California Corner : Festivals, Feasts & Fairs

SAN LUIS OBISPO--Elizabethan merriment fills El Chorro Regional Park at the 10th annual Central Coast Renaissance Festival, today and July 23-24. Crafts, games, costumed performers and period foods offered 10 a.m.-6 p.m. $7, general; $5, kids 6-12 and seniors; free for kids under 6. (800) 688-1477. For more Renaissance culture, check out the Central Coast Shakespeare Festival at Cal Poly. “Romeo and Juliet” and “Twelfth Night” in repertory through Aug. 13 in the Department of Ornamental Horticulture Arboretum. $12, general; $8, seniors and students. (805) 543-7635.

FREMONT--The 11th annual Fremont Festival of the Arts showcases 700 artisans, two stages with entertainment, and international foods, wines and beers, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. July 23-24. On and around Paseo Padre and Mawry Avenue, downtown. Free. (510) 795-2244.

SANTA BARBARA--Hellenic-style celebrations fill Oak Park at the Greek Festival, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. July 30-31. Featured: Greek food and pastries, live music, costumed dancers and imported gifts. Free. Exit U.S. 101 at Pueblo Street. (805) 683-4492.

HOMEWOOD--Junior artists and their families are invited to the fifth annual Children’s Festival,

11 a.m.-3 p.m. July 31-Aug. 1. Hands-on crafts projects are featured, plus music and stories by Laura Spitzer. Presented by Arts for the Schools. In the Topol Pavilion on the shores of Lake Tahoe. $7 per person; $25, family pass for up to six. (916) 546-4602. OXNARD--World beat music and ethnic crafts and food are global highlights at the Reggae Jam on the Coast, Aug. 6-7 in College Park, 3250 S. Rose Ave. Performers include King Sunny Ade and Toots and the Maytals. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday. Advance: $20 per day or $35 for both; $22.50 per day at the gate (if available). Children under 12 are free. (310) 285-8560.

Call listed phone numbers for directions.