This Weekend: So Many 'Fests,' So Little Time

As Belmont Patch Editor Joan Dentler quipped on her site this morning - if you're bored this weekend, it's your own darn fault. 'Cause there are more fests, gatherings and activities going on in Redwood City and nearby this weekend than we've ever seen before!

PORTFEST 2012

When: This Saturday, Oct. 6, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: Seaport Court, Redwood City

What: An all-day waterfront festival features boat rides, working waterfront tours, live music, food and drink, arts and crafts, children's activities, and much more. Admission and parking are free!

Also, free shuttles are running throughout the day between the Redwood City Caltrain station and PortFest. See a downloadable schedule in the photo section of this article.

A full schedule of attractions and entertainment is also downloadable in the photo section of this article.

15th ANNUAL ARTS & OLIVE FESTIVAL

When: This Sunday, Oct. 7, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where:  Cañada College, 4200 Farmhill Blvd., Redwood City

What: This celebration, taking place since 1998, is now the biggest fundraiser the college puts on each year to raise money for student scholarships. The festival brings together more than 80 vendors, including of some of the olive industry’s top experts, to provide the community with olive education, olive and olive oil tasting, olive related products, and an abundance of quality art works and gifts, along with live musical entertainment. A suggested $5 donation is appreciated upon admission, to benefit scholarships for students.

Click here for a full list of events, attractions and musical acts taking place at this year's festival.

AUTHOR NIGHT

Where: Redwood City Main Downtown Library

When: This Friday, Oct. 5, 7:30 p.m.

What: The Redwood City Library features three local authors, discussing their works - Jim Clifford, Janet McGovern and John Edmonds. Edmonds has written several books on local history; McGovern is the author of a book on Peninsula train service; and Clifford wrote Philip's Code: No News is Good News - to a Killer. Refreshments will be served.

HORSES TO HORSEPOWER

Where: Sequoia High School, Broadway and El Camino Real, Redwood City

When: This Sunday, Oct. 7 - gates open at 7 a.m., rain or shine

What: A classic car show, complete with awards for the best cars in several categories, and raffle prizes to win. This event has been going on for roughly 18-19 years as a fun way to raise money for Sequoia High programs, during which it has raised nearly $100,000 in much-needed funds.

30th ANNUAL CHOCOLATE FEST

When: This Friday and Saturday, Oct. 5-6. Tastings are 7:30 to 10 p.m. Friday; 1:30 to 4 p.m. Saturday; and 7:30-10 p.m. Saturday. 

Where: Congregational Church of Belmont, 751 Alameda de las Pulgas, Belmont

What: Chocolate candy, ice cream, cookie and dessert makers from all over the Peninsula and the entire Bay Area offer their chocolate wares for sampling at this popular annual event. A jazz ensemble provides musical entertainment, and door prizes are given out. For a list of participating chocolate vendors, see our sister site Belmont Patch's article here.

Proceeds benefit local hunger and homeless programs as well as charitable projects within the church. Tickets for the afternoon sessions are $17.50 pre-sale or $20 at the door; in the evening, tickets are $22.50 pre-sale or $25 at the door. Children and seniors will be admitted for $15 in the afternoons.

Order online at www.uccbelmont.org/events.html or call 650-593-4547.

SAN CARLOS ART & WINE FESTIVAL

When: This Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 6-7, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Where: Street from San Carlos Avenue to Arroyo

What: One of the very last art and wine festivals of the season, this festival has been going strong for 22 years now. It features all the usual attractions you love in an art and wine festival - good food and drinks, talented arts and crafts vendors, a Family Fun Zone for the kids, and live musical acts and performers. Uniquely, it also features a classic car/hot rod show, and serves up an array of beverages such as microbrews and mimosas in addition to locally-made wine.

Is that STILL not enough choices for you? Check out this other article from our sister site, Belmont Patch, about even more events going on this weekend - such as Fleet Week, Oktoberfest at Hiller Aviation Museum in San Carlos, America's World Cup in San Francisco, concerts by the likes of Madonna and Justin Beiber, the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass festival in Golden Gate Park, the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon in San Jose, games by the Giants and 49ers, and more.

Always want to know the coolest events going on around town? Follow Patch!

• Sign up for our daily newsletter                             
• “Like” us on Facebook  
• “Follow” us on Twitter
• Start your own blog