Escapes: Take an art walk around Donner
Head up to the Sierra for an unconventional hike around Donner Pass. The Sept. 19 trek in the Tahoe National Forest will feature 10 art exhibits, including a live aerial dance, orchestral music by the Yosemite Quartet and a John Muir storyteller.
Trails & Vistas, a Tahoe-based arts-and-nature organization, will guide the 2-mile hikes, which offer views of Donner Lake and surrounding mountains. Each hike starts at Donner Ski Ranch near Truckee. Hikers can attend a 5:30 p.m. after party at Donner Ski Ranch with live performances from double-neck guitarist Ian Ethan and violinist Scarlet Rivera. All ages are welcome.
The art hike costs $45 for adults and $12 for children. They are scheduled to start every 15 minutes throughout the day, beginning at 9:30 a.m. The last hike starts at 4 p.m. Each hike lasts around 3 hours.
For more information, visit trailsandvistas.org.
Santa Cruz County Fair
What: This year’s annual, family-friendly Santa Cruz County Fair will offer live music, carnival rides and horse shows. Fine arts, photography, agriculture, livestock, home winemaking and brewing exhibitions will highlight the talents of the county’s communities.
When: Noon to 11 p.m. Sept. 16-18; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sept. 19; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sept. 20
Where: 2601 East Lake Ave., Watsonville
Cost: $8 to $12 adult admission; $6 child admission; $5 parking
Information: santacruzcountyfair.com
National Champion Air Races
What: Rated among the top 10 air shows around the world by USA Today, the Reno Air Races will feature world-class planes for five days of high-speed course racing. On the ground, attendees will enjoy access to aircraft and military displays and demonstrations, as well as pilots and pit crews.
When: 8 a.m. to around 4:30 p.m. Sept. 16-20 Wednesday through Sunday
Where: Reno Stead Airport, 4895 Texas Ave., Reno
Cost: $14 to $35 per day for general admission
Information: airrace.org or 775-972-6663
Oktoberfest
What: Keeping true to the centuries-old Munich festival, Redwood City’s Oktoberfest promises live alpine music, traditional German folk dancing and other cultural performances. Foodies rejoice – the event will offer German cuisine and drinks such as bratwurst, soft pretzels, sauerkraut and brews.
When: 5 to 10 p.m. Sept. 18; noon to 9 p.m. Sept. 19; noon to 4 p.m. Sept. 20
Where: 2200 Broadway St., Redwood City
Cost: $10 entrance fee for kids and nondrinkers; $18 general adult admission
Information: redwoodcity.org/events
American River Music Festival
What: Check out three days of live folk, country, rock and bluegrass music beside the American River’s south fork. Acts include The Infamous Stringdusters and Nicki Bluhm & the Gramblers. Attendees can enjoy swimming, children’s activities, massages and art. Multiday camping packages are available.
When: Gates open 10 a.m. Sept. 18-20
Where: Lotus Park, 950 Lotus Road, Coloma
Cost: Single-day tickets are $15 for youths; $40-$50 for adults
Information: americanrivermusic.org or 530-622-6044
International Dragon Boat Festival
What: Celebrate Chinese culture by the Bay. Attendees can check out competitive dragon boat races from more 120 local, national and Canadian teams. Cultural performances – Tahitian dancing, taiko drumming, acrobats, theater and martial arts – will run throughout the two-day festival.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 19-20
Where: Treasure Island, San Francisco
Cost: Free
Information: sfdragonboat.com
Bee staff
This story was originally published September 11, 2015 at 5:01 PM with the headline "Escapes: Take an art walk around Donner."