Escapes: Make discoveries at Bay Area Science Festival
SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA
Science festival
Prepare to geek out all week, all over the region, for the Bay Area Science Festival. The celebration kicked off last Thursday and runs through Saturday.
Find a slew of events geared toward adults, such as a science pub quiz night and panel discussion about GMOs. There are also family-friendly affairs, such as hands-on science exhibits at farmers markets and natural habitat tours.
On Saturday, choose between official Discovery Days at AT&T Park, 24 Willie Mays Plaza in San Francisco, or Sonoma County Fairgrounds, 1350 Bennett Valley Road in Santa Rosa. San Francisco attendees can meet scientists and engineers as they play with robots, extract their DNA and investigate life’s biggest questions. The North Bay version includes optical illusions, liquid nitrogen ice cream and gravity-powered cars.
Both Discovery Days are free, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Learn more and see the full schedule of events at www.bayareascience.org.
SONOMA
Wine and food pairings
What: At the Wine & Food Affair, sample dishes paired with wine from more than 100 wineries in the Alexander, Dry Creek and Russian River valleys, collectively known as Wine Road.
When: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Nov. 2
Where: Various wineries, northern Sonoma County
Cost: $78.65 weekend, $56.46 Sunday, $34.27 designated driver
Information: www.wineroad.com
AUBURN
Historical walk
What: Historians Paul Whiting and Evan Jones will tell stories during an easy 3-mile hike through the remains of an old gold mine and stamp mill. For ages 9 and older.
When: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday
Where: Auburn, call for specific location
Cost: $5-$10 donation
Information: (530) 621-1224; www.arconservancy.org
WHEATLAND
Fall wine festival
What: Celebrate the end of the pumpkin season at the Golden Autumn Wine Festival, where 20 wineries from Yuba, Sutter, Nevada and Placer counties will pour tastes. Free hors d’oeuvres, local olive oil to try and barbecue lunches to purchase.
When: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday
Where: Bishop’s Pumpkin Farm, 1415 Pumpkin Lane, Wheatland
Cost: $25
Information: bishopspumpkinfarm.ticketleap.com
WATSONVILLE
Nature walks
What: Bring the whole family out to the Santa Cruz area for a guided walk along wetlands trails. Binoculars are provided for optimal viewing of native birds.
When: 1:30 p.m. Sundays
Where: City of Watsonville Nature Center, 30 Harkins Slough Road, Watsonville
Cost: Free
SACRAMENTO
Travel talk
What: Learn how to legally travel through Cuba at this No Reservations Travel Club meeting. JoEllen Arnold will speak and answer questions.
When: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 4
Where: Arcade Library Community Room, 2443 Marconi Ave., Sacramento
Cost: Free
Information: (916) 786-8208; www.noreservationstravelclub.blogspot.com
Bee Staff
This story was originally published October 25, 2014 at 2:00 PM with the headline "Escapes: Make discoveries at Bay Area Science Festival."