In San Francisco: The Carnaval SF celebration goes on today and tomorrow. On both days there’s the street fair on Harrison between 16th and 23rd Streets, and on Sunday there’s the Carnaval parade, starting at 9:30am at 24th and Bryant, moving towards Mission, then down Mission to 17th, then east on 17th to the festival.

In San Jose: One of the biggest scifi conventions in the area, Baycon is already underway. Besides the masquerade ball and contest, there’s filk, anime, vendors, panels, wacky people… you know, the usual con scene. Full-weekend passes are $75 at the door, one-day passes are also available (though the website specifies the price as “to be determined”). Check it out at the DoubleTree Hotel.