-In: 8:30 a.m., walk begins 10 a.m. June 3. San Francisco's Golden Gate Park, Speedway Meadow, San Francisco. Register: www.namisantaclara.org, follow links to namiwalksfbayarea.org, and select a Santa Clara County team, (408) 583-0001 NAMI Santa Clara office.
Vintners' Festival in Santa Cruz. Tasting of special wines, food, music, art exhibits, winery tours and barrel tasting. n has to offer. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. June 3-4 (and June 10-11). Contact Santa Cruz Mountains Wine Growers Association for locations. $25-$30 per person. Reservations or more information, call (831) 685-8463 or e-mail at info@scmwa.com, www.scmwa.com.
7th Annual Peddler's Faire, San Juan Bautista. crafts, clothes, food and more. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. June 3-4. Third Street in downtown San Juan Bautista. Free. www.sjbchamber.com, (831) 623-2454.
JUNE 9-152006 Another Hole in the Head Horror Film Festival, San Francisco. Presented by SF IndieFest, seven days of terror featuring the finest horror, horror-comedy, and dark fantasy SF IndieFest could unearth. June 9-15 (check web site for times). Roxie Theatre: 3117 16th Street, San Francisco. www.sfindie.com, (415) 957-1205.
JUNE 10-11Nor-Cal Insulator Club Show and Swap Meet. Free appraisals, buying, and selling. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. June 10. 440 Moffett Blvd., Mountain View. Information: (408) 732-8736.
The Annual Dia de Portugal Festival 2006 in San Jose. Music, dancing, Food, children's activities, parade, art exhibit, silent auction and raffle. 10 a.m.-7:30 p.m. June 10. Kelley Park in History Park San Jose, 1650 Senter Road. Free admission to History Park San Jose & Portuguese Museum. $6 parking. (415) 999-7894, email DiadePortugalCA@yahoo.com, or www.diadeportugal.com.
San Jose Gay Pride Celebration and Parade 2006. 11:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m. June 10-11. Parade at 11 a.m. on Market Street. Free Day in the Park and Pride Festival will be at Discovery Meadow, Woz Wy., San Jose. Tickets for Sunday: $15. To volunteer or for general information call (408) 278-5563, www.sjgaypride.org.Mountain Art & Wine Festival. Wine tasting of gold medal-winning wines, art show by local artisans, picnic facilities, music. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. June 10-11. Silver Mountain Vineyards, Silver Mountain Drive (off of Miller Cut-off), Los Gatos. Information: Mary Lindsay (408) 353-2278.
C.J. Olsons's Annual Cherry Festival. June 10-11. 348 W. El Camino Real, Sunnyvale. (408) 736-3726.
JUNE 15-25Frameline30 San Francisco International LGBT Film Festival. The SFILGBTFF is presented by Frameline, a non-profit lesbian and gay media organization dedicated to the support and promotion of queer visibility through media arts. June 15-25. (check web site for times). Roxie Theatre: 3117 16th Street, San Francisco; Castro Theatre: 429 Castro Street, San Francisco; Parkway: 1834 Park Blvd., Oakland. Information: www.frameline.org, (415) 957-1205.
JUNE 16-18Campbell Highland Games & Celtic Fair. Food, athletics & games, dancing & Celtic music. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. June 17. Campbell Community Center, 1 W. Campbell Ave. $15 general; $10 youths (ages 8-18) & seniors 60+; children under 8 free. $30 family pack (2 adults & up to 6 youths. www.campbellgames.com.
Dancing on the Avenue in Willow Glen. Food, music, children's activities. 5 p.m.-10 p.m. June 17. Lincoln Avenue between Minnesota and Willow, San Jose. Free. (408) 298-2100, www.downtownwillowglen.org.
JUNE 21-AUG. 23Sunnyvale Summer Series Music and Market. Farmers market, live bands, dancing, arts and crafts, food. 6-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays June 21-Aug. 23. Murphy Ave. and Evelyn Street, Sunnyvale. (408) 718-4880.
JUNE 23-JULY 9Alameda County Fair, Pleasanton. Entertainment, petting zoo, circus performers, educational exhibits. June 23-July 9; see Web site for daily hours. Fairgrounds, 4501 Pleasanton Avenue. $9, $7 seniors, $6 children, free ages 5 and younger; $8 parking. (925) 426-7600, www.alamedacountyfair.com.
