Festivals, Feasts & FairsSAN FRANCISCO--Treat your eyes,...

Festivals, Feasts & Fairs

SAN FRANCISCO--Treat your eyes, ears and taste buds to Japanese culture at the 28th annual Cherry Blossom Festival, April 15-16 and 22-23. Festivities are at the Japan Center at Post and Buchanan streets and in the adjacent blocks of Japantown. Most activities are 11 a.m.-5 p.m. (415) 563-2313. SANTA MARIA--Celebrate the harvest of local berries at the Santa Maria Valley Strawberry Festival, noon-10 p.m. April 21-23 (carnival to midnight). At the fairgrounds on the corner of Stowell Avenue and Thornburg Street. $4, general; $2, kids 6-11; free for those 5 and under. (800) 549-0036.

OXNARD--Graze your way through delicacies created by some of Ventura’s best restaurants at the third annual Food and Wine Festival, “Captain Morgan Taste of Ventura County,” April 21-23. Also featured: Competitions, live music and kids’ activities. 5-11 p.m. Friday; noon-11 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday. $6, general; $4, seniors over 55 and military; free for kids under 12. (Food and beverage prices: $1-$6.) At the Vintage Marina in Channel Islands Harbor, 2950 S. Harbor Blvd. (800) 994-4852.

RIVERSIDE--Celebrate 100 years of this area’s citrus heritage at the 1995 Sunkist Orange Blossom Festival, April 22-23 on 7th and Main streets. Indulge in citrus food and drinks while enjoying entertainment, cooking demonstrations, a juried art show and much more. 10 a.m.-dusk Saturday; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday (carnival to midnight both days). A parade is 10 a.m. Saturday. Free. (800) 382-8202.

DEVORE--Glen Helen Regional Park becomes a lively 16th-Century English country fair and marketplace at the Renaissance Pleasure Faire, April 22-June 18. Celebrate spring at festivities on Saturdays, Sundays and Memorial Day Monday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. At the northern junction of Interstates 15 and 215. $16.50, general; $13.50, students, seniors and military; $7.50, kids 6-11; free for those 5 and under. (800) 52-FAIRE.

Call listed phone numbers for directions.