DEL MAR - San Diego County Fair  June 10 - July 4, 2012

San Diego County Fair is the largest annual event in San Diego County and the sixth largest fair in the United States, drawing more than 1.3 million visitors annually. 

Hours:  Closed these Mondays - June 13, 20, 27. Cost:  $13 Adult;  $7 age 62 and older; $7 ages 6-12 ;  Free Age 5 and younger.  Parking: Free shuttle parking at lot 2 miles away, or $10 - 15 on site. Address: 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd. Del Mar, CA 92014.  sdfair.com

FALLBROOK - Gourd Art Festival  June 25 - 26, 2012  gourdfestival.com

June 25th, 2012, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Sunday, June 26th, 2012, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm at Welburn Gourd Farm in Fallbrook, CA

The 2011 Gourd Art Festival is the last & final event in a 15-year festival run. Thousands of people travel from across the country to attend-- exhibitors  share their artwork with the amazing gourd enthusiast community. Over 40 exhibitors offering everything from fabulous works of gourd art to gourd books, tools, and supplies. The California Gourd Society Gourd Art Competition features stunning gourd art from across the country. SEE:
Hands-on gourd crafting in the Gourd Crafting Arena
Live demos on gourd crafting
Fine wine in the Wine Garden from award-winning Fallbrook Winery
Delicious food and drink

PLEASANTON - Alameda County Fair  June 22 -  July 10, 2012
alamedacountyfair.com

SUNOL - Niles Canyon Railway Historic Train  Ride

One hour excursion filled with views of California poppies, lupin and mustard wildflowers seen from a vintage train ride through Niles Canyon. Board at the old Sunol depot and travel part of the historic route of the first transcontinental railroad. The one-hour round-trip excursion is about 14 miles. Suggested donation for regular trips: $5 kid, $10. Sunol Station, 6 Kilkare Rd., Sunol, CA Call: (925) 862-9063. ncry.org