By Amir Bagdachi, Laurie Koh, Kerry Rodgers, and Cheryl Eddy.

SUMMER IN THE Bay Area means outdoor concerts, fairs, and festivals honoring everything from garlic to sand castles to butterflies. Whether you're an art collector, a jazz fan, a parent with a pack of kids to entertain, or just someone looking to try something new, you'll find plenty in our guide to grab your interest. 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, and stay tuned for our guide to fall fairs (Aug. 27).

Ongoing

Free Argentine tango class Grab a rose for your teeth: tango master Roberto Riobo shows you the moves every Sunday. Sundays (weather permitting) through Aug. 31, 3:30-4:30 p.m., Music Concourse Bandshell, Golden Gate Park near Ninth Ave. and Lincoln, S.F. Free. (415) 681-4402 or (415) 261-0569, www.barriotango.com.

SFJazz free summer outdoor concerts The folks behind the San Francisco Jazz Festival present free, outdoor lunch-hour concerts in parks and commercial centers from June through October. Performers are both up-and-coming and established artists. www.sfjazz.org.

May 16-18

Festival of Greece Boasting more baklava, lamb, bouzouki-strumming, gold jewelry, and dancing in circles than every other summer festival combined, this three-day extravaganza atop a hill near Ascension Greek Orthodox Cathedral is the best excuse possible to go Greek. 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 17

Asian Pacific Islander Festival Celebrating Asian American cultural heritage, the annual extravaganza is filled with educational booths and samplings from the best of local Asian food vendors. Noon-4 p.m., Martin Luther King Jr. Park, MLK Jr. Way between Allston and Center, Berk. (510) 528-9587, asianfestival@hotmail.com.

Backyard Bird and Butterfly Festival Come learn about all things lepidopteran at this informative and fascinating event, which aims to show how the local butterfly population can be preserved and even increased. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Coyote Hills Regional Park, 8000 Patterson Ranch, Fremont. Free. (510) 795-9385.

Malcolm X Jazz Arts Festival Head to east Oakland for three stages of music, spoken word, and more at this community arts event. 11 a.m.-7 p.m., San Antonio Park, 18th Ave. and Foothill Blvd., Oakl. Free. (510) 533-6629.

May 17-18

'A La Carte and Art' You'll want to eat everything at this gourmet event, with two days of cooking demonstrations and a plethora of food vendors hawking every delicacy from crepes to funnel cakes to andouille sausages. Many varieties of handmade crafts are on display, while 11 bands drown out the sounds of munching. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Castro between Church and Evelyn, Mountain View. Free. (650) 964-3395.

Bay Area Storytelling Festival Yarns, fabrications, ghost stories, fables, and classic myths can be heard at this concert series, in which professional storytellers and the public can take turns onstage weaving tales for amusement and instruction. Sat., 10 a.m.-7:30 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 (weekend pass $29-$52). (510) 525-2233, www.bayareastorytelling.org.

Castroville Artichoke Festival The artichoke, normally a pacific vegetable, transforms this entire municipality into a madhouse of partying: come for the classic car show, marvel at the R.V. Jamboree, tap your foot to the music, and gasp at the AgroArt contest, which pits the most dexterous food sculptors ever known against one another. Sat., 10 a.m-6 p.m.; Sun., 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Castroville. $3-$6. (831) 633-2465, www.artichoke-festival.org.

Himalayan Fair Sat., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Live Oak Park, 1300 Shattuck, Berk. $5. (510) 869-3995, www.himalayanfair.net. See 8 Days a Week.

May 18

'Albertsons Bay to Breakers' Up to 75,000 runners – a good percentage of them in crazy costumes or butt-nekkid – participate in this annual 12K that winds from Market Street to the Pacific Ocean. A number of charities benefit from race registration fees, including the Leukemia-Lymphoma Society. Rocker Bonnie Raitt headlines the postrace celebration, Footstock. Race 8 a.m., start at Howard and Spear, finish at Great Highway along Ocean Beach, S.F. Footstock 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Polo Field, Golden Gate Park, S.F. Race registration $27-$37 (Footstock free to race participants, $15-$20 for everyone else). www.baytobreakers.com, Footstock-only tickets (415) 421-TIXS.

