California
Solana Beach: The seaside community kicks off the summer with the Fiesta del Sol, June 4-5. In honor of this year's "Decades of Music" theme, bands representing each decade from the 1970s to the present will perform both days, including Goldfish (1990s) and the Young Dubliners (2000s). Arts and crafts vendors will line the streets leading into Fletcher Cove, where international food, a beer garden, children's games and music run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Admission and parking are free. (858) 755-4775, www.solanabeachchamber.com.
*
Ojai: Nearly 40 California wineries and microbreweries and nine area restaurants will serve their favorite selections at the Ojai Wine Festival, noon to 5 p.m. June 12. Among the diversions between tastes are arts and crafts, live entertainment and children's activities along the shore of Lake Casitas. $25 online, $35 at the gate; 15 and younger free. (800) 648-4881, www.ojaiwinefestival.com.
*
La Jolla: La Jolla Festival of the Arts and Food Faire features nearly 200 award-winning artists, contemporary music and gourmet food. The event, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 25-26, also includes children's activities and crafts. UC San Diego east campus. $10; 10 and younger free. (858) 456-1268, www.lajollaartfestival.org.
*
Graeagle: Some think the community of Graeagle was named for a famous Indian chief, but that's not the case, says a spokesman for the Eastern Sierra town. Graeagle was named for a creek christened by one of John C. Fremont's men in the 1840s. It's the site of the 33rd annual Mohawk Valley Independence Day Celebration, an old-fashioned community festival beginning July 1 with a barbecue and street dance; continues July 2 with a Pops at the Park picnic, followed by fireworks at the Mill Pond. The Independence Day festivities culminate with a pancake breakfast, parade and festival in the park on July 3. (800) 995-6057.
*
Big Bear Lake: Revisit the Gold Rush era during Old Miners Days held on four weekends July 15 through Aug. 7. Festivities begin with the Calcutta Dinner on the first night and a chili cook-off July 16. The Cowboy Poetry and Music Festival runs July 21-24 with food, music and poetry readings on Bear Mountain (see www.bigbearcowboygathering.com). Biceps get a workout in ax-throwing, sawing and tree-climbing contests during the Loggers Jubilee July 30-31 in Fawnskin. A square dance, horseshoe-throwing contest and the parade are highlights of the final weekend. (800) 424-4232, www.bigbearchamber.com.
*
Santa Paula: One of the last citrus greenbelts in Southern California encompasses 34,000 acres in Ventura County. Lemon, orange and avocado orchards surround the city of Santa Paula, home to the Citrus Festival July 15-17. Activities in Harding Park include carnival rides; competitions for biggest orange, lemon-eating and best guacamole; and nightly concerts. A parade rolls down Main Street on July 16. $3; $1 for 12 and younger. (805) 933-4226, www.ci.santa-paula.ca.us/festival.
*
Smith River: The redwood sign coming into Smith River reads: "Easter Lily Capital of the World." On July 16 the Smith River Festival celebrates the agricultural and historical roots of the northernmost town on coastal U.S. 101. From 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. festivities throughout downtown will include food, music and arts and crafts, exhibits by community groups and demonstrations by a search-and-rescue team. Other highlights include the Kids' Flower Power Parade and tours of lily and dairy farms and the Rowdy Creek Fish Hatchery. Free. (707) 464-3320, www.northerncalifornia.net.
*
Santa Barbara: The annual Santa Barbara French Festival has nearly everything to offer that France does -- including an Eiffel Tower -- but without the jet lag. There's cancan and grand opera, a poodle parade, escargot, mimes, strolling jugglers and the Femmes Fatales drag review, all during the weekend closest to Bastille Day (the start of the French Revolution) July 16-17. Don't forget the food: crepes and Cajun, cafe au lait and decadent desserts, pastries and French bread. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. both days in Oak Park. Free. (805) 564-7274, www.frenchfestival.com.
*
Gilroy: For more than a quarter of a century, Gilroy has been the town most associated with the stinky rose -- perhaps because of its annual garlic festival, to be held July 29-31. A stroll down Gourmet Alley will expose the nose to myriad garlic recipes, as will the Great Garlic Chef Cook-Off. All entertainment, arts and crafts and children's activities will be in Christmas Hill Park. $12; $6 for ages 60 and older or 6 to 12. (408) 842-1625, www.gilroygarlicfestival.com.
*
