April 4-12: Grand National Rodeo, Horse and Stock Show. Put on your best gallon hat and mosey on down to San Francisco Cow Palace in Daly City for this exciting annual event. With rodeos featuring bareback riding, steer wrestling, bull riding, tie-down roping, saddle bronco riding and more; sheepdog trials; horse and stock shows and a Miss Grand National pageant, there's something for everyone. Don’t miss the live music from some of the biggest names in Western music and, of course, delicious, down-home grub. Times vary. (Daly City: Cow Palace, Geneva Ave. at Santos St.; 415/404-4111; www.grandnationalrodeo.com)
April 6-8: International Gem & Jewelry Show. Gems, beads, minerals and jewelry at discounted prices are all stars at this major exhibition. Fri 12-6; Sat 10-6; Sun 11-5. (San Mateo: Event Center, 2495 S. Delaware St.; 650/574-3247; www.intergem.net)
April 10-13: Coin, Stamp & Collectibles Expo. Thousands of dealers and collectors from more than a dozen countries converge at this semi-annual showcase, which includes auctions, seminars and even a treasure hunt for young collectors. Thurs 11-7; Fri-Sat 10-7; Sun 10-3. (Santa Clara: Convention Center, 5001 Great America Pkwy; 408/748-7000; www.santaclaraexpo.com)
April 12: Cambodian New Year Festival. Usher in the Year of the Rat, Khmer-style. Watch Buddhist monks in saffron robes perform a blessing ceremony to kick off this day-long celebration of Cambodian culture, which includes classical ballet and folk dances, art displays and a fashion show. 8-midnight. (Milpitas: Milpitas Community Center, 457 E. Calaveras Blvd.; 408/586-3210; www.ci.milpitas.ca.gov)
April 18-20: Pacific Fine Arts Festival. Looking for inspiration? You just might find it as you stroll through downtown Menlo Park while browsing the best in Bay Area art, such as photography, paintings, sculptures and collages. 10-5. (Menlo Park: Santa Cruz Ave. at El Camino Real; 650/325.2818; www.menloparkchamber.com)
April 25-27: Hillsborough Antique Show and Sale. What’s old is new again at this annual show featuring more than 550 dealers and 175,000 square feet of fine art, furniture, collectibles and more. Fri, 11-9; Sat, 11-7; Sun, 11-5. (San Mateo: Event Center, 2495 S. Delaware St.; 650/574-3247; www.hillsboroughantiqueshow.com)
April 26: San Jose Children’s Faire. The San Jose Public Library’s 20th annual outdoor festival lets families come together for a day of fun and education. There will be stage entertainment, special attractions, arts and crafts, and games and activities for the kiddies, and booths offering information on child health, safety, education and other topics for the grownups. 11-4. (San Jose: Discovery Meadow, E. San Carlos Street and Woz Way; 408/808-2617; www.sjlibrary.org)
April 26: Style 2008 Trunk Show and Sale. Express your personal sense of style at this annual sale showcasing unique art-for-wear items from more than 30 international clothing, accessory and jewelry designers. You can look good while doing good, too—proceeds benefit art education programs at the Palo Alto Art Center. 10-5. (Palo Alto: Art Center Foundation, 1313 Newell Rd.; 650/329-2366; www.cityofpaloalto.org/artcenter)
April 27: Pacific Coast Dream Machines Show. A century’s worth of mechanical marvels includes vintage, exotic, and custom automobiles, as well as fire engines, military tanks and classic aircraft. Kids’ activities; food and live music; and helicopter and biplane rides round out the fun. 10-4. (Half Moon Bay: Half Moon Bay Airport on Hwy. 1; 650/726-2328; www.miramarevents.com)
