Festivals, Feasts & Fairs

SANTA BARBARA--An after-hours exploration of nature is offered 6:30-9:30 p.m. June 29 at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden. “The Great Garden Nature Night” includes a light supper, a search for nocturnal animals and an astronomer-led look at the sky through telescopes. $20 per person; $50 per family ($15 and $35 for garden members). Preregistration required. 1212 Mission Canyon Road. (805) 682-4726, Ext. 102.

LAKE ARROWHEAD--Fine arts and crafts, and a wide selection of California wines are showcased at the Art and Wine Tasting Festival, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. June 29-30 at the Tavern Bay Beach Club. The Rotary Club of Lake Arrowhead sponsors the event, which also includes free shuttle pontoon boat rides. Free. (909) 337-3715.

NEVADA CITY--”Our Home Town” is the theme of Nevada City’s Independence Day Parade. The patriotic procession begins at 11 a.m. on downtown’s Broad Street. THE Fourth of July festivities start at 9 a.m., at the Nevada County Fairgrounds on McCourtney Road in Grass Valley. Fireworks START at 9:30 p.m. $4, general; free for those 12 and under. (800) 655-NJOY.

SAN JOSE--Guadalupe River Park is the setting for the San Jose America Festival, celebrating the diverse cultures of the area. Highlights of the annual festival, July 4-6, include live performances; activities for children; and Folklife Villages showcasing different cultures. Fireworks start at 9:30 p.m. Thursday. Among the performers: The Doobie Brothers, the San Jose Symphony and Mariachi Azteca. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Thursday; 4 p.m.-10 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday. Free on Thursday and Saturday; $6 on Friday. West San Carlos Street and Almaden Boulevard, downtown. (408) 534-4414.

CORONADO--Once again this community celebrates the Fourth of July with a nonstop schedule of activities. Offerings include: the 22nd annual Independence Day 15K Run-5K Walk, 7 a.m. at Tidelands Park; the 38th annual Rough Water Swim, 8:30 a.m. at North Beach; and the 48th annual Independence Day Parade, 10 a.m. along Orange Avenue. Art-in-the-Park is 10 a.m.-4 p.m. in Spreckels Park, and the U.S. Navy Air, Land and Sea Demonstration is at 2:30 p.m. at Glorietta Bay. Fireworks start at 9 p.m. (800) 622-8300.