Festivals, Feasts & Fairs

THOUSAND OAKS--Costumed participants at the California Lutheran University’s Scandinavian Festival will reenact Viking-era life on Saturday, with leather working, combat and other activities. Free samples of ableskivers (fried dough topped with powdered sugar) and other pastries will be available. There will also be a late-afternoon smorgasbord ($15 adults, $8 children 6-12, children 5 and under free; reservations required by Monday), and a crafts fair. At Kingsmen Park on campus, 60 W. Olsen Road. $4 adults, $1 children 10 and under. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (805) 493-3151.

TEMECULA--More than 50 brightly colored hot-air balloons will rise April 25-27 at the Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival, which also includes wine tastings. On the shores of Lake Skinner, off Interstate 15 at Rancho California Road. April 25 (4-9 p.m.), $10 per car; April 26 (6 a.m.-8 p.m.), $15 adults, $5 children 7-12, children 6 and under free; April 27 (6 a.m.-6 p.m.), $13 adults, $5 children 7-12, children 6 and under free. (909) 676-6713.

PARADISE--Gold Nugget Days, April 26 and 27, commemorate the 1859 discovery of a 54-pound gold nugget. They include a Donkey Derby at 9 a.m. April 26 (in nearby Magalia, off the Skyway) and a noon parade along the Skyway in Paradise. The city’s Gold Nugget Museum will feature a carnival and gold panning. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. (916) 872-8722.

SAN BERNARDINO--The 35th annual Renaissance Pleasure Faire will be held 10 a.m.-6 p.m. weekends from April 26 through June 15. The festival re-creates a 16th-century English country fair and marketplace. At 2555 Glen Helen Parkway. $17.50, adults; $15 seniors, students; $7.50, children 5-11; ages 4 and under free. (800) 52-FAIRE.

Call listed phone numbers for directions.