They’ll blow back your hair

L.A.’s summer festivals are as diverse as its population. Whether you’re a headbanger or a tofu fanatic, there’s a way to celebrate in the coming months -- and we’re only scratching the surface (for lots more options, go to www.culturela.org).

Big and bigger

If you’ve been hibernating until now, know that these festivals attract crowds larger than most small cities, which means plenty of opportunities to see what the rest of the population is up to. (Of course, that might just drive you right back inside.)

May 27-28: UCLA JazzReggae Festival 2007

It’s not much of a jazz festival anymore, but there’s plenty to move you. On May 27, Jill Scott headlines alongside Les Nubians, Lupe Fiasco and other R&B-soul; stars. On May 28, dancehall star Sham heads the reggae lineup. In keeping with a new environmental policy, the stages will be powered with something the producers refer to as “green power.”

* UCLA Intramural Field, 555 Westwood Plaza; noon to 7 p.m. both days. One-day pass $25, two-day pass $40. Tickets at Ticketmaster or UCLA Central Ticket Office, (310) 825-2101, www.jazzreggaefest.com.

June 9-10: Los Angeles Pride 2007

In addition to the parade on June 10, you’ll be treated to pageants, country line-dance lessons and Joan Jett -- all courtesy of the LGBT (that’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender, to you) community.

* West Hollywood Park, Santa Monica and San Vicente boulevards; noon to midnight June 9, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. June 10. Adults $15 ($20 at the gate). Advance tickets at Christopher Street West, (323) 969-8302.

July 21: Ozzfest

The wizards of Ozzfest decided to make tickets for this year’s festival not only free but obtainable from a variety of websites, including the festival’s official site (see below). This year’s lineup includes Nick Oliveri’s Mondo Generator, Polish black metal lords Behemoth, Lamb of God and the Ozz-inator himself. Did we mention that it’s free?

* Hyundai Pavilion, 2575 Glen Helen Parkway, San Bernardino; hours not available at press time. Tickets will be available beginning Saturday at www.ozzfest.com.

Aug. 11: Rock the Bells IV

Nas’ reports on hip-hop’s death were greatly exaggerated, apparently, as a reunited Wu-Tang Clan and Rage Against the Machine intend to prove. Venerable crews and MCs like the Roots, MF Doom, EPMD and Cypress Hill will join forces with talent from the Paid Dues Independent Hip Hop Festival. Nas is scheduled too -- he’s got some ‘splaining to do!

* NOS Events Center, 689 South E St., San Bernardino; doors open 11 a.m. Tickets $76, VIP $151. Go to www.rockthebells.netfor local ticket outlets or Ticketmaster, www.ticketmaster.com.

Different drummers

On the alternative front, a few festivals will offer glimpses into a better world, one untouched by wasteful consumerism and commercial entertainment policies. Bless.

May 11-13: Lightning in a Bottle

Fresh from Coachella, La Tribal event promoters the Do-Lab host a three-day camping excursion filled with beats (Bassnectar, Lawgiverz, Kid Beyond and more), green workshops and art installations.

* Live Oak Campground, Highway 154, Santa Barbara; weekend pass $120, day passes sold on day of event. Tickets available at Thunderbolt Books, 512 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica, (310) 899-9279, or through www.lightninginabottle.org.

May 26-28: Topanga Days Country Fair

The Memorial Day hippie bazaar includes belly-dancing exhibitions, healing arts demonstrations and performances by John Doe (X) and Mike Stinson. Make sure to find good seats for Monday’s parade.

* 1440 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd.; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Adults $15, kids 6 to 12 and seniors $7. For info: www.topangacommunityclub.org/topdays07/index.htm.

June 30: Electric Daisy Carnival

After 11 years, it’s practically a SoCal institution. This time around, Paul Oakenfold, Deep Dish and other electronica heavyweights duke it out with carnival rides and junk food.

* Exposition Park, 3939 S. Figueroa St.; 4 p.m. to 4 a.m. Tickets $50 at Ticketmaster and Groove Tickets, www.groovetickets.com. For more info: www.electricdaisy.comwww.electricdaisycarnival.com.

All in the family

L.A. kids don’t transform into shallow hipsters until at least middle school. Until then, celebrate their innocence with some good, clean fun.

May 19-20: California Strawberry Festival

Apparently you can make pizza and beer out of strawberries. Is that a good thing? Find out for yourself. And when you can’t take it anymore, join the strawberry stomp and crush the little suckers.

* Strawberry Meadows of College Park, 3250 S. Rose Ave., Oxnard; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Adults $12, kids 5 to 12 $5. For more info: (888) 288-9242, www.strawberry-fest.org.

May 20: Santa Monica Festival

Two stages of multicultural dance and music, plus a series of recycling-oriented workshops highlight this civic festival. You’ll be a better person just for going.

* Clover Park, 2600 Ocean Park Blvd., Santa Monica; 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Admission is free. For more info: (310) 458-2213.

July 13-Aug. 5: 2007 O.C. Fair

Demolition derby matches, a cattle drive through Costa Mesa, and a full-scale carnival. But it’s the Weird Al Yankovic dates that are gonna seal the deal.

* Orange County Fair and Exposition Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa; noon to midnight weekdays, 10 a.m. to midnight weekends. Adults $8, kids 6 to 12 $4. For more info: (714) 708-FAIR, or www.ocfair.com

July 13-15: Lotus Festival

Buddha’s favorite flower gets a shout-out from the Asian and Pacific Island communities in Echo Park. Activities include boat races, artisans and fireworks displays.

* Echo Park Lake, Park Avenue and Glendale Boulevard; 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, noon to 9 p.m. Saturday, noon to 8 p.m. Sunday. Free. For info: www.laparks.org/grifmet/lotus.htm.

Aug. 11-12, 18-19: Big Bear Renaissance Faire

This is the one where people dress up in period garb, watch jousting matches, speak in iambic pentameter and eat big, honking pieces of mutton. Or you could just watch “The Cable Guy.”

* Big Bear Lake; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Adults $15, children 6 to 12 $12. For more info: (909) 585-7825 or www.bigbearcityrenaissancefaire.com.

Aug. 18-19: Sunset Junction Street Festival

Ben Harper and Morris Day and the Time headline a weekend block party with rides, vendors and tattooed moms pushing strollers.

* 3700-4300 Sunset Blvd.; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday. Adults $15, kids 12 and younger free. For more info: www.sunsetjunction.org/streetfair.html

Aug. 18-19: L.A. Tofu Festival

It might rival Don Imus for tastelessness, but the cakes of soy have a big enough fan base to have sustained 12 years of festivals. We’d like to see wheat germ pull that off.

* 237 S. San Pedro St.; noonto 8 p.m. both days. Adults $5, seniors and kids 5 to 12 free. For more info: (213) 473-1615, or www.tofufestival.com.

Sept. 7-30: L.A. County Fair

Sure, there’s the pie-eating contest, but you’ll also find Chinese acrobats, a lumberjack show, fireworks, a Tuscan-themed floral garden and plenty of barnyard animals.

* Fairplex, 1101 W. McKinley Ave., Pomona; Wednesdays to Sundays. Times and admission prices vary from day to day. For more info: (909) 623-3111, or www.lacountyfair.com.