California Corner

BORREGO SPRINGS--Kick off the winter season and welcome the snowbirds at the annual Borrego Days desert festival, Oct. 29-31. Highlights include the Miss Borrego Springs Pageant on Friday (7-9 p.m. at the high school, $3), a parade at 11 a.m. Saturday, and entertainment. Christmas Circle, Palm Canyon Drive. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday-Saturday; 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday. Free. (800) 559-5524.

LOS OSOS--A beer garden and German food are part of the Oktoberfest on Sunday, Oct. 31. Other activities include a 4K run, kayak and canoe races. Baywood Park, Second Street. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. (805) 528-4884.

HEALDSBURG--Bring the kids to the Pumpkin Festival on Saturday, Oct. 30, for races, carving and a pumpkin bake, from 9 a.m.-noon. The Farmers Market runs till noon. North and Vine streets. Free. (707) 431-1956.

SELMA--See drill teams, bands and drum majors from across the state march down High Street on Oct. 30 during the Marching Band Festival and Half-Time Competition. Competitions follow in Staley Stadium on Thompson Avenue, 1-8 p.m., $4; parade 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m., free. (559) 896-3315.

GRASS VALLEY--The Craft Guild of Nevada County will present its two-day Winterfaire, Nov. 6-7. Nevada County Fairgrounds. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. $1. (530) 273-9477.