Festivals, Feasts & Fairs

HOPLAND--Local farmers, ranchers, growers, winemakers, chefs, artisans, brewers and other producers from Mendocino County gather to share the area’s tastes and splendor at Mendocino Bounty, Aug. 17 at the Fetzer Tasting Room and Visitor Center at Valley Oaks Ranch. Tastings and other festivities begin at 11 a.m.; the Mendocino Bounty Wine Auction begins at 4 p.m. Tickets (auction admission included): $25 in advance; $30 at the event. (707) 462-3306.

PETALUMA--The natural and historical wealth of the Petaluma River is celebrated at the 11th annual Petaluma River Festival, 8 a.m.-11 p.m. Aug. 17 in the river’s Turning Basin. Highlights include more than 150 food and arts and crafts booths, people-powered boat races and entertainment on two stages. $3, general; free for children. Stay in town for the 35th annual Old Adobe Fiesta, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Aug. 18. The 1840s rancho era comes to life with crafts, entertainment and tours, at Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park, 3325 Adobe Road. $2, general; free for kids under 10. (707) 762-5331.

KINGS BEACH--On Lake Tahoe’s north shore, the Kings Beach Fine Arts Festival brings a variety of works to Kings Beach Plaza, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 17-18. The free festival showcases paintings, photography and sculpture by artists representing the western United States. North Shore Boulevard and Coon Street. (916) 546-7249 or (209) 296-1195.

HEALDSBURG--The Healdsburg Guitar Makers Festival, Aug. 21-23, brings guitar makers, collectors and aficionados to the Villa Chanticleer, 1248 N. Fitch Mountain Road. From 9 a.m.-noon daily, lectures and demonstrations are offered, and the Gallery of Guitars is open 1-5 p.m. daily, with more than 100 handcrafted guitars. $25 for a three-day pass to seminars and the gallery; $5 per day to visit the gallery. Guitar concerts are held in the evenings at nearby venues. Festival and concert information: (707) 431-1814 or (707) 433-1823.

AVILA BEACH--Inspired by the Olympians? Check out the second annual Avila Ocean Racing Classic, Aug. 24 on Avila Beach (between Pismo Beach and San Luis Obispo). The events include a one-mile swim and a run-swim-run competition, and for younger participants, one-quarter and one-half mile swims. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. at the south side of the pier. $17 before Aug. 23; $22 after and on race day. (805) 489-8691.

Call listed phone numbers for directions.