Artober Event Picks

Beat steady

Davis Jazz and Beat Festival

Hit the road, and saunter across the Yolo Causeway for the seventh annual Davis Jazz and Beat Festival, October 4-5, at the John Natsoulas Center for the Arts. The free event, a celebration honoring the freewheeling ideals of the Beat Generation, promises two days of poetry readings and painting demonstrations set to rhapsodic live jazz performances. There’ll also be a Jack Kerouac poetry contest, as well as music and spoken word. This is a chance to delve into the artistic world that celebrated nonconformity and impetuous creativity. A concurrent exhibition, Beat Generation and Beyond; Lyrical Vision: the Figure, will feature works by notable artists of the era. Beret and sunglasses not required. 521 First Street in Davis, (530) 756-3938, www.natsoulas.com. L.H.

Dress you up

Carnivale Black Tie Masquerade Ball

Among the myriad costume balls during the Halloween season, the 32nd annual Carnivale Black Tie Masquerade Ball, which takes place Saturday, October 19, at the Elks Tower, offers a chance to dress in black-tie attire, don a glittery mask and play casino games such as blackjack and roulette—all for charity. The event is hosted by the Active 20-30 Club of Greater Sacramento, a group of women that volunteers its time to various local children’s charities. The masquerade ball will benefit KidsFirst, Gravity and Next Move. In addition to the casino hijinks, the evening will also include the Virginia Lights Band’s sultry vocal stylings, food, drinks and overall merriment. 7 to 11 p.m.; $45 advance tickets, $55 at the door. 921 11th Street, (916) 658-9830, www.sacwomens2030.org. J.R.

Cheers to that

Oktobrewfest run

Frosty cold and carb-loaded, amateur pollsters say beer is what the body craves after doing something it doesn’t want to do—namely, running. That’s what makes the Oktobrewfest run such an appealing idea. It combines both. Lace up those lederhosen, pick either the 5k or 10k option and get rewarded with a free “recovery” beer at the finish line. There’s also a half-mile kids run—but we’re guessing the little ones are served apple juice, not brews. The event benefits the A Change of Pace Foundation, a Davis-based nonprofit that aims to promote community education, family-oriented events, youth exercise programs, triathlons and camps. The run, scheduled to start at 6 p.m., October 12, at Davis Community Park, will lead runners through the city streets and bike paths of Davis. The $25-$45 registration fee includes a bib number, custom bottle opener finisher’s medal, race shirt and post-race libation. Prost! http://changeofpace.com/oktobrewfest. J.B.

Sunday funday

Delta Wine & Art Faire

It’s Sunday, right? You just want to chill—maybe have a drink. Or two. Anything to help you forget that Monday’s just around the corner. But you’re also not some rube—you demand culture, sophistication, class. It’s time, then, for the Delta Wine & Art Faire, which takes place Sunday, October 6, at the Old Sugar Mill. The event promises the key essentials to a relaxing yet not completely throwaway weekend afternoon. In addition to works by local artists, there’ll be live music, food vendors and a silent auction that will raise funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. See, you already feel better about that bottle of pinot you’re planning to put away, don’t you? 1 to 7 p.m.; $20 in advance, $25 at the door. 35265 Willow Avenue in Clarksburg, www.carvalho familywinery.com/ourEvents_winery.shtml. R.L.