Calendar: Events from July to September 2008

BERKELEY

Berkeley Kite Festival & West Coast Kite Championships

When, where: July 26 and 27, Cesar Chavez Park.

Highlights: Kite-making, kite-flying lessons, kite ballet, kite battles, an attempt at a world record for giant creature kites.

Cost: Free.

Info: (510) 235-5483, www.highlinekites.com /Berkeley_Kite_Festival.

ELK GROVE

Strauss Festival of Elk Grove

When, where: July 24 to 27 at Strauss Island in Elk Grove Regional Park, off Elk Grove-Florin Road.

Highlights: Free evening staged dance performances; audience members often spread out blankets on the grass to watch; a live, 32-piece orchestra accompanies with the music of Strauss.

Cost: Free admission, $10 parking.

Info: (916) 714-2527, www.straussfestival.com.

OXNARD

Summer Concerts at Historic Heritage Square

When, where: Friday evenings through Aug. 15, Heritage Square, 715 S. A St.

Highlights: Live bands in the square; styles include Caribbean, Latin, rumba, Dixieland jazz and rock.

Cost: Lawn seating free, plaza seating $5; tables for six $40 to $60 by reservation.

Info: (805) 483-7960, www.downtownoxnard.org /events.php.

SAN FRANCISCO

Slow Food Nation

When, where: Aug. 29 to Sept. 1 at Civic Center Plaza, 99 Grove St., and Fort Mason Center, at Buchanan Street and Marina Boulevard.

Highlights: The Taste event, with workshops, demonstrations and tastings; speakers on food issues; fresh-food marketplace; two-day Slow Food Rocks concert with Gnarls Barkley, G Love & Special Sauce, Ozomatli and more.

Cost: Many events free; $45 to $65 for Taste; $5 to $25 for speaker series; single-day concert tickets $59 ($69 after July 10).

Info: (415) 369-9950, www.slowfoodnation.org.

VENTURA

July 4 Street Fair

When, where: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the Fourth, along Main Street from Fir Street to Ventura Avenue.

Highlights: Parade, games and activities for kids; several stages of entertainment; hundreds of artisans and food booths.

Cost: Free.

Info: (805) 654-7749, www.venturastreetfair.com.

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