California Corner : Festivals, Feasts & Fairs

SANTA YNEZ--The 12th annual Santa Barbara County Vintners’ Festival isn’t until April 23-24, but many tickets have been sold through a random drawing. Remaining tickets become available Tuesday on a first-come, first-served basis. Tastings, music and viticultural exhibits, 1-4 p.m. both days at Flag Is Up Farm, Solvang. $50 per day. (805) 688-0881. LA JOLLA--”Artists on the Cutting Edge II,” a series of literary/musical presentations, continues in Sherwood Auditorium at the Museum of Contemporary Art, La Jolla. 7:30 p.m. this Thursday and Feb. 10, 17, 20, 24 and March 3 at 700 Prospect St. $12 per event; $10, students, seniors or museum members. (619) 454-3541. CALISTOGA--Have a spicy Valentine’s weekend at the Napa Valley Mustard Festival Celebration, Feb. 12-13. Napa County Fairgrounds, Oak and Fairway. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. $5. Proceeds benefit the Calistoga Community Center Project. (707) 942-NVMC.

SAN DIEGO--Exotic species and rare hybrids are showcased at a special orchid display, Feb. 19-20 in Casa del Prado, Balboa Park. The free show, hosted by the San Diego County Orchid Society, is noon-4 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. (619) 753-6952.

PISMO BEACH--Herman’s Fire Brigade from Germany and Grand Dominion from Vancouver are among the bands scheduled at the 15th annual Mardi Gras Dixieland Jazz Festival, Feb. 25-27 in downtown Pismo Beach. $40 for a weekend badge. For advance purchase, send a check to: Mardi Gras Dixieland Jazz Festival, P.O. Box. 125, Pismo Beach 93448. (800) 443-7778.

Call listed phone numbers for directions.