Looking for the perfect painting or photograph to hang in your
home? There are several art-and-wine festivals this Labor Day
weekend within an easy drive from the South Valley. Or do your kids
want the thrill of witnessing a Wild West shoot-out? The Gold Rush
Fest in Sacramento is a winning bet.
Looking for the perfect painting or photograph to hang in your home? There are several art-and-wine festivals this Labor Day weekend within an easy drive from the South Valley. Or do your kids want the thrill of witnessing a Wild West shoot-out? The Gold Rush Fest in Sacramento is a winning bet.
This Labor Day weekend, there are outings galore for you and your family or friends to enjoy. Here are the top 10 special events that will end your summer of 2004 with happy memories.
1.California Indian Market in San Juan Bautista (Sept. 4-5): In its 20th edition, this annual event is a gathering of Native American tribes displaying arts and crafts for sale. Enjoy music and entertainment as you browse. Afterwards, visit the historic mission church and adjoining state park to see how life was like in the town’s early years.
For more information, call: (831) 623-2454.
2.Bonfante Gardens (Sept. 4-6): The horticultural-themed amusement park is set in scenic Hecker Pass west of Gilroy. Enjoy the day on gentle kiddie rides set amid scenic botanical splendor. Afterwards, the grown-ups can sample wines at the nearby vineyards. Tickets are $20 if you buy them on-line, at Nob Hill Foods or Raley’s Supermarket.
For more information, call: (408) 842-2121.
3.Santa Cruz Beach and Boardwalk: If you’re looking for thrilling rides set by the sea, the historic amusement park is a favorite for kids of all ages. The 1924 Giant Dipper roller coaster rattles its way to thrilling rides every time. Parents can relax on soft beach sand while youngsters risk their necks. Admission is free, but an all-day unlimited wristband for rides is $26. At sunset, enjoy seafood at one of the many restaurants at the nearby Santa Cruz Wharf.
4.Family Funfest (Sept. 4 from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.): The Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce puts on its annual “Family Funfest & Movie Night Under the Stars.” There’ll be plenty of activities and snacks for children, as well as the nature adventure flick “Wild America” (rated PG) projected on a large outdoor screen after sunset. The Funfest will be held at the Community and Cultural Center at the corner of Monterey Rd. and Dunne Avenue in downtown Morgan Hill.
For more information, call (408) 779-9444.
5.Tapestry Arts Festival (Sept. 4-6): This annual event in downtown San Jose is an extravaganza of visual arts and crafts, music, dance, ethnic foods and people-watching. Drop in at the Tech Museum (admission free) for a few hours with the kids. The San Jose Museum of Art at the downtown plaza is open for free. LightRail is highly recommended.
For more information, call: 408-494-3590.
6.Capitola Begonia Festival (Sept. 4-6): This year marks the 52nd annual festival celebrating the brightly-colored flower. Saturday features the famous Sand Castle Building Contest and a fishing derby. The top attraction is the Nautical Parade, a line of flower-filled boats floating down Soquel Creek to finish at the lagoon at the beach. Free shuttle bus service will be provided from parking lots throughout Capitola.
For more information, call (831) 475-6522.
7.Sacramento Gold Rush Days (Sept. 3-6): Looking for Wild West excitement, pardner? Then head on up to the state capitol for this annual history festival set in the quaint Old Town. Music and dancing straight out of the 1850s, a 49er miner encampment, wagon rides, gold panning and a Clint Eastwood-style gunfight bring California history to life for the whole family.
For more information, call (800) 292-2334.
8.Ringling Brothers Circus (Sept. 1-6): Death-defying acts, wild animals and plenty of clowning around will be found at the Cow Palace in Daly City this weekend at America’s most famous old-fashioned circus. Ticket prices range from $12 to $60.
Call the box office at (415) 404-4111.
9.Weekend Art Festivals: It seems like Bay Area residents can’t get enough of these artsy-craftsy events. An art and wine festival will be held in Sausalito this weekend with a panoramic vista of the Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco skyline. Millbrae on the Peninsula will hold its 34th annual art and wine festival in the downtown area – with plenty of attractions for kids. The tiny town of Woodside also gets into the act with an art fair at 170 Ware Road.
10.SF Shakespeare in the Park (Sept 4-6 at 7:30 p.m.): “Twelfth Night” is a light-hearted comedy about Viola, a cross-dressing woman who falls in love with Duke Orsino, who is in love with another woman, who, mistaking Viola for a handsome young man, falls in love with her. It sounds kinda kinky, but trust us, you’ll love it. And you’ll love the admission price: free. The play is performed at the Parade Grounds at the old Presidio (near the Golden Gate Bridge). Pack a picnic lunch.
For more Information, call (800) 978-7529.