Jazz on Fourth Street Festival Some of the Bay Area's top jazz groups, including the Dave Ellis Quartet, Johnny Nitro and the Doorslammers, and the John Santos Quartet, take to the stage at this free concert. Donations benefit Berkeley High Performing Arts and the Berkeley High Jazz Ensemble. 12:30-4:30 p.m., Fourth St. between Hearst and Virginia, Berk. Free. (510) 644-3002.

May 23-26

Wine Country Antique Show "Nothing but quality – high quality" is how one critic described this sumptuous event, which pairs the finest antiques and objets d'art with the famous food and wines of Napa. Opening gala Fri., 7-9 p.m.; exhibition Sat.-Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Mon., 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Napa Exposition Center, Chardonnay Hall, 1040 Main, Napa. $10, gala $100.(707) 226-7372, (415) 546-9608.

May 23-June 5

Mission Creek Music Festival More than 75 local bands you actually want to see – including the Moore Brothers, Vetiver, Condor, Coachwhips, Tussle, Harold Ray Live in Concert, Devendra Banhart, and others – play in one of the largest multivenued festivals of the summer. www.mcmf.org.

May 24-25

Boulder Creek Art, Wine, and Music Festival The Santa Cruz Mountain redwoods provide the backdrop for this fest, which features local music groups, arts and crafts, booths for political action and environmental groups, and more. 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Hwy. 9 between Scarborough Lumber and the San Lorenzo River Bridge, Boulder Creek. Free. (831) 338-7099, www.bcba.net.

Carnaval San Francisco All weekend the Mission District plays host to a street fair with food, music, dance, arts, crafts, and more; May 25, the ever popular Grand Parade features international music groups, colorful floats, and flocks of feather-adorned Brazilian dancers. Festival Sat.-Sun., 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Harrison between 16th and 22nd Sts., S.F. Parade Sun., 9:45 a.m., begins at Bryant and 24th Sts., proceeds down Mission to 17th St., S.F. Free. (415) 920-0125, www.carnavalsf.com.

Northern California Rhythm and Brews Festival The eighth annual party features more than 100 of the best micro- and import brews anywhere, with music from the Rolling Boil Blues Band, Mojo Deluxe, and hot, "science-friction" funk from Hip Service. 1-6 p.m., Stadium at the Nut Tree, Travis Credit Union Park, Vacaville. $20-$25 (includes eight tastes). www.agreatbrewfest.com.

'San Francisco Opera in the Gardens' The rich and passionate strains of opera pour from the bosom of Yerba Buena Gardens in this event (part of the summerlong Yerba Buena Gardens Festival), as rising and international stars of opera gather to serenade the city in a free concert. 2 p.m., Yerba Buena Gardens, Esplanade Gardens, 700 Howard, S.F. (415) 978-2700, www.ybgf.org.

Santa Cruz Blues Festival This fest features an incredible lineup this year, as none other than Mr. Ray "It-ain't-easy-being-green-tell-ya-what-I'd-say" Charles performs Saturday in the natural amphitheater, and Jimmie Vaughan, king of Austin blues, takes it Sunday. And while you listen to these and more, you can chow down on proper blues food, like Cajun cuisine, barbecue, and kettle corn. 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Aptos Village Park, 100 Aptos Creek, Aptos. $20-$90. (831) 479-9814, www.santacruzbluesfestival.com.

Solano Avenue Chocolate and Chalk Art Festival Albany celebrates the weekend with an invitation to everyone to draw all over the sidewalks, while businesses on the avenue feature their more cocoa-saturated items, like chocolate mole burritos at Cactus and the chocolate-drenched fried banana at Boran. Drawing Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; festival Sat.-Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Solano Ave., Albany. Free. (510) 527-5358, www.solanoavenueassn.org.

May 24-26

'Civil War Days' The South will rise again (and quickly settle down a few hours later) in a series of battle reenactments in this event, taking place in a orchard transformed into a battlefield circa 1863. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Ardenwood Historic Farm, 34600 Ardenwood, Fremont. $5-$8. (510) 796-0199.

