Destination California: September events throughout the state
When, where: Sept. 5 to 28 at the Fairplex, 1101 W. McKinley Ave. Open Wednesdays through Sundays.
Highlights: Attractions and events include motocross competitions, High School Marching Band Parade Competition, California’s Heritage Square, Going Green: Making a World of Difference, Home & Garden Pavilion, FairView Farms and the Big Red Barn and more.
Cost: General admission costs $17 for 13 and older (weekends) and $12 (weekdays); $12 for children 6 to 12 (weekend) and $7 for weekdays. Children 5 and younger are free.
Info: L.A. County Fair website (Karen Tapia-Andersen / Los Angeles Times)
Autumn Food and Wine Festival
Lake Tahoe
When, where: Sept. 5 to 7 at Village at Northstar.
Highlights: Cooking demonstration by Stephanie Izard (pictured), winner of Bravos
Cost: Seminar and tasting tickets from $10 to $110;
Info: (888) 229-2193 or the event’s website (Chuck Hodes Bravo/Associated Press)
Pipejam
Garberville
When, where: Sept. 6 at Southern Humboldt Community Park, 934 Sprowl Creek Road.
Highlights: Pro skating demonstrations, public competition, live music by Fishbone (pictured) and other bands.
Cost: $25; 10 and younger free
Info: Check the event’s website (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)
Rock on the Docks
Ventura
When, where: 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sept. 6, 13, 20 and 27 at Ventura Harbor, 1583 Spinnaker Drive.
Highlights: Live bands perform on a floating dock in Ventura Harbor in front of shops and restaurants.
Cost: Free.
Info: (805) 477-0470 or the event’s website (Carlos Chavez / Los Angeles Times)
TomatoFest
Carmel
When, where: 12:30 p.m. Sept. 14 at Quail Lodge, 8205 Valley Greens Drive.
Highlights: Wine, tomato and olive oil tastings; heirloom tomatoes and tomato seeds on sale; live music and dancing.
Cost: $95, includes entry plus food, wine and activities; children 11 and younger free.
Info: Click on the event’s website (Con Keyes / Los Angeles Times)
San Francisco
When, where: Sept. 27 and 28 at Golden Gate Park (Fulton Street to Lincoln Way).
Highlights: The new facility opens with an estimated 38,000 live animals. Musical performances, Chinese acrobats, international-food tastings.
Cost: Free admission Saturday; on Sunday, $25 adults, $20 senior citizens, $15 students and ages 7 to 17, younger than 7 free.
Info: (415) 321-8000 or the museum’s website
An Albino American alligator was transported to the new facility on Aug. 19. (Marcio Jose Sanchez / Associated Press)
