Candidates for Oscar’s short list

Palm Springs

Aug. 24-30: The Palm Springs International Festival of Short Films and Film Market presents more than 350 films to more than 20,000 cineastes. See films that may qualify for Academy Award consideration and amaze your friends with your knowledge of the short-film category come Oscar time. But it’s more than just watching: There are panels, filmmaker receptions and more.

Camelot Theatres, 2300 E. Baristo Road. Programs $9 each, packages available. Opening-night program and reception $25. Closing award screenings and party $25. (800) 898-7256, www.psfilmfest.org.

Santa Barbara

Sept. 1-3: The Santa Barbara Studio Artists host their annual Labor Day Studio Tour. More than 30 award-winning regional artists will open their work spaces to collectors and art fans. The weekend event opens at 5 p.m. Sept. 1, with a preview at Corridan Gallery. During the next two days, studios are open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Corridan Gallery, 125 Milpas St., and other studios in the Santa Barbara area. $20, including opening reception. (805) 899-8854, www.sb-studioartists.org.

Seattle

Sept. 2-4: The Bumbershoot music and arts festival is expected to rain entertainment on an estimated 150,000 visitors to the 74-acre Seattle Center. Sept. 2: Blondie, Yellowcard, AFI, Deerhoof, Alejandro Escovedo, Badly Drawn Boy and VH1’s “Best Week Ever� live. Sept. 3: Kanye West, the New Pornographers, comedy from Zach Galifianakis, Maria Bamford, Dana Gould and Paul F. Tompkins, and performances by troupes including the Rubberbandance Group. Sept. 4: the Steve Miller Band, A Tribe Called Quest, Greil Marcus, a one-reel film festival and more.

Seattle Center, 305 Harrison St. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. daily. One-day pass $25 before Aug. 25, $30 after. Three-day pass $70 before Aug. 25, $80 after. Children under 5 free. VIP passes available. (206) 281-7788, www.bumbershoot.org.

-- Blake Hennon