San Francisco Cup and International Youth Soccer Tournament Americans are mad about soccer, and this extravaganza of passion, pageantry, and competition is out to prove it. From all over the world, 128 teams descend to test their skill and vie for top-level titles. Kezar Stadium, Polo Field, and Beach Chalet, Golden Gate Park, S.F. www.sfcup.com.

May 31-June 29

National Queer Arts Festival Since 1998 the Queer Cultural Center has dedicated the month of June to showcasing the most innovative emerging and established queer artists. The tradition continues this year with a month of spoken word, films, videos, visual art, performances, and more taking place at venues around San Francisco. www.queerculturalcenter.org.

May 31

Sonoma Valley Vintage Race Car Festival Ladies and gentlemen, rev your engines and race up to this 17th annual parade of classic roadsters and race cars. Postparade, the cars park it in Sonoma Plaza for your perusal; Sonoma Valley food and wine purveyors supply tasty treats. Proceeds benefit the Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau and the Sonoma Valley Education Foundation. 5:30 p.m.-8 p.m., Sonoma Plaza, downtown Sonoma. $30-$35. 1-800-870-RACE.

Ukiah Reggae World Music Festival Performers at this fest include Vision and Kibah from the Wailers, West African Highlife Band, Reggae Angels, and others. Ukiah Fairgrounds, 1055 N. State, Ukiah. (415) 561-7909 or (415) 902-0039, www.redwoodempirefair.com.

May 31-June 1

'Art Deco Weekend By-the-Bay' The largest art deco-1960s sale in the country features more than 200 dealers selling furniture, clothing, accessories, art, books, and other items from decades past. Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Concourse Exhibition Center, Eighth St. at Brannan, S.F. $6-$8. (650) 599-DECO, www.artdecosale.com.

'Art in the Avenues' More than 30 local artists from the Sunset Artists Society and the Park Presidio Art Association exhibit and sell their works at affordable prices. Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m., County Fair Bldg., Hall of Flowers, Golden Gate Park near Ninth Ave. at Lincoln, S.F. Free. (415) 566-9245.

May 31-June 8

East Bay Open Studios More than 500 artists at nearly 400 locations participate in this long-running annual event. Visit Pro Arts' downtown Oakland gallery for the sampler-style exhibit of participating artists, then pick up a map and take the self-guided tour through Berkeley, Emeryville, Richmond, and other points east. Tours Sat.-Sun., 11 a.m.-6 p.m., various East Bay locations. Gallery exhibit Wed.-Sat., 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Pro Arts, 461 Ninth St., Oakl. Free. www.proartsgallery.org.

June 1

Caledonia Street Fair International food, music, art, and all-day chef demonstrations are plenty of reasons to make an excursion to this annual Sausalito festival. 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Caledonia St., Sausalito. Free. www.ci.sausalito.ca.us.

Israeli Independence Day Celebration Israeli rockers Kaveret headline the family festival, which also features Israeli arts and crafts, Middle Eastern cuisine, and activities for all ages. Noon-5 p.m., Yerba Buena Gardens, 700 Howard, S.F. Free. (415) 512-6232, www.israelat55.org.

June 7

Celtic Festival Ardenwood Historic Farm presents a day filled with craic (Gaelic for good times) to celebrate Celtic culture. Enjoy traditional Welsh and Irish music, food, and crafts. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Ardenwood Historic Farm, 34600 Ardenwood, Fremont. $5-$8.50. (510) 796-0663.

Wildlife Fair The theme of this year's fest is "In the Beginning, There Was Water," and accordingly the fair will be drenched and dripping with games, exhibits, music, and crafts on every aspect of water and the natural world. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sulphur Creek Nature Center, 1801 D St., Hayward. $5. (510) 881-6747.

June 7-8

Alameda Sidewalk Fine Arts and Crafts Festival Once a year Alameda's sidewalks are transformed into a street gallery showcasing the works of more than 50 artists. Chat with them as you wander among the festival's delicate crafts, jewelry, clothing, and antiques. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Park Street shopping district, Alameda. Free. (510) 523-1392.

