Festivals are back in full swing all over the bay with art, music, and whatever ethnic foods you crave and love. Dahlias are blooming in Golden Gate Park and A.C.T. and Theatreworks bring performances that delight. There is a fashionably fabulous fundraiser in Oakland supporting creatives with developmental disabilities right around the corner. Let’s do some good!

Aug. 27-28. The Palo Alto Festival of the Arts

This festival is celebrating its 39th year on University Avenue in downtown Palo Alto. Highlights include the work of more than 300 talented artisans, from paintings to photography, ceramics, and jewelry to unique sculptures, and much more. In addition, witness the amazing street artists who use vivid chalk pastels to create impressive works of art on the pavement. Then stroll through the festival enjoying a tempting assortment of tasty foods, fine wines, and microbrews. When your feet tire or your pocketbook is empty take a break and listen to sidewalk piano virtuosos as well. 10 am to 6 PM. GET THE DETAILS.

Aug. 20-21. 40^th Annual Italian Family Festa

Mamma Mia, this annual festival takes place in San Jose’s History Park this weekend. This year march along to the United States Navy brass band and check out the friendly Naval robots that love to share and show off for the crowd. Musical acts include a Sinatra tribute and bring your boogie shoes to the “Saturday Night Street Dance” with Livewire, a Bay Area favorite tribute band.

You know you are going for the food so you can enjoy a culinary demonstration on the Cooking Stage with Galbani’s celebrity Mark Sciortino “Chef Marco” along with a variety of local chefs all sharing their culinary secrets with you. Other favorite things that make the Festa unique are the Cultural Village, featuring presentations on local Italian history and the lace makers are back demonstrating the lost art of Italian lace. The Italian Renaissance Swordsmanship Academy will be reenacting medieval sword fights and when you’re done with all that make sure to go wine tasting in the relaxing wine garden. From 11 – 8 PM. GET THE DETAILS.

Aug. 20. SF’s Chinatown Dumpling Festival

A good dumpling is easy to find in SF and tomorrow you can taste them all at. Skip breakfast and hop a cable car and determine which dumplings you think are the absolute best.  The menu has something for everyone, from vegetarian and shrimp dumplings, won tun to mochi and French Toast, and boba milk tea, totaling 15 items, all for $15. 11-3pm. GET THE DETAILS.

Sept. 15 – Oct. 9. Passengers at A.C.T.

I guarantee you have never experienced a train ride quite like the one you see in Passengers. A combination of contemporary dance, circus arts, singing, acrobatics, and theater are part of a story that explores a community of strangers with one thing in common: each person has somewhere to go.

The Geary Theater will be your personal quarters as life happens along this track of sorts, twisting and turning through valleys and plains. You’ll experience tearful goodbyes, anticipatory reunions, and fateful encounters inside the cabin. These jaw-droppingly talented performers use feats such as aerial routines, juggling, tightrope walking, and more to explore the intricate connections between all our lives. It’s a thrilling and poignant performance you must see to believe. GET THE DETAILS.

Now-Sept. 11. Hershey Felder is back as Chopin

In a stunning, tour de force performance, virtuoso actor/pianist Hershey Felder creates Fryderyk Chopin, the “Poet of the Piano,” welcoming gifted students to his Paris salon on the 4th of March 1848. Felder takes you on a journey into the spirit and insight of a genius brought to life. GET TICKETS.

Aug. 27. Fashion Extravaganza in Oakland

Creative Growth is holding a fundraiser with a film screening and fundraiser at the Oakland Museum of California. This non-profit organization advances the inclusion of artists with developmental disabilities in contemporary art by providing a professional studio environment and gallery representation. This year’s event is in celebration of the 10^th anniversary of Beyond Trend.

There will be more than 75 Creative Growth artists modeling their designs in the Digital Fashion Show and an exciting world premiere of “BEYOND I wanna go” a documentary commemorating 10 years of Creative Growth Fashion. A great opportunity to support the art of those creative people with developmental disabilities. Don your finest red-carpet attire, shop at the pop up, sip cocktails and enjoy music and dancing to a 12-piece band. GET THE DETAILS.

Aug. 20-21.  Dahlias

We love flowers, cut flowers, wildflowers, flowers in our hair, you name it. This weekend you have the chance to see hundreds of magnificent dahlias (one of our favorite floral masterpieces) in Golden Gate Park. Which one will win best in show?  Grab your camera and choose your own favorite. Meet growers and floral aficionados as you stroll and gaze at these gorgeous beauties in nature. Fun fact, Dahlias are the official flower of San Francisco. 10 – 5. Admission is free. At the Hall of Flowers 9^th Ave and Lincoln Way. GET THE DETAILS.