L.A. Tall Ships Festival promises to be just ducky
More than a dozen majestic tall ships — large sailing vessels with traditional rigging that recall “Mutiny on the Bounty” — will parade through the Port of Los Angeles during the city’s Tall Ships Festival. Tours of the brigantine Irving Johnson, schooner Amazing Grace, privateer Spirit of Dana Point and other ships, along with sailing excursions, are the heart of the festival. A special guest, however, may well steal the show: The world’s largest rubber ducky, stretching longer than many tall ships, will make its West Coast debut after being introduced in Taiwan and making two East Coast appearances.
Artful rambling in Mendocino: If you’re in need of justification for dawdling on the Mendocino Coast, consider the free, selfguided (with an assist from bright yellow road signs) Studio Discovery Tour, taking place over two weekends. Artists who work along the 25-mile stretch of Highway 1 from Point Arena to Sea Ranch will open their doors, ready to demonstrate and discuss their creative process. Download the catalog and map from the website. Aug. 23-24 and 30Sept. 1, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (707) 884-5067, www.studiodiscoverytour.com.
A midsummer day’s barbecue: The Half Moon Bay Brewing Co. calls it a “beerbecue,” but the Midsummer BBQ by any name is pretty sweet. The chef will grill a variety of locally grown veggies to go with straightfrom-the-farm chicken, sausage and beef made with beer-infused marinades and sauces, while the head brewer will serve his chilled summer ales. Brewery tours and live music in the beer garden. Aug. 17, noon-3 p.m. $25 (kids 12 and under $15). (650) 7282739, www.hmbbrewingco.com.