.Our Fourth Annual Guide to Festivals, Fairs, and Road Trips

From the Black + White Ball to Zydeco Americana, a guide to the summer's biggest and best special events.

Concerts

Black + White Ball: Live performances from Patti LaBelle, Train, Violent Femmes, Village People, Minnie Driver, San Francisco Symphony, Charlie Hunter Trio, Natasha Miller, Red Meat, Chrome Johnson, Steve Lucky & the Rhumba Bums, the Johnny Nocturne Band, Stymie & the Pimp Jones Luv Orchestra, the Motet, Zoo Station, Los Mocosos, Chain-Garden, Orquesta BaKan, Amazing Embarassonic, Marianne Kent and Bay Society, Realistic Orchestra, Contemporary Jazz Orchestra Trio, and more TBA. Sat., June 11, 8 p.m.-1 a.m., $150-$220. San Francisco Civic Center, Market St., San Francisco.

Montalvo Arts Summer 2005 Series: The series (which takes place at various venues, including Villa Montalvo in Saratoga, the Fox Theatre in Redwood City, the Flint Center in Cupertino, and the California Theatre in San Jose) kicks off with Keb’ Mo on June 9, followed by Rhonda Vincent (6/15); Los Lobos (6/17); the Neville Brothers & Steel Pulse (6/22); India.Arie (6/26); Acoustic Alchemy and Paris Combo (6/30); Missoula Children’s Theatre (7/1); Chris Botti and Brian Culbertson (7/7); Julio Iglesias (7/8); Indigo Girls (7/9-10); Midsummer Mozart Festival (7/14); Pure Prairie League (7/21); Marc Cohn and Suzanne Vega (7/27); Linda Eder (7/28); Russian National Orchestra (7/29); Dave Koz & Friends (7/31); Michael Bolton (8/3); Gladys Knight (8/5); Dana Carvey (8/6-7); Jonny Lang (8/10); Michael Franks and David Benoit (8/14); Bobby McFerrin and Chick Corea (8/18); Keiko Matsui and Craig Chaquico (8/19); KPIG Songwriter festival featuring Etta James (8/21); Medeski, Martin & Wood (8/25); Dave Brubeck Quartet (8/26); and America (8/28). For tickets, call the Montalvo Arts Box Office at 408-961-5858 or go to MontalvoArts.org. Villa Montalvo, 15400 Montalvo Rd.

Mountain Winery Summer Season: Featured performers: Steve Winwood (6/8); Tower of Power with special guest Average White Band (6/9); the Beach Boys (6/10); Peter Cincotti and Bebel Gilberto (6/15); Lucinda Williams and John Doe (6/16); Al Green (6/17); Margaret Cho (6/18); David Byrne featuring the Tosca Strings, plus Loop!Station (6/21-22); Jewel with Jackie Greene (6/23-24); Madeleine Peyroux with Iris DeMent (6/25); Buddy Guy (6/26); the Wallflowers (6/27); Darryl Hall & John Oates (6/28); Lyle Lovett (6/29-30); Ottmar Liebert & Luna Negra (7/1); Leo Kottke & Mike Gordon (7/2); Chris Isaak (7/6-8); The B-52’s, plus Zonk (7/13); Ray Montagne with Rachel Yamagata (7/14); Boz Scaggs (7/15-16); Tears for Fears, plus Jimmy Chamberlin Complex (7/22); Bruce Hornsby & the Noise Makers (7/23); Pat Benatar (7/26); Mark Knopfler (7/27); Lewis Black (7/29); Leann Rimes (8/2); Big Head Todd & the Monsters, plus the Jackie Greene Band (8/5); Violent Femmes (8/6); Los Lonely Boys, plus Shelby Lynne (8/7); B.B. King, plus Kenny Wayne Shepard (8/8); Gipsy Kings (8/9-10); Aimee Mann (8/11); John Hiatt and Shawn Colvin (8/12); Carole King (8/13); Styx (8/14); Cowboy Junkies (8/16); Creedence Clearwater Revisited (8/17); Amy Grant (8/18); Stanley Clarke, Bela Fleck, and Jean-Luc Ponty (8/19); Bill Maher (8/20); Chaka Khan (8/21); Al Jarreau, Cassandra Wilson, and the Rippingtons featuring Russ Freeman (8/25); Tony Bennett (8/27); Donna Summer (8/28); Tom Jones (8/29); Susan Tedeschi, plus Blind Boys of Alabama (8/30); the Doobie Brothers (9/1-2); Big Bad Voodoo Daddy (9/9); Huey Lewis & the News (9/16-17); Ani DiFranco, plus Toshi Reagon (9/18). Ticket prices range from $40-$100. Mountain Winery, 14831 Pierce Rd., 415-371-5500.

