By Beth Hillman

THERE COMES A time when you realize there are a lot of things you've never had a chance to do: you've never sculpted with artichokes, seen the Civil War reenacted, tasted garlic ice cream, or spent a little face time with a llama. But when the weather warms up, things get a little crazy, and there's a reason to break your routine and get out into the sun. So tack this guide to the wall, because when your sister complains that she's never entered a sand castle-building competition, you'll want to know where to take her. Times and prices are given when available, and all events are subject to change. Check our regular weekly listings for other events throughout the season.

May 15-17

Youth Arts Festival Come explore your artistic side and your inner child in one shot. Young visual, performing, and literary artists will be out in full force, and there will be plenty of hands-on art activities. 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Esplanade Gardens and Rooftop, 700 Howard, S.F. Free. (415) 978-2700, www.ybae.org.

May 17-19

Bay to Breakers More than 70,000 runners and walkers participate in this legendary 12K (7.46 mile) race, which follows a crowd- and band-packed route from the Embarcadero to the Great Highway. The event is famous for the wild attire – and/or lack of clothing – sported by the masses. Last year an "invisible man" won the costume contest, making his way along the course in stilts. Festivities kick off Friday and Saturday with a health and fitness fair, including an "Energy Booster" feast on Saturday night in anticipation of Sunday's starting line. Post-race, rockers Smash Mouth headline the annual Footstock concert. Fair, Fri., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (feast 6-9 p.m., $10-$15), Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, 99 Grove, S.F. Free. Race, Sun., 8 a.m., starts at Howard and Spear, S.F. $20-$30; Footstock, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Polo Fields, Golden Gate Park, near 35th Ave and Fulton, S.F. $15 (free for racers). (415) 651-1815, www.baytobreakers.com.

Festival of Greece Meet a real-life Greek Olympian at this event, which also features Greek food, folk dancing, live music, and tours of the Ascension Greek Orthodox Cathedral. Fri.-Sat., 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Ascension Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 4700 Lincoln, Oakl. $5. (510) 531-3400, www.ascensioncathedral.org.

May 18

Min Sok Festival Celebrating 100 years of Korean immigration is the central theme of this festival. The day features two panels: in the morning speakers represent the older generation who came to America in the early 1900s. In the afternoon a newer wave of immigrants discusses their experiences and the future of immigration in San Francisco. A traditional Korean lunch is available. 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Korean Center, 1362 Post, S.F. Free. (415) 441-1881.

Northern California Rhythm and Brews Festival Join a bunch of "beer lovers having a damn good time" at this lakeside beer bash. The fest includes a selection of cigars and more than 150 brews, some of which are not yet on the market. There will also be four bands blasting funk, disco, and bluesy sounds. Added bonus: the park offers fishing, Frisbee golf, and friendly ducks. 1-6 p.m., Lagoon Valley Regional Park, 4600-07 Pena Adobe, Vacaville. $20-$25 (includes six tastes). www.agreatbrewfest.com.

May 18-19

A La Carte and Art Festival Music, art, food, beer, a farmers market, street performers, and stuff for kids: this festival prides itself on having something for everyone. More than 175 artists offer works in an array of mediums, including dried flowers, pottery, photography, ceramics, textiles, and glass. Music includes a mix of blues, jazz, R&B, and rock. The food menu includes Thai chicken, pork-on-a-stick, burritos, British bangers, calamari, and funnel cakes. For kids there will be a 24-foot climbing wall, Boomer's Magic Circus, an inflatable slide, and more. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Castro between Church and Evelyn, Mountain View. (650) 964-3395.

Bay Area Storytelling Festival This event hosts performances by professional storytellers and how-to workshops, running the gamut of folk tales, fables, ghost stories, tall tales, fairy tales, and classic stories from many different cultures. But beware: this is not necessarily a children's event. Stories may or may not be suited for young people, and some kids may not have the attention span for the hour-long performances, so check ahead before bringing the wee ones. Sat., 10 a.m.-7:45 p.m.; Sun., 9:30 a.m.-4:45 p.m., Kennedy Grove Regional Recreation Area, San Pablo Dam Road, El Sobrante. $6-$8.50 for a single concert, $29-52 for a weekend pass. (510) 525-2233, www.bayareastorytelling.org.

43rd Castroville Artichoke Festival Watch Castroville go crazy as swarms of visitors descend in an artichoke-mad frenzy! This festival, held throughout the town (located about an hour and 45 minutes south of San Francisco) includes all the basics (music, ways to distract children), and even an AgroArt contest for your inner vegetable sculptor. There's also a parade, a Classic Car Show, and a 10K run on Saturday ($20, which includes admission to the festival and a healthy supply of artichokes). Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Castroville. $3-$6. (831) 633-2465, www.artichoke-festival.org.