'Art in the Park' Burlingame hosts its 33rd annual celebration of fine art with crafts, food, entertainment, and family fun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Washington Park, Carolan at Burlingame, Burlingame. Free. (650) 558-7300, www.burlingame.org.

Great San Francisco Crystal Fair Positive energy radiates from this mineral mecca, as crystal merchants, jewelers, and telepaths of every kind congregate to clasp, fondle, and exchange stones and gems. Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Fort Mason Center, Bldg. A, Marina at Laguna, S.F. $5. (415) 383-7837.

Live Oak Park Fair North Berkeley welcomes the 33rd annual edition of this fair, which features 110 craft and art booths, entertainment, and food from the "Gourmet Gulch" and beyond. 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Live Oak Park, 1301 Shattuck, Berk. Free. www.liveoakparkfair.com.

Marin Home Show and Benefit Jazz Fest No longer do you have to choose between being a home-improvement maven or real cool cat, as plywood and piano combine in this unusual and popular event. While 300 of the Bay Area's home and garden companies show their wares, you can snap to the sounds of Lee Press-on and the Nails and the Rex Allen Swing Express. Sat., 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Marin Center, Exhibit Hall and Fairgrounds, Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. $6.50 (Sat. ticket also good on Sun.). (415) 472-3500, www.marinhomeshow.com.

'Power of Pride: 2003 San Jose Gay Pride' San Jose hosts a community day in the park at Discovery Meadow, a parade, and a festival at this year's Pride celebration. Special guests include comedian Suzanne Westenhoeffer and singers Crystal Waters and Ce Ce Penniston. Community day Sat., noon-6 p.m., Discovery Meadow, Guadalupe River Park, San Jose. Free. Parade Sun., 10:30 a.m., proceeds down Market from St. John to San Carlos, San Jose. Free. Festival Sun., 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m., Discovery Meadow. $8-$10. (408) 278-5563, www.sjgaypride.org.

Union Street Festival Cow Hollow welcomes more than 200 artists to its main thoroughfare at this 27th annual fair, with nonstop entertainment, food booths, and a kids' play area. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Union between Steiner and Gough, S.F. Free. 1-800-310-6563, www.unionstreetfestival.com.

June 7-22

San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival The festival celebrates its 25th anniversary with three weekends of dance from more than 20 countries and cultures. Scheduled to perform are the Lily Cai Dance Company, Murphy Irish Dance, the Barbary Coast Cloggers, African Queens, San Francisco Taiko Dojo, and many others. June 7-8, 14-15, and 21-22 (Sat., 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.; Sun., 2 p.m.), Palace of Fine Arts, 3301 Lyon, S.F. Call for price. (415) 474-3914, www.ethnicdancefestival.org.

June 8

Haight Ashbury Street Fair Music, food, incense, and tie-dye fly at this fair, which annually sardines thousands of revelers around San Francisco's most famous intersection. 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Haight between Masonic and Stanyan, S.F. Free. www.haightstreetfair.org.

June 12-29

San Francisco International Lesbian and Gay Film Festival The scope and prestige of the country's largest film festival by and about gay, lesbian, bi, queer, and transgendered folks keeps building. This year is no exception as Frameline programs the best of new queer cinema. Check the Web site in the future for full festival details, and look for the Bay Guardian's upcoming festival coverage. www.frameline.org.

June 13-15

Isleton Crawdad Festival If succulent crawdads call your name, do like thousands of other folks and head to little Isleton's annual 22,000-pound crawdad explosion. A dozen bands, a carnival, crawdad races, and a fun run round out the festivities. Fri.-Sat., 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Isleton (six miles North of Rio Vistao on Hwy. 160). Free. www.isletoncoc.org/crawdad.htm.

June 14

Campbell Scottish Highland Games Now in its 25th year, this festival features professional athletes from across the United States competing in the caber toss, stone put, hammer throw, and other events. Other attractions include live Celtic music, Highland dancing, and bagpipes. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Santa Clara County Fairgrounds, 344 Tully, San Jose. $6-$10. (408) 225-3305 or (408) 548-0929, www.campbellgames.com.

