July 4: Redwood City Independence Day Festival. This full day of festivities kicks off with a parade at Brewster and Winslow Sts., followed by a marketplace of arts, crafts and food vendors, live musical entertainment, kids’ activities, a Battle of the Bands competition, and an explosive fireworks show at the Port of Redwood City. Parade and festivities from 9-5; fireworks at 9:30pm. (Redwood City: Various locations; 650/365-1825; www.parade.org)
July 4: 28th Annual Summer Festival and Chili Cook-off. Join in on the fun as amateur and professional chili-makers face off at this annual event, which attracts thousands and celebrates everything you love about summer. Come for the chili, but stay for the live musical entertainment, kids’ activities, line dancing and more. 12-5. Chili tasting starts at 1:30pm. (Palo Alto: Mitchell Park, 600 East Meadow Dr.; 650/463-4953; www.cityofpaloalto.org)
July 9-12: Hot San Jose Nights. Classic cars are the highlight of this family-friendly celebration. See an impressive display of vintage autos, motorcycles and trucks; sign up for a car cruise to various destinations, including the Capitol 6 Drive-In and the San Jose Flea Market; check out the automotive swap meet and car corral; see military tank displays, show car displays, and lots of vendors and exhibits; and more. Thurs, 12-9; Fri-Sat, 9-8; Sun, 9-5. (San Jose: South Hall, 435 S. Market St.; 408/615-1454; www.hotsanjosenights.com)
July 10-12: My Favorite! Bead Show. Novice and expert beaders alike are invited to peruse goods from exhibitors hailing from around the world; select from thousands of beads and beading supplies at affordable prices; and meet others who share similar passions. Fri, 12-6; Sat, 10-6; Sun, 11-5. (San Mateo: County Event Center, 2495 S. Delaware St.; 301/294-1640; www.intergem.net)
July 11-12: San Jose Obon Festival. Held in one of three remaining Japantowns in the United States, this is the biggest event for one of San Jose's most storied neighborhoods. Come experience Japan's rich cultural heritage with live performances by San Jose Chidori Band and San Jose Taiko; dancers clad in ceremonial kimonos and hapi coats; delicious Japanese food; game booths; cultural exhibits; and more. Sat, 12-10; Sun, 12-8. (San Jose: Japantown, 640 N. Fifth St.; 408/293-9292; www.japantownsanjose.org)
July 11-12: Los Altos Arts & Wine Festival. Downtown Los Altos turns into an entertainment hub for a weekend with a marketplace featuring works by hundreds of artists, bands on three stages, street performers, kiddie activities and gourmet foods and wines. 10-6. (Los Altos: Main and State Sts.; 650/949-5282; www.downtownlosaltos.org)
July 11-12: Palo Alto Clay and Glass Festival. Browse an impressive array of fine glass and ceramic objects for your home and garden at this festival, which showcases works from more than 180 artists. Stick around for the food, entertainment and fun workshops. 10-5. (Palo Alto; Palo Alto Art Center, 1313 Newell Rd.; 650/329-2366)
July 11-12: California Extreme. Offering everything from Ms. Pacman to Frogger to Super Mario Brothers and beyond, this two-day arcade game exhibition is every gamer’s fantasty. With hundreds of video game and pinball machines set for free play, vendors, an arcade trivia challenge and pinball tournaments, it’s no wonder gamers of all levels flock to this event. Sat, 11am-2am, Sun 11-9. (San Jose: Hyatt Regency Santa Clara, 5101 Great America Pkwy.; visit www.caextreme.org for ticket info)
July 11-14: Bastille Day. Santana Row and Left Bank Brasserie team up in celebration of this significant French holiday with a four-day festival. With events like French cooking demonstrations; a tournament of Petanque, a popular French game; live performances by Opera San Jose; and a European-style circus performance; you’ll be saying “vive la France” in no time. Various times. (San Jose: Santana Row, Winchester & Stevens Creek Blvd.; 408/551-4611; www.santanarow.com/events)
July 12: 10th Annual Strangers BBQ & Car Show. The coolest pre-1965 American hot rods and custom cars bask in the spotlight at this fun show. Come check them out, browse vendor booths, enjoy live music, view original artwork and more. Bring your own meat and the festival’s grill masters will take care of it for you as you kick back and soak up some summer fun. 10-4. (San Jose: Kelly Park, 1650 Senter Rd.; see www.strangerscarclub.com for more info)
July 18: Big Bands & BBQ. Good old-fashioned family fun is the name of the game here, with sack races, balloon tosses, hula hoop competitions, live music on two stages, dance floor and more. Bring your dancing shoes, you’re going to need them! 12-8. (Downtown Campbell: E. Campbell Ave.; see www.downtowncampbell.com for more information)
July 18-19: Egyptian Epagomenal Festival. The ancient Egyptian calendar included 360 days, plus five additional days (called epagomenal, or “out of time”) during which gods and goddesses such as Osiris, Isis and Horus were born. Per tradition, Egyptians celebrated their birthdays with a big festival around this time. The museum invites everyone to this park-wide festival, which highlights tomb tours, fun workshops, entertaining children’s activities, special lectures and more. 11-6 both days. (San Jose: 1342 Naglee Ave.; 408/947-3636; www.egyptianmuseum.org)
July 18-19: Connoisseurs' Marketplace. Join thousands of visitors and locals as they spill into the streets of Menlo Park for this annual arts, music and food festival. Sample delicious fare from restsaurants, taste wines, shop for decorative pieces and fine art, listen to live music, watch cooking demos and more. 10-6. (Menlo Park: Santa Cruz Ave.; 650/325-2818; www.miramarevents.com)
July 24-26: Gilroy Garlic Festival. Attendees from all over the country flock to this famous annual festival honoring the odorous bulb. And with such fun summer activities as dramatic, Iron Chef-style cook-offs, exciting live music entertainment across all genres; culinary demonstrations; artist exhibitions; a Miss Gilroy Garlic pageant and, of course, nearly every kind of garlic-infused food imaginable. Don’t forget to stop by Gourmet Alley to see “pyro chefs” prepare delicious meals with flair—and flares. 10-7 each day. (Gilroy: Christmas Hill Park, 7100 Miller Ave.; 408/842-1625; www.gilroygarlicfestival.com)
July 24-26: Gem Faire. Browse the impressive selection of beautiful gems, jewelry, minerals, fossils, beads, jewelry-making supplies, and other products; pick up great ideas at jewelry-making workshops and classes; and learn from the experts with demonstrations. Fri, 12-7; Sat, 10-6, Sun, 10-5. (Santa Clara: Convention Center, 5001 Great America Pkwy.; 503/252-8300; www.gemfaire.com)
