Fights, festivals and Black Friday

Hmong New Year

What: Sacramento’s Hmong community rings in the year 2012.

When: November 24-27

Where: Cal Expo, 1600 Exposition Boulevard

Why: Learn a new culture, taste new food, see a parade and check out some Hmong entertainment, including the Miss Hmong and Hmong Idol competitions. Whatever you do, don’t miss out on the Hmong sausages.

More: Call for pricing. For more information, call (916) 453-1723, or visit www.sacramentohmongnewyear.com.

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Black Friday Vinyl Sale

What: Kick off the holiday season by purchasing some hot fresh-pressed wax.

When: Friday, November 25. Hours vary by location.

Where: All Dimple Records locations

Why: For a warm feeling this holiday season, you can always listen to more vinyl. Dimple Records is teaming up with Record Store Day to make some new vinyl releases available, including new box sets by Nirvana, the Beatles and the Doors.

More: Cost varies. For more information, call (916) 925-2600, or visit www.dimple.com.

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Country Christmas Faire

What: A chance to purchase handmade crafts from some of California’s top artisans.

When: November 25 and 26, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday, November 27, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: Nevada County Fairgrounds, 11228 McCourtney Road in Grass Valley

Why: Aside from browsing holiday items, jewelry, ornaments, crafts and other gifts, you can tour a gingerbread house exhibit, meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, take a wagon ride, and hear the Sierra Symphony quartet.

More: Admission is $4. Parking is $5. Free babysitting available. For more information, call (530) 273-6217, or visit www.nevadacountyfair.com.

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Art & Craft Festival

What: A festival presented by the Crocker Art Museum and the Creative Arts League of Sacramento.

When: Friday, November 25, noon to 6 p.m.; Saturday, November 26, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday, November 27, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: Scottish Rite Center, 6151 H Street

Why: Browse a spread of jewelery, ceramics, paintings, food and holiday items, and make a purchase created by local artisans. Also, take a picture with a Victorian Santa Claus.

More: Tickets are $3-$6, and free for Crocker Art Museum members. For more information, call (916) 808-7000, or visit www.crockerartmuseum.org.

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Arts & Crafts Holiday Faire

What: The State Indian Museum is holding a holiday fair.

When: Friday, November 25, and Saturday, November 26, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days

Where: State Indian Museum, 2618 K Street

Why: While you shop for basketry, jewelry, painted gourds and other hand-crafted items, you can also learn more about California’s Native American culture.More: Call for pricing. For more information, call (916) 821-4576, or visit www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=486.

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West Coast Kickboxing Classic

What: An international, amateur muay Thai kickboxing competition.

When: Saturday, November 26, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday, November 27, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: Radisson Hotel, 500 Leisure Lane

Why: Watch a bunch of talented men, women and children beat the stuffing out of each other. With two days of non-stop fighting, you can be sure to get your money’s worth.

More: Advance tickets are $25 for Saturday, $30 for Sunday or $50 for both days. An extra $5 charge will be added to ticket prices at the door. For more information, call (916) 205-4762, or visit www.ikfkickboxing.com/WCC2011.htm.