Summers Festivals in California

The festivals that California has to offer during the summer months are as big as the state itself, and as varied as the northern and southern regions. Whatever your personal tastes may be, there is plenty for everyone to check out at California's summer festivals.

Before summer even comes, Selma, CA starts celebrating with the Raisin Festival, from May 2 - 6. Primarily an art festival, with such creative fields as art, photography, crafts, and baking, as well as poetry competitions, this five-day event takes place in Lincoln Park every year, and is sponsored by the city. Check it out at: http://www.cityofselma.com/chamber/calendar.htm

There is, perhaps, no better place in the United States to be on Cinco de Mayo than in San Diego, CA. The Old Town area of the city blooms with color and activity during the two-day event, on May 5^th and 6^th. Celebrate the holiday with food, entertainment, performances, a battle reenactment, and an equestrian show, all in honor of Hispanic culture. The events are centered in State Park and spill out into the Old Town streets.

What makes Temecula Music Festival different than the slew of other music fests all across America during the summer? How about a no-beer policy? This alcohol free music festival, that features all different genres and types of music, is reasonably priced at $40 for a three-day pass. It may be the family-friendliest music festival in the U.S. Events are held at both the Temecula Ampitheatre and the Old Town Theatre from May 18 - 20. Get all the information at: http://www.temeculamusicfest.com/

This festival is for a certain type of person, the type who loves tattoos, knows that a "bike" is supposed to have an engine, and can appreciate a good pin-up model pageant. If you are this type of person, get your fix, or get inked, at the International Ink & Iron Festival in Long Beach June 8^th through 10^th. This annual event is held on the Queen Mary, and features artists, custom cars and motorcycles, circus rides, full bars, and over thirty bands. Get all the details at: http://www.electricinked.com/html/!LongBeach.html

If the idea of the Ink & Iron festival gives you hives, you may be more comfortable at the Mammoth Lakes Jazz Jubilee that takes place from July 11 - 15 in Mammoth, CA. Not far from Yosemite National Park, Mammoth, CA is a mountain town in the Sierra Nevada Crest. This festival needs no other features besides the beautiful scenery and great jazz. There is also a jazz camp for students ages 13-17 that takes place July 8 - 15 who play an instrument and want to learn to play jazz. Find all of the information at: http://www.mammothjazz.org/

The Fremont Festival of the Arts in Fremont, CA August 4-5, is the biggest free street fair in California. It features painters and paintings, photographers, clothing, crafts, and comes complete with music and food. The most unique, and somewhat out of place, feature of the festival is the Firefighter Combat Challenge, where firefighters compete in an obstacle course that includes a five story tower in full gear. More information is available on the festival website at http://www.fremontfestival.net/

Only in California is it this easy to get your movie and festival experience out of the way in one swoop. If you visit the Bodega Seafood, Art and Wine Festival, taking place on August 25 - 26 in Bodega, CA, not only will you enjoy delectable food and drink, but you will be in a town that was horrifically fictionalized in Alfred Hitchcock's The Birds. Indulge in your favorite seafood, like oysters, crab cakes and salmon, or sample locally-made wines and beers. Just be sure nothing comes along and pecks your eyes out.

Whether you are looking for great food or rocking music, California has a festival waiting for you this summer.