Always call ahead to make sure events have not changed

Bidwell Bar Day Celebration, Lake Oroville SRA, 7 miles East of Oroville via Hwy 162
May 2, 2009

This annual event is great fun for the entire family, featuring continuous live entertainment, gold panning for real gold, pioneer and Native American crafts and activities, historical personalities in period clothing. Follow Hwy 162 east from Oroville about 8 miles, then turn left onto Kelly Ridge Road for two miles to Arroyo Drive. Turn right onto Arroyo Drive to the entrance station. Free. (530) 538-2219. Noon-4pm

26th Annual Cinco de Mayo Celebration, Old Town San Diego SHP
May 2, 2009 - May 3, 2009

Spend this Cinco de Mayo celebrating the Mexican heritage at the oldest and largest celebration of its kind in San Diego! This two day event takes place on Saturday, May 2nd 2009 from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM and on Sunday, May 3rd, 2009 from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. This fun and educational event is FREE to the public and will feature an array of activities and entertainment for all ages to enjoy. Children can engage in many interactive and exciting activities while learning about fun, historical Mexican traditions. Walk through the bustling Mercado alongside strolling entertainers; or enjoy refreshments and food specials at over 30 delicious restaurants! Take a ride in a stagecoach and explore over 20 museums and the dozens of specialty stores that Old Town, San Diego’s oldest community has to offer. This is a great fun-filled cultural experience for the entire family! For additional information call 619.233.5008.

Fireman’s Muster, Columbia SHP, 4 miles North of Sonora via Hwy 49
May 2, 2009 - May 3, 2009

Columbia is the home of volunteer fire crews from around the western United States. These men and women travel to the park to participate in a variety of events designed to test their skills in modern and historic fire fighting endeavors. Hose cart races, bucket brigade competition and hand pumper contests are just a few of the events scheduled. There is a parade on Saturday and a dance that night. Free. For more information email columbiafire@mlode.com, contact the Columbia Chamber of Commerce or visit www.columbiagazette.com

Spring Wildflower Trains, Railtown 1897 SHP, Jamestown, corner of 5th and Reservoir
May 2, 2009

Special afternoon Wildflower Train departs from the Railtown Depot at 4:30 p.m. these two Saturdays only! Prior to boarding the train, passengers will have the opportunity to familiarize themselves with wildflowers of the Sierra Nevada foothills. The train features specialists who answer questions and point out flower groupings along the way (subject to seasonal variations). En route, a stop will be made to allow guests to spread wildflower seeds along the tracks! Tickets are $10 adults, $4 youths ages 6-17, ages 5 and under ride free. Train capacity is limited, and reservations are suggested. Regular steam-powered excursion trains also depart on-the-hour from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. this day. For more information call (209) 984-3953.

“Bug Day”, Henry Cowell Redwoods SP, Hwy 9 in Felton
May 2, 2009

Come on kids, let’s go buggy! Make new discoveries about a wide variety of bugs through interactive games, puppet shows, art projects, nature walks, and displays. Kids can earn a degree in “Bugology” as they find out about the diversity of wildlife found in this park. For more information, please call (831)335-7077. 11am-4pm

After the Fire Hike, Angel Island State Park
May 3, 2009

Join this all-day hike to places affected by the October wildfire -- both those burned and those saved. Learn about the historic sites and impact on vegetation. The hike is about 5 miles along park trails and fire road, held rain or shine. Take the earliest ferry from San Francisco or Tiburon and meet at 10:30am at the Island gift shop. Return on the last ferry at 3:20pm. Bring hiking shoes, layered clothing, water, lunch, camera, and binoculars. Group size limited. For reservations: aivc@parks.ca.gov or 415-435-3522. $5 per person, firefighters and their families free.

Old Time Jubilee, Colonel Allensworth SHP, 8 miles West of Earlimart
May 9, 2009

Every year the town of Allensworth had a big bash. This is the time of year when the carnival came to town. The Friends of Allensworth provide a great family festival atmosphere with entertainment featuring...gospel, jazz and drama. There are even activities strictly for the young and even the toddlers. In addition to the free self paced tours of the historic buildings, you can talk to some of the original pioneers and their heirs. This is the best family bargain in the state, because there is more. You can even shop at the open air arts and craft market. When you get hungry, you can eat some of the best variety of ethnic food for miles around. (661) 849-3433. 10am-4pm

Coming Home to Pío Pico, Pío Pico SHP, 6003 Pioneer Blvd, Whittier
May 9, 2009

Help celebrate Pío Pico’s birthday while learning about California history. Pío Pico State Historic Park features one of California’s few remaining 19th century structures made out of he massive sun-dried mud blocks called adobe. For more information call (562) 695-1217 x 102. Noon-4pm

Living History Day, Petaluma Adobe SHP, 0.7 miles East of Petaluma on Hwy 116, 2 miles North on Casa Grande Road
May 9, 2009

Visitors will have the opportunity to experience the activity and color of living history volunteers adorned in beautiful authentic clothing demonstrate old crafts an present entertaining skits that reveal the stories of the past. Admission for adults (age 17 and older) is $5; children (age 16 and under are free. For more information about these events at the park please call (707)762-4871. 10am -5pm

Wildflower Ramble, Angel Island State Park
May 10, 2009

Take a memorable hike up, around, and down Mt. Livermore (788 feet elevation). Emphasis on wildflowers. See the burned area from the October fire. Approximately 4.5 miles, 4.5 hours. Wear comfortable hiking shoes, layered clothing. Hikes are held rain or shine. Bring lunch, liquids and camera. Take the 10am Tiburon Ferry, meet at the Gift Shop on Angel Island at 10:30am. If you come on the ferry from San Francisco, catch up with the group on the Sunset Trail. Reservations: aivc@parks.ca.gov or 415-435-3522, $5 per person.

