(by) Donna McCrohan Rosenthal Opportunities abound to get out of town and beat the heat this August, as you will read in this month’s roundup of tips for short trips and hops through the Golden State.
To the northwest in Santa Rosa, the Charles Schultz Museum on Saturday, August 5, celebrates its 21st anniversary with “3-2-1! Snoopy & the Schultz Museum in Orbit!” Former NASA astronaut Mike Massimino will talk about his experiences in space with Snoopy and Snoopy’s continued role with NASA, from Apollo 10 to the Artemis space missions today. Massimino will also remain for photos and a book signing after (707-579-4452).
Down below in Los Angeles, explore the LA Zoo on Friday evenings through August 18. See what your favorite animals do during twilight hours and enjoy musical performances, a family dance, party and games, and interactive education stations at no additional charge, plus paid add-ons such as carousel rides and treats. Food trucks include Cousin’s Maine Lobster (323-644-4200).
LA’s Ahmanson Theatre, Tuesday, August 8 through Sunday, September 10, presents “Peter Pan Goes Wrong,” when “members of The Cornley Drama Society once again battle against technical hitches, flying mishaps, and cast disputes on their way to Neverland with hilarious and disastrous results” (213-628-2772).
Farther south in Costa Mesa, the 14th Annual Festival Ballet Theatre Gala of Stars offers a roster of ballet luminaries from internationally acclaimed companies on Wednesday, August 9 at the Segerstrom Concert Hall (714-556-2787). Now through Sunday, August 13, the OC Fair brings carnival rides and games, entertainment, exhibits, animals and agriculture, food and drink, shopping, and special events (advance ticket purchase required; 714-708-1500).
Go south on the coast to Laguna Beach for the Pageant of the Masters, 90 minutes of tableaux vivants (living pictures), incredibly faithful re-creations of classical and contemporary works of art, with real people posing to look exactly like their counterparts in the original pieces in an outdoor amphitheater with professional orchestra and intricate sets plus: a pageant ticket provides unlimited access to the Festival of Arts Fine Art Show (800-487-3378).
North up 395 in Bishop over the Labor Day Weekend, September 1-4, the Labor Day Arts and Crafts show displays handcrafted items and fine arts. Approximately 40 vendors sell high-quality photography, jewelry, woodworking, watercolors, sculpture, clothing, and much more. Food vendors will have a variety of foods. The show runs in conjunction with the Tri-County Fair from August 31-September 3 (760-873-8405).
To the north and Yosemite, expect traffic congestion, closures in the eastern valley, and multi-hour delays entering and within the park. You stand a better chance to reduce creeping by arriving before 8. Text YNPTRAFFIC to 333111 for updates. Stay out of rivers and creeks and away from rocks adjacent to rivers (209-372-0200).
