The weekend was made for chickens who cross the road on a daily basis in Fair Oaks (outside Sacramento) but are celebrated once each year at the Fair Oaks Chicken Festival held September 17, 2011 at 10219 Fair Oaks Boulevard from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. fairoakspark.org

The weekend was also made for Gourds, Rods, Monarchs, Beer, Brats, Orchids, Wine, Danish Days and American River Music Festival. Are you bored? You must be out of your gourd! There are over 1,000 things to see and do this weekend in California. Pick one and go for it. If you get going now, you can hit most any place in the state by the time the event starts. The fall harvest season has begun with a unique gourd festival in Sloughhouse, Calif. Danish Days in Solvang celebrates with Aebleskivers (sweet donut pastries drizzled with berry syrup) and dancing in the streets.

In Coloma, the American River Music Festival includes camping and river rafting-very cool! There's so much to do, and much of it is outdoors this weekend. The events span the state with an amazing line-up of car shows, beer and wine festivals, music festivals, and pretty much anything you can think of. In my town alone, we're looking at about four festival events going on at the same time. You can't let it overwhelm your senses. You have to pick your favorites and go for the fun! California is known for its free and cheap entertainment. That's the good news!

Here are a few ideas to whet your appetite and whistle on the weekend of Sept. 17-18, 2011! See many more!

ALAMEDA - Oktoberfest. Sept. 11, 18, 25, October 2. Entertainment all year at the German Restaurant, 2424 Lincoln Ave. Alameda, CA speisekammer.com | Region: Bay Area
ALISO VIEJO - Cruisin' at The Neighborhood Cup - 1 Journey Time: 8 - 11 a.m. theneighborhoodcup.com
Coronado - 18th Annual Fall Classic Car Show - Tidelands Park Time: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
ALPINE - Monarch Mania. 2nd Annual Chirp event at Viejas Outlet includes butterfly release, caterpillar races, live bug and insect displays and more. Time: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Location: Viejas Outlet Courtyard, Alpine, CA. chirp.org
ARCADIA - Pasadena Greek Fest (Arcadia) September 16 - 18.
pasadenagreekfest.org | Category: Greek
ARROYO GRANDE - Inga Swearingen & Guy Bud d with the Gypsy Souls. Arroyo Grande Village Summer Concert Series 2011 Sundays, 1 p.m. Cost: Free. arroyograndevillage.com Heritage Square Park Nelson Street and Short Street Arroyo Grande, Ca
BEAUMONT Oktoberfest, September 16 - 18, 2011. Nobel Creek Regional Park, 38900 14th St., Beaumont, CA
BERKELEY - Old Time Music Convention September 14-18, 2011. Downtown The Berkeley Old Time Music Convention is a five day music festival featuring performances by local and national acts, a square dance, open cabaret, jamming, concerts, and stringband contest in venues throughout Berkeley. Location: Various Berkeley Venues: Downtown, West Berkeley, UC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 90474 Call: (510) 848-5108. berkeleyoldtimemusic.org | Region: Bay Area
BIG BEAR LAKE - Film Festival Sept. 15 -18, 2011. Performing Arts Center (PAC) 39707 Big Bear Blvd, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315 (909) 866-4970 Cost: $7.50 - $100. bigbearlakefilmfestival.com
BOONVILLE - - California Wool & Fiber Festival Sep 16 - 18, 2011. fiberfestival.com | Region: North Coast
CARMEL Oktoberfest, September 17 - 18, 2011. Modeled after the Munich event. Time: Noon – 6pm Tickets $15. Lo0cation: The Barnyard, 3618 The Barnyard, Carmel, CA 831-624-8886 oktoberfestmontereybay.com | Region: Central Coast
CLOVIS - ClovisFest, September 17 - 18, 2011. Vendors, car show, beer garden and more. Time: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily. Free admission. Location: Pollasky Ave. between 3rd and 7th St., Old Town Clovis, CA. clovischamber.com
COLOMA - American River Music Festival, Sept. 16 -18, 2011. 5th Annual event includes camping, river rafting and an entire weekend of great mountain music, indie, bluegrass, and more. Ticket: $35 day pass music only. Location: 18 acre, riverfront Henningsen-Lotus Park in the mother lode of the Sierra Nevada Foothills in El Dorado County, CA (near Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park). americanrivermusicfestival.com
CORONADO - Art Walk September 17-18. Paintings, photography, ceramics, hand-crafted jewelry and other mediums. Admission is free and a complimentary shuttle transports guests along Orange Avenue, with a stop at the popular Art-in-the-Park in Spreckels Park. Location: Coronado Ferry Landing, Coronado, CA. coronadoartwalk.org | Region: San Diego County
DURHAM - Harvest Festival. Annual Rotary event is held at Durham Community Park on Durham-Dayton Highway. The event includes a pancake breakfast at 9 a.m. plus Car Show Arts and Craft Fair. Cost: Free. Time: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. durhamrotary.org