Mozart in the Garden Party: Featuring wine and champagne, a buffet table, and a concert by Maestro George Cleve and MMF artists, Sun., June 12, 3:30 p.m., $50, 415-627-9145, MidsummerMozart.org. Coventry Grove, private residence, Kensington.

Pleasant Hill Summer Concert by the Lake: All-ages top 40 and ’80s dance hits fun with Fast Times, Sun., June 12, 6 p.m., free. 100 Gregory Lane (Gregory and Cleveland sts.), Pleasant Hill.

Summer Sounds Concerts: The series starts out with Roy Tyler (6/8), and continues with Garrin Benfield (6/15); Interplay Quartet (6/22); Swing Fever (6/29); Pure Ecstasy (7/6); Boca do Rio (7/13); Houston Jones (7/20); Big Belly Blues Band (7/27); Radio Noise (8/3); Low End Theory (8/10); Harry Best (8/24); SoVoSo (8/31), Wed., June 8, noon. Oakland City Center, 500 12th St., Oakland, 510-628-8490.

Zydeco Americana: Friday is the kickoff dance with Chris Ardoin & Nu-Step; Saturday is another dance with Andre Thierry & Zydeco Magic. Sunday starts with a live TV broadcast of Washboard University with Professor Harold Guillory, followed at 4:30 p.m. by a Zydeco Bandstand party, featuring new CDs from Louisiana & Texas for you to rate and a potluck at 5 p.m. (including a big pot of Louisiana jambalaya prepared by Kent Donnely from Baton Rouge), then music by Chris Ardoin & Nu Step at 6 p.m. On Monday, show up at 10 a.m. to be a part of Eagles Hall’s “Zydeco Safari” float — dance on a flatbed truck float playing music all through the streets of Alameda during the Independence Day Parade, or just watch the parade and then check out the live music at the South Shore Shopping Center (Otis and Park), performed by Andre Thierry & Zydeco Magic. Fri., July 1, 9 p.m.-12:30 a.m.; Sat., July 2, 8 p.m.-midnight; Sun., July 3, 3 p.m.; Mon., July 4, 10 a.m., Fri. $15, Sat. $13; Sun. $10 for TV show entry, $15 for Bandstand party, www.louisianasue.com. Eagles Hall, 2305 Alameda Ave., Alameda, 415-285-6285.

Festivals

Artown: A month-long tenth anniversary party for Northern Nevada Arts, bringing to Reno more than 300 events (many of them free) including visits from Ladysmith Black Mambazo, the Chieftains, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, dance group Pilobolus, and local performers such as the Reno Philharmonic and the Great Basin Chautauqua. July 1-31, 775-322-1538, www.renoisartown.com.

BFD 2005: With Foo Fighters, Social Distortion, Kasabian, the Lovemakers, Sleater-Kinney, Hot Hot Heat, Alkaline Trio, the Bravery, Lyrics Born, Ash, Kaiser Chiefs, Tegan & Sara, Rise Against, MxPx, Dredg, Senses Fail, Every Move a Picture, Jackson United, Z-Trip, Party Ben, Disco Shawn, and much effin’ more, Fri., June 10, noon, $29.50-$49.50. Shoreline Amphitheatre, Shoreline Pkwy., Mountain View.

Carson City Rendezvous: Highlights of the 22nd annual festival in Mills Park (on Hwy. 50 East, a half-mile off Hwy. 395) include an Old Time Fiddle Contest coordinated by Randy Pollard, free concert by David John and the Comstock Cowboys, the old-time songs and storytelling of the Mountain Man Encampment, camel rides, games from the 1800s, and more than eighty booths offering handmade crafts. July 10-12, 800-NEVADA-1, www.carsoncityrendezvous.com.

