Festivals, Feasts & FairsSANTA CRUZ--The Shark Festival...

Festivals, Feasts & Fairs

SANTA CRUZ--The Shark Festival and Feeding Frenzy, a celebration of that elusive and intriguing creature, will be held 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday at the Santa Cruz Wharf on Ocean Street. The festival will feature experts discussing sharks, exhibition tanks, live music and face painting. Free. 408-429-3477.

SANTA BARBARA--Juggling, jousting, arts and archery are among the offerings at the Santa Barbara Renaissance Festival, Sept. 21-22 at Live Oak Camp on California 154. The Living History Project will stage the event, a benefit for the Lobero Theatre, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. $6, general admission; $4, children 6-12, seniors and students; free for those under 6. (805) 682-0310.

AVALON--The 38th annual Catalina Festival of Art fills Crescent Avenue, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 21-22. About 150 exhibitors will gather for the free event, featuring works in a variety of media. Also in Avalon: the Catalina Island Wine Festival, 1-4 p.m. Saturday in the garden courtyard of the Pavilion Lodge. $30; reservations are required for the wine festival. (310) 510-1520.

VENTURA--Celebrate the end of summer at the 11th annual California Beach Party, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 21-22. Held along the Beachfront Promenade, the party features a surfing contest; a wine and seafood pavilion; and performers on six stages. Exit California Street from U.S. 101. $5.50, general admission; $3.50, seniors; free for those 12 and under. (805) 654-7830.

SAN LUIS OBISPO--To commemorate the opening of the Performing Arts Center of San Luis Obispo, a 10-day celebration is planned. The Grand Opening Festival, Sept. 27-Oct. 6, will feature a huge variety of events and performances, including the following free activities: Family Day, Sept. 28; “Bravo SLO,” Sept. 29; and “A Celebration of Many Cultures,” Oct. 6. The center is on the campus of California Polytechnic State University. Complete schedule and ticket information: (805) 756-2787.

Call listed phone numbers for directions.