JUNE 24-25Monopoly in the Park, San Jose. Play monopoly on guiness book of world records award winning monopoly board. Dinner and dancing. 5:30-10 p.m. June 24. Guadalupe River Park, San Carlos Street and Woz Way, San Jose. http://www.sjbeautiful.org/ or (408) 995-6497. San Francisco Free Folk Festival. Music, dancers, workshops, children's activities. Noon-10 p.m. June 24-25 Roosevelt Middle School, 460 Arguello St. Free admission. Information: www.sffolkfest.org.
30th Annual San Francisco Free Folk Festival. noon-11 p.m. June 24 and noon-10:30 p.m. June 25. Folk, blues, new acoustic and international music. Roosevelt Middle School, 460 Arguello St., San Francisco. Free. Information: www.sffolkfest.org; email: info@sffolkfest.org.
JUNE 24-AUG. 52006 Stanford Jazz Festival. Featuring more than 100 artists performing more than 30 mainstage concerts. Begins June 24-August 5. Tickets: $10-$40. Information: (650) 736-0324, (650) 725-278, www.stanfordjazz.org, www.ticketweb.com. JUNE 30-JULY 4Marin County Fair, San Rafael. Carnival rides, fireworks, exhibits, petting zoo. Performances TBA June 30; The Nelsons & Stone Canyon Band, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. and Eddie Money, 7:30 p.m. July 1; American Rhythm & Roots Festival, 1 p.m. and 9 p.m. July 2; Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder, 2 and 4 p.m. July 3; and Preservation Hall Jazz Band, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. and Beausoliel avec Michael Doucet, 6 and 8 p.m. July 4. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. June 30-July 4. 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. $13, $11 seniors and ages 4-12, free ages 3 and younger.(415) 499-6800, www.marinfair.org.
FOURTH OF JULY
Paramount's Great America. Fireworks choreographed to contemporary pop and patriotic music. Park hours: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. July 1-3, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. July 4. Fireworks start just after sunset; no fireworks July 4. Great America Parkway off Highway 101, Santa Clara. $49.99, $39.99 seniors, $33.99 ages 3-6, free ages 2 and younger. (408) 988-1776, www.pgathrills.com.
All-American 4th of July in Alameda. Music, food and crafts aboard the USS Hornet Museum. Fireworks around the Bay Area can be seen from flight deck. Noon-11 p.m. July 4. Pier 3, Alameda Point. $20, $5 ages 5-18, free ages 4 and younger. (510) 521-8448, www.uss-hornet.org.
City of Santa Clara July 4th All-City Picnic. Pancake breakfast, swimming pool, carnival area, petting zoo. Lawn chairs and blankets recommended. Limited parking. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. July 4. Central Park, Homestead and Benton streets. Free. (408) 615-3140.
Church on the Hill Fireworks Festival in San Jose. Fireworks, music, food, children's activities. 3 p.m. July 4. 500 Sands Drive, San Jose. Free. (408) 265-9000. www.churchonthehill.com.
4th of July at the Cannery in San Francisco. Music, children's activities, fireworks. 2-9 p.m. July 4. 2801 Leavenworth Street. Free. (415) 771-3112.
EHC LifeBuilders' NBC11 Festival for Independence in San Jose. Crafts displays, activities, multi-cultural entertainment, food, beverages, children's activities. Festival hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. July 4; fireworks 9:30 p.m. Guadalupe River Park, Woz Way and San Carlos Street, San Jose. Free admission. (408) 294-2100, extension 444, www.americafestival.com .
San Francisco 4th of July Waterfront Festival. Tainted Love and Double Funk Crunch will performances on the Entrance Plaza stage at 1:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. July 4. Fireworks 9:30 p.m. Pier 39 and Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco. Free. (415) 705-5500, www.pier39.com.
JULY 8-9The Second Annual Plein Air Affaire: Outdoor Painting in Scenic Santa Cruz County. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. July 8-9. The Museum of Art & History, The McPherson Center (Abbott Square Courtyard), 705 Front Street, Santa Cruz. Free. Information: (831) 429-1964, www.santacruzmah.org.
Palo Alto Clay & Glass Festival. Annual sale and exhibition of the work of more than 100 talented clay and glass artists. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. July 8-9. Palo Alto Art Center, 1313 Newell Rd, Palo Alto. Free. Information: (650) 329-2366, www.acga.net.
JULY 20-AUG. 726th San Francisco Jewish Film Festival. July 20-August 7. Theaters in San Francisco, and the Bay Area. For more information: www.sfjff.org.
