JUNE

11>>Mission San Antonio Fiesta
Barbecue, crafts and games celebrate this historic mission, founded in 1771 by Father Junipero Serra. Mass at 11am, barbecue at noon. Mission San Antonio, Jolon. 385-4478.

17>>Jazz at the Aquarium
Lavay Smith and Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers offer their take on some of the jazz classics done by Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, and others. Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey. 800-840-4880.

23>>Monterey Bay Blues Festival
Through June 25. More than 56 top-notch performers, including Isaac Hayes and Eric Bibb, take the stage for the festival’s 21st anniversary year. Monterey Fairgrounds, Monterey. 394-2652.

24>>Seventh Annual Hidden Gardens Big Sur Tour
Enjoy some of the Central Coast’s loveliest—and most remote—gardens and check out dozens of vendors at the Country Home and Garden Market. Ripplewood Resort, Highway 1, Big Sur. 667-1530.

JULY

4>>Fourth of July Celebration
Ring in Independence Day with a parade in downtown Monterey, barbecue and live music at the historic Colton Hall, and fireworks over the bay after dark. Downtown Monterey. 646-3427.

8>>Riot Downtown Monterey
Salinas’ own Jesus “Chuy” Rodriguez headlines more than 30 action-packed rounds of professional boxing. Portola Plaza, Monterey. 688-1604.

9>>Summer Jamboree
In keeping with its “Mexican Fiesta” theme, this Chateau Julien-sponsored event features south-of-the-border cuisine and a mariachi band. Chateau Julien, Carmel Valley. 624-2600.

15>>Carmel Bach Festival
Through August 5. World-class events take place at the Carmel Mission Basilica, Sunset Center, All Saints Church, and the Church in the Forest. 624-2046.

15>>West Coast Poetry Slam
Through July 16. Slam teams from as far as Vancouver and San Diego gather to compete in this two-day festival. Henry Miller Library, Big Sur. 667-2574.

16>>Rock and Art Festival
Catch nearly 30 unsigned bands at this festival, which also includes fire dancers, a belly dancing workshop, and a glass blowing exhibit. Monterey Fairgrounds, Monterey. 372-5863.

18>>Pebble Beach Equestrian Festival and Classics
The Equine Festival kicks off this celebratory period and runs through July 23. Riders from North and South America compete in world-class hunter-jumper Classic I and Classic II, July 25-30 and August 1-6, respectively. Pebble Beach Equestrian Center. 624-2756.

20>>California Rodeo
Through July 23. One of the Salinas Valley’s most anticipated annual events, the Rodeo showcases some of the world’s best cowboys and cowgirls as they show off their skills. Salinas Sports Complex, Salinas. 1-800-771-8807.

21>>Red Bull US Grand Prix
Through July 23. Includes the MotoGP World Championship and AMA Superbike Championship. Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, Highway 68 between Monterey and Salinas. 1-800-327-SECA.

22>>Cowboy Poetry Reading
Sponsored by the California Rodeo, this event includes an open mic session. Sherwood Hall, Salinas. 758-3758.

25>>Feast of Lanterns Festival
Through July 29. Light up the days and nights with a smorgasbord of family activities, culminating in a grand fireworks display. Downtown Pacific Grove. 649-8737.

28>>Gilroy Garlic Festival
Through July 30. Enjoy live entertainment, arts, crafts, and, of course, plenty of garlic-themed food. Christmas Hill Park, Miller Avenue, Gilroy. (408) 842-1625.

AUGUST

3>>Spirit West Coast
Through August 5. Newsboys and Jeremy Camp are among the 40-plus Christian artists featured at the two-day fest, in its 10th year. Camping available. Laguna Seca Recreation Area, Highway 68 between Monterey and Salinas. 443-5399.

3>>Steinbeck Festival
Through August 5. Fifteen lectures, bus and walking tours to John Steinbeck’s favorite haunts, and performances celebrate Salinas’ favorite son. National Steinbeck Center and other locations, Salinas. 775-4721.

5>>Scottish Games and Celtic Festival
Through August 6. Thirty-ninth annual event includes a wide variety of games, as well as crafts, music and culture in honor of all things Celtic. Toro Park, Highway 68 between Monterey and Salinas. 333-0116.

5>>Turkish Festival
Through August 6. Belly dancing, live music, Turkish food and arts, and activities for kids. Custom House Plaza, Monterey. 646-1916.

12>>13th Annual Winemakers Celebration
Over 40 local wineries pour old favorites and new releases to the Dennis Murphy Band, plus a silent auction. Custom House Plaza, Monterey. 375-9400.

15>>Monterey County Fair
Through August 20. Musical guests include Billy Dean, Tower of Power, and Asleep at the Wheel. There’s also a Junior Livestock auction and carnival attractions. Monterey Fairgrounds, Monterey. 372-5863.

16>>Blackhawk Classic Car Exposition/Sale
Through August 20. Antique, classic, and custom cars are on the block. Peter Hay Golf Course, Pebble Beach. (925) 736-3444.

18>>Concorso Italiano
The exhibit celebrates its 21st anniversary with a showcase of over 1,000 Italian and 400 exotic cars. Black Horse Golf Course, Seaside. (425) 742-0632.

18>>Monterey Sports and Classic Car Auction
Through August 19. The self-proclaimed world’s largest sports and racing car auction, offering an unparalleled roster of significant, historic and exotic cars of exceptional quality. Custom House Plaza, Monterey. 800-211-4371.

18>>Monterey Historic Automobile Races
Through August 20. In this 33rd annual event, more than 400 vintage racecars from a variety of makers hit the track for three days’ worth of racing competitions. Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, Highway 68 between Monterey and Salinas. 1-800-327-SECA.

20>>55th Annual Concours D’elegance
One of the most spectacular exhibits of automotive artistry in the world. The Lodge at Pebble Beach. 622-1700.

27>>Jewish Food Festival and Crafts Fair
Foods, crafts, and dancing are all part of this celebration. Congregation Beth Israel, Carmel Valley. 624-2015.

27>>Summer Swing Music Fest
This free family event features live swing bands like Sista Monica and Steve Lucky, as well as food, merchandise booths, prize drawings, and face painting. Laguna Grande Park, Seaside. 649-0969.

28>>The 2006 Wal-Mart First Tee Open
Through September 3. Champions Tour players, along with juniors and amateurs from across the country, tee up at the course ranked number 1 public course in the world by Golf Magazine. Pebble Beach Golf Links. 1-800-541-9091 or 644-0333.