Celtic Festival: Featuring acoustic Celtic music with Pat Ryan’s Celtic Junket, Celtic rock with Tempest, and symphonic Celtic music with the SF Scottish Fiddle Orchestra, Sat., June 11, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., $5-$9.50, EBparks.org/spevents.htm. Ardenwood Historic Farm, 34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont, 510-796-0663, www.ebparks.org.

Dawn: Celebrate the Jewish harvest holiday of Shavuot, traditionally commemorated with late-night study of ancient texts, meant to bring about a sense of sleep-deprived revelation. This event interprets the tradition for Jews and non-Jews alike at locations in New York, Montreal, Los Angeles, and San Francisco with performances by Gershon Kingsley, guitarist John Scott, DJ Socalled, Amy Tobin, the Rondo Brothers, and Rebbetzin Hadassah Gross (the drag alter ego of ritualist Amichai Lau-Lavie), plus films and discussions facilitated by writers, activists, and comedian rabbis, a beer seminar, and more, till 6 a.m. Sun., June 12, 8 p.m., $12 in advance, $15 at the door, 866-384-3060, www.dawn2005.com. Club Six, 60 Sixth St., San Francisco, 415-531-6593, www.clubsix1.com.

Dia de Portugal: The annual festival at History Park San Jose includes Portuguese folkloric and Brazilian dance performances, bands made up of young adult Portuguese-Americans, food from Portugal, Macau, and Brazil, book fair, art exhibit, wine tasting, kids’ activities, multiple exhibits in the Portuguese Museum, and more. Sat., June 11, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., free admission, $4 parking fee, www.diadeportugal.com.

Eighth Annual Concerts at the Cove Series: Edie and the Boppers kick off the monthly series, which continues second Fridays through August. It’s an Alameda tradition!, Fri., June 10, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Crab Cove, 1252 McKay Ave., Alameda, 510-521-6887, www.ebparks.org.

“The Gamble of Love” — San Francisco Opera Summer Festival: Series includes Tchaikovsky’s The Queen of Spades (6/12, 6/15, 6/19, 6/25, 6/28, 7/1, 7/7); Bizet’s Les Pecheurs de Perles (6/14, 6/18, 6/23, 6/26, 7/3, 7/6, 7/9); Mozart’s Cosi Fan Tutte (6/24, 6/29, 7/2, 7/5, 7/8, 7/10). For tickets and showtimes, go to SFOpera.com, Sun., June 12, $25-$215, 415-864-3330. War Memorial Opera House, 301 Van Ness Ave. (at Grove St.), San Francisco.

Gilroy Garlic Festival: Since 1979, Gilroy has hosted the world-renowned festival to celebrate the end of the garlic harvest and raise money for local charities. Hear live music on three stages, shop for arts and crafts, watch the great garlic cook-off and other celebrity cooking demonstrations, and eat all kinds of stinky food. July 29-31, www.gilroygarlicfestival.com. Christmas Hill Park, 7050 Miller Ave., Gilroy.

Harmony Festival: Featuring five distinct “villages” (Eco-Village, Healing Sanctuary, Goddess Temple, Global Bazaar, and Crafters Village), and live music by the Nu Ladies of Funk with special guest George Clinton, Holly Near, Wisdom, David Jacobs-Strain, Joe Craven, Patrice Pike, Al Howard & the K-23 Orchestra, Riffat Sultana & Party, Free Peoples, Kali’s Angels, Lemon Lime Lights, Kitaro, Jon Anderson, the Yoshida Brothers, Majek Fashek, Markus James and the Wassonrai, the Mutaytor, Karsh Kale, DJ Lorin, Midival Punditz, Dhamaal Soundsystem, El Circo, Apsara, the Family Stone Experience, Hot Buttered Rum String Band, Ali Akbar Khan College Ensemble, and more, Sat., June 11, 11-2 a.m.; Sun., June 12, 11 a.m.-7 p.m., $10-$55, 707-861-2035, HarmonyFestival.com. Sonoma County Fairgrounds, Harmony Village.

Harvest Wine Celebration: Celebrate the annual harvest at 26 Livermore Valley wineries during the 24th annual event. Sample food and wines, check out live music, local crafts, and more. Your two-day ticket is good for wine tasting, logo glass, and transportation between wineries. Sun., Sept. 4, 12-5 p.m.; Mon., Sept. 5, 12-5 p.m., $35 in advance, $40 at event, 925-447-WINE, www.livermorewine.com.