JULY 22-23CultureFest 2006. Sharing the influence of cultures from Africa to South. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. July 22 and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. July 23. Castro Street in downtown Mountain View. Information: Mountain View Library Foundation (650) 526-7014.
blkJuly 28-30
Gilroy Garlic Festival. More than 100 art vendors, food, music, entertainment, cooking demonstrations, wine, beer. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. July 28-30. Christmas Hill Park, Miller Avenue and Santa Teresa Boulevard. $12, $6 seniors/children, free ages 6 and younger. (408) 842-1625, www.gilroygarlicfestival.com.
AUGUST 4-6
43rd Annual Antiques and Collectibles Flea Market. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 6. Third Street in Downtown San Juan Bautista. Free. Vendor applications available at www.sjbchamber.com. 12th Annual Monterey Bay Strawberry Festival. Delectable strawberry delights, along with non-stop community entertainment, gooey contests for berry lovers, a special children's area with strawberry projects, carnival and much more. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. August 5-6. Historic downtown plaza in Watsonville. Free `Strawberry Shuttle' from 9:45 a.m.-6:45 p.m. from the Westridge Business Park throughout the weekend. Information: http://www.mbsf.com/.
Fremont Festival of the Arts. With 700 arts and crafts displays, music on two stages, street entertainers, children's entertainment, food, wine, beer. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Aug. 5-6. Paseo Padre Parkway between Mowry and Walnut streets. Free. (510) 795-2244, fremontfestival.net.
Santa Clara County Youth Fair. Theme: Kids, critters, and Ewe. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. August 4-6. Santa Clara County Fairgrounds, 344 Tully Road, San Jose. Admission: $5 Adults; $3 children (6 to 12)/Seniors (65 and up); Free Children (5 and Under). Three day pass: $12 adults; $6 children (6 to 12) and seniors (65 and up); free children (5 and under) Free. Parking: Free. Information: (408) 494-3247, SCCFAIR1@EARTHLINK.NET; www.thefair.org.
15th Annual Cabrillo Music Art Food & Wine Festival. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. August 5-6. Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium, 307 Church Street, Santa Cruz. Free. www.cabrillomusic.org/2006/music-art-wine-2006.html 43rd Annual Antiques and Collectibles Flea Market. Wonderful antique and collectible booths. 8 a.m.-5 p.m Aug. 6. Third Street in Downtown San Juan Bautista. Free. www.sjbchamber.com, (831) 623-2454.
AUG. 11-20San Mateo County Fair. Carnival rides, livestock and agricultural exhibits, demonstrations. Hours vary; call for information or visit the Web site below. Aug. 11-20. San Mateo County Expo Center, 2495 Delaware St., San Mateo. (650) 574-3247, www.sanmateocountyfair.com.
JUNE 12-1320th Annual Summer Street Festival. Classic Car show, live entertainment, food, kids activity area, sidewalk sale, free watermelon. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. August 12. San Benito Street, between 4th and South Streets, Hollister. Information: (831) 636-8406, www.downtownhollister.org.
7th Annual Scotts Valley Art & Wine Festival. Fine art, local wines and brew. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Aug. 12-13. Free admission and parking. Dog (on leash) friendly. Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce Skypark, 350 Kings Village Road, Scotts Valley. Information: (831) 438-1010.
AUG. 15-2070th Annual Monterey County Fair. Petting zoo, gourmet wine and beer garden, food, carnival rides and games, chili cook-off, cake-eating contest, and more. August 15-20. Tickets: $8 Adults ($5 pre-sale); $7 seniors (65+); $4 children (6-12) ($2 pre-sale); free children under 5. Parking $8 ($6 pre-sale). Information: www.montereycountyfair.com.
SEPTEMBER 2-3
Millbrae Art and Wine Festival. Mardi Gras-style bazaar with 250 arts and crafts vendors, international food, beer, wine, music, farmers market and family stage with mimes, magicians, jugglers. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 2-3. Broadway Avenue between Victoria and Meadow Glen. Free. (650) 697-7324, www.miramarevents.com.
SEPTEMBER 9-10Evergreen Fine Arts Festival. Enjoy live music, watercolor paintings, photographs, woodwork and other fine art presented by California's finest professional artists. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sept. 9 and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 10. Evergreen Village Square, located on Ruby Avenue (off Aborn Road), San Jose. Free. Information: Pacific Fine Arts at (209) 296-1195.
Mountain View Art and Wine Festival. Multi-cultural celebration with more than 650 artists, food, music, entertainment, children's activities. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sept. 9-10. Castro Street between El Camino Real and Evelyn Avenue. Free. (650) 968-8378, www.miramarevents.com.
