You go, girl

The Great American Melodrama's "The Girl of the Golden West" is a celebrated American play, set in the Sierra foothills during the California Gold Rush. The story features a brave, vivacious heroine, a good-hearted outlaw hero, a mean-spirited sheriff, and a desperate poker game with a life at stake. The high-energy performance is perfect fun for the whole family.

. "The Girl of the Golden West" is playing on alternate evenings with the melodrama "After Dark," through Sept. 19. Performances are Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 4:30 and 8:30 p.m., and Sundays at 6 p.m. Tickets are $14 and $17. The Great American Melodrama is located on Highway 1 in Oceano, three miles south of Pismo Beach. For reservations and information, call 489-2499.

Timeless vintages

Join in the festivities of the 20th annual KCBX Central Coast Wine Classic with four days celebrating the wines, cuisine, music, art, and lifestyle of California's Central Coast. The event, which runs July 15-18, features wine symposiums, cooking demonstrations, winery dinners, a sponsorship dinner at Hearst Castle, silent and live auctions, and wine tours.

. The KCBX Central Coast Wine Classic takes place at the Cliffs Resort at Shell Beach, local area wineries, and Hearst Castle. For a complete listing of the weekend's events, check out www.centralcoastwineclassic.org or call 544-1285.

Wild party

The second annual Ice Cream Zoofari features all-you-can-eat Blue Bunny Ice Cream, performances by Dr. Magic, face painting by Freckles the Clown, music by Up in the Air, wildlife exhibits, and more. Stop by and say hi to all of the animals luding the new red panda, the black bear, the spider monkeys and the wallabies. Remember, animals don't eat ice-cream.

. The Zoofari is Saturday, July 17, from 5-8 p.m., at the Charles Paddock Zoo, located in Atascadero on Highway 41 West. Tickets are $10; $6 for kids; children 2 and under get in free. For more information, visit www.charlespaddockzoo.org or call 461-5083.