Whale watching boat rides will take place during the Dana Point Festival of Whales this weekend, and also at the Mendocino Whale Festival this weekend.

This first weekend of March 2011 will include several whale festivals, many art shows, and the big Bok Kai Festival in Marysville, a popular cultural event held each year. It's going to be a perfect weekend in California, so get going. The only bad news is that gas prices are around $4/gallon in most places, or higher. At least there are many free events, parades, and festivals that won't cost a dime. See the full calendar of events.

ANAHEIM - Anaheim Spring Carnival March 3 - 6, 2011 Anaheim, CA Event will be held on March 3-6, 2011.... entertainment, activities and attractions include: arts, crafts and vendors. anaheimmarketplace.com
ARCADIA - Annual Gem and Mineral Show There will be over 15 vendors selling Gems, Jewelry, Minerals, Fossils, Beads, Findings. Monrovia Rockhounds members will crack Geodes, identify rocks...entertainment and activities.
CARMICHAEL - March 5 - 6, 2011 Carmichael, CA In 2010, the 29th Annual Spring Craft Faire in 2011. Enjoy great vendors, demonstrations, and opportunities to purchase crafts supplies, plus you can take in the entertainment, activities and attractions include: arts and crafts
COSTA MESA - Re-opening ceremony of Diego Sepulveda Adobe at 10 a.m. 1900 Adams Ave., Costa Mesa, CA. ci.costa-mesa.ca.us
DANA POINT Festival of Whales Mar. 5-6, 12-13, 2011 dpfestivalofwhales.com. Event includes 2 car shows, parade, Grunion 10K Run, Rubber Ducky Derby, Outrigger Race, Family Hikes, Boat and Ship Rides, Sandcastle Contest and more!
DEL MAR - Spring Home and Garden Show March 4 - 6, 2011 springhomegardenshow.com Hundreds of exhibits of home improvement products and remodeling ideas. Hours: Friday, 11AM-6PM; Saturday, 10AM-6PM; Sunday, 10AM-5PM. Price: Adults $8; Younger than 12, free Seniors $1 - Friday only, After 3PM, $5. E-tickets, $6. Parking: $9. Location: O'Brien Hall, Del Mar Fairgrounds 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd. Del Mar, CA. sandiegohomegardenshows.com
GLENDALE - Glendale Civic Auditorium Gun Show March 5-6, 2011 Two floors and free parking! Guns, ammo, accessories and more! Admission $9.
MARYSVILLE - Bok Kai Festival and Parade. Bok Kai Festival is held in Marysville's Chinatown
MENDOCINO - Mendocino Whale Festival Mar 5 - 6, 2011 Wine tasting and whale watching will be the featured attractions of the 28th Annual Mendocino Whale Festival, a three day event of entertainment, activities and attractions that include arts, crafts, and food vendors. Mendocino, CA
MONTEREY - Art on the Plaza March 5 - 6, 2011 Art on the Plaza 22nd annaul art event at downtown Monterey Custom House Plaza State Park featuring contemporary arts and crafts by 60 exhibitors at this historic outdoor gallery across from Fisherman's Wharf. Event runs 10-5 daily and is free and open to the public with convenient parking adjacent to the event at Fisherman's Wharf (Del Monte @ Washington) Monterey, CA
MURPHYS - Ironstone Vineyards Spring Obsession Art Show Mar 5 - 6, 2011 open to public. Cooking Demonstrations. Art in Action exhibition area. Art Show and Sale open to the public...entertainment, activities and attractions include: arts, crafts, and food vendors. ironstonevineyards.com
MODESTO - Stanislaus County Home and Garden Show March 4 - 6, 2011, Friday 12Noon-6pm; Saturday: 10am-5pm; Sunday: 10am-5pm. entertainment, activities and attractions include: arts, crafts and vendors. Location: Modesto Centre Plaza, Modesto California. metroexpositions.com
MONTEREY - The Jazz Bash by the Bay March 4-6, 2011 dixieland-monterey.com Jazz Bash mix of music and dancing are some special features we've sprinkled throughout the weekend. Tickets: $21 - 99 (3 day pass. Featured Bands include Big Mama Sue Quartet, Blue Street Jazz ...
NEVADA CITY - Nevada City Mardi Gras Celebration March 5-6, 2011
A downtown parade and masquerade ball are featured as this colorful Sierra foothills town celebrates Mardi Gras...entertainment, activities and attractions include: music, vendors.
PALM DESERT - Greek Festival. Mar. 4 - 6, 2011. Food, food, and food. Plus dancing, festivities for all ages, and some licorice flavored Ouzo for the adults. Weekend event now in its 15th year. Sponsored by St. George Greek Orthodox Church, Palm, Desert.
PALM SPRINGS - 2011 Desert Arts Festival March 5 - 6, 2011
Desert Arts Festival from 10 am - 4: pm. Entertainment, activities and attractions include arts and crafts.
RANCHO PALOS VERDES - Whale of a Day. Live entertainment, games, onshore whale watching, free tours of Point Vicente Lighthouse. lossorenos.org
RIVERSIDE - The Riverside Home and Garden Show March 4 - 6, 2011 Location: Riverside Convention Center, 3443 Orange Street. Riverside, CA
SACRAMENTO - Sacramento Home and Garden Show March 4 - 6, 2011
SAN DIEGO - Brazil Carnival and Mardi Gras Ball 19th annual event. Showcase Theater, 4th & B Streets, San Diego, CA. brazilcarnival.com
SAN DIEGO - Ocean Beach Kite Festival. Time: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Location: Ocean Beach Recreation Center, 4726 Santa Monica Ave., San Diego, CA (between Sunset Cliffs Blvd. and Ebers St.) oceanbeachkiwanis.org
SAN DIEGO - Ocean Beach Beats by the Beach Festival, fundraiser. Time: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Location: Ocean Beach Surf and Skate, 4976 Newport Avenue (parking lot) San Diego, CA 92107. LanetteJ@OBSurfSkate.com or call (619) 225-2317. Cost: Free.
SAN FRANCISCO - San Francisco Crossroads of the West Gun Show March 5 - 6, 2011. The brand name in gun shows, find everything under one roof at this event that appears in many cities.
SANGER - Blossom Days Festival
March 5, 2011 Sanger, CA The 23rd Annual Blossom Day Festival will be held on Saturday, March 5, 2011 in downtown Sanger at 7th and N ...entertainment, activities and attractions include: music, art, crafts, food, vendors.
SANTA MONICA - Santa Monica Home Remodeling and Decorating Show March 5 - 6, 2011 Entertainment, activities and attractions include: arts, crafts, and food vendors. Includes Eco-expo at Santa Monica Civic Center
Santa Monica, CA Hours Sat: 10am-8pm; Sun: 10am-6pm. thehomeshow.com
VENTURA - The Ventura Gem Show March 5th - 6th, 2011 Entertainment, activities and gems galore.