May 24

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk celebration California's oldest amusement park marks 50 million passengers on the Giant Dipper with free roller-coaster rides all day. 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, 400 Beach, Santa Cruz. Free. www.beachboardwalk.com.

May 24-27

First Annual Wine Country Antique Show More than 60 exhibitors bring high-end antiques and artworks for show and sale at this event. Preview gala Fri., 6-8:30 p.m.; show Sat.-Sun., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Mon., 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Chardonnay Hall, Napa Exposition Center, 1040 Main, Napa. $10, preview gala $75. (707) 226-7372 or (415) 546-9608, www.antiquities-show.com.

May 25-26

Carnaval Festival and Parade The Mission gets a little more splashy, tarty, and naughty when this party brings the scantily clad revelers out for dancing to Caribbean, Brazilian, Cajun, and Latin beats. This year's theme is "New Life/Nueva Vida," and all weekend the festival features three stages of high-energy entertainment (including a youth-produced kids area), crafts, food, and more. The annual parade (Sun/26, 10 a.m.) starts at Bryant and 24th Street, wafting feathers and sequins down Mission to 17th Street. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Harrison between 17th and 21st Sts., S.F. Free. (415) 920-0125, info@carnavalsf.com.

19th Annual Himalayan Fair Sample traditional foods, enjoy authentic Himalayan music and dance, and buy arts and crafts at this fair. You may be only a block away from Safeway, but you might as well be meditating on a mountaintop high above Nepal. Proceeds benefit grassroots projects in Tibetan, Nepalese, Indian, and Afghani communities. Sat., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Live Oak Park, Shattuck and Berryman, Berk. $7. (510) 869-3995, www.himalayanfair.net.

10th annual Santa Cruz Blues Festival This festival features headliners Dr. John (Sat/25) and Delbert McClinton (Sun/26). Call for times. Aptos Village Park, 100 Aptos Creek, Aptos. $20-$90. (831) 479-9814.

May 25-27

Chocolate and Chalk Art Festival The sixth annual marriage of chocolate and street drawings lets you stroll your way down Solano Avenue while chowing on sweet stuff and admiring the sidewalks. The chalk art contest takes place Saturday, but throughout the weekend Solano stores will be emphasizing their chocolate stock – or coming up with specialty chocolate products, including chocolate manicures, soap, and dog biscuits. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Solano Ave, Albany. (510) 527-5358, www.solanoavenueassn.org.

Civil War event History repeats itself at this reenactment sponsored by the nonprofit National Civil War Association. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Ardenwood Historic Farm, 34600 Ardenwood, Fremont. (510) 796-0199 (info) or (510) 636-1684 (tickets).

San Francisco Cup and International Youth Soccer Tournament The soccer tournament features 120 top-level youth teams from the United States and around the world. Kezar Stadium, Golden Gate Park, near Stanyan and Lincoln, S.F. For a complete schedule go to www.sfcup.com.

May 26

'Opera in the Gardens' Opera for the people! This annual event brings the music off the stage and out from under the Viking horns. Come hear popular operatic favorites. 2 p.m., Esplanade Gardens, Yerba Buena Gardens, 700 Howard, S.F. Free. (415) 978-2700.

May 27

Butterfly Festival Was the last butterfly you saw peeking out from the low-rise jeans of your favorite (tattooed) bartender? This informational fair on the delicate insect will discuss the Bay Area's dwindling butterfly population and provide tips on how to preserve and even increase its numbers in our urban and suburban landscapes. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Coyote Hills Regional Park, 8000 Patterson Ranch, Fremont. Free. (510) 795-9385.

June 1

16th annual Wildlife Fair This year's theme is "Got Wildlife?" – and as a matter of fact, they do. You can meet a llama and learn about llama packing (backpacking with llamas rather than horses, which is easier on the environment) and greet some bats and find out where to go bat watching. Plus, there will be arts and crafts, games, music, and food. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sulphur Creek Nature Center, 1801 D St., Hayward. $5. (510) 881-6747.

Sonoma Valley Vintage Race Car Festival A parade of classic cars, followed by a reception and display, highlights this event. Parade 5 p.m., leaves from Sears Point Raceway, Hwys. 37 and 121; reception 5-8 p.m., Sonoma Plaza, Sonoma. $15-$30. (707) 996-1090.

