Festivals, Feasts & FairsGRASS VALLEY--Clydesdales and Belgians...

Festivals, Feasts & Fairs

GRASS VALLEY--Clydesdales and Belgians are among the stately stars at the ninth annual Draft Horse Classic and Harvest Faire, Sept. 15-17 at the Nevada County Fairgrounds. The giant beauties are featured in five competitions--one on Friday, two on Saturday and two on Sunday. ($7 or $8 per event; $35 for an all-event pass.) Arts, crafts and entertainment are offered at the weekend’s Harvest Faire. 11228 McCourtney Road. (916) 273-6217.

MAMMOTH LAKES--Culinary and aesthetic offerings await at Art a la Carte, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 16-17. Featured are wines by 10 vintners, foods from eight area restaurants, fine arts and live music. In Mammoth Creek Park on Old Mammoth Road. Free admission; $10 for wine tasting and a commemorative glass. (619) 934-3342.

SAN JOSE--Art, wine and food are also highlights at the Almaden Art and Wine Festival, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sept. 17 in Parma Park on Camden Avenue near Almaden Expressway. 160 artisans and beer, wine and food vendors are on hand. Free. (408) 268-1133.

AVALON--The 37th annual Catalina Festival of Art fills Avalon’s bay-front Crescent Avenue with a variety of works, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 16-17. Sajama plays Andean music on the Wrigley stage on Saturday. Free. (310) 510-1520.

BIG BEAR LAKE--The taste and spirit of Germany’s autumn comes to Big Bear Lake for Oktoberfest. The annual event is every weekend, Sept. 23-Oct. 29 at the Convention Center, California 18 and Division Drive. Noon-midnight Saturdays; noon-6 p.m. Sundays. $6, general on Saturdays; $3 on Sundays. On both days, kids 3-12 are $2 and kids under 3 are free. (909) 585-3000.

Call listed phone numbers for directions.