It's A Festival Frenzy On Peninsula: How, Oh, How To Choose?

SAN MATEO and SANTA CLARA COUNTIES, CA – In the mood for a street fair or ethnic festival? No need to travel far. There are festivals aplenty coming up each weekend into the holiday season on the Peninsula.

Your toughest task? Deciding which ones to attend. Whether you love Bloody Marys, chocolate, German beer, arts and crafts, wine, pumpkins, salsa, chowder, foggy runs or even bacon ... there is an event coming up nearby for you. Seriously!

Many of the weekend festivals cater to children, too, with kids' zones and activities, making the outing perfect for a family.

Grab your calendars, and peruse the list of area events ...

In Palo Alto from Aug. 26-27 -- the Palo Alto Festival of the Arts. More than 300 talented artisans specializing in paintings to photography, ceramics and jewelry to unique sculptures and more. Plus live entertainment and a kids' arts studio.

For hot and spicy fans on Aug. 26 is the Annual Firefighter Chili Cook-Off in San Mateo. Live music, cold beer and a car show!

Hit the coast Aug. 27 for this beach event: Run By The Sea 2017: Santa Cruz. Maybe even catch a glimpse of some grey whales!

On Sunday, Aug. 27: Hot August Night Food & Wine Stroll: Cupertino. Music, art, food, wine and beer!

Just three Fridays left this season, starting Sept. 1: First Friday with Live Music: Downtown Burlingame. Free fun for the family!

Sept. 2, 3 and 4, in Woodside: Kings Mountain Art Fair. Paintings, jewelry, sculpture, clothing and more, as well as locally prepared food, beer and wine, and a dedicated children’s area called Kiddie Hollow.

Labor Day weekend Sept. 2-3: 47th Millbrae Art & Wine Festival, The Last Blast of Summer. A Mardi Gras-style celebration with art, crafts, fabulous food and drinks, plus zip-lining and a Super Duper Funzone for the kiddos.

Free on Saturday, Sept. 2 in Redwood City: Lebanese Festival. Enjoy delicious, traditional Lebanese sweets and then drop the children off at the dedicated play area while you shop at the booths.

22nd Annual Ghirardelli Chocolate Festival: San Francisco. Two days, Sat., Sept. 9 and Sun., Sept. 10, of chocolate school, tastings, contest and cooking demos.

In Mountain View Sept. 9-10: the 46th Annual Mountain View Art & Wine Festival: Silicon Valley. A spectacularly fun celebration featuring artists and craftmakers showing handcrafted wares, stellar live music on stage and street throughout downtown. For the younger set: Super Duper Kids’ Park with ultra thrilling bungee jumping, wild and wacky waterballerz, a 24’ rock climbing wall, giant inflatables, super cool henna art, glitter tattoos, face painting.

Sept. 16: Late Summer Wine Walk 2017: Downtown Los Altos. Afternoon of tasting great wine and strolling Downtown Los Altos.

Oom-pah! Oktoberfest - German Brews, Food, Music, Dancing: Redwood City. Four days, Sept. 21-24, of German beer, brats, food and music!

Summer Wine Walk: Belmont. Casual strolling event on Friday, Sept. 22.

At the Peninsula's classy landmark Filoli: Autumn Festival, Filoli Estate - BBQ, Scavenger Hunt & Family Activities: Woodside. Saturday, Sept. 23.

For bacon and beer lovers Bacon & Brew Fest 2017: San Mateo. Saturday, Sept. 23 at the county event center.

Celebrate the fog! Pacific Coast Fog Fest - Parade, Live Music, Family Fun: Pacifica. Sept. 23-24. Live music, a parade, arts and craft booths, and a family fog jog.

Like it spicy? Salsa Festival: Downtown Redwood City. Saturday, Sept. 30 with multiple music stages and salsa tastings!

Lederhosen alert! OKTOBERFEST: Pacifica. Sept. 30. Beer, music, contests, authentic German food and more!

Annual Japanese Culture Festival: Millbrae. Sunday, Oct. 1 with food, beer, sake, live stage performances, and a tea ceremony, calligraphy, origami, games and activities.

The Bloody Mary Festival: San Francisco. Oct. 1. Hail the Bloody Mary!

2017 Art & Wine Faire & Car Show: San Carlos. Oct. 7 and 8 with entertainment, art, food, wine, craft beer and a classic and hot rod car show!

Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Festival. Oct. 14-15. Free legendary pumpkin extravaganza with a parade, haunted house, arts and crafts.

Road trip? San Benito Olive Festival. It's all about the olive on Saturday, Oct. 14 in Hollister.

Wharf Fest Chowder Competition & Street Fair: San Francisco. Oct. 21. Art vendors and a variety of free activities including a Segway obstacle course and rock climbing walls. At the most delicious part of the day, the Chowder Competition, Wharf restaurants will battle it out for the title of the Best Chowder at Fisherman’s Wharf.

Harvest Festival 2017 - Art & Craft Show: San Mateo. Three days -- Nov. 10-12 -- to celebrate the season!

--Image courtesy of Mountain View Art & Wine Festival, Miramar Events