Heartland Music Festival: Fund-raiser for music programs in Alameda schools, featuring Houston Jones, Tom Rigney and Flambeau, Alhambra Valley Band, Ron Thompson and the Resistors, the Polka Cowboys, Old Time Serenaders, and more, Sat., June 11, 11 a.m.-7 p.m., $12-$25, HeartlandMusicFestival.org. Rosenblum Cellars, 2900 Main St., Alameda.

Lambtown Festival: The nineteenth annual event includes craft and fiber booths, competitions, animal exhibits, and a variety of food celebrating the lamb industry and the agricultural heritage of the Solano County region. This year’s live entertainment will feature music and performances represent many cultures including Basque, Spanish, Greek, Scottish, Peruvian, and American. The festival takes place at the May Fair Grounds, S. 1st St. (state Hwy. 113), Dixon. Sat., July 30, 9 a.m.-10 p.m., $1 entry fee includes raffle entry; kids 15 and younger get in free; parking across the street costs $2, or is free within a short walking distance, lambtown.com.

La Peña’s 30th Anniversary Street Festival: Live music, food, drink, free kids’ activities and show, and arts and community booths. With Pachasiku, Rafael Manriquez, La Peña Afro Cuban Youth Ensemble, La Peña Bomba Class, Jesus Diaz y su QBA, La Familia, Youth Movement Records, DJ José Ruiz. Kids’ stage from noon-2 p.m. with Gary LaPow, Bonnie Lockhart, Asheba, and more. At the intersection of Prince St. and Shattuck Ave. in Berkeley. Sat., June 11, 12-6 p.m., free admission, 510-849-2568, www.lapena.org.

Music in the Mountains 24th Annual Summer Festival: Celebrate the season opener with the Kronos Quartet on June 11. Other shows include Corky Siegel’s Traveling Chamber Blues Show (6/12); the Young Composer’s Showcase (6/14); Romantic Interludes (6/16); Intimate Chamber Works (6/18); Sizzling Works — Fiery Artists (6/21); A Star Is Born with Sarah Wood (6/24); Broadway Revisited (6/25); A Zany Afternoon of Musical Antics (6/26); Designs in Music: Overture to Pleasure #1 (6/27); Nevada County Composers Cooperative (6/28); Music of Poetry and Romance (6/30); Designs in Music: Overture to Pleasure #2 (7/1); KinderKonzert (7/1); Concerto Showcase (7/2); Happy Birthday USA (7/3). $5-$28, 530-265-6124, MusicintheMountains.org. Nevada County Fairgrounds, 11228 McCourtney Rd.

Oakland Fourth of July Festival: Live music, international foods, arts and crafts, and children’s activities provided by the United Cerebral Palsy of the Golden Gate. A fireworks show explodes over the estuary beginning at 9:15 p.m. Mon., July 4, 1-9:30 p.m., free admission, www.jacklondonsquare.com. Jack London Sq., (foot of Broadway), Oakland, 510-645-5968.

San Francisco Pride: Pride Month culminates with the Pride Celebrations in Civic Center Saturday from noon-6 p.m. and Sunday from noon-7 p.m., with vendors, artists, performers, and musicians. Sunday, the Pride Parade begins at 10:30 a.m. the Women’s Motorcycle Contingent, roaring down Market Street from Davis to Hyde with more than 600 “dykes on bikes,” followed by more than 200 parade contingents. Sat., June 25; Sun., June 26, 415-864-FREE, www.sfpride.org.

San Jose Gay Pride Festival: Live performances from Bow Wow Wow, La Bouche, Jody Watley, Marga Gomez, ProLatino Aztec Dancers, Lisa Dewey and the Lotus Life, Pansy Division, the Cheeseballs, and Orquesta d’Soul, Sat., June 11, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sun., June 12, 11 a.m.-7 p.m., SJGaypride.org. Downtown San Jose, along Market St..

SFJAZZ Summerfest: Featured artists: Taylor Eigsti Trio (6/9); Quetzal (6/16); Johnny Nocturne Band (6/23); Mingus Amungus (6/30); Clairdee (7/7); LaTiDo with Edgardo Cambon (7/14); John Worley’s Worlview (7/21); Lavay Smith & Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers (7/28); Beast From the Bay (8/4), Thu., June 9, 6-7:30 p.m. Stanford Shopping Center, 180 El Camino Real, Palo Alto.

