PALM SPRINGS--The Palm Springs International Short Film...

PALM SPRINGS--The Palm Springs International Short Film Festival brings a variety of animation, comedy, documentary and drama to the desert, Aug. 10-13. The first-time, juried event is in the Springs Theater at the Palm Springs Convention Center, 277 N. Avenida Caballeros. More than 75 films are screened in 16 programs throughout the festival. Each program features four to eight films. Tickets are $7 per program; $6 for seniors. (619) 778-8979.

MAMMOTH LAKES--The Mammoth Lakes Fine Arts Festival, Aug. 11-13, offers art from a variety of media 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. The free festival is in the parking lot of Doug Kittredge’s Sports Shop, Main Street (California 203) and Forest Trail. (209) 296-1195.

SAN JOSE--Kilauea, Zach and his Latin Jazz Ensemble and Pieces of a Dream are among the performers at the sixth annual San Jose Jazz Festival Aug. 12-13. Special events are scheduled Aug. 10-13, but most of the music is offered on five stages, noon-8 p.m. Saturday-Sunday in Plaza de Casar Chavez, Park and Market streets, downtown. Free. (408) 975-INFO.

WALNUT CREEK--Gems, minerals, jewelry, and mystical and healing arts are showcased at the Great Contra Costa Crystal Fair, Aug. 12-13. Thousands of crystals and other treasures are featured 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday in the Civic Park Community Center, Civic Drive at Broadway. $4, general; free for kids under 12. (415) 383-7837.

LA JOLLA--The mission of Shark Discovery Day on Aug. 13 is to educate the public about the often-feared sea creatures and to dispel some of the myths surrounding them. Shark activities, displays, artifacts and talks are 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Stephen Birch Aquarium-Museum, 2300 Expedition Way. Free with museum admission ($6.50, general; $4.50, students; $3.50 kids 3-12). (619) 534-FISH.

Call listed phone numbers for directions.