The first weekend in September is a time to gather the family
and get away for some relaxation. Take a look at these area events,
and start planning
Sept. 1
“Corridos!!: Ballads of the Borderlands” at El Teatro Campesino, 705 Fourth St., San Juan Bautista
– 8pm Thursdays through Fridays, 2 and 8pm Saturdays, and 2pm Sundays. Through Sept. 3. $12-$20.
– Details: (831) 623-2444
Friday Night Bands on the Beach at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
– The 2006 concert series concludes for the year, with sets at 6:30 and 8:30pm.
– Details: (831) 426-7433 or www.beachboardwalk.com
11th annual Monterey Bay ReggaeFest
– Enjoy a host of reggae artists who fill two stages over this lively annual event, Sept. 1-3. Island cooking, arts and crafts, kids play area, Reggae Lounge, and a Rastafari Museum of Culture.
– Details: (831) 394-6534 or www.mbayreggaefest.net
Sept. 2
Gavilan College football vs. Solano College, at Gavilan College, 5055 Santa Teresa Blvd. in Gilroy.
– 7pm
– Details: (408) 847-1400
Tapestry Arts Festival in San Jose
– The festival is a three-day celebration of the visual and performing arts held on the streets of downtown San Jose from 10am-6pm Sept. 2-4.
– Details: www.tapestryarts.org
Great Train Robberies in Felton
– Outlaws and sheriffs, famed lawmen and notorious villains, all take to the forests and glades passed by the steam trains of Roaring Camp Railroad, Sept. 2 and 3.
– Details: (888) 25-EVENTS or www.roaringcamp.com
Sept. 1
Labor Day Blues Festival at Half Moon Bay Brewing Company and Restaurant, 390 Capistrano Road in Half Moon Bay
– Sept. 1: Mitch Woods and His Rocket 88s, from 7 to 10pm.
– Sept. 2: Dave Matthews Blues Band from 7 to 10pm.
– Sept. 3: Mighty Mike Schermer from 4 to 8pm.
– Sept. 4: Annie Sampson from 4 to 8pm.
– Details: (650) 728-BREW or www.hmbbrewingco.com
Sept. 2
Sonoita Labor Day Rodeo
– Santa Cruz County Fair and Rodeo Association presents the 91st annual event at 1pm Sept. 2-4. Gates open at 8am. $10 adults; $5 children (5 to 12); 4 and younger free. Kid’s Rodeo Saturday and Sunday only at 1pm, with adult rodeo immediately following, and 1pm Monday.
– Details: To enter the kid’s rodeo, call Robin at (520) 455-9244 from 5-8pm Aug. 29. For other information, go to www.sonoitafairgrounds.com/laborday.
Pier 39’s Street Performers
– Children and families can spend the day strolling and enjoying performances. Activities will take place in the Entrance Plaza and West Park from noon-5pm, Sept. 2-4.
– Details: www.pier39.com
Romeo and Juliet, Sanborn Skyline Park, 16055 Sanborn Road, Saratoga
– Shady Shakespeare Theatre Company presents this classic Shakespeare story of young lovers and the families that hold them apart. Performances this Friday through Sunday; Friday, Aug. 25; Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 2 and 3; Friday, Sept. 8; and Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 16 and 17. All performances at 7pm.
– Details: (408) 298-0649
Kings Mountain Art Fair, Community Center, 13889 Skyline Blvd., Half Moon Bay
– The 43rd annual fair features 135 artists and 25 “Mountain Folk” for fine arts in the redwoods from 10am-5pm Saturday-Monday.
– Details: (650) 851-2710 or www.kingsmountainfair.org
Sept. 3
Labor Day sunset, Elkhorn Slough
– Depart from the Wells Fargo in Aptos at 7am, arrive on Jetty Road by 8am. Bring lunch. Itinerary depends on tides and more.
– Details: Todd at (831) 426-8741
Labor Day Weekend Fireworks, Great America, 4701 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara
– An evening firework display above the park. Free with admission.
– Details: (408) 986-1776, ext. 8858
Sept. 4
San Jose Poetry Slam, Britannia Arms, 173 W. Santa Clara St., San Jose
– All are welcome to participate. Sign-ups begin at 7pm, slam begins at 8pm Mondays. $6.
– Details: (408) 278-1400
Gathering of the Peacemakers, San Lorenzo Park, Santa Cruz
– Bay Area peacemakers, international reggae performers and native American elders will come together for The Gathering of the Peacemakers: Guiding Each Other Into Love, a free love and forgiveness festival to share a message of local healing and global hope from 3-8pm.