SEPTEMBER 16-1747th Annual Luau. All you can eat Hawaiian food, hula shows, raffles, and vendors. 6-9 p.m. Sept. 16. I.F.E.S. Hall, 432 Stierlin Rd., Mountain View. Tickets: $30 adults; $15 children (12 and under); $35 at the door. Advance tickets: call Frank Pinho at (408) 252-2658.
29th Annual Art and Wine Festival. Fine art and handmade crafts. Wine tasting available from various wineries. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 16-17. Third Street in Downtown San Juan Bautista Free. (831) 623-2454.
Harvest Festival. Organic produce and canned goods, children's games, live music, silent auction, used books. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 16. Skyland Church, 25100 Skyland Road, Los Gatos. Information: www.skylandchurch.com.
49th Annual Monterey Jazz Festival. 500 artists on seven stages which include Kurt Elling with special guests Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, Bonnie Raitt, Yellowjacketsm and more. Sept. 15-17. Monterey Fairgrounds, take the Casa Verde Exit off Hwy. 1. Tickets prices vary. Information: (925) 275-9255; WWW.MONTEREYJAZZFESTIVAL.ORG.
7th Annual To Life! A Jewish Cultural Street Festival. Presented by Albert L. Schultz Jewish Community Center. Hands-on arts and crafts, activities & interactive games, three entertainment stages for audiences of all ages, multi-ethnic cuisines. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sept. 17. California Avenue between El Camino, Palo Alto. Free. Information: http://www.paloaltojcc.org/tolife/; (650) 961-7845.
18th Annual Celebrate Saratoga Street Dance. Live music, gourmet food, award-winning wines, family fun zone, and free admission. 5:30-10:30 p.m. September 16. Saratoga Village, Big Basin Way and Hwy. 9, Saratoga. Information: (408) 867-0753; email: info@saratogachamber.org; www.saratogachamber.org.
Bark in the Park 2006 ``Dogs Just Want to Have Fun''. Dog costume contest, Humane Society alumni Parade pet/owner look alike contest, sheep herding demonstration, 99 cent rabies vaccinations. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 16. William Street Park, corner of William and S. Sixteenth Street, downtown San Jose. Admission: free - $5 donation per dog encouraged. Information: (408) 793-5125; Email: info@BarKSANJOSE.ORG; WWW.BARKSANJOSE.ORG.
SEPTEMBER 28-OCT. 12006 RES Fest. Annual, global festival dedicated to showcasing innovative film, music, art, design and technology. Sept. 28-Oct. 1 (see website for times). Palace of Fine Arts, 3301 Lyon Street, San Francisco. Information: www.resfest.com. Bay Area Paddlefest. Explore recreational kayaking and canoeing. All ages. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 30-Oct. 1 (registration 8 a.m. both days). Coyote Point County Park, 1701 Coyote Point Drive, San Mateo. Website: www.bayareapaddlefest.com; (800) 260-7905.
OCTOBER 5-1529th Annual Mill Valley Film Festival. Longest running California Fall Festival celebrating the best of independent international cinema. October 5-15 (check web site for times). CineArts Sequoia: 25 Throckmorton Street, Mill Valley; Christopher B. Smith Rafael Film Center Theatres: 1118 4th Street, St Rafael. Information: www.mvff.com.
OCTOBER 7-9Family Fun Festival. Three-day carnival featuring live-music, demonstrations, talent show, rides, small children games, food booths, and more. 5-10 p.m. Oct. 7; 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Oct. 8; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 8. St. Joseph of Cupertino School, 10120 North DeAnza Boulevard, Cupertino. (408) 252-9775.
Harvest Festival. 4H mega field day, cooking demonstrations, local county fair winners with agricultural projects, dancers, hay wagon rides, apple cider tasting. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 7. 647 South King Rd., San Jose. www.pruschfarmpark.org or (408) 926-5555.
World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off in Half Moon Bay. Contenders throughout the West compete for $20,000 prize. 7:30 a.m.-11 a.m. Oct. 9. IDES Grounds, 735 Main Street, Main St., Half Moon Bay. Free. (650) 726-9652, www.miramarevents.com.
OCT. 14-15Half Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin Festival. With pumpkin patches, pumpkin carvers, art, crafts, food, entertainment, haunted house, costume contest, pie-eating contest. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 14-15. Main Street between Miramontes and Spruce Street. Free. (650) 726-9652, www.miramarevents.com.
NOVEMBER 2516th Annual Lights On Celebration. Holiday themed light parade and ceremonial lighting of downtown, local entertainment, merchant open houses, great food from local restaurants, pictures with Santa. 5-9 p.m. Nov. 25. San Benito Street (between 4th and Hawkins Streets), Hollister. (831) 636-8406."