Escapes: View wildflowers on the Central Coast

Wildflowers on show

For more than a week, at least 30 members of Monterey’s Native Plant Society search for the most incredible wildflowers in the region and then place them in a massive array of more than 600 species and varieties of wildflowers, making the 54th annual Wildflower Show at the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History one of the biggest in the country.

The show lasts from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 17-19, with tours of the museum’s native plant gardens on offer all the while. Also to help identify plants or photos of plants, members of the California Native Plant Society will be on hand and there will be a plant identification workshop each day at 11 a.m.. Another workshop teaches how to draw wildflowers at 3:30 p.m. The latter requires registering for $20, but there are more free lectures during the show and, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, a native plant fair with hands-on activities.

Flowers will continue bloom over the course of the weekend. 165 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove. Entrance costs $8.95 for adults and $5.95 for youth, students and military. Learn more at www.pgmuseum.org.

Art talk

What: Why collect art? Join a conversation between several art collectors on the art of collecting.

When: 6-7 p.m. April 16

Where: Napa Valley Museum, 55 Presidents Circle, Yountville

Cost: $5

Information: napavalleymuseum.org

Asparagus fest returns

What: Ever tried asparagus ice cream? At the revived San Joaquin Asparagus Festival, the spring vegetable will be celebrated and enjoyed. The family affair also features a petting zoo, car show, craft fair, carnival rides, parade and live entertainment.

When: 2-8 p.m. April 17, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. April 18 and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. April 19

Where: San Joaquin County Fairgrounds, 1658 S. Airport Way, Stockton

Cost: $5-$10, children 5 and under free

Information: www.sanjoaquinasparagusfestival.net

Goats!

What: Head to the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market not only for beautiful fresh produce, but for all things goat at the seventh annual Goat Festival. There will be a petting stable with baby goats, goat cheese tasting class and goat cooking demo, as well as goat-inspired edibles from different food vendors.

When: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. April 18

Where: Ferry Building Marketplace, Embarcadero at Market St., San Francisco

Cost: Free

Information: www.cuesa.org

Earth Day

What: Celebrate the planet with live music, a “Trashion” show and interactive, fun ways to learn about recycling, composting, alternative energy and sustainability.

When: 11 a.m. April 18

Where: Squaw Valley Resort, 1960 Squaw Valley Road, Olympic Valley

Cost: Free

Information: squawalpine.com

Ukulele festival

What: Instructional workshops, jam sessions and live performances are all tap for the fourth annual Caspar Ukefest. Ukulele players of all ages and skill levels are welcome to join the fun.

When: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. April 18

Where: Caspar Community Center, 15051 Caspar Road, Caspar

Cost: $15-$40

Information: (707) 937-1732; www.visitmendocino.com

Bee Staff

This story was originally published April 11, 2015 at 5:00 PM with the headline "Escapes: View wildflowers on the Central Coast."