Festivals, Feasts & Fairs

LA QUINTA--Slip into your lederhosen and head for the second annual Oktoberfest at Frances Hack Community Park in La Quinta. German beer, food, kids’ crafts, music and dancing will set the tone Friday and Saturday, Oct. 9 and 10, 5-11 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 11, 2-8 p.m. $3; ages 12 and younger, free with an adult. 77-865 Avenida Montezuma. (760) 347-3484.

YERMO--Step back into the 1880s in Calico Ghost Town. A Wild West Parade gets underway Saturday, Oct. 10, at noon; gunfighters shoot it out Saturday and Sunday. Period games and activities begin Friday, Oct. 9, at 9 a.m. 36600 Ghost Town Road, 10 miles north of Barstow. $7; ages 5-15, $4. (800) TO CALICO.

EL CAJON--Get an up-close look at the new reproduction of the Spirit of St. Louis before it’s hung for permanent display at the airport. An open house 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 10, and Sunday, Oct. 11, also includes flying demonstrations by members of the Antique Airplane Assn. Gillespie Field, 335 Kenney St. Free. (619) 234-8291.

SAN FRANCISCO--Italians were among the first to work the city’s Fisherman’s Wharf, and the Italian Heritage Parade is one of the city’s oldest ethnic celebrations. Beginning at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11. The 130th annual parade gets underway from Fisherman’s Wharf, winding through North Beach, down Columbus Avenue. (415) 974-6900.

YUCCA VALLEY--Join hundreds of veteran and amateur astronomers in the Mojave Desert Oct. 16-18 for the Starry Nights Festival. Events include a 5K run and recycled art show, a Star Lab for kids, workshops, exhibits and a night sky observation. 57090 Twentynine Palms Highway. Night sky observation $5, children 12 and under free with adult; family registration for both days, $45; for Saturday only, $35; Friday and Saturday individual registration, $35; Saturday only, $25. All fees except night sky observation increase by $10 after October 15. (760) 369-7211.

Call listed phone numbers for directions.