BENICIA - Child's Play Art Exhibit - Closing Reception of this month-long artists' exhibition. 25 California Artists share their childlike or childish ideas such as a childhood memory, a childish dream, or a childlike wish for the "Child's Play" show. Show runs through July 18. Time: 2 - 5 p.m. Gallery is open Fri-Sun 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Main ARTery Gallery, 453 West J Street, Benicia, CA 94510. Call: (707) 745-2768. themainARTerygallery.com

CATALINA ISLAND - Hit the high seas for a day trip to Avalon on Catalina Island. Cost: $59/person. Location: Departs Balboa Pavilion, Newport Beach, CA. Time: Departs Newport Beach at 9 a.m. for 75 minute ride; Return: 4:30 p.m., arrive Newport Beach at 5:45 p.m.

COACHELLA - Coachella 2008. Three day concert event (thu Apr. 27) in Coachella featuring rock, punk and indie. Friday's entertainment includes Rogue Wave, John Butler Trio, Slightly Stoopid, The Verve, Jack Johnson, Midnight Juggernauts, Cut Copy, Battles, Aesop Rock Aphex Twin, Sanda Collins, Sebastian, Spank Rock, and more! Time: 1:30 p.m. - Midnight. Location: Empire Polo Field, 81-800 Avenue 51, Indio, CA. Cost: 3-Day pass: $269. + $3 charity + applicable service fees. coachella.com

LAKESIDE - Lakeside Rodeo. 44th Annual event includes Bareback Bronc, Barrel Racing, Bull Riding, Calf Roping, Saddle Bronc, Steer Wrestling, Team Roping. Time: 7:30 p.m. Location: 12584 Mapleview St., Lakeside, CA. Cost: $10 -15. Call: (619) 561-4331. lakesiderodeo.com

OAKLAND - Mingus Big Band. The all-star Mingus Big Band explores and celebrates the musical legacy of its namesake, composer/bassist Charles Mingus, who died in 1979. Their performance at Yoshi’s coincides with Mingus’s 86th birthday (b. April 22, 1922). Time & price: 8pm $24; 10pm $16. Location: Jack London Square, 510 Embarcadero West between Washington and Clay Streets, Oakland, CA. Call: (510) 238-9200. yoshis.com

SAN FRANCISCO -  Marcus Miller CD Release w/ DJ Logic at Yoshi's Jazz House & Restaurant.  Time & price: 8pm $$28-$36; April 24, 8 & 10 p.m., Fri., April 25, 8 & 10 p.m., Sat., April 26, 8 & 10 p.m. and Sun., April 27, 7 & 9 p.m. Location: Yoshis, 1330 Fillmore at Eddy on the ground floor of the Fillmore Heritage Center, San Francisco, CA. Call: (415) 655-5600  sf.yoshis.com

SANTA ANA  - Band  Sas & Kirsten Proffit at Gypsy Den. Time: 7:30 p.m. Cost: No cover. Time: 7:30 p.m. Location:  125 N. Broadway, Santa Ana, CA. Call: (714) 835-8840. Gypsyden.com

SANTA MARIA - Santa Maria Valley Strawberry Festival. Carnival rides, live entertainment, games, vendors, tons of food  (strawberries), and fun.  Open daily 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. santamariafairpark.com

SOLVANG - Solvang Knife Show. Since 1985, Nordic Knives of Solvang has hosted this annual event. Royal Scandinavian Inn, 400 Alisal Rd , Solvang. Friday 1 - 5 p.m.; Saturday 10 am-4 pm; Sunday 10 am-1 pm. Admission:$10 / day, 3 Day-$20 (Sunday only $2) 1-800-992-6574. nordicknives.com

STOCKTON - Asparagus Festival. Held annually in downtown Stockton, this tasty food is celebrated in recipes, contests, and in games and events. Entertainment daily makes this a great family fun event. Featured at this year's event is Tyson, the Skateboard dog. Location: Downtown Stockton. Cost: $10/adult; $5/senior, age 11-17; free age 10 and under. Call: (209) 644-3740. asparagusfest.com

SUNSET STRIP - Yonder Mountain String Band. Plays rock jam. Time: 8 p.m. Cost: $22.50, 18+. Location: 8430 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069. Call: (323) 848-5100. hob.com

TEMECULA - Michael McDonald in Concert.  Pechanga Casino Resort. Time: 8 p.m. Cost: $60 - $85.

Location: Pechanga Casino Resort, Temecula, CA. Location: Pechanga Resort & Casino, 45000 Pechanga Parkway, Temecula, CA 92592. Call: (877) 711-2946 and press #2. pechanga.com

WALNUT CREEK - Sidewalk Fine Arts Festival. A popular and well attended event includes artists, crafts vendors and quality gift and collector items. 60th Semi-Annual Sidewalk Fine Arts Festival location: North Main, Cypress, and Locust Streets, Walnut Creek, CA. Time: 10am - 6pm Fri/Sat; 10am - 5pm Sun. Contact Pacific Fine Arts: (209) 296-1195. pacificfinearts.com.