Sand Castle and Sculpture Contest The one constructive thing you should do all summer, this competition is in its 37th year of astonishing the Bay Area with engineering marvels and fantastic sculptures, all made of sand. 9 a.m. (judging noon; awards 1 p.m.), Crown Memorial State Beach (main parking lot in front of bathhouse), Alameda. Free. (510) 748-4565.

June 14-15

Danville Fine Arts Faire More than 200 artists working in everything from paint to pottery display their wares at this fair, which also features food and entertainment. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Hartz Ave., Danville. Free. (925) 837-4400, www.mlaproductions.com.

Fiesta Filipina Enjoy festive food, music, crafts, games, and carnival rides at the Bay Area's largest Filipino festival. The celebration of the Phillipines' 105th anniversary also features a beauty pageant and talent search, plus Filipino celebs Cesar Montano and Sunshine Cruz appear in person. 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m., Civic Center, Larkin between Grove and McAllister, S.F. $5. www.fiestafilipina.com.

Health and Harmony Music and Arts Festival Michelle Shocked and Richie Havens headline the music portion of this festival, which also features speakers Ram Dass and Medea Benjamin, an activity center for kids, and events centered on the theme "Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Present, Creating Our Future." 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sonoma County Fairgrounds, 1350 Bennett Valley, Santa Rosa. $17-$22. (707) 547-9355, www.harmonyfestival.com.

Italian Street Painting Festival Master Madonari (street painters) work with budding young Michelangelos to re-create the Sistine Chapel ceiling on the street during Youth in Arts' annual festival, which also features local artists, musicians and Italian food. Sat., 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sun., 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Fifth St. at A St., San Rafael. Free. (415) 457-4878, www.youthinarts.org.

Juneteenth Festival This festival marks one of the oldest celebrations commemorating slavery's end and African American achievement. The Fillmore District again hosts the festivities, which include performances, music, food, and a float parade on Saturday featuring the Northern California Black Cowboys Association. Fillmore between Geary and Turk, S.F. Free. (415) 931-2729.

North Beach Festival Celebrate North Beach's Italian heritage and beatnik heyday at the annual festival. Enjoy Unauthorized Rolling Stones and Zydeco Flames performances, Italian food, a street chalking competition, and the popular pet blessings (taking place both days at 2 p.m. on the corner of Columbus and Vallejo). 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Washington Square Park, Columbus at Powell, S.F. Free. (415) 989-6426.

June 15

'Day of the Accordion at the Cannery' The accordion is actually the official instrument of San Francisco, not the DJ turntable. Witness the virtuosos of this underappreciated instrument perform during a day of music and food. Noon-5 p.m., Cannery, 2801 Leavenworth, S.F. Free. www.thecannery.com.

June 15-Aug. 17

Stern Grove Midsummer Music Festival Lounge at the Stern Grove amphitheater with sandwiches and buddies, soaking up the eclectic offerings of this free Sunday concert series. Catch the San Francisco Ballet, Carnival Caliente, African Odyssey, and others. Sundays, 2-4:30 p.m., 19th Ave. and Sloat, S.F. Free. (415) 252-6252, www.sterngrove.org.

June 18-22

Sonoma-Marin Fair Pat Benatar, Mark Willis, and Tracy Byrd perform at this not-quite-old-fashioned county fair. The rides, crafts, and kids will be there, but so will "Hollywood," this year's theme, which recognizes the films shot in the area. Back is the ever popular Destruction Derby, many other competitions and demonstrations, and a wine garden. Petaluma Fairgrounds, 175 Fairgrounds Drive, Petaluma. $8-$12. (707) 383-FAIR, www.sonoma-marinfair.org.

June 19

Total Wellness Fair The Embarcadero Center hosts a fair promoting physical and mental health. Activities include health screenings, fitness demonstrations, health and wellness booths, and a performance by the Culture Shock dance troupe. Two, Three, and Four Embarcadero Center (street level), between Front, Sacramento, Drumm, and Clay, S.F. Free. (415) 772-0754, www.embarcaderocenter.com.

