Festivals, Feasts & Fairs

ISLETON--Ceremonial drummers, Chinese lion dancers and Asian cuisine are among offerings at the annual Chinese New Year Festival, Saturday and next Sunday. There will also be a parade at 11 a.m. Saturday along Main Street, arts and crafts vendors and rickshaw rides. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. along Main Street. Free. (916) 777-5880.

SANTA CLARA--Several hundred exhibitors will display several thousand blossoms at the Camellia Show, now in its 57th year. 2:30-5 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. next Sunday at the Community Recreation Center, 969 Kiely Blvd. Free. (408) 984-3080.

SAN DIEGO--St. Patrick’s Day celebrations will soon pop up around the state. In San Diego, the theme is Irish-Native American unity--a nod to an act of kindness in 1847, when a group of Choctaw in Oklahoma sent aid to Ireland during its potato famine, parade organizers said. Indian drummers and dancers will be among entries in the March 14 parade, which steps off at 11 a.m. A festival follows from 1 p.m. to dusk at Balboa Park, 6th Avenue and Laurel Street, with food vendors and entertainment. Free. (619) 268-9111.

MURPHYS--This city’s St. Patrick’s Day festival, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., along Main Street, will feature storytelling, Celtic music, dancing and a noon parade with bagpipes, vintage cars and more. Free. (800) 225-3764.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO--Winging their way from Argentina, the swallows are expected to return to the mission on and around March 19. On March 14, mariachis and Aztec and ballet-folkloric dancers will perform, and 18th-century skills such as spinning and weaving will be demonstrated. On March 19, Native Americans will dance, and local schoolchildren will perform. 7 a.m.-5 p.m. at the mission at 31522 Camino Capistrano. $5, $4 ages 11 and under. (714) 248-2048.

LA QUINTA--Plenty of fresh air and fine art will be found at the La Quinta Arts Festival, March 19-22. The outdoor event features the works of more than 200 artists, including paintings, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry and photography; a stage with live music; and food vendors. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. March 19 and 22, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. March 20 and 21 at La Quinta Village Park, Calle Tampico and Bermudas. $8, $2 ages 7-14, under 7 free. (760) 564-1244.

Call listed phone numbers for directions.