Springtime Open House, Empire Mine SHP, Grass Valley
May 10, 2009

Visit the Boum Cottage, the two story country home of William Bourn, Jr., styled after the noble estates of nineteenth century England, that was built in the late 1890’s. This event also includes the Clubhouse, Mineyard Living History programs and features the grounds and gardens at their best. Call for additional information and tour times. (530) 273-8522 10am-4pm

“Mother’s Day Walk: Women of Big Basin”, Big Basin Redwoods State Park, 9 miles outside of Boulder Creek on Hwy 236
May 10, 2009

Celebrate Mother’s Day in the park by honoring the spirited women who lived in, worked in, and fought for the Basin throughout its history. Meet pioneer Alice Maddock, the Savior of the Redwoods, and the first female ranger. Meet at Park Headquarters at 2:00 PM. 1 mile, 1.5 hours of level, easy strolling. Wheelchair and stroller accessible. For more information, please call (831) 338-3944. 11:30am - 2pm

Moms Ride Free!, Railtown 1897 SHP, Jamestown, corner of 5th and Reservoir
May 10, 2009

All Moms ride free aboard regular steam-powered excursion trains when accompanied by a child. Regular steam powered excursion trains depart on the hour from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Also, enjoy children’s games and activities on the lawn. For more information call (209) 984-3953.

Doheny Blues Music Festival, Doheny SB, off Hwy 1, at Dana Point Harbor at Del Obispo
May 16, 2009 - May 17, 2009

This year the featured artist is B.B. King along with Keb’ Mo’, Elvin Bishop, Ruthie Foster and many more to be announced! This popular 2-day event attracts thousands of music lovers featuring 2 stages of live music, a variety of food, and various booths. For additional information, please visit www.omegaevents.com. Location: the north-end grassy lawn at Doheny State Beach.

Voices Old and New at the Wooden House, Angel Island State Park
May 17, 2009

In celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage month, the Angel Island Immigration Station Foundation and Angel Island State Park will hold a poetry reading at the historic U.S. Immigration Station, Angel Island from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. featuring Playwright/Poet Genny Lim and Bay Area leaders, reading poems written by Angel Island immigrants and original works. This National Historic Landmark was preserved, restored, and reopened to the public recently. The Immigration Station was the point of entry for over one million immigrants from over 80 nations between 1910 and 1940. This "Ellis Island of the West" is known for the Chinese poems and other inscriptions written and carved on the barracks walls. The program is free. Please bring lawn chairs or blankets for festival seating at the Immigration Station. Free, self-guided tours of the Detention Barracks and the new interpretive panels on Immigration Station grounds are available before and after the poetry reading program. Visitors are encouraged to read aloud the hundreds of poems carved onto the walls. English translations will be available. For more information about the program and a full list of presenters, go to www.aiisf.org or call 415 262-4429.

Heritage Day, Olompali SHP, 3 miles North of Novato on Hwy 101
May 17, 2009

Featured Heritage Day activities include tours of the park’s historic gardens and grounds, native plant and bird walks, native dancing, and demonstrations of blacksmithing, basketry, flint-knapping and adobe brick-making. A silent auction is held to raise funds for the park, with auction items donated by Marin and Sonoma County merchants and artisans. The event is free. Visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic lunch. Contact: Mike Lair, Supervising Ranger, Phone number: (415) 898-4362 x14, e-mail address: mlair@parks.ca.gov. 10am-4pm

Sacramento Jazz Jubilee! , California State Railroad Museum, Old Town Sacramento
May 22, 2009 - May 25, 2009

The Sacramento Jazz Jubilee takes place throughout Sacramento all four days! The Railroad Museum is open daily during the Jubilee, with jazz musicians performing inside the Museum and complimentary admission offered to Jazz Jubilee badge holders. Special Free Children’s Stage and activity area located just outside Museum (on adjacent “1849 Scene”) during Jubilee, and several event music venues located in close proximity to the Railroad Museum. Steam-powered Sacramento Southern Railroad excursion trains operate Saturday, Sunday, and Monday only, departing hourly 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (regular ticket prices apply). Jazz musicians perform aboard the trains this weekend as well! For more details about the Sacramento Jazz Jubilee, visit www.sacjazz.com.

Annual Mountain Play, Mt. Tamalpais SP, Marin County
May 24, 2009 - June 21, 2009

Please join us for a magical production of “Man of La Mancha”! Bring friends and family for a day of extraordinary music and enjoyment in the natural beauty of Mt. Tam’s Mountain Theater. Visit www.mountainplay.org or call (415) 383-1100 for ticket sale information. May 24, 31, June 7, 13, 14 and 21

Columbia Diggin’s 1852, Columbia SHP, 4 miles North of Sonora via Hwy 49
May 28, 2009 - May 31, 2009

Hundreds of volunteers and the staff of Columbia State Historic Park put a great deal of effort and research into this event, to depict as accurately as possible, the original town. Live music, gambling and games of the period provide the visitors the opportunity to travel back to 1852. Experience the sights, smells and sounds of the early tent town that sprung up as gold was discovered in a local streambed, later to become the town of Columbia. There is no other event like it in California! . For more information call (209) 536-1672 or visit www.columbiagazette.com. 10am-5pm.