36th annual Sand Castle Contest Show up with a shovel, a bucket, and an idea, and try your hand at the sand. The best structures win prizes, and creativity is encouraged – past winners have included elaborate alligators and dragons. 8:30 a.m. (judging noon, awards 1 p.m.), Crown Memorial State Beach (main parking lot in front of bathhouse), Alameda. (510) 748-4565 or (510) 521-6887.

June 1-2

Art Deco Weekend by the Bay Find the right throw rug to match Grandma's kitschy wall clock at this vintage shopping extravaganza of furniture, accessories, art, dinnerware, pottery, books, jewelry, clothing, and collectibles from the 1920s through the '60s. Other activities include the "40's Fashion Show" (Sat/1, 4 p.m.), and architectural walking tours. Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Concourse Exhibition Center, 635 Eighth St., S.F. $8. (650) 599-DECO, www.artdecosale.com.

Great San Francisco Crystal Fair Crystals, minerals, gems, jewelry – this fair features 40 vendors and thousands of sparkly items ready to hypnotize. And don't leave home without your aura, as there will also be information about mystical healing arts. Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Fort Mason Center, Building A, Marina at Laguna, S.F. $4. (415) 383-7837, www.crystalfair.com

50th Anniversary of the Little Train Come check out the train that has delighted five decades of Berkeley children at this celebratory event. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Tilden Regional Park, Grizzly Peak Boulevard and Lomas Cantadas, Berk. $1.75 for one ride, $7 for five rides. (510) 544-2200 or (510) 548-6100.

Marin Home Show and Benefit Jazz Fest This may be your only chance all summer to get your antiques appraised and root for your favorite trumpeter in a Battle of the Bands. Saturday's performers include Rex Allen's Swing Express and Swing Fever with vocalist Kim Nalley, and Sunday features the Royal Society Jazz Orchestra and the Natural Gas Jazz Band. The show also features the newest developments in home improvements, with more than 250 companies in attendance. Sat., 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Marin Center, Civic Center, Exhibit Hall and Fairgrounds, Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. $5-$6 (Sat. ticket also good Sun.). (415) 472-3500, www.marinhomeshow.com.

Union Street Art Festival Cow Hollow fills to the brim with music, international food booths, fun stuff for kids, and art of all kinds at this popular annual street fair. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Union between Steiner and Gough, S.F. Free. www.hartmann-studios.com/union.html.

June 1-30

National Queer Arts Festival Since 1998 this monthlong festival has spotlighted well-known and emerging queer artists. This year the lineup includes spoken word artists, performances, videos, visual art events, and more, taking place at various venues around San Francisco. www.queerculturalcenter.org.

June 2

Caledonia Street Fair Cross the Golden Gate Bridge for a day of international food, music, and art in Sausalito. 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Caledonia St., Sausalito. Free. www.ci.sausalito.ca.us/townfun/street_faire.htm.

June 6-Oct. 9

SFJazz Free Outdoors SFJazz – presenters of the San Francisco Jazz Festival – produces concerts (Latin jazz, tango, blues, and more) all summer and into the fall at various locations in San Francisco and Palo Alto. Check the Web site for schedules. www.sfjazz.org.

June 8

Celtic Festival Turn out for this celebration of Celtic culture with pipe bands, Welsh and Irish music, dancing, and traditional food. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Ardenwood Historic Farm, 34600 Ardenwood, Fremont. (510) 796-0663.

June 8-9

Alameda Sidewalk Fine Arts and Crafts Festival Fifty artists will be displaying their work at this event, which takes art to the streets. Browse the fine art and enjoy Alameda's funky little antique and used-clothing shops. Items for sale include oil paintings, watercolors, jewelry, textiles, and woodwork. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Park Street shopping district, Alameda. Free. (510) 523-1392.

Fiesta Filipina 2002 The largest Bay Area Filipino fest features food, entertainment, games, arts, crafts, and carnival rides. Also on tap are local performers and comedians, as well as artists from the Philippines, including top Filipino actor Christopher Deleon. 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m., Civic Center, Grove and McAllister, S.F. $5. (415) 989-0288.

Italian Street Painting Festival Youth in Arts presents a two-day festival featuring art and Italian cuisine from top local restaurants. Sat., 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sun., 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Fifth St. at A St., San Rafael. Free. (415) 457-4878.

32nd annual Live Oak Park Fair Wavy Gravy hosts this fair's entertainment stage, with groups like Splash Circus, the Prescott Clowns, Fat Chance Belly Dance, and Zappo! The Magician performing for kids and grown-ups. The fair also features an international array of food and crafts. 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Live Oak Park, Shattuck and Berryman, Berk. Free. (510) 898-3282, www.liveoakparkfair.com.

