Falling for festivals

Regardless of what the weather happens to be telling us, summer is officially over and fall is finally here. Sure, you could mourn the end of summer. But it’s on to celebrating fall festivals for the rest of us. Whether it’s a pirate-themed pumpkin festival, a princess-themed bike festival or a Sacramento-themed film festival, you can find it all this week in Sacramento. Here are some highlights from the many unique festivals happening this weekend in and around the Sacramento area.

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KVMR Celtic Festival

What: Camp out in the woods and hear Celtic music.

When: Saturday, October 1, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday, October 2, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Where: Nevada County Fairgrounds, 11228 McCourtney Road in Grass Valley

Why: Hear Old Blind Dogs, Young Dubliners, Wake the Dead (pictured) and Emily Smith; jam out with others and learn to play music in workshops; hear storytellers, see animals and watch jugglers; particiapte in the Scottish Games; and eat food and drink from an Irish pub.

More: Tickets are $38 per day or $58 for both days. Admission for campers is extra. For more information, visit www.kvmr.org/celticfestival.

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Pumpkin Festival of Elk Grove

What: Elk Grove’s largest family event of the year takes a pirate theme dubbed “Shiver Me Pumpkins.”

When: October 1-2, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

Where: Elk Grove Regional Park, 9950 Elk Grove-Florin Road.

Why: There will be a giant pumpkin weigh-off, a pumpkin boat-rowing contest, a scarecrow-design contest, carnival games, a pumpkin patch, pirate and puppet shows, and food and drink.

More: Free. Parking in the park costs $5. Food and some activities cost extra. For more information, visit www.yourcsd.com/pumpkinfestival.

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International Festival

What: Join an afternoon of international food, clothing, music and dance.

When: Saturday October 1, from noon to 6 p.m.

Where: Veterans’ Memorial Center, 203 E. 14th Street in Davis.

Why: Celebrate diveristy with an international fashion show, watching folk dancers, hearing world music, listening to poetry and speakers, and eating international food.

More: Free. For more information, call (530) 753-5007 or visit www.internationalfestivaldavis.org.

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Sacramento World Music & Dance Festival

What: A celebration of cultural and ethnic fusion expressed by dance and musical performances.

When: Saturday, October 1, at 6 p.m. and Sunday, October 2, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: Throughout various locations in Old Sacramento

Why: There will be stages presenting music and dance from around the world, a global village with intractive activites for children, and a cooking demonstration called “Spices From Around the World.”

More: Free. For more information, visit www.sacworldfest.com.

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Princess Promenade Bike Festival

What: A gang of princesses rides the American River Parkway.

When: Sunday, October 2, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: The event begins at Discovery Park, 100 Jibboom Street.

Why: This event promotes fitness for women and girls. It’s non-competetive, with riders choosing between 3-, 15-, 26-, 55- or 64-mile rides. Riders begin cycling at 8 a.m. and are staggered by group.

More: Registration is $58-$78 in advance and $99 on the event day. Helmets are required; princess outfits optional. For more information, visit http://noblepursuitinc.com/princess_promenade.html

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A Place Called Sacramento Film Festival

What: View 10 10-minute films about the people, places and things that make Sacramento unique.

When: Sunday, October 2, at 1 p.m.

Where: Crest Theatre, 1013 K Street.

Why: Local filmmakers have been working on their project for six months and the final unveiling always draws a crowd to the Crest. The entire event benefits Access Sacramento, a community media nonprofit.

More: Tickets are $10. For more information, visit www.accesssacramento.org.