California Corner

Festivals, Feasts & Fairs

CALISTOGA--Fill up on spicy eats and cool suds at the 11th annual Beer and Sausage Fest, 1-5 p.m. Oct. 8 at the Napa County Fairgrounds. Wacky entertainment provided by the Los Trancos Woods Community Marching Band. $18; designated driver ticket: $12. (707) 942-6333.

SAN DIEGO--Celebrate the red, white and green at Festa Bella!, a celebration of Italian heritage, Oct. 8-9 at Embarcadero Marina Park South, downtown (behind the San Diego Convention Center). Italian foods and wines, a boccie ball tournament, an Italian car show, live music and folk dancing are among the offerings. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday. $6, general; free for kids 6 and under. VIP passport: $25. (619) 981-2300.

SANTA BARBARA--”Breaking the Barriers” is the theme of the Santa Barbara Mental Health Arts Festival, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 15 in Oak Park. An array of visual and performing arts are showcased at the event, featuring artists from the mental health community. Free. Food and live music offered all day. (805) 681-5450 or (805) 681-4361.

PISMO BEACH--The 48th annual Clam Festival honors the popular mollusk, Oct. 15-16 with a parade, sand sculpture contest, chowder cook-off, a clam dig for prizes and more. In and around the pier parking lot at the end of Pomeroy Avenue. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 15; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 16. $1, general; free for those under 12. (805) 773-4382.

OJAI--Spend an autumn afternoon on the self-guided Ojai Studio Artists Tour 1994, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 15-16. Visit the studios of 25 artists. $15; $12 in advance. Maps and tickets available at the Ojai Valley Chamber of Commerce, 338 E. Ojai Ave., or the Ojai Center for the Arts, 113 S. Montgomery St. (805) 646-8126.