California Corner

Festivals, Feasts & Fairs

SAN DIEGO--The 12th annual Fiesta Cinco de Mayo, May 5-7, features Aztec dancers, mariachis, folkloric dance, Mexican food and much more. The festival is 11 a.m.-6 p.m. daily in Old Town State Park at Wallace, Juan and Congress streets, and the adjacent community to Congress and Conde streets. Other highlights include re-enactments of the Battle of Puebla; stagecoach rides; and a buffalo barbecue. (619) 220-5422 or (619) 296-3161.

SAN LUIS OBISPO--”The Dream Unfolds,” the fourth annual Garden Festival hosted by Friends of the San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, celebrates the riches of spring, May 6-7. Featured: workshops; lectures; arts and crafts; plant sales; music; hands-on science and crafts activities for kids; a flower show; and tours of the Botanical Garden site. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. both days. $2, general; $1, kids 6-12. On California 1 between San Luis Obispo and Morro Bay. (805) 546-3501.

LIVERMORE--Sweet offerings are in store at the fourth annual Days of Wine and Honey Festival, May 6-7. Wine from 12 area wineries, and honey products, including honey beer and mead, are showcased, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. Other highlights at the free festival: arts and crafts; children’s rides and entertainment; and live music, including country-and-Western singer Chely Wright. On First and Second streets and adjacent streets. (510) 373-1795.

SANTA BARBARA--A kids’ paradise awaits at the Children’s Festival, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. May 13. Pony rides, carnival games, face painting, crafts workshops, entertainment and Sportsworld are featured in Oak Park, Junipero and Alamar. Food will be sold, or bring a picnic. Free. Proceeds benefit Family Service Agency’s children’s counseling programs. (805) 965-1001.

LAKE ARROWHEAD--Celebrate the blooming trees at the sixth annual Dogwood Celebration, May 13 in Lake Arrowhead Village. A gala parade is at noon; quilts by the Dogwood Quilters are on display 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; and a concert by the Marine Corps Marching Band is 2 p.m. in the festival area. Driving maps are available for the best dogwood viewing. The 10th annual Classic Antique Car Show is 10 a.m.-4 p.m. May 14 in the village. Free. (909) 336-3274.

Call listed phone numbers for directions.