Festivals, Feasts & Fairs

SACRAMENTO--Old favorites at this year’s California State Fair, Aug. 15-Sept. 1, will include the carnival and agriculture and livestock exhibits. New attractions include the Skyscraper, a 160-foot rotating thrill ride; the Big Bear Frontier, an area with historical reenactments and reproductions of landmark California buildings; and equestrian performances by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays; 10 a.m.-midnight Fridays and Saturdays. $7; $4 children; children 4 and under free. At the California State Fairgrounds, Cal Expo, 1600 Exposition Blvd. (916) 263-3000.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE-- Tallac Historic Site’s Great Gatsby Festival on Aug. 16 will create the aura of the opulent ‘20s at its Pope Estate. Sip wine at the re-created speak-easy or lemonade on the lawn, where flappers and other costumed volunteers will stroll. Antique cars will be displayed and there will be food, crafts and period clothing for sale. Free admission. Tours of the Pope House, normally $2.50, will be sold for $1. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. The site is on California 89. (916) 544-3029.

SAN FRANCISCO--The outdoor Filipino-American Arts Exposition, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Aug. 16-17, will feature art exhibits, and traditional dance, theater and puppetry on two stages. Vendors will sell pansit noodles, lumpia (similar to eggrolls) and other fare. The Pearl of the Orient Parade will begin at noon Aug. 17 along Market Street. Free. At the Center for the Arts at Yerba Buena Gardens, 3rd Street between Mission and Howard streets. (415) 436-9711.

PETALUMA--The Aug. 16 River Festival will make a splash with people-powered raft races, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., and tours of the Alma, an 1891 scow schooner. There will also be about 150 arts, crafts and food booths; musical entertainment; and a Kid Village with clowns, games and face painting. Activities, 9 a.m.-7 p.m., will be centered at Water and Washington streets. $3 requested donation; free, children under 12. (707) 778-0150.

LOS OLIVOS--The brushes will fly Aug. 16 at the Los Olivos Quick Draw, in which artists are given 45 minutes to create a work. Before the paint dries, the works are auctioned. The event, sponsored by the Los Olivos Business Organization, starts at 11 a.m. at Los Olivos Park, on Grand Avenue. Free. In addition, there will be live music. A barbecue lunch will also be offered ($5). (805) 688-1222.