Features & Columns

May

Wings of Freedom Tour Vintage combat planes from World War II will be on display for a week. Flights available. May 21–29; tours $6/$12. Moffett Federal Airfield, Mountain view.

Boogie on the Bayou Downtown Campbell festival with arts and crafts booths, live music (Sauce Piquante, Blind to Reason, Fred McCarty on Saturday; Motordude Zydeco, Growiser Band and Lemo on Sunday), New Orleans cuisine and kids' activities. May 22, 10am–6pm, May 23, 10am–5pm; free. Downtown Campbell.

Pet Parade With food, music and dressed-up animal friends. May 22, 11am–3pm; free. Courthouse Square, Redwood City.

Boardwalk Season Kick-Off The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk celebrates opening weekend on Saturday with Circo Brazil (1pm; also Sunday at 1 and 2pm), Skydivers (5pm) and A Flock of Seagulls performance (5:30pm). May 22–23. Main Beach, Santa Cruz.

Santa Cruz Mountains Wine Express A chance to taste a variety Santa Cruz Mountain wines in one location. Plus food, music, auction and train ride. May 23, 1–5 pm. $20–$65; children under 3 free. Roaring Camp Railroads, Felton.

Ladies Night An evening of strolling and shopping. May 27, 6–9pm. Downtown Willow Glen.

Sake San Jose A benefit sake tasting and walk through Japantown sponsored by Yu-Ai Kai Senior Community. May 27, 5–8:30pm. $40/$50. Japantown San Jose.

June

Dine Downtown Many of San Jose's best downtown restaurants will present $20, $30 and $40 prix fixe three-course menus. June 2–12.

Greek Festival Greek food, arts and crafts, cooking demonstrations and live music. June 4–6. $3/$5. St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 1260 Davis St, San Jose.

Spring Swing Fling Refreshments and music by Judy Steinle and the Starlight Sounds to benefit Free Shakespeare in the Park. June 5, 6:30–9:30pm. $40. Saratoga Foothill Club, Saratoga.

Arts, Crafts & Music Festival With handmade goods by area artisans, and entertainment. June 5–6, 9am–6pm. Casa de Fruta, Hollister.

St. Clare Community Festival The school hosts its annual three-day festival of family fun, including music, a rummage sale, arts and crafts and a barbecue. June 5, 4–10pm, June 6, noon–8pm. free. St. Clare School, Santa Clara.

Sunnyvale Art and Wine Festival Wine tasting from regional wineries, beer, food and crafts booths and more. June 5–6, all day; free. Washington and Sunnyvale avenues, downtown Sunnyvale.

Sunset Celebration Weekend Annual open house for the magazine, with demonstrations, food and entertainment. June 5–6, 10am–5pm; $12–$16, 12 and under free. Sunset, Menlo Park.

Food and Wine Classic Mingle with top chefs and vintners while tasting foods and savoring fine wines. The proceeds benefit education programs. June 6, 5:30pm; $150–$175. Montalvo Arts Center, Saratoga.

Loma Prieta Fire & Rescue BBQ A fundraiser with barbecue lunch and kids' entertainment. June 6, 11am–4pm. $5/$15. Across from CT English Middle School, Summit Road, Loma Prieta.

Nativity Carnival Music, food, games, silent auction and rides. June 11, 5–11pm; June 12, noon–11pm; June 13, noon–6pm; free. Nativity School, Oak Grove Avenue and Laurel Street, Menlo Park.

Capitola Car Show More than 300 hot rods and classic and live music. June 12, 9am–5pm, and June 13, 9am–2pm. Esplanade, Capitola.

Dia de Portugal Festival The Portuguese Heritage Society of California (PHSC) hosts the annual event with food, music and dance. June 12, 10am–6:30pm; free. Kelley Park, San Jose.

San Mateo County Fair and Peninsula Festival Exhibits, rides and entertainment. June 12–20. San Mateo County Expo Center, San Mateo.

Afternoon Tea and Vintage Fashion Show Tea, fruit and pastries and a vintage hat and fashion show. June 13, 1–4pm; $25 adv. Harris-Lass Historic Museum, Santa Clara.

Bicentenario 2010 Mexican bicentennial celebration with parade (11am) and festival (noon–6pm). June 13. Courthouse Square, Redwood City.

Silicon Valley Duck Race Little rubber duckies are set loose to help raise money for Jewish Family Services of Silicon Valley. June 13, Vasona Lake Park, Los Gatos.