June 9

Haight Street Fair Now in its 25th year, the fair offers up two stages of music, food booths, activities for kids, and locally made artwork. Sure, it sounds like any other festival – but it's in the Haight, so expect the unusual. Organizers encourage the use of public transit – it's environmentally friendly, and you won't spend half the day looking for a space. 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Haight between Masonic and Stanyan, S.F. Free. (415) 666-9952.

June 12

Campbell Scottish Highland Games and Celtic Gathering This festival combines sports and music in a crazy, testosterone-laden extravaganza. Traditional bagpipes and contemporary Celtic bands will get you jigging, but the highlight of the event is the World Open Stone Put Championship. If you've got a thing for redheads with thick accents and bulging biceps, this may be the shindig for you. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Campbell Community Center, Winchester and Campbell, Campbell. $8-$10. (408) 225-3305, www.campbellgames.org.

June 13-30

26th San Francisco International Lesbian and Gay Film Festival This festival screens films by and about the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community to audiences of more than 75,000. A full program will be available on the festival's Web site May 21; keep your eye on the Bay Guardian for upcoming festival coverage. www.frameline.org.

June 14-16

Isleton Crawdad Festival Isleton, a river delta town of 850 people, explodes into a crowd of 200,000 for the largest consumption of crawdads outside of Louisiana. Twenty-two thousand pounds of the tasty critters will be offered up, as well as pots of gumbo and jambalaya. If you're curious, you can even try fried alligator (tastes like chicken!). There are also crawdad-eating contests and crawdad races (sadly, "the losers may be eaten"). Fri.-Sat., 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Isleton (six miles north of Rio Vista, on Hwy. 160). Free. (916) 777-5880.

June 15-16

Juneteenth Festival This fair commemorates the reading of the Emancipation Proclamation by Abraham Lincoln on June 19, 1863. Festivities include food booths, a health fair, a youth arcade pavilion, and two stages of music (including zydeco, reggae, hip-hop, and gospel performers). This is a landmark year for the festival, which is moving back to its Fillmore location for the first time in 10 years. Call for times. Fillmore between Geary and Golden Gate, S.F. (415) 775-0547, www.sanfranciscojuneteenth.org.

North Beach Festival The festival celebrates both the Italian heritage and the beat history of North Beach, with live music, poetry readings, food, and dancing. About 30 artists will also be on hand to color the street with chalk art. Animal blessings take place at 2 p.m. both days at the corner of Columbus and Vallejo. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Washington Square Park, Columbus at Powell, S.F. Free. (415) 989-6426.

26th annual San Francisco Free Folk Festival Performances by songwriter Steve Seskin, Americana musician Michael McNevin, the Shut-Ins, the World Harmony Choir, and the Dunsmuir Scottish Dancers; family activities; and dance parties highlight this fest. Plus, there are plenty of workshops – sample belly, salsa, swing, square, and Irish dancing one after another, and see if you can sit still on the drive home. Sat., noon-11 p.m.; Sun., noon-10:30 p.m., Roosevelt Middle School, 460 Arguello, S.F. Free. (510) 287-9095, www.sffolkfest.com.

June 15-30

24th annual Ethnic Dance Festival Traditional and folk dancers and musicians from all over the world – Iran, China, Greece, Afghanistan, Korea, Peru, Zimbabwe, Mexico, and America are just some of the countries represented – gather at this festival. This year the fest breaks new ground by collaborating with the San Francisco World Music Festival, a partnership that will increase the number of performers and bring more indigenous artists into the spotlight. Sat.-Sun., 8 p.m. (also Sun., 2 p.m.), Palace of Fine Arts, 3301 Lyon, S.F. $20-$30. (415) 392-4400, www.ethnicdancefestival.com.

June 16-Aug. 18

Stern Grove Midsummer Music Festival Pack a picnic, grab your friends, and hit Stern Grove on Sundays for this series of free outdoor concerts. The musicians vary in nationality and style, with performances by folk guitarists, hip-hop dance groups, Colombian artists, Hawaiian dancers, and the Russian National orchestra. Sundays, 2-4:30 p.m., 19th Ave. and Sloat, S.F. Free. (415) 252-6252, www.sterngrove.org.

June 19-23

Portola Valley Classic Equestrian Festival Horse-minded types will dig this event, which includes exhibitions, petting zoos, and displays of jewelry and clothing. 8 a.m.-7 p.m., Portola Valley Training Center, 100 Alpine Lane, Menlo Park. Free. 1-866-440-7469, www.portolavalleyclassic.com.

