Festivals, Feasts & Fairs

FRESNO--Fighting will erupt next weekend at Kearney Park during a re-creation of the Battle of Antietam. The Fresno Historical Society and National Civil War Assn. will mark the 135th anniversary of the 1862 battle with more than 1,200 participants, demonstrations of camp life, a field hospital and artillery and cavalry demonstrations. There will also be food, period music, and 1860s shops such as a blacksmith, herbal apothecary, spinners and a lace maker. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday at 7160 W. Kearney Blvd. $5; 5 and under free. (209) 441-0862.

SANTA BARBARA--A German export, Oktoberfest, will arrive in Oak Park next weekend with an oom-pah-pah band; folk dancers; and vendors selling bratwurst, sauerkraut, Apfelstrudel, pastries and more. Free admission. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Junipero Street and Alamar Avenue. (805) 967-6422.

LA JOLLA--Works of more than 225 artists--including sculpture, mixed media and paintings--will be displayed next weekend at Arts Festival ’97. On Prospect, Herschel and Wall streets and Girard Avenue. Free admission. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. (619) 645-8484.

SAN FRANCISCO--Viva Mexico! will mark Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15 to Oct. 15) with salsa, banda and mariachi music, costumed dancers and crafts demonstrations. Noon-5 p.m. Oct. 4 and 5 at Pier 39, Beach Street at the Embarcadero. Free admission. (415) 705-5500.

PERRIS--The “Thriller Bee Show” tops the list of events at the Farmers Fair & Expo. The center attraction allows 100,000 live bees to alight as he plays Dixieland jazz on a clarinet. Other highlights include a hypnotist, country music concerts, karaoke, livestock exhibits, pig races, tractor and truck pulls, and a demolition derby. Oct. 11-19 at the Lake Perris Fairgrounds, 18700 Lake Perris Drive. 11 a.m.-midnight Oct. 11, 12, 18 and 19; noon-midnight Oct. 13 and 17; 4 p.m.-midnight Oct. 14-16. $6 adults, $3 children 6-11; 5 and under free. (909) 657-4221.

Call listed phone numbers for directions.