EL SOBRANTE - El Sobrante Stroll Custom & Classic Car Show. Over 100 craft, food and informational booths along with Classic & Custom Cars line the street. Awards presented at 3:30 p.m. Car registration is $2 and includes a free t-shirt. Call: (510) 222-1500. estgarage.com | Region: Bay Area
FALLBROOK - 3rd Annual English Motors at Fairbrook - 4949 S. Mission Rd. Time: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. /Registration
FRESNO - Fiesta Patrias, Sept. 16-18, 2011. Downtown Fresno celebrates Mexican Independence with three days of Mexican foods, musical groups, dancing and entertainment. Free admission. downtownfresno.org
FRESNO - Cherry Avenue Auction Fall Fest Auto Swap. Pre-1980 Cars for Sale & Show Parts - Used & Classic. Vendor: $20; public $5. Location: 4640 South Cherry Avenue, Fresno, California. Time: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call: (559) 266-9856. cherryavenueauction.com
HOLLISTER -Northern California Renaissance Faire September 17 - October 16, 2011 (Saturdays & Sundays). Step back to an authentic Elizabethan Renaissance village nestled in the shaded glen of Hollister. English Ales, foods, entertainment and authentic period costumes bring one of the most romantic eras to life. Alhtages welcome! Time: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Celtic Rock Series starts at 6 p.m. and is free with admission on Saturdays. Cost: $25; Free age 12 & under. Weekend pass: $35; Pass for full event $150 (good for 5 weekends). Location: Casa de Fruta, 10031 Pacheco Pass Highway, Hollister, CA. Call: (408) 847-FAIR. norcalrenfaire.com | Region: Central Valley
HUNTINGTON BEACH - Pacific Islander Festival - Sept. 17-18, 2011. Cultural traditions, performances and arts of Pacific Island nations Cost: Free. Location: Huntington Central Park, 7111 Talbert Ave., Huntington Beach, CA. Daily: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. pacificislanderfestivaloc.com
IRWINDALE - Sideway Sundays - House of Drift - Toyota Speedway 500 Speedway Dr. Time: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
LAKE FOREST - Oldies but Goodies Car Show at Hooters - 24356 Swartz Dr. Time: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
LAFAYETTE - Lafayette Art & Wine Festival Sept. 17 - 18, 2011. Location: 3535 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette, CA. lafayettechamber.org | Region: Bay Area
LODI - Lodi Grape Festival September 15-18, 2011. The theme of Lodi's Grape Festival is "A Whole Bunch of Fun". Be sure to see the ever popular Grape Stomp Competition. Admission: $8. Location: 413 E. Lockeford St., Lodi, CA. grapefestival.com | Region: Central Valley
LONG BEACH - Long Beach Pirate Faire September 17 - 18, 2011 Marina Green Park Long Beach, CA goldcoastfestivals.com
MARINA DEL REY - Million Dollar Breakfast Club - Starbuck's 4700 Admiralty Way Time: 7 - 10 a.m.
MONTEREY - Monterey Jazz Festival Sept. 16 -18, 2011. Look for Herbie Hancock and many jazz greats at this all-star, 54th annual jazz mega-festival event. montereyjazzfestival.org | Region: Central Coast
NEWBURY SPRINGS - September 16- 18, 2011 - Dazed & Confused. Newberry Springs, California A full weekend of van fun includes camping, live DJ, live band, bar, swimming, games, vans/car show, trophies, dash plaques, goodie bags while they last , full bathrooms, store, breakfast and lunch restaurant, power & water hookups, and an load of fun. Call BajaCharlie: (714)357-8409. wheels-of-confusion.com
NEWPORT BEACH - Taste of Newport Sept. 16 -18, 2011. tasteofnewport.com | Region: Orange County
PLEASANTON - Harvest Festival, September 16 - 18, 2011. Shop, eat and win prizes at the best craft show featuring American, handmade arts and crafts in hundreds of booths. Enjoy all day stage entertainment featuring the Fargo Brothers rock a billy music and Bad Catz. Hours: Friday 10 - 6 p.m. Saturday 10-6 pm; Sunday 10-5, Alameda County Fairgrounds, Young Calif & Exhibition Hall, 4501 Pleasanton Ave., Pleasanton, CA. alamedacountyfair.com or harvestfestival.com
POMONA- Los Angeles County Fair. Sept. 3 - Oct. 2, 2011. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Location: Fairplex, 1101 W. McKinley Ave., Pomona, CA. Parking: $10. Open Noon Wed -Fri; 10 a.m. Sat & Sunday. lacountyfair.com | Region: Los Angeles County
POWAY - Rendezvous in Poway. The City of Poway, along with the living history groups of the Shadow River Regulators, Cimarron Ridge Old West Productions, and the Apache Canyon Gang, present an historical fair circa 1820-1890's. Interactive historical encampments A chance to meet Mountain Men, Cowboys, Buckaroos, and more Gun fighting reenactments and mocktrain robberies Train rides for a nominal fee Arts, crafts market, pan for gold. Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. poway.org | Region: San Diego County
