WEEKEND FESTIVALS.

Celebrate the Japanese tradition of Obon, honoring ancestors that have passed on at the San Fernando Valley's Hongwanji Buddhist Temple's annual Obon Festival. The festival will feature Japanese folk dances celebrating the ``Festival of Joy,'' plus Taiko drumming, Japanese arts and crafts, a tea ceremony, calligraphy and more. The event will take place 4 to 10 p.m. Saturday and 4 to 9 p.m. Sunday at the Japanese American Community Center, 12953 Branford St., Pacoima. Admission is free. [phone] or [phone].

Also happening this weekend:

Ventura County British Car Show: featuring vintage British sedans and classic Jaguars, Land Rovers, an automotive swap meet, food booths, live entertainment and more. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free. Channel Islands Harbor, Oxnard; [phone].

Freedom Festival/Out of the Blues: featuring blues, jazz, rhythm and swing bands celebrating being sober. Also raffles, food concessions, children's activities and more. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $10 in advance, $15 at the door, free for children under 12. Long Beach Veterans Stadium, 5000 E. Lew Davis St., Long Beach; [phone]; www.freedomfestival.us.

2006 Orange County Fair: featuring the new Fuel Cell Exhibit, Aga-Boom!, carnival rides, fair food and concerts at the Pacific Amphitheatre. Noon to midnight Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to midnight Saturday and Sunday; through July 30. Closed Mondays. Admission is $8, $6 for seniors, $4 for children 6 to 12, free for children 5 and under. OC Fair, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa; [phone]; www.ocfair.com.

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Gail Nishimura, 8 of Irvine is shaded by her decorative Japanese umbrella at the Obon Festival, Saturday and Sunday in Pacoima.

Alex Collins/Special to the Daily News