California Corner : Festivals, Feasts & Fairs

LA JOLLA--Art Festival ’93 brings more than 210 artisans together in the village of La Jolla, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday and next Sunday. Offerings include a juried art show with works in a variety of mediums, food booths showcasing cuisine of area restaurants, live music and kids’ activities, including hands-on art projects. Free. Interstate 5 south to the La Jolla Village Drive exit; go right, then straight for three blocks; turn left on Torrey Pines and follow it straight into the village. The festival is on Prospect and Wall streets at Girard Avenue. (619) 454-5718.

NEWBURY PARK--Watch, taste and hear American Indian traditions Saturday and next Sunday at the fifth annual California Indian Council Foundation powwow, held in cooperation with the Conejo Recreation and Park District. Dancers compete in traditional, intertribal and modern categories; Indian artisans will display jewelry and other crafts. Try such foods as fry bread and Navajo tacos, and test your skill at traditional games. Free. 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. next Sunday at Borchard Community Center, 190 Reino Road. Take U.S. 101 north and go right at Borchard Road; the center is at the corner of Borchard and Reino roads. (805) 498-3124.

JULIAN--Musicians show off their prowess with stringed instruments at the Julian Banjo, Fiddle, Mandolin and Guitar Contest, next Sunday at Frank Lane Field. Bring a picnic and enjoy the musical competition. Guest bands will include the New Expression Band, Rose Canyon Bluegrass and Mandolin Madness. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; gates open at 8 a.m. $6 general, $3 kids under 10 and seniors over 65. Proceeds benefit the Julian Lions Club’s service projects. Interstate 5 south to California 78 east to Julian; follow signs to contest. (619) 765-0707 or (619) 633-1970.

LOS BANOS--Tomato Fest III is ripe with activities for the whole family, Sept. 22-26. The tomato-rich area celebrates its crop with festivities 4-11 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-midnight Friday, noon-midnight Saturday and noon-10 p.m. Sunday at Los Banos Fairgrounds, 403 F St. Features include a Gourmet Corner, with tomato foods such as fried green tomatoes; a Tomato Taste-off; a Tomato Land with exhibits and product samples; arts and crafts; wine and cheese tasting; live entertainment; racing pigs, and a midway. $3 general, $2 kids 12 and under and seniors 50 and over. Interstate 5 north to California 152 east; go six miles into Los Banos and turn left at Fourth Street. (209) 827-7046.

SANTA BARBARA--The Pacific Ocean is the backdrop for the Santa Barbara International Jazz Festival, Oct. 1-3 on Leadbetter Beach, 801 Shoreline Drive. Featured performers include the Cedar Walton Quintet, the Jack Sheldon Orchestra and Juan Carlos Quintero. 6-10 p.m. Friday, 1-10 p.m. Saturday and 1-9 p.m. Sunday. General admission: $4 Friday, $7 Saturday or Sunday. VIP seating: $25 Friday, $35 Saturday or Sunday, or $70 for all three days. U.S. 101 north to California 225 west; exit left on Cabrillo Boulevard/Beaches, and follow Cabrillo. (310) 452-5056 or (805) 962-0800.