The ships sail in to San Francisco Bay on Friday with all those sharp-looking sailors, and, yes, it's a family event. The Embarcadero BART station puts you closest. More than 100 wineries are scheduled to participate. From Highway 101 in Santa Rosa, take Highway 12 eastbound, then the Downtown Sonoma exit. The fairground is just past the first stoplight.
Admission is free.
Oct. 26-Nov. 5. Even if you can't tell a Duroc from a Dorset, it's worth the admission to get a glimpse of the agricultural life that lies beyond the urban sprawl. The Cow Palace hosts 10 rodeo performances, competitions in English and Western horsemanship, concerts, dances, dog trials and more.