WEEKEND FESTIVALS ENJOYING WHEEL EXCITEMENT.

Byline: Barbara De Witt  Staff Writer

COUPLES WILL BE doing the jitterbug Saturday night on Glendale's old-fashioned Brand Boulevard at the Ninth Annual Cruise Night.

Glendale, one of the oldest communities in the area, has gained a reputation for hosting this nostalgic happening for the whole family. Cruise Night has drawn as many as 35,000 people dancing in the street to oldies-but-goodies bands. And there's all those groovy hot rods and classic cars on display, too. More than 400 pre-1973 cars will line the boulevard, with car club spokesmen to help you relive the cruise nights of your youth (or your youthful fantasies). Heck, they may even let you look under the hood.

Attendees are encouraged to dress in '50s or '60s attire (it's a James Dean kind of night). Or you can buy festival-themed T-shirts and jackets to go with your Levi's. Complete ensembles are available at the numerous clothing stores that stay open late for the event. There's also food and craft stalls, with restaurants close by so you can listen to the music while dining in style with real silverware and linens.

This year, beginning at 5:30 p.m., the main stage will feature The Nelsons (twins Matthew and Gunnar) offering a tribute to their late father, Ricky Nelson, as well as the rockabilly Cadillac Angels and the surfin' sounds of Slacktone. A second stage has been added this year at the northern end of the boulevard and will feature the L.A. Bluescasters, Stunts Road and Penn & Lane.

CRUISE NIGHT, Brand Boulevard at Broadway (next to Glendale Galleria), Glendale. Parking is free in the Orange Street garage located between California and Wilson. 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. Saturday. Admission: Free; food and crafts sold separately. Information: [phone].

Also happening this weekend:

SAWDUST FESTIVAL: Hundreds of local artists featuring paintings, ceramics, jewelry, woodwork, glass-blowing and other art forms take over three acres of sawdust-strewn grounds. Wear sturdy shoes and sunscreen. Children's events, workshops, live music and lots of food. 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily through Sept. 1. Festival at 935 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach. Admission: $6.50 for adults; $5.50 for senior citizens; $2 for children 6 to 12 and free to children 5 and under. Information: [phone] or visit www.sawdustartfestival.org.

OLD MINER'S DAYS: This annual event sponsored by the Old Miners' Association of Big Bear Valley features several events, including a Pow Wow with dancing at 6 p.m. Friday and also at 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, at the Los Vaqueros Arena (off Highway 38; turn onto Zaca Road and watch for signs). Admission: $4; most events are free.

The chili cook-off begins at 10 a.m. Saturday at 630 Bartlett Road in the Village, and the boat parade of lights is at sundown Sunday at Metcalf Bay on Big Bear Lake. Enjoy daily arts and crafts shows, trail rides, cowboy poetry readings, live music, square dancing and horseshoe pitching contests. More events continue weekends through Aug. 4. Information: [phone] or visit www.oldminers.org.

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At the annual Cruise Night on Brand Boulevard in Glendale, the thrill rides are of an entirely different kind.