Escapes: Not your average car show

Magnificent machines pose on the California coast

It’s part mechanical spectacle, part historical narrative: The 25th annual Pacific Coast Dream Machines Show is back.

From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on April 26, there will be 2,000 driving, flying and working machines from the 20th and 21st centuries on display. Expect cool cars, custom motorcycles, historic military aircraft and one-of-a-kind antique engines. Freestyle motocross shows, monster truck rides and vintage warplane flyovers will return, and for the first time, remote-controlled drones and aircraft aerobatics. Family members who aren’t big enthusiasts can enjoy live blues and rock bands, plenty of food and drinks, and activities such as a zip line, bungee jump, climbing wall and inflatable obstacle course. It takes place at the Half Moon Bay Airport, 9850 N. Cabrillo Highway, and costs $25 general and $15 for ages 11 to 17 or above 70. Kids age 10 and under get in free. Information: www.miramarevents.com/dreammachines.

Cider summit

What: The cider industry has moved far beyond just apple. Think elderflower, cherry and pomegranate, and even sparkling, smoked or barrel-aged. Taste them all at the second annual Cider Summit in San Francisco, which will feature 46 purveyors pouring samples of their artisanal hard cider. Many are from California.

When: Noon-6 p.m. April 25

Where: Civil War Parade Ground, the Presidio, San Francisco

Cost: $35-$40 general, $5 designated driver

Information: www.cidersummit.com

Camping festival

What: The fourth annual This Land is Your Land Camping and Recreation Festival will include nature hikes, games, live music, crafting, face painting and barbecue. Feel free to linger around the evening campfire.

When: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. April 25

Where: 21700 Little Basin Road, Boulder Creek

Cost: Free, $10 parking

Information: littlebasin.org

Wildflowers

What: Swoon over an indoor display of 400 trees, wildflowers and other plants from Mendocino County – then take one home, as many plants will be for sale. The annual Spring Wildflower Show will also boast a tearoom, selection of books and raffle.

When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. April 25-26

Where: Mendocino County Fairgrounds, Boonville

Cost: Free

Information: (707) 895-2609; www.visitmendocino.com

Earth Day

What: More than 20,000 people flock to Reno’s annual Earth Day Celebration, which boasts more than 300 exhibits, four stages of live entertainment, workshops, arts and crafts, food and drinks.

When: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. April 26

Where: Idlewild Park, Reno

Cost: Free

Information: www.renoearthday.com

Train tripping

What: Ride through the old Wild West with the Nevada Northern Railway, which just opened for the 2015 excursion season. Hop on a train pulled by a century-old steam locomotive, or ride right next to an engineer, while enjoying mountain scenery as well as history-based narration. Most trips last 90 minutes.

When: Weekends through October

Where: 1100 Avenue A, Ely, Nev.

Cost: $16-$135

Information: www.nnry.com

Bee Staff

This story was originally published April 18, 2015 at 5:00 PM with the headline "Escapes: Not your average car show."