July 7, 2005 - The Totally Cool Ventura County Fair
Ventura County Fair
August 3-14, 2005
This 12 day County Fair is the only Fair on the west coast directly across from the beach. You'll enjoy cool ocean breezes along with the usual Fair attractions -- carnival rides, agricultural exhibits and world-class entertainment. Immensely popular, the Fair attracts some 300,000 people a year.
Entertainment includes, Motorsports, PRCA Rodeo, Mel Tillis with Williams & Ree, Styx, Lonestar, and more. There will be fireworks every night.
The Fair is held at Ventura County Fairgrounds at Seaside Park, 10 W. Harbor Boulevard. Ventura is located about an hour's drive north of Los Angeles, and about half an hour's drive south of Santa Barbara.
Where to stay on the Ventura County Coast
July 13, 2005 - Off to the races at Del Mar
Del Mar Thoroughbred Club
July 20 - Sept. 7, 2005
The Del Mar thoroughbred racing season gets underway at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. The track was founded in 1937 by Bing Crosby and Pat O''brien, and still attracts numerous celebrities and "beautiful people." In spite of all the attention, the city of Del Mar is still a casual, small-town sort of place.
When you're not at the track, you can enjoy Del Mar's 2.5 miles of sandy beach, where you can surf, boogie board, swim and sun. Del Mar is located 20 miles north of San Diego and 100 miles south of Los Angeles.
More about the San Diego Coast
July 19, 2005 - Music and Fun at San Diego's Street Scene
Street Scene San Diego
July 29 - 30, 2005
Street Scene is California's largest urban music festival. This year, more than 100,000 people are expected to attend. The festival features two days of music and entertainment, a full carnival with rides and games, great eats from San Diego restaurants, and booths featuring arts and crafts. Plenty of fun for all ages.
There will be 30 bands performing on three stages. The headliners will be The Killers, Pixies and The White Stripes.
Street Scene is located outside Qualcomm Stadium, and is open 4 pm to midnight on both days. You can dowload a festival map and buy tickets at the Street Scene web site.
More info on the San Diego coast
July 28, 2005 - Fiesta Time in Santa Barbara
Old Spanish Days
Aug 3 - 7, 2005
Celebrate California's early history in beautiful Santa Barbara. The Fiesta has been a tradition here for 75 years, fostering an appreciation of history and a sense of community. You can learn about the history, customs and traditions of California's Indian, Spanish, Mexican and early American settlers.
You'll enjoy plenty of great food, music, dancing, parades and performances. The Fiesta features art exhibits, a golf tournament, a dinner auction, and guided tours of the court house and maritime museum.
Browse through a colorful Mexican market, or get some refreshment at a Mexican style cantina. Take in the horse show and rodeo, or shop for crafts and souvenirs.
For the kiddies, there will be a petting zoo, carnival rides, shows and parades.
Festival events take place in various locations in Santa Barbara.
more about Santa Barbara