June 19-Sept. 18

Summer Sounds Concert Series Jazz, flamenco, rock, and soul reverberate off the buildings of downtown Oakland every third Thursday this summer. Check the Web site for a list of scheduled performers. Third Thursdays, 5 p.m., Oakland City Center (above the 12th St. BART Station), Oakl. Free. (510) 628-8490, www.oaklandcitycenter.com.

June 20-22

Sierra Nevada World Music Festival Nature lovers rejoice at this festival. In addition to the world music, the featured food, arts, and crafts originate from across the globe. This year's lineup features the Wailers, Pablo Moses, and Mikey Dread. Camping is available at the site for a nightly fee of $30 a car. Fri., 6 p.m.-midnight; Sat., 11 a.m.-midnight; Sun., 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Angel's Camp, Frogtown (off Hwy. 49), Calaveras County. $85 (three-day ticket). www.snwmf.com.

June 20-July 6

Alameda County Fair Ah, the smells of summer: popcorn and pigs. This classic (and huge) summer fair promises to delight all of the senses with food, rides, games, animals, parades, quilting, cooking, horse-racing, and concerts. Entertainment includes KC and the Sunshine Band, Grand Funk Railroad, Tower of Power, and Carrot Top. Mon.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri.-Sun., 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Alameda County Fairgrounds, Valley at Pleasanton, Pleasanton. $4-$9. (925) 426-7600, www.alamedacountyfair.com.

June 20-Aug. 29

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk free summer concerts Every Friday night get your groove on at this old-school amusement park by the sea with acts such as Jefferson Starship, Tiffany, the Drifters, and the Lovin' Spoonful. Fri., 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, 400 Beach, Santa Cruz. Free. www.beachboardwalk.com.

June 21

Fire Truck Day Hats, hoses, and trucks (vintage and contemporary) are on display at this celebration. In addition there are firefighting demonstrations, so get ready to get wet. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Ardenwood Historic Farm, 34600 Ardenwood, Fremont. (510) 796-0663.

June 21-22

Marin Art Festival "America's Most Beautiful Art Festival" draws more than 200 fine artists from across the country to share their works in an outdoor setting. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Lagoon Park, Marin Civic Center, San Rafael. $8. (415) 388-0151, www.marinartfestival.com.

San Anselmo Art Festival San Anselmo's picturesque downtown is transformed into a street fair laden with fine arts and crafts, family activities, entertainment, and food. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., San Anselmo between Bolinas and Tamalpais, San Anselmo. Free. (510) 970-3217, www.hartmannstudios.com/san_anselmo.html.

San Francisco Free Folk Festival The price is right at this 27th annual fest, which features a packed slate of folk performers and workshops on songwriting, reading music, Gaelic songs, and dance. This year's lineup includes the Dusmuir Scottish Dancers, the Juan L. Sánchez Ensemble, Tony Marcus and Patrice Haan, the Jubilee American Dance Theatre, and more. Sat., Noon-11 p.m.; Sun., noon-10:30 p.m., Roosevelt Middle School, 460 Arguello, S.F. Free. (510) 287-9095, www.sffolkfest.org.

June 27-29

Kate Wolf Memorial Music Festival Folk rock's annual tribute to '70s singer-songwriter Kate Wolf features several classic sets each day, culminating with a performance by Mary Chapin Carpenter. Fri., 1:30 p.m.-midnight; Sat., 10 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Black Oak Ranch, Laytonville (off Hwy. 101). $35-$125. (707) 829-7067, www.monitor.net/kate.

June 28

Dyke March One of the largest dyke events in the world underscores the theme "Dykes Oppose War" with speakers and entertainment, followed by a women-only march. Entertainment 5 p.m.; parade 7:30 p.m., Dolores Park, Dolores between 18th and 20th Sts., S.F. Free. (415) 241-8882, www.dykemarch.org.

June 28-29

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Pride Celebration and Parade This eminent San Francisco event involves spokes of activities across the city revolving around Civic Center Plaza's 13 stages of marvelous music. The zenith of the weekend, however, is the Sunday parade, beginning at 10 a.m. at Market and Beale Streets. Heading this year's parade are the San Francisco Women's Motorcycle Contingent, along with celebrity grand marshals Armistead Maupin and Marga Gomez, followed by a fab flurry of folk and floats. Civic Center, Larkin between Grove and McAllister, S.F. Free. (415) 864-3733, www.sfpride.org.