Summer Centennial Festival Series: Featuring Mojo Hand and Anna Maria Flechero, Fri., June 10, 5:30-8 p.m., PointRichmond.com/prmusic. Baltic Square, 117 Park Place (behind the Baltic Restaurant), Point Richmond.

Tapestry Arts Festival: The thirtieth annual event features art, live music on four stages, food, free hands-on art activities for the kids, and in indoor home show, on Park Ave., Almaden Blvd., and San Fernando St. in downtown San Jose. Sat., Sept. 3, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sun., Sept. 4, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Mon., Sept. 5, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., free admission, www.tapestryarts.org.

Westwave Dance Festival: The major presentation program of DanceArt, Inc. enters its fourteenth annual incarnation with choreographers presented in a shared-program format at San Francisco’s ODC and Cowell theaters. Thu., July 21, 8 p.m.; Sat., July 23, 8 p.m.; Sun., July 24, 8 p.m.; Fri., July 29, 8 p.m.; Sat., July 30, 8 p.m.; Sun., July 31, 8 p.m.; Mon., Aug. 1, 8 p.m., www.danceartsf.org.

World One Festival: A day of world music and culture sponsored by World One Radio. Mon., July 4, 10:30 a.m.-7 p.m., free admission, www.worldoneradio.org. Cerrito Vista Park, 950 Pomona Ave. (at Moeser), El Cerrito.

Fairs and days out

Alameda County Fair: This year’s theme is “Come Out and Play!,” and there will be rides, concerts, food, exhibits, a kids’ park, live horse races, and much more. June 24-July 10, $4-$9, free for kids under 6, www.alamedacountyfair.com. Alameda County Fairgrounds, 4501 Pleasanton Ave., Pleasanton, 925-426-7600.

Alameda Point Antiques and Collectibles Faire: Featuring more than 800 outdoor and indoor booths of antiques and collectibles, all twenty years old and older, plus food and beverages, unlimited free parking, and a free parking lot shuttle. First Sunday of every month, 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m., $10 general admission 7:30-9 a.m., $5 general admission after 9, free for kids younger than 16, 510-869-5428, www.antiquesbythebay.net. Alameda Point Naval Air Station, Alameda Point, Alameda.

Ardenwood Celtic Festival: The seventh annual celebration of the music, dance, history, and mythology of Ireland and Britain includes performances by Tempest, the Druid Sisters Tea Party, Tinkers Damm, and others, plus step and belly dancers, classic British cars, Clydesdale horses, sword fighting, and more. Sat., June 11, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., $9.50 adults, srniors $6.50, ages 4-17 $5, kids 3 and younger free, www.ardenwood-celtic-festival.com. Ardenwood Historic Farm, 34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont, 510-796-0663, www.ebparks.org.

Art & Soul: For the fifth year running, you can enjoy live rock, blues, jazz, and gospel by national and local artists, plus art, poetry, food, a kids’ zone, and more. Sept. 3-5, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., $5 per day, kids 12 and younger get in free, 510-444-CITY, www.artandsouloakland.com. Frank Ogawa Plaza, 14th and Broadway, Oakland.

Art in the Park: Walk in Time: The fourth annual event, with art music, crafts, food, and hands-on activities. Sat., Aug. 13, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., 510-494-4228. Ardenwood Historic Farm, 34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont, 510-796-0663, www.ebparks.org.

Batizado and Cultural Encounter: The Roots of Brazil capoeira group presents a barbecue Brazilian style on June 11 at Dimond Park (3860 Hanly Rd., Oakland); its fifth annual Batizado featuring promotion ceremony for students and a showcase of African-Brazilian culture at a location TBA on June 12; and workshops with Grand Master Ralil Salomão June 13-15 at the BAKA Cultural Arts Center (1244 23rd Ave., Oakland). Sat., June 11, 12-5 p.m.; Sun., June 12, 3-5 p.m.; June 13-15, 6-9 p.m., barbecue $10 a plate, $10–$15 for Batizado, and $15 per day for workshops, [email protected], www.oaklandcapoeira.freeservers.com.

