Festivals, Feasts & Fairs

LAGUNA BEACH--Pots, prints, paintings and plenty of other creations will be on display at the Sawdust Festival, Thursday to Aug. 31. About 175 local artists and artisans will exhibit wares, and visitors of all ages can try their hand at making pottery or other crafts. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. daily at 935 Laguna Canyon Road. $5 adults, $1 children 6-12, under 6 free. (714) 494-3030.

PALM DESERT--The city shoots the works on the Fourth with food, fireworks, fun and games. Starting at 6 p.m., there will be bands on two stages, carnival games and strolling costumed characters. Food will be for sale, and at 9 p.m. the fireworks begin. At two adjacent sites: Civic Center Park, 73-510 Fred Waring Drive, and College of the Desert’s Family Golf Center driving range (at Fred Waring Drive and San Pablo). Free admission. (800) 873-2428.

BIG BEAR LAKE--About 100 artisans will set up shop over the holiday weekend at the Convention Center, 42900 Big Bear Blvd., for the Fourth of July Arts and Crafts Fair. Refreshments and various items will be sold, such as handmade clothing and furniture made of willow branches. $1, under 12 free. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. July 6. (909) 585-3000.

PALO ALTO--Unique ceramic and glass items--from stoneware teapots to pointillist-patterned plates--will be for sale at the Clay & Glass Festival, July 12 and 13. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at Palo Alto Cultural Center, 1313 Newell Road. Free admission. (415) 329-2366.

NEVADA CITY--For a cool way to end a hot day, the city will host Summer Nights, July 16, 23 and 30. Reggae, jazz and other music will be played on three stages in the gas-lighted historical district, which is closed to traffic. Local restaurants will set up tables and sell their fare in the open air. About 20 vintage cars will be on display. 6-9 p.m. at Broad and Commercial streets. Free admission. (800) 655-6569.

Call listed phone numbers for directions.