Escapes: Elegance, music in wine country
YOUNTVILLE
Wine country festival looks to strike an elegant note
A music festival without crowds, lines or the stench of spilled beer? That’s the vision for the inaugural Yountville Live music, food and wine festival, set in the idyllic Napa Valley town March 19-22.
Headliners including O.A.R., Colbie Caillat and Matt Nathanson will perform at the Lincoln Theater (100 California Drive, Yountville), but other artists such as Blue October will play intimate, acoustic sets while festivalgoers enjoy an elegant meal. Tastes are paired with sounds, in rare settings.
It’s a chance to taste the work of some of Yountville’s most celebrated vintners as well as chefs, such as Food Network star Michael Chiarello. Ticket packages range from $85 to $1,500. The cheapest ticket gets you into the major concerts, while the most expensive buys four days of all-access, VIP treatment. Learn more at
VIRGINIA CITY
Mountain oyster fry
What: More than 3,000 people are expected to attend the 24th annual Rocky Mountain Oyster Fry and St. Patrick’s Day Parade, an Irish affair boasting marching leprechauns and beef and sheep testicles. More than 20 cooks will compete alongside live music, a beer garden and a saloon crawl.
When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday
Where: Downtown, Taylor St., Virginia City, Nev.
Cost: $5-$10
Information: rocky-mountain-oyster-fry.eventbrite.com
SAN FRANCISCO
Pi Day
What: The Exploratorium celebrates its 27th annual Pi Day, dedicated to the never-ending number 3.14159 … with mathematically themed activities and delicious pie. Best equation of the day: Museum entrance equals free.
When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday
Where: Exploratorium, Pier 15, San Francisco
Cost: Free
Information:
SEBASTOPOL
Bluegrass festival
What: Bring your own instrument to jam out at the 15th annual Sonoma County Bluegrass and Folk Festival. Six acts will keep the foot stompin’ strong all day long.
When: 1-8 p.m. Saturday
Where: Sebastopol Community Center, 390 Morris St., Sebastopol
Cost: $30 in advance, $35 at the door
Information:
SAUSALITO
Maritime living history
What: Get a taste of the 18th century aboard two historic ships, the Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftain. Start the day with a free self-guided tour, joined by storytellers in period costumes. Then choose between a two-hour, family-friendly Adventure Sail event or a three-hour Battle Sails event with booming cannons.
When: Times vary, March 14-15
Where: Bay Model, 2100 Bridgeway, Sausalito
Cost: $39-$75 per event
Information:
OROVILLE
Wildflower hikes
What: Enjoy a free, naturalist-led tour of the North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve, courtesy of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Expect to see wildflowers, vernal pools and lovely vistas over the 2-mile trek. Space is limited and advanced registration is required.
When: 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturdays through April
Where: North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve, Cherokee Road, Oroville
Cost: Free
Information: www.wildlife.ca.gov/Regions/2/Wildflower-Tours
Bee Staff
This story was originally published March 7, 2015 at 4:00 PM with the headline "Escapes: Elegance, music in wine country."