Travel calendar for March

SAN FRANCISCO

San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival

When, where: Thursday to March 21, various theaters in San Francisco, Berkeley and San Jose

Highlights: This 28th annual event, a juried competition, screens the best Asian films, hosts panel discussions, presents filmmaker tributes and maintains a special focus on Filipino cinema. A live-music festival in San Francisco’s Japantown kicks things off March 13.

Cost: Screenings start at $12; receptions and parties start at $25.

Info: https://www.asianamericanmedia.org

CAPAY VALLEY, CALIF.

Capay Valley Almond Festival

When, where: March 14, throughout Rumsey, Guinda, Brooks, Capay and Esparto

Highlights: This annual event, which first took place in 1915, is a five-town celebration of spring, blossoms and California’s largest tree-nut crop. The festival features farmers, almond-growing exhibits, crafters, live entertainment, food, a petting zoo, wine tastings, vineyard tours, kids’ activities and a car show. An Almond Queen presides over it all.

Cost: Most events are free.

Info: (530) 787-3242, https://www.espartoregionalchamber.com

SCOTTSDALE, ARIZ.

National Festival of the West

When, where: March 18-21, WestWorld of Scottsdale

Highlights: This convergence of all things Western includes a music jamboree, cowboy poetry, buffalo soldiers, Old West merchandise, film festival, a costume contest, a log-home show, the presentation of the Cowboy Spirit Award, a chuck-wagon cook-off and children’s activities.

Cost: $14; $13 for ages 60 and up; $4 for children 5 to 12; free, ages 4 and younger are free. Four-day pass, $45.

Info: (602) 996-4387, https://www.festivalofthewest.com

PASO ROBLES, CALIF.

Zinfandel Festival

When, where: March 19-21, throughout Paso Robles

Highlights: More than 140 wineries host winemaker dinners, food pairings, cooking classes, winery tours and chef demos. The marquee events are the Zin Tasting and the Wine Country Auction.

Cost: Prices vary by event, but the cost for a ZIP (Zinfully Important Person) ticket is $85 and includes early admission to the tasting and auction; cost for a Zin Fan Del ticket is $60 and includes admission to the tasting and auction

Info: (800) 549-9463, https://www.pasowine.com

YOUNTVILLE, CALIF.

Taste of Yountville

When, where: March 20, Washington Street

Highlights: The 17th annual event presents offerings from 13 local restaurants, more than 20 local wineries and several mustard and olive-oil producers. Also, a tour of French Laundry’s 2-acre garden, an arts exhibit, live entertainment and the chance to discover why the town boasts six new Michelin stars.

Cost: Free; tasting tickets $1 each

Info: (707) 944-0904, https://www.yountville.com

--Avital Binshtock

[email protected]