Split for not one but two California-based banana-themed bashes

A-PEEL-ING PARTY: There's just no avoiding it: Any banana-themed event is going to play with the word "peel" in several ways, because the popular fruits are, well, a-peel-ing. Second? Chances are also strong you'll find all sorts of fruit-centered sweets, from smoothies to chocolate-dipped bananas to that most royal, decadent, and kitchen-sink-y of desserts, the banana split. (Yes, we said "kitchen-sink-y," because you can really throw just about everything yummy atop a banana split and it will still regally retain its confection-like character.) If the banana is your go-to morning-to-night nosh, the goodie you slice atop cereal or bake with cinnamon for a midnight snack, you're in some kind of luscious luck. Not one but two banana-taculars are on the California food festival calendar as summer 2023 concludes and fall begins, so we're ready to peel-out and check them out.

SACRAMENTO... is up first, on Saturday, Aug. 19 and Sunday, Aug. 20. The foodie celebration will put the spotlight on a host of banana-fun dishes from several delicious destinations, while a pie-eating contest, a parade, a cooking contest, art displays, and more will up the convivial atmosphere. William Land Park is the place for banana buffs to gather, sup, and enjoy a summer-sweet snack-around. And on the final day of September? It is The Port of Hueneme's turn to pay tribute to the produce aisle icon. Goodies, from banana splits to milkshakes, will be available, while a host of water-adjacent activities, including kid-fun pursuits and chances to shake it to live tunes, are on the schedule. A big draw for many? The chance to take a port tour, all to discover more about the busy hub's "inner workings," is a central part of the vibrant festival. Eager for more sunshiny fun around the region? The Hueneme Beach Festival is coming up over the final weekend of August.

Story updated July 29