California Corner

Festivals, Feasts & Fairs

CALISTOGA--German tradition with a Southwestern kick is what you’ll taste at the ninth annual Beer and Sausage Fest on Oct. 17. In addition to locally prepared sausage and mustards, this year’s food theme is chili, and 14 local restaurants prepare their versions for

the festival. Beer is from 17 California micro-breweries. The fund-raiser, titled “Too Hot? Too Bad!” is 1-5 p.m. at the Napa County Fairgrounds, at the end of Fairway Drive. $17. Proceeds benefit Calistoga Chamber of Commerce projects. (707) 942-6333. Right on Lincoln Avenue from California 29, then left on Fairway Drive.

MERCED--The various ethnic communities of Merced County share their food, handicrafts and entertainment at the ninth annual Festival of Cultures on Oct. 17. The multicultural showcase includes representation from Latino, African-American, American Indian, Hawaiian, Philippine, Southeast Asian, Italian, Greek and Norwegian communities. Festivities are 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Merced County Fairgrounds on J Street. From California 99 north, take the J Street exit and go left. Admission is free. (209) 385-6894.

PISMO BEACH--You’ll be happy as a you-know-what at the 46th annual Pismo Beach Clam Festival, Oct. 17-18 in the area around the Pismo Beach Municipal Pier. Food, games, entertainment and arts and crafts are scheduled 10 a.m.-5 p.m. both days. Saturday’s events also include a parade at 10 a.m., a restaurant clam chowder competition at 1 p.m. and a fish fry at 5 p.m. At 3 p.m. Sunday, dig on the beach for numbered clams corresponding with prizes. $1. Take the Price Street exit from U.S. 101 north. (800) 443-7778 or (805) 773-4382.

HALF MOON BAY--Get in the Halloween spirit at the 22nd annual Half Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin Festival, Oct. 17-18 on Main Street. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days, enjoy crafts and fine arts by 275 artisans; live entertainment on two stages; children’s theater; pumpkin-carving demonstrations; pumpkin-eating contests, and a variety of pumpkin foods, including pumpkin crepes, tempura and strudel. Free. From Highway 1 north, take California 92 east to Main Street. (415) 726-9652.

LAKE ARROWHEAD--The eighth annual, Alpine-style Fall Fling Festival is held Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 25 in Lake Arrowhead Village. Performances by the German American Bavarian Brass Band and other oompah groups and strolling musicians are scheduled. Bratwurst, knockwurst and other German cuisine is served in an outdoor barbecue area. Free. Sponsored by Lake Arrowhead Village and Hilton Resorts. Festivities are noon-5 p.m. in the Village Festival Area and Beer Garden. Take California 18 to the Lake Arrowhead cutoff. (714) 336-3274.