Calendar: Events from September to October 2008

SANTA FE, N.M.

Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta

When, where: Wednesday to next Sunday, throughout Santa Fe.

Highlights: In its 18th year, this event commemorating the annual chile harvest involves 60 restaurants and 90 wineries in tastings, luncheons, dinners, cooking demos, seminars and a golf tournament that has participants tasting wine and food at every third hole.

Cost: Dinners vary; luncheons and seminars cost from $75 to $175 each.

Info: (505) 438-8060, www.santafewineandchile.org

VISALIA

Waiters Race

When, where: Thursday, Main Street and Garden Street Plaza, downtown.

Highlights: The 15th annual event will have uniformed waiters and waitresses racing down a quarter-mile course while balancing trays of food and drink. Other highlights include music, food and mask-making. Racing starts at 5:45 p.m.

Cost: Free.

Info: (559) 334-0488, www.eventsvisalia.org

CATALINA ISLAND

Catalina Island Blues Festival

When, where: Friday to next Sunday, throughout Avalon.

Highlights: Jonny Lang and Buddy Guy play the Casino Ballroom, local restaurants and nightclubs present blues musicians and free oceanfront concerts draw blues fans from all over California.

Cost: Free, though tickets for the Lang-Guy concert cost $75 to $150.

Info: (800) 595-4849 (for tickets), www.visitcatalinaisland.com

SAN DIEGO

Cabrillo Festival

When, where: Saturday and next Sunday, throughout the region, including events at Cabrillo National Monument.

Highlights: The city’s 45th annual Cabrillo Festival celebrates the 16th century Portuguese navigator Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo. There will be a reenactment of his landing at Ballast Point, music and dancing, art vendors, food booths and cultural demonstrations and educational activities related to Native American, Mexican, Portuguese and Spanish traditions.

Cost: Free, though donations are accepted. A San Diego Bay voyage aboard the tall ship Lynx costs $75.

Info: (619) 557-5450, www.cabrillofestival.org

SAN FRANCISCO

Oktoberfest

When, where: Oct. 2 to 5, Fort Mason.

Highlights: This popular event features many booths dispensing beers from around the world, live oompah music and Bavarian dancing. Got lederhosen? Wearing them is encouraged.

Cost: $25 to $35; check the website for deals and discounts.

Info: (888) 746-7522, www.oktoberfestbythebay.com.

itinerary@latimes.com