Festivals, Feasts & Fairs

SAN FRANCISCO--”The Day of the Buffalo Soldier,” an event honoring black soldiers in the post-Civil War Army, is noon-6 p.m. Jan. 27. Presented by the San Francisco African American Historical and Cultural Society, the event will feature an exhibit of photography by former soldier-photographer Samuel N. Waller and will include demonstrations of cavalry drills and marksmanship. Free admission; $1 for tours of the exhibit. In the Festival Pavilion at Fort Mason Center. (415) 441-0640.

FOLSOM--”A Rainbow of Hearts,” the 11th annual Quilt Show of the Folsom Quilt and Fiber Guild, is Feb. 3-4 in the Folsom Community Center, 52 Natoma St. Quilt displays and appraisals, a wearable-art fashion show and demonstrations are featured. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. $4 donation. (916) 933-3795.

INDIO--Celebrating its 50th anniversary, the Riverside County Fair and National Date Festival is Feb. 16-25. Highlights include “Blessing of the Date Garden” procession on Feb. 18, President’s Day Parade on Feb. 19, nightly “Arabian Nights” musical pageant, camel and ostrich races, and nightly fireworks and laser show. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday; 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday; carnival open to midnight nightly. 46-350 Arabia St., at California 111. $6, general; $5, seniors; $4, teenagers; $3, kids 5-11. Free for those under 5. (619) 863-8247.

BAKERSFIELD--The 10th annual Bakersfield Home and Garden Show, Feb. 23-25, helps you spruce up your digs inside and out. About 175 exhibitors will be on hand in Buildings 2 and 3 at the Kern County Fairgrounds, 1142 South P St. 1-9 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. $3.50 general; free for those 12 and under. (800) 655-0655.

AVALON--Scuba divers are invited to Avalon Bay, Catalina Island, for the 16th annual Avalon Harbor Underwater Cleanup, 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Feb. 24. $25 per diver includes an air fill, T-shirt and limited baggage transportation. Proceeds benefit the Santa Catalina Island Conservancy Divers and the Catalina Hyperbaric Chamber. Registration: (310) 641-8817.

Call listed phone numbers for directions.