Bay to Barkers: The Berkeley-East Bay Humane Society presents its eighth annual event, the biggest dog walk and festival in the East Bay. It includes a gentle 1.3-mile walk for dogs and their humans, plus activities for canines and informative demonstrations and exhibits. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. Fri., June 17, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., $25 preregistration, $30 day of event, 510-845-7735 ex. 13, www.berkeleyhumane.org/Community/events_B2B.html. Berkeley Marina, 201 University Ave., Berkeley.

Berkeley Fourth of July Fireworks: The display is launched from the Berkeley Pier at the foot of University Ave., but will be visible from all over the Marina and elsewhere. Automobile access is limited, so check the Web site in advance. The pyrotechnic display lasts approximately a half-hour. Mon., July 4, 9:30 p.m., 510-981-6737, www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/marina/events.html. Berkeley Marina, 201 University Ave., Berkeley.

Berkeley Kite Festival: Coordinated by Tom McAlister, Highline Kites of Berkeley. Featuring giant kites, kite wranglers, free kite making, candy drop, kite championships, and much more. Sat., July 30; Sun., July 31, 510-235-5483, www.highlinekites.com/Berkeley_Kite_Festival. Berkeley Marina, 201 University Ave., Berkeley.

California State Fair: This year’s fair at Cal Expo in Sacramento features musical performances by Macy Gray, Huey Lewis and the News, Boyz II Men, Los Lonely Boys, Hoobastank, Toto, and a “California Beach Party” featuring the Surfaris, Nelsons, and Jan & Dean, comedy by Paul Rodriguez, Carrot Top, and Bill Engvall, plus the usual array of rides, games, food, vendors, agricultural competitions, and more. Starting Aug. 12, Mondays, Fridays-Sundays, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Tuesdays-Thursdays, 12-10 p.m. Continues through Sept. 1, $5-$36, kids 4 and younger get in free, www.bigfun.org.

Danville Fine Arts Faire: Arts and crafts, Italian street painting, live entertainment, a street of flowers, and more. June 18-19, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Hartz Ave., downtown Danville.

Doing Good: The San Francisco Mime Troupe opens the season with a new drama inspired by John Perkins’ Confessions of an Economic Hit Man, performed at venues throughout the Bay Area, including Berkeley, Oakland, Walnut Creek, and San Francisco. Directed by Victor Toman. July 2-Oct. 2, free, 415-285-1717, www.sfmt.org.

East Bay Open Studios: Pro Arts’ Open Studios takes eyes to the frontier of East Bay art with more than three hundred pieces on display, just a sample of four hundred artists exhibiting simultaneously throughout the region this month. Everything from custom jewelry and pottery to mixed-media collages and photorealist paintings crowd the twelve-foot-high walls. Notably, Joe Saxe mashes up photorealism, surrealism, and art deco in his magnetic painting Arthur Was Tired of People Asking Him for the Time. Translucent vegetation belonging in a similarly hyperreal world appears courtesy of gifted glass sculptor Kim Webster. And activist mixed-media artist Sarah Hirneisen catalogues the polluted soil of Oakland with a glass quilt of encased soil samples with appropriate labeling: cyanide, halogens, chromium, etc. — D2. Saturdays, Sundays. Continues through June 12, www.proartsgallery.org/ebos/. East Bay, various locations.

Emeryville Celebration of the Arts Open Studios: The 19th annual artists’ open studios event, three days only, in advance of the October 8-30 exhibition. Sun., July 17; July 23-24, 510-652-6122, www.emeryarts.org. Emeryville, various locations, Emeryville.

Fire Arts Festival: The fifth annual festival schedule is as follows: Tuesday and Wednesday, youth classes in the morning and afternoon; Wednesday evening, a free Burning Man’s Desert Arts Preview; Thursday evening, the annual Fire & Light Benefit Auction Soiree (tickets $75); Friday night is the Fire Arts Arena Show: “Lightning from Above” (tickets $25); Saturday is the Crucible’s free open house from 3-6 p.m., and from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., intensive adult workshops in glass, fire performance, welding, neon and light, blacksmithing, and woodworking; Saturday night is another Fire Arts Arena Show, this one titled “Magma from Within” (tickets $25); and all day Sunday are more adult intensive workshops. Tue., July 12, 9 a.m.-noon. & 1-4 p.m.; Wed., July 13, 9 a.m.-noon, 1-4 & 7-11 p.m.; Thu., July 14, 6:30-10:30 p.m.; Fri., July 15, 8 p.m.-midnight; Sat., July 16, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. & 8 p.m.-midnight; Sun., July 17, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. The Crucible, 1260 7th St., Oakland, 510-444-0919, www.thecrucible.org.