Sonoma-Marin Fair Wine-tasting events may dominate the area the rest of the year, but this five-day fair's got even more to offer: food, games, rides, and the crowd-pleasing Destruction Derby. Acts on the entertainment roster include Eddie Money, the Beach Boys, Diamond Rio, and the Drifters. Petaluma Fairgrounds, 175 Fairgrounds, Petaluma. $8-$16. (707) 283-FAIR, www.sonoma-marinfair.org.

June 20-Sept. 19

16th annual Summer Sounds Concert Series Head to downtown Oakland for a free concert every third Thursday. Performers represent a variety of musical genres, including jazz, zydeco, funk, and R&B. Third Thursdays, 5 p.m., Oakland City Center (above the 12th St. BART Station), Oakl. Free. (510) 628-8490, www.oaklandcitycenter.com.

June 21-23

Sierra Nevada World Music Festival The goal of this festival is to provide a forum for music with "a message of peace, unity and brotherhood which transcends the divisions of race and culture." The festival's food, crafts, and art come from places like West Africa, Jamaica, Ethiopia, and India, and performers include Bamboleo, the Mahotella Queens, King Chango, Johnny Osbourne, and Fab Five. Camping is available at the site for a nightly fee of $25 a car. Frogtown (off Highway 49), Calaveras County. $80 (three-day ticket). www.snwmf.com.

June 21-July 7

Alameda County Fair What is summer without the chance to see a few prizewinning pigs? You can find all the typical fair mainstays here: food, rides, games, art contests, horse racing, and entertainment (including Lee Greenwood with Sandi Patty, America, Paul Rodriguez, City High, Tower of Power, and War). Alameda County Fairgrounds, Valley at Pleasanton, Pleasanton. $3-$7. www.alamedacountyfair.com.

June 21-Aug. 30

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk free summer concerts Every Friday night check out classic acts like Gary Puckett, Chuck Negron, Herman's Hermits, and Starship, providing tunes on the Santa Cruz shore. Fridays, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, 400 Beach, Santa Cruz. Free. www.beachboardwalk.com.

June 22

Fire Truck Day Come out to support the men and women in red and watch things heat up at this celebration. Vintage and modern fire trucks will be on display; there'll also be fire-fighting demonstrations and maybe even a dalmatian or two. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Ardenwood Historic Farm, 34600 Ardenwood, Fremont. (510) 796-0663.

June 22-23

14th annual New Orleans by the Bay Experience the best of bayou country without the four-hour plane ride (and five-hour airport security line). The style of the music is described as "distinctly New Orleans" (i.e., jazz, blues, zydeco, and gospel), and the food will be as well, with Cajun, Creole, and Southern options. Performers include Delbert McClinton, Taj Mahal, the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet, Geno Delafose and French Rockin' Boogie, the Oakland Inter-Faith Gospel Choir, and more. Noon-7:30 p.m., Shoreline Amphitheatre, 1 Amphitheatre Pkwy., Mountain View. $15. (650) 967-4040, www.shoreline.com.

San Anselmo Art Festival Fine arts and crafts, family activities, entertainment, and food move in on San Anselmo's downtown, a hot spot for antique dealers. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., San Anselmo between Bolinas and Tamalpais, San Anselmo. Free. (510) 970-3217.

June 28-30

Kate Wolf Memorial Music Festival Folk rock's annual tribute to '70s performer Kate Wolf gathers several Americana acts each day. Fri., 1:30 p.m.-midnight; Sat., noon-11 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m., Black Oak Ranch, Laytonville (off Hwy. 101). $35-$125. (707) 829-7067, www.monitor.net/kate.

June 29

10th annual Dyke March The "largest dyke event in the world" includes an afternoon of speakers and entertainment, followed by a women-only march. Entertainment 3 p.m.; parade starts 7:30 p.m., Dolores Park, Dolores at 19th St., S.F. Free. (415) 241-8882, www.dykemarch.org.

June 29-30

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Pride Celebration and Parade This major San Francisco event caps off Pride Month with too many activities to list here. Sunday the annual parade starts at Market and Beale Streets (10:30 a.m.) and proceeds down Market with celebrity grand marshals Ian McKellan (Gods and Monsters, The Lord of the Rings) and Sharon Gless (Cagney and Lacey, Queer as Folk) leading the way. After the parade prepare yourself for an unprecedented 10 stages of music: a women's stage, country-western and swing dance areas, and African American-, Asian American-, and Latin-themed stages. Civic Center, Grove and McAllister, S.F. Free. (415) 864-3733, www.sfpride.org.

