The hot potatoes of Idaho film

Driggs, Idaho

July 28-29: SpudFest features independent, documentary and short films, with a focus on up-and-coming Idaho talent, plus music, at the Spud Drive-In Theatre. The festival is the brainchild of Dawn Wells (Mary Ann on “Gilligan’s Island”). There are receptions and dinner parties with the filmmakers as well as afternoon filmmaker workshops. There also will be at least one person in a potato costume.

231 S. Highway 33, Driggs. $3 for a single-movie pass, $8 for a full-day pass. Party tickets are additional; packages are available. (208) 354-3221, www.spudfest.org.

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Salinas, Calif.

Aug. 3-6: This year’s Steinbeck Festival theme is “Awards: The Price of Fame” and will focus on author John Steinbeck’s awards, including the Pulitzer Prize for fiction and Nobel Prize for literature. His son author Thomas Steinbeck and several recognized Steinbeck scholars will participate in lectures and panels. Other activities include walking tours of old Salinas that highlight Steinbeck literary sites, lunch at the Steinbeck House, dramatic readings, film screenings and exhibitions at the National Steinbeck Center.

National Steinbeck Center, 1 Main St., Salinas, and other locations around the city. $17 per session, $70 for a four-day passport. Bus, tour and performance tickets sold separately. (831) 775-4721, www.steinbeck.org.

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San Diego

Aug. 4-5: It will be good gridlock at Street Scene when headliners Kanye West (Aug. 4) and Tool (Aug. 5) lead a musical lineup of hip-hop, punk, alternative and more, on six stages. Aug. 4 acts include AFI, Wu Tang Clan, Queens of the Stone Age and Bad Religion. Aug. 5 features Snoop Dogg, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, the Shins, the Futureheads and more. “Beyond the Bands” performers the Dragon House Drag Show, Lollipop Girls Burlesque and Technomania Circus will have shows both days.

Qualcomm Stadium, 9449 Friars Road, San Diego. One-day pass $75. Two-day festival pass $115. Two-day VIP pass $400. Packages available. Advance parking $15. Limited parking but easy trolley access. www.street-scene.com.

-- Blake Hennon