First Annual North Bay Music Awards: Honoring the rich musical heritage and cultural legacy of the North Bay with an awards ceremony and special performances by the Johnny Otis Tribute Band and members of P-Funk, Fri., June 10. Eco-Theater, Sonoma County Fairgrounds.

Fourth of July at Pardee: Enjoy an old-fashioned, patriotic picnic. Mon., July 4, 12-4 p.m., 510-444-2187. Pardee Home Museum, 672 11th St., Oakland, 510-444-2187, [email protected], www.pardeehome.org.

Harvest Wine Celebration: Celebrate the annual harvest at 26 Livermore Valley wineries during the 24th annual event. Sample food and wines, check out live music, local crafts, and more. Your two-day ticket is good for wine tasting, logo glass, and transportation between wineries. Sun., Sept. 4, 12-5 p.m.; Mon., Sept. 5, 12-5 p.m., $35 in advance, $40 at event, 925-447-WINE, www.livermorewine.com.

Ice Cream in the Park: Junior Achievement invites you to eat all the Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream you can, create your own sundae, or build the world’s largest ice cream cone at this third annual event. Sun., June 12, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., $10 adults, $7 kids under 12 (includes science center admission), 650-737-0370, [email protected], www.jaba.org. Chabot Space & Science Center, 10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland, 510-336-7395, www.chabotspace.org.

John Muir Summer Festival: This year’s festival at the John Muir Amphitheater in Martinez includes the “Celebrate Independence!” concert featuring the Diablo Symphony Orchestra actors and singers from the Willows Theatre Company, and more (July 1-3); a Willows production of The Sound of Music (July 13-31); and the annual performances of John Muir’s Mountain Days (Aug. 4-7). Starting July 1, July 1-3; Wednesdays-Sundays; Aug. 4-7. Continues through July 31, willowstheatre.org/Summer_Festival.htm.

Juneteenth Festivities: Organized by the City of Oakland Employees Association. Sun., June 12, 12-1 p.m. City Hall Plaza, 14th and Broadway sts., Oakland.

Live Oak Park Fair: The Jazzschool presents live music from BHS Jazz Combos 1 and 2, SoVoSo, Joseph’s Bones, Sarah Manning Quartet, Mingus Amungus, Michael Aaberg Trio, Joseph’s Bones, Andrea Fultz, Sat., June 11, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., June 12, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Live Oak Park, 1301 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley.

Mishap Prom 2005: Formal wear is optional for this event, which is like your high school prom, but weirder and cooler. Performances by the Gomorran Social Aid & Pleasure Club, Pope John Paul the Third (the band), Kitten on the Keys, and Top Ramen, Sat., June 11, 8 p.m., $5-$7. Cyclone, 1842 Illinois St., San Francisco.

Oakland Scottish Games: Enjoy live music, vendors, caber competition, and much more. There is no ceilidh this year. Sat., July 9, 10 a.m.; Sun., July 10, 10 a.m., www.jardine-engineering.us.vu/scots/main.html. Dunsmuir Historic Estate, 2960 Peralta Oaks Ct., Oakland, 925-275-9490, www.dunsmuir.org.

100 Families Oakland: Art & Social Change: Art in a variety of media — murals, masks, ceramics, prints, paintings, etc. — by members of 25 East Oakland families. June 16-July 29. Oakland City Center, 500 12th St., Oakland, 510-628-8490.

Pleasanton Downtown Association Wine Stroll: The event returns for a sixth year to showcase more than twenty Livermore Valley wineries at up to thirty locations on Main St. and throughout downtown. Tickets available for advance purchase at the Rose Hotel, Clover Creek, Studio 7 Fine Arts, and the Pleasanton Downtown Association office. Thu., July 21, 6-9 p.m., $20, 925-484-2199, www.pleasantondowntown.net.

Rivertown Plein Air Paint Out: The first annual, with artists painting in the open air in the historic Rivertown district, and later displaying their work in the gallery. Reception: June 25, 5-7 p.m. June 25-July 23. Antioch Lynn House Gallery, 809 1st St., Antioch, 925-779-7018, www.acfantioch.org.