POWAY - Poway Days. 40th annual Poway Days Festival includes over 150 vendors, a large food court, a fun and interactive kids zone and so much more.The main stage features performances by: San Diego Zoo's Dr. Zoolittle, Kanan Road, Poway Folk Circle and The Magic Company. The food court usually includes BBQ ribs, Roasted Corn, Wood Fire Pizza, Crepes, Mini donuts, and Chocolate desserts. Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cost: Free. Location: Midland Road between Poway Road & Hilleary, Poway, CA. Call: (858) 748-0016. poway.com
RANCHO PALOS VERDES - Palos Verdes Concours d'Elegance - One Ocean Trails Dr. Time: 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. pvconcours.com
REDWOOD CITY - Target Family Days. Courthouse Square transforms into a walkable, themed family entertainment center featuring Live Music, Street Performers, Cooking Demonstrations, Themed Face Painting, Hands-on Art Projects, Food, Bounce Houses and more. The street will be closed to through traffic, making a stroll along Broadway a fun and relaxing family experience. Time: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. redwoodcity.org | Region: Bay Area
SAN BERNARDINO - 22nd Annual Route 66 Rendezvous, September 15-18, 2011. Held in the 35 blocks of downtown San Bernardino...Time: Thurs. & Fri. 6-10 p.m. Sat. 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Sun. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. route-66.org Location: San Bernardino, Calif . route-66.org
SAN FRANCISCO - Orchids in the Park September 17 - 18, 2011. A Sale and Exhibition, Demonstrations, Lectures, Raffles and beautiful orchids galore are featured at the San Francisco Orchid Society two day event. Admission $4, Seniors $3, Under 16 free. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Location: County Fair Building 9th Ave & Lincoln Way San Francisco, CA. orchidsanfrancisco.org | Region: Bay Area
SAN PEDRO - Port of Los Angeles Lobster Festival September 16 - 18, 2011. Ports O' Call Village with parking at 22nd & Sampson Way -parking lot / free shuttle, free parking San Pedro, CA. Cost: $10 general admission (coupon for $2 off, see lobsterfest.com/tickets) | Region: Los Angeles County
SAN JOSE - Almaden Valley Art & Wine Festival. Event includes wineries and breweries pouring tastes for a fee, food vendors, arts & crafts vendors, and an extensive kids play area, plus live entertainment on stage all day. Time: 10am. to 6 p.m. Cost: Free; Beer & Wine $6 pour or glass. Location: Almaden Lake, Almaden Expressway and Coleman Ave., San Jose, CA. almadenwine.com | Region: Bay Area
SANTA CLARA - Santa Clara Art & Wine Festival, September 17 - 18. Nearly 175 booths, 25 community groups serving international foods, food vintners pouring fine wines, micro-brewed beer, live entertainment on three stages, and the Kids Kingdom. Cost: Free. Location: Central Park, Santa Clara, CA. Tel: (408) 615-3140. santaclaraca.gov | Region: Bay Area
SLOUGHHOUSE - Davis Ranch Gourd Festival. 3rd annual event includes cultural entertainment including Azteca and Indonesian dancers throughout each day. Featuring Plenty Of Free Entertainment For The Whole Family:, Gourd Art Vendors and Supply Vendors, Free Tractor Rides, Delicious Food, Cultural & Gourd Entertainment, Free Gourd Demonstrations, Pony Rides And Petting Zoo, Corn Maze, And More! Location: 13211 Jackson Rd., Sloughhouse, CA. zslproductions.net
SOLVANG - Danish Days. September 16 - 18, 2011. Music, concerts, Aebleskivers and Danish bands. solvangusa.com | Region: Central Coast
UKIAH - Fabulous Flashback 2011 Car Show, September 16 - 18, 2011. earlyironofukiah.org
earlyironofukiah.org | Region: North Coast
UPLAND - 1st Annual LBF Church Car Show - 2426 N. Euclid Ave. Time: 12:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
VACAVILLE - Vaca Jazz Festival September 16 - 18, 2011. vacajazzsociety.org | Region: Central Valley
VENTURA - September 17 - 18, 2011 California Beer Festival. Mission Park is the location for the fun event that includes the Saturday beer tasting and Sunday Blues, Brews & BBQ. Cost: $45, adults only. Sunday $25 all ages. californiabeerfestivals.com | Region: Central Coast
WOODLAND HILLS - Supercar Sunday - Topanga Canyon & Erwin St. Time: 7 - 10 a.m. supercarsunday.com
YORBA LINDA - Pianist Michael Selllers, concert. Nixon Library Sunday afternoon concerts free to the public. Doors open at 1:15 p.m. Concerts begin at 2 p.m. Location: 18001 Yorba Linda Blvd., Yorba Linda, CA. 92886Call: (714) 993-5075. nixonfoundation.org
YUBA CITY - Fall Bridal Show. Event includes a fashion show, a wedding dress giveaway,
catering samples, cake samples, DJ's, photographers, wedding planning magazines, photo booths, party rental companies, wedding facilities, bridal shops, tuxedo rentals, florists, wedding websites, cosmetics and salons, pre-wedding counseling, videographers, bartender services, jewelers and much more. Time: Noon - 5 p.m. Cost: $5. Location: Yuba-Sutter Fairgrounds, Yuba City, CA. ysbridalshow.com