Russian River Blues Festival Spend the weekend soaking up the blues. Saturday spotlights guitarists (including Tommy Castro, the Robert Cray Band, Coco Montoya, and Deborah Coleman); Sunday features Bobby "Blue" Bland, Joe Louis Walker, Billy Boy Arnold, and Booker T. Jones. 11 a.m., Johnson's Beach, First and Church, Guerneville. $35-$170. (510) 655-9471, www.russianriverbluesfest.com.

June 29-Aug. 10

Stanford Jazz Festival Local and world-famous jazz musicians perform in more than 30 concerts in this monthlong jazz extravaganza. Musicians include Hank Jones, George Coleman, Jimmy Heath, Rufus Reid, Lou Donaldson, Dr. Lonnie Smith, John Abercrombie, Harold Mabern, Marcus Shelby, Taylor Eigsti, Joyce Cooling, Dave Ellis, and many more. (650) 736-0324, www.stanfordjazz.org.

July 3-4

Fillmore Street Jazz Festival The 16th annual festival includes a 100-year anniversary salute to Louis Armstrong. With four stages of continuous music, 300 artists in attendance, and a history-of-jazz exhibit, this event promises to transform several blocks of the city into a jazz hall. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Fillmore between Jackson and Ellis, S.F. Free. 1-800-731-0003.

July 3-7

Marin County Fair One day of fireworks ain't enough? This fair offers fireworks each night. The theme of this year's fair is water – "everybody's favorite liquid." Frankly, it's worth going just to see how they pull that off. Other attractions include kid's events, calorie-crazy foods, farm animals, music, and 28 carnival rides and games. 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Marin Center, Avenue of the Flags (take San Pedro exit off Hwy. 101 N.), San Rafael. $9-$11. (415) 499-6400, www.marinfair.org.

July 4

Fourth of July in Suisun City During the day, play games on Main Street, set your little demons loose at a kiddie carnival, and buy some early Christmas gifts at the crafts fair. When it gets dark, live music heralds the fireworks that cap off the celebration. Noon-5 p.m. and 8-10 p.m., Harbor Plaza, Main and Solano, Suisun City. (707) 421-7309, www.suisun.com.

Fourth of July Waterfront Festival Smart patriots know to take public transit to this annual mob scene. Enjoy live music and entertainment on multiple stages along the waterfront and the traditional fireworks display over the water (9:30 p.m.). Pier 39, Embarcadero and Beach, S.F. Free. (415) 705-5500.

Independence Day Celebration Attention pyromaniacs: this is not the place to be if you want to celebrate your Fourth of July with a bang. The old-timey celebration is all about tipping your hat to America without the fireworks. Enjoy the holiday with music, games, contests, hay rides, and more. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Ardenwood Historic Farm, Fremont. (510) 796-0663.

July 4-7

14th Annual Marin/Scapes art show and sale Landscape art depicting scenic Marin County takes center stage at this event. Noon-6 p.m., Escalle Windery, 771 Magnolia, Larkspur. Free. (415) 457-6964.

High Sierra Music Festival The music is the main event at this three-stage festival, with an eclectic mix of jam bands, reggae, rock, and folk. Performers include Medeski, Martin, and Wood, Bruce Hornsby, Leftover Salmon, and Keller Williams. A "chill out tent" offers a community swimming pool and yoga. Word of this festival is apparently widespread, as messages on the Web page plead for rides from Wisconsin, Chicago, and Seattle. Plumas-Sierra Fairgrounds, Hwy. 70/89, Quincy. $30-$140. (510) 420-1529, www.hsmusic.net.

July 5-31

LaborFest 2002 The monthlong festival commemorates the 1934 General Strike in San Francisco with film screenings, poetry readings, lectures, and book signings. (415) 642-8066, www.laborfest.net.

July 6

'Running of the Bullshitters' This traveling fiesta, now in its seventh year, mimics the annual event in Pamplona, but with the inevitable dose of San Franciscan wackiness. The "bulls" are actually people outfitted with horns, who chase the runners (sporting white clothing with red bandannas and belts) from bar to bar. The fun kicks off at North Beach's La Bodega and continues on to Columbus Cafe, Shannon's, and the North Star Café. Organizers say it is possible to catch up later in the night, but they recommend starting the course from the beginning. ĦOlé! 11 p.m.-2 a.m., events starts at La Bodega, 1337 Grant, S.F. www.runningofthebullshitters.com.

July 13-14

Seventh annual San Francisco Silent Film Festival About 3,000 people are predicted to attend this two-day silent-film celebration, held yearly at the Castro Theater. Films include Captain January, Male and Female, Shiraz, Girl Shy, The Blot, and Hell's Heroes – all with live accompaniment on the theater's magnificent organ or by specially selected musical ensembles. Castro Theatre, 429 Castro, S.F. For ticket information call (415) 621-6120 or go to www.silentfilm.org.