Russian River Blues Festival The lineup for this year's fest includes such names as Etta James, Susan Tedeschi, the Blind Boys of Alabama, Zigaboo Modeliste, the Robert Cray Band, and Mavis Staples. 11 a.m., Johnson's Beach, Guerneville. $42.50-$90 (both days $80-$180). (510) 655-9471, www.russianriverbluesfest.com.

June 28-Aug. 9

Stanford Jazz Festival Local and world-famous musicians perform in more than 30 concerts in this monthlong jazz extravaganza, which also offers educational workshops and classes. Headliners include Branford Marsalis, Poncho Sanchez, David Torres, Frank Morgan with the Eddie Marshal Trio, and Dena DeRose. (650) 736-0324, www.stanfordjazz.org.

July 2-6

Marin County Fair This pyrotechnic-happy fair features four full fireworks fandangos, lighting up the sky every night. Other attractions are kids' events, food, animals, carnival rides, games, and a performance by the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Marin Center, Avenue of the Flags at Civic Center, San Rafael. $9-$11. (415) 499-6800, www.marinfair.org.

July 3-6

High Sierra Music Festival If you require access to sports such as swimming, biking, and fishing when you go festival-ing, then this event should be a delight, with four stages of music, including Steve Winwood, Michael Franti and Spearhead, Justin King, Keller Williams, and kooken and hoomen. Noon-4 a.m., Plumas Sierra Fairgrounds (off Hwy. 70/89), Quincy. $100-$150 (multiple-day passes). (510) 420-1529, www.highsierramusic.com.

Marin/Scapes Art Exhibit and Sale Landscape art depicting scenic Marin County takes center stage at this event benefiting Buckelew Programs, an agency that helps adults with mental illness. Noon-6 p.m., Escalle Winery, 771 Magnolia, Larkspur. $12. (415) 457-6964, www.buckelew.org.

July 4

City of San Francisco Fourth of July Waterfront Celebration This is the place to be on Independence Day for what seems like most of the Bay Area. Natives know not to even think of driving their cars through the crowds. Live music includes local bands Zydeco Flames and Taming Ingrid, and the fireworks over the water (at 9 p.m.) are surefire fun. Noon-9 p.m., Pier 39, Embarcadero and Beach, S.F. Free. (415) 705-5500, www.pier39.com.

Fourth of July in Old Town Suisun During the day live it up with a three-legged race, carnival games, and an arts and crafts fair. Once night falls relax with music by Crossmen Connection, Key Lime Pie, and the Time Bandits, along with fireworks (at 9:20 p.m.) 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Harbor Plaza, Main and Solano, Suisun City. Free. (707) 421-7309, www.suisun.com.

July 5-6

Fillmore Street Jazz Festival Fillmore Street is a Historic Jazz Preservation District, and the sprits of the old cool cats are revived every year at this street fair spanning 12 blocks and featuring many stages with live grooves. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Fillmore between Jackson and Eddy, S.F. Free. 1-800-731-0003, www.hartmann-studios.com/Fillmore.html.

July 5-31

'LaborFest' Now in its 10th year, this monthlong festival – whose theme is "A War on All Borders" – marks the 1934 General Strike with films, history walks, discussions, plays, and more. www.labornet.net.

July 12-13

San Francisco Silent Film Festival The festival returns to the Castro Theatre (and its mighty Wurlitzer) with two days of films and festivities. Special guest Leonard Maltin introduces Virginia Davis McGhee, "Disney's first star," who appears at a program of early Disney animation; Ron Chaney presents The Penalty, starring his great-grandfather Lon; and more. Sat., films begin at 11 a.m.; Sun., 11:15 a.m., Castro Theatre, 429 Castro, S.F. $6-$14 (passes $45-$70). (415) 777-4908, www.silentfilm.org.

July 12-Aug. 10

Heart of the Forest Renaissance Faire Elizabethan country living comes to Novato at this annual celebration, which features more than 600 costumed performers, crafts, gourmet foods, and more. Sat.-Sun., 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Stafford Lake Park, 3549 Novato, Novato. $8-$20 (season pass $25-$70). (415) 897-4555, www.forestfaire.com.

