Festivals, Feasts & Fairs

LA QUINTA--A showcase of diverse works by more than 200 artists is featured at the La Quinta Arts Festival, March 14-17. In addition to the juried show, the festival features ongoing entertainment. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily in La Quinta Village Park, Bermudas and Calle Tampico. Ticket prices: $6 general admission, except Saturday, $8; children, 7-14, $2; children under 7, free. Information: (619) 564-1244.

FORT BRAGG--The Fort Bragg Whale Festival honors the beloved seafaring mammal with downtown events on March 16. Among them: the Whale Run (10K, 5K and a walk) at 8:30 a.m.; seafood chowder tasting, 11 a.m., and the Whale Festival Beerfest, 1-4 p.m. Whale-watching excursions and tours of the Point Cabrillo Light Station offered Saturday-Sunday. (800) 726-2780.

LOS OLIVOS--Women artists take center stage in 10 downtown galleries for the eighth annual “Ladies First” celebration, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. March 16. Exhibits of works in a variety of media, open-house receptions and artist demonstrations featured. Carriage rides offered. (805) 688-2445.

VENTURA--Don your greenest duds for the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, 10 a.m. March 16 on Main Street, downtown. After the parade, the Irish Festival is held in Mission Park until 4 p.m. Live tunes, food and gift booths featured. Shamrock festivities continue on March 17 at “Ireland by the Sea,” noon-4 p.m. at Ventura Harbor Village. (More music and fun awaits.) (800) 333-2989.

SONORA--St. Patrick’s Day weekend is celebrated in Gold Rush country at the 10th annual Sonora Celtic Festival, March 16-17. Surround yourself with the rich cultural traditions of Ireland, Scotland, Cornwall and Wales, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday (with an Irish dance at 8 p.m.); 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. $8, general; $6, kids 5-12 and seniors; free for those under 5. Live music, traditional foods, import booths and theater are among the offerings at the Mother Lode Fairgrounds, 220 Southgate Drive (209) 536-1792.

Call listed phone numbers for directions.