California Corner

SAN FRANCISCO--The Year of the Dragon roars to life with a Chinese New Year celebration Jan. 29-Feb. 20. It kicks off with the Market Flower Fair on Grand Avenue Jan. 29 and 30. Festivities culminate in the Coronation Ball Feb. 18, a street fair Feb. 19 and 20 and a parade at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 20. Flower Fair: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. Chinatown. Free. (415) 982-3071.

NAPA VALLEY--In honor of the wild mustard sprouting throughout the valley, the Napa Valley Mustard Festival runs Jan. 29-March 25. Highlights include the Mustard Festival Marketplace March 11 and 12 at the Napa Valley Exposition. Marketplace, $7; 12 and younger $2. Call for schedule. (707) 259-9020.

RIVERSIDE--Mission Street takes on Victorian airs for the annual Dickens Festival, Feb. 4-6. It begins Feb. 4 with Pub Night, 5:30-9 p.m., at the Life Arts building on University Avenue. Mission Inn Avenue will be closed 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Feb. 5 and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Feb. 6 for the London Marketplace. Entertainment will include performances for children, Victorian arts and crafts and a storytelling tent. Mr. Fezziwig’s Ball Feb. 5, $25, requires formal attire; or dress casually and pay $5 for the observation gallery. Marketplace free; Pub Night, $25. (800) 430-4140.

LA QUINTA--The first Mainstreet Marketplace street fair begins Feb. 4. A food court, arts and crafts, a beer and wine garden and entertainment will fill Calle Estado. The fair also will be held March 3 and March 31. Village area. 6-10 p.m. Free. (760) 564-3199.

SAN DIEGO--Bring your dancing shoes to the 24th annual International Folk Fair, Feb. 5-6. Dance workshops are open to all Feb. 5. On Feb. 6 there will be exhibition dancing as well as food and craft vendors (featuring jewelry, handmade clothing and ethnic costumes). Balboa Park Club, Balboa Park, on Presidents Way. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, noon-5 p.m.Sunday. Free. (619) 469-7133.

Schenden’s e-mail is lkschenden@msn.com