Little Italy festa proves precious
The 13th annual Precious Festa comes to downtown’s Little Italy on Sunday, Oct. 14. The festival, presented by the Little Italy Association and Precious Cheese “” a leading producer of Italian cheeses “” offers over 150 food and vendor booths, including a Precious Cheese free sample booth, as well as two stages featuring live entertainment. Antonia Bennett, daughter of recent Emmy award winner Tony Bennett, is featured as the headlining entertainment.
Running in conjunction with the Festa is the street painting event Gesso Italiano on Saturday, Oct. 13. The public is invited to come and watch artists paint the concrete lining Fir, Cedar and Birch streets. Artists will be working from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The art that graces the street won’t be washed away but left for guests to enjoy on Sunday. Guests can catch the Italian motorsport show at the festival and can participate in the annual stickball and bocce ball tournaments. Precious Festa runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday in Little Italy along India Street between A and Grape streets. Admission to this annual event is free.
For more information visit www.littleitalysd.com.
Oktoberfest returns
Saturday, Oct. 13 marks the return of San Diego’s Oktoberfest to Ocean Beach. This German-inspired event takes place from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the foot of Newport Avenue. Two stages feature live entertainment, including Lady Dottie & The Diamonds, Elijah Emanuel & The Revelations, Supa Bad (a tribute to James Brown) and Bad Science Fiction, among others.
Guests can also participate in the O.B. Brat Trot “” beginning at 9 a.m., signups are at Winstons, 1921 Bacon St. in Ocean Beach, or at the 710 Beach Club, 710 Garnet Ave. in Pacific Beach “” or compete in the popular sausage toss for a chance to win a 2008 Smart Car. The festival also includes stein holding and bratwurst eating competitions. Admission to Oktoberfest is $3 for individuals or $5 per pair. For more information visit www.oboktoberfest.com or call (619) 224-4906.
New scrolls from the Dead Sea
The San Diego Natural History Museum’s exhibit “Dead Sea Scrolls” will trade 12 Dead Sea Scrolls from Israel that are currently on exhibition for a second set of a dozen scrolls. The new scrolls will be on display from Oct. 15 through Dec. 31. Three scrolls from Jordan, including the Copper Scroll, will remain on exhibit.
The Natural History Museum is located at 1788 El Prado in Balboa Park. Exhibition tickets include admission to general exhibits and range from $15 to $28 with special discounts for museum members, school groups and large groups of 10 or more.
The Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit is open Mondays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesdays through Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Fridays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information visit www.sdnhm.org or call (619) 232-3821.