Art on the Square The first in a series of summer juried art shows to go along with Music on the Square performances. June 18, 5-8:30pm; free. Courthouse Square, Redwood City.

Wild Brew Yonder A twilight helicopter air show and microbrew festival at the historic aviation museum. June 18, 6–9pm; $20–$25. Hiller Aviation Museum, San Carlos.

Dia de San Juan Festival Presented by the Western Regional Puerto Rican Council, with cultural events and food. June 19, 11am–7pm. $20/$25. History Park, San Jose.

Juneteenth in the Park Cultural celebration around emancipation of the slaves, with food, marketplace, performances and children's expo. June 19–20; free. Plaza de Cesar Chavez Park, Market Street and Park Avenue, downtown San Jose.

Scottish Renaissance Festival The festival expands to two days with a variety of Celtic culture, music and dance. June 19–20, 10am–6pm; $10/$12. Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, 2601 E. Lake Ave, Watsonville.

Hats Off to Dad A Father's Day event with steam engine rides, model railroad exhibits and a chuck wagon barbecue. June 20. Roaring Camp Railroads, Felton.

Dancing on the Square A free dance series begins with lessons in swing and Lindy hop. June 22, 6–8pm. Courthouse Square, Redwood City.

Monterey Bay Blues Festival Performers include Lenny Williams, Rory Block, Ruthie Foster, Sista Monica and more. June 25–27. Monterey Fairgrounds, Monterey.

Festival in the Park A health, safety and wellness fair with exhibitors, a climbing wall, petting zoo and fitness demos. June 26, 11am–4pm. Free. Hellyer County Park, San Jose.

Surf City Classic Woodies Restored Woodies in all their glory. Plus live music and prize drawings. June 26, 10am–4pm; free. Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf.

Willow Glen's Dancin' on the Avenue Dance the evening away at this annual community event featuring live music from local bands. June 26, 4–9pm; free. Lincoln Avenue and Willow Street, Willow Glen.

Dancing on the Square Weekly dance series features samba lessons. June 29, 6–8pm. Courthouse Square, Redwood City.

July

Great Train Robberies Shootouts, duels and other blazing re-enactments will demonstrate why the West was wild. July 3–4. Roaring Camp Railroad, Felton. 831.335.4484.

Dancing on the Square This week's free dance lessons are in Country and Western. July 6, 6–8pm. Courthouse Square, Redwood City.

Jewelry on the Square A juried art shows to go along with Music on the Square. July 9, 5–8:30pm; free. Courthouse Square, Redwood City.

Los Altos Art and Wine Festival Arts and crafts booths, works from local artists, food and wine, plus street performers and music. July 10–11, 10am–6pm; free. Main and State streets, Los Altos.

Obon Festival A Japantown cultural celebration featuring games, food and performances. July 10–11; free. Buddhist Church Betsuin, San Jose.

Palo Alto Clay and Glass Festival Local artisans show their wares, plus demonstrations. July 10–11, 10am–5pm; free. Palo Alto Art Center, Palo Alto.

Target Family Day An ongoing series of family events. July 11, 11am–3pm; free. Downtown Redwood City.

Dancing on the Square The Tuesday free lessons focus on waltzes. July 13, 6–8pm. Courthouse Square, Redwood City.

California Rodeo Salinas An annual event with music, a daily horse parade, games and food, a "Miss California Rodeo" pageant and more. July 15–18, times vary; $13–$20. Salinas Sports Complex, Salinas.

Big Bands and Barbecue The Downtown Campbell Business Association presents a day of live music, dancing, top barbecuers and artisan booths. July 17, 11am–8pm; free. Downtown Campbell.

Connoisseur's Marketplace A fine-crafts festival, plus live music (including Livewire and the Cool Jerks), food, cooking demos and kids' activities. July 17–18, 10am–6pm; free. Santa Cruz Avenue, Menlo Park.

Founder's Day Fandango A celebration of local history. July 18, noon–5pm; free. Peralta Adobe, Fallon House Historic Site, San Jose.

Dancing on the Square Free salsa dance lessons. July 20, 6–8pm. Courthouse Square, Redwood City.

PAL Blues Festival A summer salute to the blues. See www.palbluesfestival.com for announcements of acts. July 23–24; free. Courthouse Square, Redwood City.

Gilroy Garlic Festival A salute to all things garlic. With food, music, cook-offs and more. July 23–25, 10am–7pm; $8–$17; children under 6 free. Christmas Hill Park, Gilroy.

