California Corner

* Bishop: Mule Days, May 23-27, include daily arena competitions by mules starting at 8 a.m., Western-themed crafts May 26-27 at City Park and a parade down Main Street at 10 a.m. May 26. Tri-County Fairgrounds, 8 a.m.-9:30 p.m. each day. Admission free; arena shows $10; 12 and under free with paid adult. (760) 872-4263, Internet https://www.muledays.org.

* Coalinga: Bet on the 65th annual Horned Toad Derby, May 25-28. Festivities include daily horned toad races and a parade at 10 a.m. May 26. Downtown. 3 p.m.-midnight May 25; noon-midnight May 26; 10 a.m.-midnight May 27; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. May 28. Free. (800) 854-3885, https://www .coalingachamber.com.

* Monterey: This coastal community celebrates Memorial Day weekend, May 26-27, with Red, White & a Little Blues. The outdoor music festival offers three stages of entertainment, from blues to Latin bands. Old Monterey. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. both days. Free. (831) 655-8070, https://www.oldmonterey.org.

* Julian: Head to the mountains May 26-27 for Mayfest, a traditional Austrian celebration. Maypole dancing and a beer garden will fill the parking lot of Valley Independent Bank, Main Street. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. both days. Free. (760) 765-1857, https://www.julianca.com.

* Grass Valley: This Gold Rush town celebrates the Sierra Festival of the Arts May 27. The street fair, hosted by the Grass Valley Downtown Assn. and the Nevada County Arts Council, puts fine art on display in the historic downtown district. Mill Street. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (530) 272-8315, https://www.ncgold.com.

Schenden’s e-mail address is Lkschenden@msn.com