July 14

Bastille Day This year marks the 212th anniversary of the storming of the Bastille prison by an angry, hungry Parisian mob. Now it's an occasion to celebrate in America, so go out and storm the French Quarter bars. Try checking out the alleys north and south of Bush Street near Kearny. Claude Lane, Belden Street, Mark Lane, and Harlan Place are usually closed to traffic from 5 p.m. to midnight.

July 18-21

California Worldfest 2002 This festival features Mickey Hart and Bembe Orisha, Fruit, the Wayfaring Strangers, and other roots and world music groups on five stages. Camping is encouraged. Call for times. Nevada County Fairgrounds, off Hwy. 49 North, Grass Valley. $20-$90. (530) 891-4098, www.worldmusicfestival.com.

July 20

Books by the Bay Independent bookstores gather to support literary culture in the Bay Area. Dozens of authors will turn out to read and sign their books; for the kids there'll be children's authors and activities. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Yerba Buena Gardens, 700 Howard, S.F. Free. www.booksbythebay.com.

July 25-Aug. 7

Midsummer Mozart Festival Think classical music is a snore? Let Mozart prove you wrong. In its 28th year, the festival aims to bring classical music to a variety of people. The concerts take place in intimate venues, such as Berkeley's First Congregational Church and San Francisco's Palace of the Legion of Honor – similarly sized to those in which ol' Wolfie performed, so you can get a good look at the violinists pumping that cat gut. $25-$50. For a schedule call (415) 292-9624 or go to www.midsummermozart.org.

July 25-Aug. 12

San Francisco Jewish Film Festival It's the first and oldest Jewish film festival in the world, with screenings of more than 40 films by Jewish filmmakers from around the world. Stay tuned to the Bay Guardian for upcoming festival coverage. www.sfjff.org.

July 26-28

Gilroy Garlic Festival In 1978, Dr. Rudy Melone decided to prove that Gilroy is the garlic capital of the world. And unless the good people of Arleux, France, are still holding out, Dr. Melone's brainchild – this annual festival – has done just that. More than 125,000 people attend every year, and last year more than 25,000 pieces of garlic bread were served. About 100 artists will present their work, and food vendors do pretty much anything you can imagine with garlic. Come home with garlic jelly for your toast and garlic necklaces to ward off local vampires. 10 a.m.-7: p.m., Christmas Hill Park, off Hwy. 101, Gilroy. $5-$10. (408) 842-1625, www.gilroygarlicfestival.com.

July 27-28

Berkeley Kite Festival Those fierce, chilly winds at the Berkeley Marina are good for something. Come out and watch the big-wig kite pros do their thing and/or try and hide your embarrassment as your own kite crashes and burns (note: lessons are available for all Charlie Brown types). Spectators need only look up to be entertained as the sky fills with blimp-size kites and "windsocks as long as trains." 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Cesar E. Chavez Park, Berkeley Marina (North end), Berk. Free. (510) 235-5483, www.highlinekites.com.

July 28

Chronicle Marathon Elite runners compete in a 26.2-mile race through the city, starting and finishing near the Polo Field in Golden Gate Park, while you cheer 'em on from the sidelines with a hot dog and a beer. Ain't exercise grand? Marathon 6 a.m., starts and finishes at the Ferry Building, Embarcadero and Market, S.F. $55-$70 to compete. 1-800-698-8699, www.chroniclemarathon.com.

Aug. 2-4

19th annual Reggae on the River From early-morning Friday until late Sunday evening, this festival will be hosting reggae and world music, plus camping and swimming in the Eel River. Acts include Steel Pulse, King Chango, Kanda Bongo Man, Morgan Heritage and LMS, Lucky Dube, Burning Spear, and Spearhead. French's Camp, Piercy (off Hwy. 101). $112. (707) 923-4583, www.reggaeontheriver.com.

Aug. 3-4

Eighth annual San Francisco Aloha Festival The San Francisco Bay Area Pacific Islanders community puts its music and dance talents on display during this two-day festival. Attractions include Pacific Islander music, Polynesian art, and vendors of arts and crafts and island cuisine, as well as educational exhibits and workshops. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., San Francisco Presidio Parade Grounds, near Lincoln and Montgomery, S.F. Free. (415) 281-0221, www.pica-org.org/AlohaFest.