Saratoga Classic Car Show A new event featuring rolling marvels of the past. Jul 24, 10am–5pm. Downtown Saratoga.

Willow Glen Sidewalk Sale Great deals all along Lincoln Avenue. July 24, 10am–6pm. Downtown Willow Glen.

Moss Landing Antique Street Fair A large street-side show of antiques and collectibles. July 25, 7:30am–5pm; free. Downtown Moss Landing. 831.633.4501.

Vintage Vehicles and Family Festival One-of-a-kind vehicles, including antique cars, hot rods and motorcycles, plus family activities. July 25, 10am–4pm; free. Palo Alto High School.

Wharf-to-Wharf Race A six-mile coastal run followed by music and food celebration. July 25, 8:30am. Starts at Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz.

Dancing on the Square This week's dance lessons are in cha cha. July 27, 6–8pm. Courthouse Square, Redwood City.

Day Out With Thomas A chance for young rail enthusiasts to meet Sir Ropham Hatt and ride a full-size Thomas engine through the redwoods. July 30–31, Aug. 1 and 6–8. Roaring Camp, Felton.

Fremont Festival of the Arts With food and wine, live music, business alley, arts and crafts and a kids' zone. July 31–Aug 1. 10am–6pm; free. Downtown, Fremont.

August

Dancing on the Square Lessons in line dancing for free. Aug 3, 6–8pm. Courthouse Square, Redwood City.

Art on the Square A new juried art show combined with Music on the Square performance. Aug 6, 5–8:30m; free. Courthouse Square, Redwood City.

Fiesta de Artes Art and wine festival with bands, local talent, arts and crafts. Aug 7–8, 10am–6pm; free. Los Gatos Civic Center Grounds

San Juan Antiques and Collectibles Flea Market A large outdoor selection of good old things in the old Spanish mission town. Aug 8, all day. Downtown San Juan Bautista.

Target Family Day An ongoing series of family events. Aug 8, 11am–3pm; free. Downtown Redwood City.

Dancing on the Square Learn how to fox trot. Aug 10, 6–8pm. Courthouse Square, Redwood City.

Scotts Valley Art and Wine Festival With displays by California artists and tastings by local vintners. Aug 14–15; 10am–6pm; free. Skypark, Scotts Valley.

Summer Gathering of Mountain Men Re-enactments of a wilderness camp form 1830. Aug 14–15, all day. Roaring Camp, Felton.

Festival of India A celebration of Indian culture and heritage. Aug 14–15. 39439 Paseo Padre Pkwy, Fremont.

Aloha Celebrity Races and Polynesian Festival Novice racers are encouraged to participate in this outrigger canoe-racing event. Aug 15, races at 9am, festival at 11am; free. Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf.

Musical Saw Festival Traditional folk instruments in concert and workshops. Aug 15; free. Roaring Camp Railroad, Graham Hill Road, Felton.

Dancing on the Square The free dance series continues with lessons in tango. Aug 17, 6–8pm. Courthouse Square, Redwood City.

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus Dazzling feats and daring spectacles. Aug 18–22. HP Pavilion, San Jose.

Cajun/Zydeco Festival With tasty Louisiana culinary treats plus music. Aug 21. Ardenwood Historic Farm, Fremont. Guglielmo Harvest Festival With food, games and fine wines. 21+. Aug 21. Guglielmo Winery, Morgan Hill.

San Jose Gay Pride Festival and Parade Two days celebrating the LGBT and diverse cultural community of San Jose and surrounding areas, including family day, children's activities, live entertainment, a parade and booths. Aug 21–22. Check www.sanjosepride.com for details. Downtown San Jose.

North Fair Oaks Community Festival A morning parade is followed by performing arts and food. Aug 22, 11am–6pm; free. Middlefield Road, between First and Fifth avenues, Redwood City.

Dancing on the Square Free lessons in rumba are offered. Aug 24, 6–8pm. Courthouse Square, Redwood City.

Palo Alto Festival of the Arts Artists and craftspeople come together at this annual community extravaganza. Aug 28–29, 10am–6pm; free. University Avenue, downtown Palo Alto.

Dancing on the Square This week: Salsa lessons. Aug 31, 6–8pm. Courthouse Square, Redwood City.

September

Monterey County Fair The traditional fair includes music, food and fun. Sep 1–6. Monterey County Fairgrounds, Monterey.

Memorial Day

Civil War Re-enactment A look at what the War Between the States was like. May 29–31. $5/$8. Roaring Camp, Felton.

