Festivals, Feasts & Fairs

It’s up, up and away with Smith’s Balloon Festival, Sept. 29-Oct. 1 in Prado Park. 3-10 p.m. Friday, 7 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday and 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday. A fireworks show is presented Friday night; the Beach Boys play Saturday, and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band plays Sunday. $17, general; $6, kids 6-12; free for those under 6. (Includes festival seating for shows. Advanced reserved seating is extra.) Euclid Avenue and California 71.(800) 556-4423.

BAKERSFIELD--Celebrate the history and magic of the “iron horse” at the Old Town Kern Railroad ArtsFest, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 30 at the Southern Pacific Railroad Depot on Baker Street. Free. (805) 861-2367.

CARPINTERIA--The “alligator pear” takes center stage at the ninth annual California Avocado Festival, Sept. 30 and Oct. 1 on and around downtown’s Linden Avenue. Highlights include: the Avocado County Fair, arts and crafts and live music. Free. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. (805) 684-0038.

SAN JOSE--Hops and humor join forces at the San Pedro Square Brew Ha Ha, noon-7:30 p.m. Sept. 30-Oct. 1. Beers from 25 breweries and micro-breweries are showcased, and nonstop comedy is offered on two stages. Free; $10 for a beer-tasting kit. On San Pedro Street, between Santa Clara and St. John streets. (408) 295-2265, Ext. 483.

RANCHO CUCAMONGA--Taste area wines and do some stomping at the Grape Harvest Festival, Oct. 6-8 at the Empire Lakes Center, 10900 4th St. Other activities include carnival rides, a pie-eating contest, a beer garden, live entertainment and crafts; 7 p.m.-midnight Friday; 10 a.m.-midnight Saturday; noon-8 p.m. Sunday. $5, general; $3, kids 5-12; free for kids under 5. (909) 987-1012.