Palo Alto Festival of the Arts August 23 & 24 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. In the past it has attracted over 150,000 people every year from throughout California and the West Coast. The festival-celebrating its thirty-third year-takes place on tree-lined University Avenue in beautiful downtown Palo Alto, a vital economic area 35 miles south of San Francisco. The backbone of the festival and the key to its success are the three hundred fine artists and crafters whose display booths are placed back-to-back along University Avenue. These exhibitors are the reason why this festival attracts such a high percentage of fine artists and crafters whose work you'll see only at a few select shows on the West Coast. The Kiwanis of Palo Alto will again manage and serve the micro-brews and fine wines that can be found throughout the festival. For those driving to the festival, free parking is within a block or two of the festival site, with handi-cap parking in all city lots. Festival attendees though are encouraged to use public transit or ride a bike. For transit information go to 511.org. If you are a dog owner thinking about bringing "Cuddles" to the festival, please reconsider. Large crowds can easily make a typically mellow dog very anxious & sometimes aggressive. This high quality, community-friendly event is sponsored by the Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce and the City of Palo Alto.