Royal Scottish Dance Society Fortieth Anniversary Gala: The San Francisco branch of the RSCDS will celebrate with a “Dance of the Decade,” dancing into the wee hours done up in kilts and Prince Charlie jackets. Live music by Green Ginger. Light buffet. Grand March at 7:30 p.m. Sat., June 25, 7 p.m., $25 in advance, $35 at the door plus $10 for nonmembers), www.rscds-sf.org. Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Ascension, 4700 Lincoln Ave., Oakland.

Rubber Ducky Derby: The Children’s Hospital Branches present their fourteenth annual fund-raiser. If your duck gets plucked at 4:30 p.m., you could win trips to Hawaii, Vegas, and anywhere Southwest flies plus a $400 Marriott gift card, or one of four other major prizes. Prices range from $10 per individual duck to $500 for racing 75 ducks in the Quacker Backer Race. Register online at www.rubberduckyderby.org. Sat., June 11, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Children’s Fairyland, 699 Bellevue Ave. (at Lake Merritt), Oakland, 510-452-2259, www.fairyland.org.

San Francisco Fashion Week: Now in its second year, Fashion Week showcases Spring 2006 collections by up to twenty of the top emerging and established fashion designers from the Bay Area. Aug. 24-28, www.mysterygirlproductions.com/fashion_week. Palace of Fine Arts, 3301 Lyon St. (at Bay St.), San Francisco.

Saturday Berkeley Farmers’ Market: Fresh and organic produce, breads, specialty foods, and more for sale, plus special programs and events. Enjoy a peach-tasting table and cooking demonstrations July 23. Saturdays, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., free, 510-548-3333, www.ecologycenter.org. MLK Civic Center Park (at Center and Milvia sts.), Berkeley.

Shakespeare at Stinson: Richard III opened the twelfth season on May 20 and plays through June 26. It’s followed by The Complete Works Of Shakespeare (Abridged) opening July 8, and culminates with Much Ado About Nothing, opening Aug. 19. Fridays, Saturdays, 7 p.m.; Sundays, 6 p.m.; Fridays, Saturdays, 7 p.m.; Sundays, 6 p.m.; Fridays, Saturdays, 7 p.m.; Sundays, 6 p.m. Continues through Oct. 9, $14-$25, 415-868-1115, shakespeareatstinson.org.

Shakespeare in the Park: Much Ado About Nothing: City of Pleasanton Civic Arts hosts the San Francisco Shakespeare Festival as it opens this season’s free production. Blankets, low lawn chairs, and picnic suppers welcome. Starting June 25, Saturdays, Sundays, 7:30 p.m. Continues through July 10, 925-931-5361. Amador Valley Community Park, 4301 Black Ave. (adjacent to Dolores Bengston Aquatic Center), Pleasanton.

Summer Solstice Celebration and Crafts Fair: The weekly farmers’ market spills over with live music, craft fair, a solstice ritual, and more. Live performances by Daniel Berkman, Sons and Daughters of Orpheus, Wild Buds, Jazz Sabbath, and Zakiya. Sat., June 18, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., free admission, 510-548-3333, www.ecologycenter.org. Civic Center Park, Center St. (at Martin Luther King Jr. Way), Berkeley.

Temescal Street Fair: Performances by Junglz Apart, La Familia, the Stairwell Sisters, Asheba, Destiny Arts, Derique the High-Tech Clown, Opera Piccola, and more, plus craft and community booths, food, and a wine and beer court. Sat., June 18, 12-6 p.m., 510-593-9831. Telegraph Ave., between 48th and 51st sts., Oakland.

Texaco/Havoline West Coast Nationals: Featuring more than 3,500 rods, customs, and classics through 1954, plus vendor and manufacturer exhibits, swap meet, cars for sale, hot rod seminars, nostalgia stage shows and parties, award ceremony, and much more. Aug. 26-28, $15 general admission, $12 seniors, $6 kids 6-12, free for kids under 6; $8 parking fee, good-guys.com. Alameda County Fairgrounds, 4501 Pleasanton Ave., Pleasanton, 925-426-7600.

Walk in the Wild: Tastings from some of the East Bay’s finest restaurants. Sat., June 18. Oakland Zoo, 9777 Golf Links Rd., Oakland, 510-632-9525, www.oaklandzoo.org. shakespeareatstinson.org

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