As the ‘Glow’ at the Santa Monica Pier fades (along with the hangover …), I thought it might be a good idea to list out some of the other major festivals and fairs across California, so you can do your trip planning around the festivals.

For instance, if let’s say you have a soft spot for Sacramento vacations, you can plan your holiday in time for the California State Fair (August 15 - September 1). This 155 year old extravaganza brings alive sleepy old Sacramento and the Cal Expo fairgrounds becomes a veritable mini-city all by itself, with over a million visitors. Photo copyrights - California Exposition & State Fair. 

Concert performers include Natasha Bedingfield (Aug 20th) and Jessica Simpson (August 25th). This year, there’s also a new ‘Going Hollywood’ exhibit, which lets you be the star - Walk the red carpet, go to a casting call, and poke around the Hollywood style backlot.

And here’s a list of Sacramento hotels, one of which you better book into quick, because there won’t be much left a few days before the State Fair gets going. And while you’re there, check out the things to do in Sacramento, including the Railroad Museum, the quiant shops, restaurants and historic buildings of Old Sacramento. And don’t forget dinner and a show aboard the Delta King.

Oh, and if you like Jazz, then Sacramento probably ranks among the top three or four cities, along with Chicago, New Orleans and Las Vegas. Check out what’s new in the Sacramento jazz scene at the Sacramento Traditional Jazz Society.

Another festival scheduled around the same time is the 13th Annual Mammoth Festival of Beers and Bluesapalooza (August 1-2, 2008), which showcases over 50 microbreweries and a variety of blues performers from around the country.

Bluesapalooza features a variety of nationally known blues artists with a mix of styles including acoustic harmonica blues, soul/funk, Chicago R&B, soulful southern rock, boogie-woogie, and jazz tinged blues. More details, directions and ticket information here.

Posted on July 20th, 2008 by Thomas
Filed under: California