Aug. 8-11

World Footbag Championships The first time soccer player Pele saw footbagging (a.k.a., Hacky Sack), he said, "This is incredible! I can't believe that anyone could be so coordinated with their feet!" These games decide the footbagging champions of the world, and competitors from places such as Venezuela, Korea, Finland, France, and the Czech Republic make this a truly global event. For the uninitiated: the two styles of play include footbag, which is like volleyball with feet only, and freestyle footbag, which is an individually choreographed routine set to music. Freestyle semifinals Thurs., 7 p.m.; finals Sat., 7 p.m., Palace of Fine Arts, 3301 Lyon, S.F.; net semifinals Sat., 11 a.m.; finals Sun., 11 a.m., Justin Herman Plaza, Four Embarcadero Center, S.F. $15-$20. (415) 522-9899, www.footbag.org.

Aug. 10

Eighth annual Great Petaluma Quilt Show This outdoor quilt show highlights supreme quilting skills and the historic district of Petaluma. There's also a craft fair and a doll exhibit. Think your quilting skills are competition quality? Call the show's info number and enter the miniature quilt contest. 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Kentucky and Fourth St. between Washington and D St., Petaluma. Free. (707) 778-8015.

Aug. 10-11

Nihonmachi Street Fair Japantown invites the city to celebrate its diverse Asian Pacific American communities with arts and crafts, free music performances (including both jazz and top 40 Asian American music), and kid's games. The food choices should be as diverse as the celebration, including teriyaki burgers, thai noodles, and kalbi ribs; all the booths double as fundraisers for local Asian American organizations. 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Japantown, Post and Webster, S.F. Free. (415) 771-9861, www.nihonmachistreetfair.org.

Aug. 18

Comedy Day Need a good laugh? Get one for free at this yearly public comedy event. Crowds turn out every year to see comedy greats; past shows have featured Robin Williams, Margaret Cho, Dana Carvey, Janeane Garofalo, and Bob Saget. Stay tuned for this year's lineup. 1-5 p.m., Sharon Meadow, Golden Gate Park, near Stanyan and Haight, S.F. Free. (415) 339-8050, www.comedyday.com.

Aug. 22-23

Oakland Chinatown StreetFest More than 100,000 people will come out to see, hear, taste, and learn about the flavors of Chinatown, represented by more than 200 vendors and entertainment groups on nine city blocks. Entertainment includes artisans, performers, and an area for kids. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Franklin and Ninth Sts., Oakl. Free. (510) 893-8979.

Aug. 24

Jamgross 2002 The David Grisman Quintet, the Yonder Mountain String Band, Peter Rowan and Tony Rice, and the John Cowan Band headline this fest of American music. Noon, Marin Center, Lagoon Park, Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. $27.50-$32.50. www.ticketmaster.com.

Aug. 31-Sept. 2

Historic Train Fair Explore railroad history with hands-on exhibits of a 1891 steam locomotive, equipment displays, model railroad layouts, handcar rides, a hobo camp, and more. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Ardenwood Historic Farm, 34600 Ardenwood, Fremont. (510) 796-0663.

Sausalito Art Festival The fine-arts fest features more than 200,000 works of art, 270 artists, and 60,000 guests, all converging on picturesque Sausalito to scope art, swill champagne, and chow down. Two stages of continuous music, including blues, country, and rock, keep the party bumping. Sat.-Sun., 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Mon., 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Bay Model Visitor Center and Marinship Park, Bridgeway at Harbor, Sausalito. $5-$15. (415) 331-3757.

Sept. 7

Garin Apple Festival Apple cider tasting, live music, and tours of a vintage apple orchard highlight this event. 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Garin Regional Park, 1320 Garin, Hayward. Free. (510) 795-9385.

Sept. 7-8

Ghirardelli Square Chocolate Festival Many cocoa beans will meet their deaths this weekend, as this celebration of our most sinful sweet whips up a frenzy of chocolate-devouring hordes. On parade will be delectable chocolate treats from restaurants and chocolatiers from around the Bay Area, including tiramisu, truffles, brownies, cookies, cheesecake, chocolate-covered strawberries, and gelato. The winner of the sundae-eating contest receives his or her weight in Ghirardelli chocolate – so bulk up beforehand to get the most out of your prize. Noon-5 p.m., Ghirardelli Square, 900 N. Point St., S.F. Free. (415) 775-5500, www.ghirardellisq.com.

Jazz on the River Al Jarreau, Boney James, Peter White, Rick Braun, Joe DeFrancesco, the Benny Barth Trio, and others bring jazz to the banks of the Russian River. Johnson's Beach, First and Church, Guerneville. $37.50-$180. (510) 655-9471, www.jazzontheriver.com.

Sept. 8