California Corner

Festivals, Feasts & Fairs

CASTROVILLE--It’s a thistle! It’s a vegetable! It’s the honoree at the 33rd annual Castroville Artichoke Festival, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. next Saturday-Sunday in the Community Center at Pomber and Crane streets. Featured: An artichoke-eating contest, artichoke cooking demonstrations, arts and crafts, entertainment and games. $2 for adults; free for kids under 12. On Sunday, a pancake breakfast is from 6-11 a.m.; a parade starts at 9:30 a.m. (408) 633-2465.

KIRKWOOD--Ski slopes aren’t just for the winter anymore. The sixth annual Ultima Mountain Bike Classic is at 9 a.m. next Sunday at Kirkwood Ski and Summer Resort. Registration is from 7-9 a.m. at Red Cliffs Main Lodge on Kirkwood Meadows Drive. The circuit race format covers a 4.5-mile course. $25, including lunch. 35 miles south of South Lake Tahoe; take Highway 88 to the Kirkwood Ski Resort turnoff. (209) 258-6000.

WALNUT CREEK--The 55th Walnut Festival is scheduled for Sept. 24-27 in Heather Farm Park, Ygnacio Valley Boulevard and North San Carlos Drive. In addition to rides, entertainment, arts and crafts and games, there are walnut-cracking and counting contests, a walnut booth and such foods as walnut burgers. 5-10 p.m. Thursday, 5-midnight Friday, noon-midnight Saturday, noon-10 p.m. Sunday. $4, general; $3 kids 6-12; free for kids 5 and under. (510) 935-6766.

STOCKTON--Sounds of the Crescent City come West for Delta Dixieland, Stockton’s 13th Jazz Celebration, Sept. 25-27 at the Stockton Inn Best Western, 4219 Waterloo Road. Performers include Ernie Carson, the Albion Jazz Band, the San Francisco Legacy and Misbehavin’. 5 p.m.- midnight Friday, noon-midnight Saturday, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Sunday. $45 for all events. Day passes: $15, Friday; $30, Saturday; $20, Sunday. At Highway 99 and Waterloo Road. (209) 825-7905.

SAN DIEGO--The 450th anniversary of the San Diego arrival of Portuguese explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo is celebrated at the Cabrillo Festival, Sept. 26-Oct. 4. Free opening ceremonies are at 1 p.m. Sept. 26 at Cabrillo National Monument at the end of Pt. Loma. Also featured during the week are launches and arrivals of tall-ship replicas and the Cabrillo Festival Regatta with traditional rigs on Oct. 3. The free Oct. 4 open house at the monument includes a re-enactment of Cabrillo’s landing (10 a.m.), music, dancing and food from Portugal, Mexico, Spain and Native America. (619) 234-9153.