Festivals, Feasts & Fairs

GRASS VALLEY--Enjoy an old-fashioned county fair in the heart of Gold Country at the Nevada County Fair, Aug. 7-11. Festivities are in the pine-shaded fairgrounds at 11228 McCourtney Road, noon-midnight Wednesday, 10 a.m.-midnight Thursday-Sunday. Featured: livestock; crafts; exhibits; miners pouring gold bars; computer technology and science exhibits; carnival rides; and entertainment, including concerts by Kathy Mattea and the Charlie Daniels Band. $3, general; $1, kids 6-12; free for those under 6. (916) 273-6217.

SAN JOSE--The seventh annual San Jose International Jazz Festival offers a huge music lineup Aug. 7-11. The festival, held in and around downtown’s Plaza de Cesar Chavez (Market and San Carlos streets), has free evening concerts Aug. 7-9 and two days of solid music Aug. 10-11. Free festivities on Saturday and Sunday are noon-8 p.m. There are arts and crafts, food vendors and eight stages of music. Artists include: Poncho Sanchez, Strunz and Farah, Marlena Shaw with Jack McDuff, and the Freddie Ravel Orchestra. (408) 288-7557.

MAMMOTH LAKES--This mountain community hosts the Mammoth Lakes Fine Arts Festival, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 9-11 on the grounds of Doug Kittredge’s Sports Shop, California 205 (Main Street) and Forest Trail. The free event features more than 50 artists, some of whom will demonstrate their crafts. (209) 296-1195.

SAN DIEGO--Set in the shadow of historic buildings and landmarks, the second annual Old Town Avenues of the Arts offers creations by 49 artisans, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Aug. 10-11. The free festival, held in the Seeley Yard at the Stagecoach Museum in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, also presents live music and hands-on arts activities for children. Free. (619) 239-1143.

WALNUT CREEK--The Great Contra Costa Crystal Fair, “Celebrating Earth and Spirit,” comes to the Civic Park Community Center, Aug. 10-11. More than 30 exhibitors share crystals, minerals, jewelry and the healing arts, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. $2, general; free for those under 12. Civic Drive and Broadway. (415) 383-7837.

Call listed phone numbers for directions.