Escapes: Celebrate Asian traditions in Oakland

Lunar New Year celebration at the Oakland Museum

Starting with a traditional lion dance to chase away evil spirits, the 14th annual Lunar New Year celebration at the Oakland Museum of California will highlight the festive traditions of different Asian communities.

There will be plenty of live performances: acrobatics, plate spinning, Korean pop dances, Chinese yo-yo tricks, taiko drumming and Korean drum dancing, among them. And because it’s the Year of the Sheep, children can learn more about the Chinese zodiac during story time. Families will also love the petting zoo and crafts; they can make dragon puppets or try Chinese calligraphy.

The artistically inclined can go a step further by decorating themselves in Chinese opera-style makeup or henna art. Then watch a demo on how to make Vietnamese spring rolls, Japanese handmade dolls, traditional floral arrangements and more. The culture-filled programming is included in the price of museum admission – $15 adults, $10 seniors and students, $6 youths and free for children 8 and under – and takes place from noon to 4:30 p.m. Feb. 22 at the Oakland Museum, 1000 Oak St. Learn more at www.museumca.org.

Wildlife festival

What: Bald eagles and other birds of prey flock to Carson Valley each winter. Observe the phenomenon with expert-guided ranch tours, photography workshops and more at the 13th annual Eagles & Agriculture event.

When: Thursday through Feb. 22

Where: Locations vary, Carson Valley, Nev.

Cost: Individual events range $10-$70

Information: www.carsonvalleynv.org

Olive oil hike

What: In honor of American Heart Month, let a local doctor lead you on a 3-mile hike. Afterward, taste locally made olive oils and vinegars while learning how to keep your heart healthy.

When: 9:30-11 a.m. Saturday

Where: The Quail and Olive, 3 Pilot Road, Carmel Valley

Cost: Free

Information: www.quailandolive.com

Bird walk

What: Birding expert David Yee will guide enthusiasts of all ages and levels through a vineyard, riverbank and woods. Reservations are required, and lunch with wine is available for $10.

When: 9:30 a.m. to noon Saturday

Where: Heritage Oak, 10112 E. Woodbridge Road, Acampo

Cost: $20

Information: (209) 329-5490; www.heritageoakwinery.com

Lunar celebration

What: Combine a family outing to the San Francisco Botanical Garden with a Lunar New Year celebration. Expect lion dancers, folk dances, tai chi performances and more family-friendly activities, as well as dazzling magnolias from China in bloom.

When: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday

Where: San Francisco Botanical Garden, 1199 Ninth Ave., San Francisco

Cost: $7 adults, $5 youths and seniors, $2 children 5-11, free children 4 and under

Information: www.sfbotanicalgarden.org

Open wineries

What: Park once and taste at eight boutique wineries during the annual Eighth Street Wineries Open House. Winemakers will be present, as will delicious pairings prepared by local chefs.

When: Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday

Where: Eighth Street Wineries, 21692 and 21481 Eighth St. East, Sonoma

Cost: $40 advance, $45 at the door

Information: www.eighthstreetwineries.com

Bee staff

This story was originally published February 14, 2015 at 4:00 PM with the headline "Escapes: Celebrate Asian traditions in Oakland."