Fanimecon With guest stars, art, games and karaoke. Fanimecon also hosts a music festival. May 28–31. San Jose McEnery Convention Center, San Jose.

Felton Remembers Parade Annual festival and parade. Parade starts on Highway 9 between Henry Cowell and Graham Hill Road at 10am. May 29, 10am–4pm; free. Felton Commons Park, Felton.

Gilroy Parade and Memorial Day BBQ All all-you-can-eat meal family events. May 31, 10am–6pm. Parade stars 11am on 10th Street. BBQ at Gilroy Gardens, Hecker Pass Hwy, Gilroy.

Los Gatos Memorial Day With a performance by the San Jose Metropolitan Band. May 31, 10am. Los Gatos Memorial Park.

Milpitas Ceremony With a presentation of colors, a 21-gun salute and light refreshments. May 31; free. Civic Center Plaza, Milpilas.

Mushroom Mardi Gras Food, wine and beer, live performers, and parade. May 29-30; free. Community Center, Morgan Hill.

Santa Clara Memorial Day Fireworks A holiday fireworks display. May 30, 9:45pm. Paramount's Great America, Santa Clara.

Santa Cruz Blues Festival Ben Harper and Relentless7 and Taj Mahal (Saturday) and Buddy Guy and Derek Trucks plus Eric Burdon and the Animals (Sunday). May 29–30. Aptos Village Park.

Sunnyvale Cherry Festival Featuring food, games and contests, tours, cherry tasting and music. May 29–30, all day. C.J. Olson Cherries, Sunnyvale.

Fourth of July

Cupertino Fourth A pancake breakfast, children's parade at Memorial Park at 10am and fireworks at 9:30pm. July 4, all day. Cupertino.

Felton Fourth of July Celebration With a sock hop and other '50s-themed fun. July 3–4. Roaring Camp, Felton.

Fremont Fourth of July Parade Patriotic parade with floats and bands. July 4, 10am. Warm Springs Boulevard, South Fremont.

Gilroy Fireworks Annual salute. July 4; 9:15pm. Gilroy High School.

Gilroy Independence Day BBQ With all the trimmings. July 2, 11am–5pm, July 3–4, 10am–6pm. Gilroy Gardens, Gilroy.

Independence Day at Ardenwood A look back at how people used to celebrate the holiday. July 4; call for prices and times. Ardenwood Historic Farm, Fremont.

Los Gatos Fourth An old-fashioned celebration with red-white-and-blue trimming and a traditional band concert featuring the San Jose Wind Symphony. July 4, all day; free. Downtown Los Gatos.

Milpitas July Fourth Celebration With fireworks display and concert with JamFunkShus. Pool party and barbecue, 1–5pm; concert, 8–10pm, fireworks, 9:30pm; free. Sports Center, Milpitas.

Morgan Hill Fourth With a parade at 10am and all the traditional trappings. Event includes a 5k and 1-mile run/walk and family festival, plus fireworks. July 4; free. Fourth and Monterey streets, Morgan Hill.

Palo Alto Chili Cook-Off and Summer Festival Music, dancing, food vendors, kids' activities and lots of chili vying for top prizes. July 4, noon–5pm; free. Mitchell Park, Palo Alto.

Redwood City Family 4th Presented by Peninsula Celebration Association, with a parade, festival and fireworks. July 4, 9am–5pm, parade starts at 10am; free. Downtown Redwood City.

Rose, White & Blue Parade A traditional patriotic event presented by the Alameda Business Assoc., the Shasta/Hanchett Park Neighborhood and the Rose Garden Neighborhood. July 4. Parade at 10am, festival at 11am. Hanchett Avenue and The Alameda, San Jose.

San Francisco Symphony and Fireworks A concert and sky show. July 4, 8pm. Shoreline Amphitheatre, Mountain View.

Santa Clara All-City Picnic Family-friendly Fourth with entertainment and fireworks. July 4; 8am–10pm; Central Park, Santa Clara.

Saratoga Independence Day A day of patriotic music and children's fun presented by Saratoga Historical Foundation. July 4, 1:30-3pm. Kevin Moran City Park, Saratoga.

Tahiti Fete of San Jose Featuring a Tahitian dance competition, plus food and crafts. July 3–5. $20 per day. SJSU Event Center.

World's Shortest Parade Preceded by a pancake breakfast and followed by a party in the park. July 4, 10am; free. Soquel and State Park drives, Aptos.