California Corner: Festivals, Feasts & Fairs

Chico--Top guitar players from around the world will perform at the International Guitar Festival Feb. 1-2. Free workshop Feb. 2. Paradise Performing Arts Center in Paradise on Feb. 1; Laxson Auditorium at Chico State on Feb. 2. 7:30-11 p.m. $10-$22. Reservations suggested. (530) 898-6333, www.csuchico.edu/hfa/chicoarts.html.

Riverside--The Dickens Festival gets underway Feb. 1 with Pub Night at 5:30 p.m. ($25). The London Marketplace, Feb. 2-3, will include food, entertainment and children’s activities, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Feb. 2; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Feb. 3. Mission Inn Avenue. Free. Complete schedule (800) 430-4140, www.pe.net/dickens.

Indio--Food vendors, entertainers and more than 200 artists will contribute to the 16th annual Southwest Arts Festival Feb. 1-3. Empire Polo Club, Monroe Street and Avenue 51. 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. each day. $6; $5 seniors; 12 and younger free. (800) 44-INDIO (444-6346), www.southwestartsfest.com.

Lodi--Get a jump on Valentine’s Day at the Valentine Wine & Chocolate Weekend Feb. 9-10. The two-day tasting event will be at Lodi Appellation winery tasting rooms. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. both days. $15. Tickets and maps: (888) 700-LODI (700-5634), www.lodiwines.com.

Fresno--Lion dancers, taiko drummers and veterans’ groups will march in the Chinese New Year Parade Feb. 2. The hourlong parade begins at 10:30 a.m., followed by food vendors and a children’s carnival on F and Kern streets in Chinatown. 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. (559) 441-7915.

-- Laurie K. Schenden; Schenden’s e-mail address is

Lkschenden@msn.com.