Weekend Highlights: Two Outdoor Fairs, Abstract Art and Gay Comedy Festival

• Where/When: , June 11-12, 10 a.m. to  6 p.m. 
• Why Go: This arts and crafts festival features performers, food and more and this year is its 41st year. Performances for kids take place at 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm both days at the "Tree Stage." For more information: http://www.liveoakparkfair.com/index.html
• How to Get There: A free shuttle to the Fair will run every 30 minutes from the Downtown Berkeley BART Station and the North Berkeley BART Station from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. both days. Wheelchair accessible.
• Price: Free

• Where/When: , June 11, 13 & 18, 8:30 p.m.
• Why Go: Berkeleyside wrote, “It’s LGBT Pride Month, and downtown Berkeley’s coming out with a sense of humor.” Comedian Marga Gomez told the East Bay Express that the entire show is "not for the easily offended." For more information about the line-up: http://www.themarsh.org/gay_comedy_festival.html
• Price: Monday $10, Saturday $15 - $35 sliding scale, $50 reserved tickets. Buy tix online or by phone, Mon - Fri 1:00 - 4:00pm (415) 282-3055

• Where:
• When: Opening Reception on June 11, 5:30-7:30pm; Regular gallery hours are Wednesday – Sunday, 12–5 p.m.
• Why Go: Curated by Peter Selz, noted art historian, curator, and founder of the Berkeley Art Museum, this compelling compilation of work attests to the present-day vibrancy of abstract art. Artists featured include Gary Edward Blum, Eva Bovenzi, Donna Brookman, Bruce Hasson, Kevan Jenson, Naomie Kremer, Keiko Nelson, Gloria Tanchelev
• Price: Free. Suggested donation: $5 Family, $3 Individual, $2 Limited Income. All donations support the Berkeley Art Center, a private, non-profit organization.

• Where/When: Shattuck Ave, Berkeley (Gourmet Ghetto); June 11, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Originally scheduled for June 4 but re-scheduled due to weather)
• Why Go: The sidewalks along North Shattuck Ave. in the Gourmet Ghetto in Berkeley are the target of artists young and old, professional and greenhorn during the 15th annual Chocolate & Chalk Art Festival. Vendors with fair-trade chocolate, chocolate-related items, hand made arts & crafts, and pony rides fill the event area and many more surprises fill your senses as you stroll along the sidewalks viewing the artwork that remains in place for the next two weeks.  
• Price: Free

Have a weekend activity you'd like to recommend? Send email to monica.lam@patch.com