events

Events listings are compiled by Sarah Han. See 8 Days a Week for information on how to submit items to the listings.

wednesday 2

Around town

Marin County Fair Marin County Fairgrounds, Civic Center Dr, San Rafael; (415) 499-6800, www.marinfair.org. 11am-11pm, $9-11. This fair features entertainment for the whole family, including musical acts KC and the Sunshine Band, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Grand Funk Railroad, Bjorn Again, Elvin Bishop, and Asleep at the Wheel; riding shows; a hip-hop and break dance contest; short film and video festival; fine art displays; a petting zoo; carnival rides; nightly fireworks; and much more. Through Fri/6.

thursday 3

Around town

Marin County Fair Marin County Fairgrounds, Civic Center Dr, San Rafael; (415) 499-6800, www.marinfair.org. 11am-11pm, $9-11. See Wed/2.

friday 4

Around town

'Celebrate Your Independents!' Various locations; 387-2272. See 8 Days a Week. Through Sun/6.

City of San Francisco's Fourth of July Celebration Pier 39, Embarcadero at Beach; 705-5500, www.pier39.com. Noon-9pm, free. This Fourth of July celebration features music by Taming Ingrid, the Zydeco Flames, David Martin's House Party, and a fireworks display above the bay.

Ghirardelli Square Fourth of July event Plaza Level, Ghirardelli Square, 900 North Point; 775-5500. 11:45am, free. The historic chocolate factory hosts a day-long festival of live family entertainment.

'Ol' Fashioned Fourth of July Alternative Family Picnic' Esplanade Gardens, Yerba Buena Gardens, Fourth St at Mission; 543-1718, www.ybae.org. 11am-4pm, free. This annual event features live music, political speeches, kids' activities, and more.

Bay Area

Fourth of July at the Berkeley Marina Berkeley Marina, Berk; (510) 548-5335. Noon, free. This event features puppet shows, a performing dog, storytelling, two stages of live music, international food booths, art cars, a people's parade, and fireworks (9:30pm).

Fourth of July at Jack London Square Embarcadero at Broadway, Oakl; (510) 814-6000, www.jacklondonsquare.com. Noon, free. This event includes two stages of music, fireworks (9:25pm), and more.

Marin County Fair Marin County Fairgrounds, Civic Center Dr, San Rafael; (415) 499-6800, www.marinfair.org. 11am-11pm, $9-11. See Wed/2.

saturday 5

Around town

'Celebrate Your Independents!' Various locations; 387-2272. See 8 Days a Week. Through Sun/6.

'A War on All Fronts: LaborFest 2003' SomArts Cultural Center, 934 Brannan; www.laborfest.net. 7pm, $7-10 sliding scale. This LaborFest kickoff event features a screening of Nancy Schiesari's Hansel Mieth: Vagabond Photographer, Labor on the March, and SF Hotel Workers Strike of 1941; Earl Watkins speaks. See www.laborfest.net for other LaborFest events.

Bay Area

'Taste of the Mission Walking Tour' Meet at Cafe La Boheme, 3318 24th St; 252-9728. 11am-2:30pm, $35. Learn about the Mission District's history, architecture, murals, art galleries, and more; tour includes snacks and beverages.

Benefits

'Great American Bake Sale' Building A Conference Center, Fort Mason; (650) 344-0875. 10am-3pm, free. Bay Area bakers and pastry chefs share their sweet confections at this bake sale to benefit Share Our Strength's national child hunger programs.

'Pets Unlimited Open House' 2343 Fillmore; 563-6702, ext 6702. 10am-6pm, free. Pets Unlimited opens its doors to the public for a tour of its facilities, an art show, and more; proceeds benefit Pets Unlimited Shelter Programs and Services. Also Sun/6.

'Twisted Tea Party' El Rio, 3158 Mission; 756-5593. 4-8pm, $5-500 sliding scale. This tea dance features burlesque dancers, hip-hop performances, a fashion show, live DJs, and more; proceeds benefit the Big Moves production of "Bodies in Motion 2003."

sunday 6

Around town

'Celebrate Your Independents!' Various locations; 387-2272. See 8 Days a Week. Through Sun/6.

Bay Area

Marin County Fair Marin County Fairgrounds, Civic Center Dr, San Rafael; (415) 499-6800, www.marinfair.org. 11am-11pm, $9-11. See Wed/2.

Benefits

'Pets Unlimited Open House' 2343 Fillmore; 563-6702, ext 6702. 10am-6pm. See Sat/5.

tuesday 8

Benefits