July 17-20

'California Worldfest' The Sierra Nevada foothills again play host to this festival of roots and world music. Acts include the Robert Cray Band, Tommy Emmanuel, and the John Cowan Band. Camping is encouraged. Nevada County Fairgrounds, off Hwy. 49 N., Grass Valley. $25-$100. (530) 891-4098, www.worldmusicfestival.com.

July 17-Aug. 4

San Francisco Jewish Film Festival Cinephiles won't want to miss the 23rd annual edition of the oldest and biggest Jewish film fest in the world. Stay tuned to the Bay Guardian for upcoming coverage. www.sfjff.org.

July 19

'Books by the Bay' Celebrate independent booksellers at the eighth annual open-air event, which features 70 author talks and signings, kids' activities, poetry readings, and more. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Yerba Buena Gardens, 700 Howard, S.F. Free. www.booksbythebay.com.

July 24-Aug. 3

Midsummer Mozart Festival Celebrate the composer at this festival of all things Amadeus. Two different programs crisscross the Bay Area, bringing classical classics to the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco and venues in Berkeley, Sonoma, Saratoga, and San Jose. www.midsummermozart.org.

July 25-27

Gilroy Garlic Festival This year the popular festival celebrates 25 years of honoring the majestic stinking rose with a weekend of fragrant foods (including the legendary garlic ice cream), cook-off contests, three stages of music, and family fun. 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Christmas Hill Park, off Hwy. 101, Gilroy. $5-$10. (408) 842-1625, www.gilroygarlicfestival.com.

'Salute to the Arts' The theme of this year's Sonoma showcase of winemaking, culinary, visual, performing, and literary arts is "Happy Trails," so expect a cowboy spin on the usual festivities, which include a gala kickoff party, cooking demonstrations, and art exhibits. Proceeds benefit Sonoma Valley arts, cultural, and educational organizations. $25-$200, www.salutetothearts.com.

July 27

Chronicle Marathon Even if you're not up for the whole enchilada (26.2 miles), you can participate in the half marathon, the 5K, or the "progressive marathon," which allows you to complete all but the final 3.1 miles before race day. Marathon 6 a.m., begins and ends at the Ferry Bldg., foot of Market Street, S.F. $65-$86 to compete (prices vary for other events). (415) 284-9653, www.chroniclemarathon.com.

Up Your Alley Fair Dore Alley plays host to some 10,000 leather folk at this annual celebration, a precursor to the Folsom Street Fair (Sept. 28). 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Dore Alley between Folsom and Howard and Folsom between 9th and 10th Sts., S.F. Donations accepted. www.folsomstreetfair.com.

Aug. 1-3

Reggae on the River Festival This year's lineup is the fest's biggest ever, so get tickets now if you want to spend three days grooving to Ben Harper, Jimmy Cliff, Israel Vibration, Toots and the Maytals, Michael Franti and Spearhead, and others. French's Camp, just past Piercy (off Hwy. 101). $145. (707) 923-4583, www.reggaeontheriver.com.

Aug. 2-3

Aloha Festival The Pacific Islanders' Cultural Association hosts the annual festival of Polynesian dance, Pacific Islander music, crafts, cuisine, educational exhibits, and more. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., San Francisco Presidio Parade Grounds, near Lincoln at Graham, S.F. Free. www.pica-org.org/AlohaFest.

Aug. 9

Benicia Peddler's Fair More than 300 vendors fill downtown Benicia for this 40th annual event. 8 a.m.-5 p.m., First St. from J St. to the waterfront, Benicia. (707) 745-8680.

Aug. 9-10

Nihonmachi Street Fair This Japantown tradition celebrates 30 years of showcasing the diverse Asian and Pacific Islander communities in San Francisco. Stop by for live music, a display of tricked-out motorcycles, art, kid's activities, and possibly the yummiest selection of food booths (all run by local social service agencies) found at any Bay Area street fair. 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Japantown, Post and Webster, S.F. Free. (415) 771-9861, www.nihonmachistreetfair.org.